Rolade Berthier’s exploration of identity through humour and personal stories sheds light on the complexities of who we are and how we are perceived by others.
Have you ever been asked, “Where are you really from?” and wondered about the layers of meaning behind this simple question? Have you asked someone this same question, which often sparks reflection on one’s heritage, experiences, and cultural backgrounds? Dr Rolade Berthier, a sociologist and interculturalist with an international background, brings this question to the forefront in her latest book, Where You Are Really From: Humour and Introspection into Identity. In this collection of essays and stories, Dr Berthier discusses the intricacies of identity with sincerity, reflection, and humour.
Drawing from her multicultural experiences across continents, Dr Berthier explores the complexities of identity in our constantly evolving world where explanations are tirelessly sought. From her childhood in the Philippines to living in Australia, to her current home in France and her freelance work in Luxembourg, Dr Berthier’s professional and personal journey provides a rich backdrop for understanding how names, accents, and even the seemingly casual question “Where are you really from?” can reveal much more than we expect.
Understanding the Question: “Where Are You Really From?”
The question “Where are you really from?” is more common than we think. For many, it’s just a way to enquire about someone’s roots. For others, it can feel intrusive or loaded, as it often implicitly questions one’s belonging. As someone who has lived in various countries and worked in diverse settings, Dr Berthier understands that this question, while it is often asked with curiosity, can also stir discomfort, uncertainty, or even frustration.
In Where You Are Really From, Dr Berthier highlights that this statement can impact even more deeply on one’s sense of identity than the question itself. In the preface, she writes: “This book was born from an unholy union of righteous indignation and the unshakable urge to prove a point with footnotes. It all started in October last year at the book fair in Luxembourg. I was having a pleasant, literary day until an American shattered the peace. With the breezy confidence of someone who had just Googled the quote on my stand, he triumphantly declared that I was Filipino. It was not in a curious or conversational tone but in the proud voice of a person who believed he had just discovered me, had planted a flag with a golden sun that symbolises independence and democracy, and was awaiting to be appointed the Philippines’ honorary consul in Luxembourg”. (She’s a Filipino-born Australian).
She examines how different people, depending on their background, can experience this attribution differently. For some, it is accepted as a conversation starter, a way the person connects across cultures. For others, it becomes a painful reminder of their otherness in a society that increasingly emphasises difference over unity and favours division over inclusion. With humour and warmth, Dr Berthier highlights these complex dynamics, making her readers pause and reflect on their own assumptions and biases about identity and belonging.
The Multicultural Life of Dr Berthier
Dr Berthier’s own life provides a fascinating lens through which to view the theme of identity. Raised in a multicultural environment, with her journey spanning continents, her personal experiences offer unique insights into the nature of cultural identity. Having lived and worked in Asia, Australia, and Europe, she is no stranger to the complexities of navigating multiple identities simultaneously. Whether it was her work as a Policy Research Officer for Multicultural Affairs in Queensland, Australia, or her current role as an English language trainer in Luxembourg, Dr Berthier has been at the forefront of intercultural communication for years.
In her book, she draws on her lived experiences to illuminate how individuals construct their sense of self and belonging, and how they are, in turn, perceived by others. Her stories are not abstract or theoretical; they arise from the real-life encounters of a woman who has grappled with the very questions she now poses to her readers. Through these vivid anecdotes, Dr Berthier shows that identity is fluid, shaped both by external perceptions and by our own internal beliefs about who we are and where we belong.
Identity Beyond Borders
One of the most powerful aspects of Dr Berthier’s writing is her ability to transcend borders in her exploration of identity. From the Philippines to Australia, France to Luxembourg, and then to the many countries she has visited, she takes readers on a global journey, examining how identity varies across different cultural contexts. By combining personal narratives and observations, Dr Berthier demonstrates that identity is not confined to any one place. Instead, it is shaped by a wide array of influences, including family history, education, geography, and yes, even the occasional “Where you are really from”.
Her book goes beyond the typical exploration of identity within the confines of a single country or culture. She demonstrates the common threads of humanity that connect us, even as our experiences differ. Her stories show that despite the differences in ethnicities and geographical distances, the questions of who we are and where we belong are universal. Through humour and careful reflection, she invites readers to consider how their own journeys shape their understanding of self in a world that is increasingly interconnected yet still struggling with cultural divisions.
Humour: A Bridge to Understanding
What sets Where You Are Really From apart is its ability to address a serious and often sensitive subject with humour and lightness. Dr Berthier recognises that the complexities of identity can be daunting to explore, but by infusing her writing with wit and clever anecdotes, she makes the subject approachable for everyone (e.g. “Yes, I don’t sound like them but I’m one of them”). This combination of analysis and humour ensures that her readers remain engaged while also encouraging them to take a hard look at their own attitudes toward identity and people from other ethnic groups.
Whether it’s a funny anecdote from her time in Australia or a lighthearted take on cross-cultural misunderstandings, Dr Berthier’s sense of humour softens the edges of these deep and sometimes painful topics. She gently reminds her readers that identity is ever-evolving, shaped by the interactions we have with others and the experiences we accumulate along the way, and should always be dealt with respect.
The Power of Names, Heritage, and Accents
Names and accents are often the first things people notice about us, and they can speak volumes about where we are from. In Where You Are Really From, Dr Berthier explores how these elements of identity are far more complex than we might think. A name is often a marker of culture, ethnicity, and heritage. It carries with it a history that can be both empowering and limiting, depending on how it is perceived by others.
Similarly, accents carry layers of meaning, often tied to ethnicity, socio-economic status, region, or class. Dr Berthier examines how accents influence our interactions with others, highlighting how they can shape perceptions and even determine how we are treated. Through thoughtful analysis and personal anecdotes, Dr Berthier reveals how accents, names, and family history all play a significant role in how we understand our place in the world and how others perceive us.
To learn more or purchase the book, visit Where You Are Really From on Amazon or IngramSpark. Connect with Dr Berthier through her LinkedIn or explore her work on her blog.
