‘native tongue’ is about craving to know the subtext of someone’s life and thoughts, and the bittersweet reality that you may never fully understand things like the inside jokes, the colloquial phrases or the childhood memories even if you became fluent.

I took this concept and the phrase ‘I’ll never know who you are in your native tongue’ to a writing camp overseas (ironically enough) last year, and had the joy of fleshing it out with some writers I really admire. 

The original idea actually sparked from a few Hinge dates I went on (lol) crossed with that one scene from Emily in Paris that I saw on YouTube Shorts, but it ended up being an exploration of something deeper. It’s become an exploration and reflection on my own upbringing in a mixed-culture family, and an ode to the reality of how lived experiences shape the understanding we have of others.

I can sadly only speak one language, and it wasn’t until I got older I realised how much I mourned not learning Vietnamese growing up and being able to connect with my family more. I’m slowly learning bits and pieces, but it is challenging to learn a language as an adult without being in an environment that allows for consistent practice. 

From my observation, true love transcends language - but as humans we crave familiarity and belonging, and having somewhere that feels like home. Language can be a huge hallmark of that. I imagine it to be similar to how I feel very comforted when I hear an Australian accent while I’m in a different country - but perhaps more striking. 

If you live somewhere where you usually have to speak in your second or third (heck, maybe even fourth) language - I’d love to hear your reflections or words for what that’s like.

Anyway. It was a really interesting process to try capture all this in a pop-leaning song and I’m thrilled to see people connecting with it.

Hey, anyway! Thanks for reading. Merch is coming soon - and you’ll be the first to know about it. 

Love n blessings,

Sugerman