Leaving behind everything you've ever known is never easy, not even for those who're leaving for a better future. Turning your back on your family, your hometown, the history you created, the mother language you had spoken so proudly your whole life, etc. can undoubtedly be compared to an innocent, naive infant being torn away from their parents – it’s heart-rendering and agonising. Although this well-known reality, 3.32 million immigrants live amongst us in London, of which a third came from EU countries, while two thirds made their journey from countries outside of the European Union.

My family went through thick and thin to step foot in London, a lifelong expense to ensure a comfortable and prosperous life for their future children. Each and every time I hear of the distress and trauma my family had to persevere with, my heart tears itself up and guilt overwhelms me – especially when I consider their current circumstances. It’s easy for us to get frustrated at those who struggle with our language; it’s easy for us to frown down upon those who enter our country without a shred of knowledge of the English language; it’s easy for us to judge those who don’t follow our culture; however, what’s easy is not always moral and correct.

Over 50 countries speak English as the primary language, with approximately 375 million people who speak English, which is a colossal population and something to be admired. Nevertheless, you must also account that there are 195 countries across the globe, with a population of 7.7 billion on our planet today. When you compare the two sets of figures, you may begin to realise that it is highly improbable that every immigrant you meet will be fluent in English.

Living in South-West London has motivated me to grow an appreciation for cultures across the globe, especially since my town is highly populated with all sorts of cultures – as many people around me can tell, I am proud to call South-West London my home, as it brings me joy when I see the many cultures interacting and embracing each other. Unfortunately, however, I’m disappointed to say that I’ve witnessed the alienation and isolation of immigrants when they are unable to communicate well. It’s particularly heart-breaking when I can acknowledge the immense effort the foreigner is displaying to communicate, yet occasionally, it’s repaid with a scoff, the roll of the eyes and harsh muttering about their incompetence.

Put yourself in their position – you’re singled out in a foreign country, unable to speak the language well, wouldn’t you feel desolate and casted away? Yes, those immigrants chose leave their home country for a foreign country, however many of them sacrificed their secure life for a greater cause, such as my own parents.

The reason why I decided to speak about this topic is because I hope to increase awareness in this topic. Instead of alienating them, we should value the effort they contribute to speak our language. I hope one day, we can all come together as a community and support one another in such aspects of life, as well as appreciate everyone’s contribution to society.