Growing up in a house where three languages were spoken - French, Arabic and Dutch - was a great experience for me.
At first I mixed up the languages, but eventually I got the hang of it.
Being multilingual is not only great; it is extremely important. It makes it easier to connect with others around the world and therefore makes it easier to understand other people. As a Moroccan living in Belgium, speaking multiple languages helped me make friends and feel at home.
My parents made sure we all learned their languages.
My father taught me Arabic, which he knew from his childhood in Morocco and traveling all around. My mother, who is from Wallonia, spoke French with me. Together they created a space where I could learn and grow in both languages, in addition to Dutch.
Being able to speak different languages is not just about speaking - it's about building bridges between people and cultures. It helps me learn from others and appreciate our differences.
Whether at school, with friends, or at home, speaking different languages has made my life richer and more interesting. As I continue to learn new languages like English, I am grateful for the foundation my family has given me. At home, we speak a mix of languages every day, showing that diversity is something to celebrate.
Let's continue to embrace our differences and use language to bring us closer together.