The 3 languages that changed my life | Qilemuge Qilemuge | TEDxUIC

Cultural Identity & Language - The speaker emphasizes that language is more than just communication, it's a doorway to different worlds and ways of thinking [2] - Mongolian culture emphasizes warmth, hospitality, respect for elders, and maintaining harmony in relationships [3][4] - Chinese language skills facilitated adaptation and connection within a diverse society [6][16] - English language skills opened up global opportunities and broadened the speaker's perspective [13][14] Personal Growth & Transformation - The speaker's multilingualism has shaped their identity, allowing them to embrace different cultures and ways of being [15][18] - Overcoming language barriers requires connection, understanding, and willingness to meet halfway [9][10] - The speaker's experience highlights the transformative power of language in shaping worldviews and self-understanding [17] - Support from family, teachers, and the UIC community was crucial in navigating language challenges [19] Education & Curriculum - English had a negligible role in the speaker's education system due to policy and curriculum design [11] - The speaker's initial lack of focus on English changed when it became central to their academic life at UIC [12]