Global citizens: 4 inspiring TED talks that will convince you to localize now

We cherry-picked amazing TED talks by four global citizens who discuss identity in a globalized world, the importance of a universal language, and the divide and kinship that come from diversity.

Could localization be the bridge between cultural identity and globalization?

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

Hugh Evans discusses the idea and responsibility of global citizens when it comes to solving global problems. What does it mean to hold a global citizenship? How can we connect people who speak different languages but share common values? Can activism be a universal language and a universal currency?

“See, we don’t need to create global citizens from nothing. We’re already everywhere. We just need to be organized and motivated to start acting.”

— Hugh Evans

As an avid activist, Evans shares his opinion on why taking care of our own backyard first might not be the best idea in a globalized world.

TED talk:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/hugh_evans_what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_citizen_of_the_world

Don’t ask where I’m from, ask where I’m a local

Taiye Selasi speaks about “multi-local” people and the many layers that make up a person’s identity.

Are people defined by the countries they come from? Or are they shaped by a multitude of personal experiences? What does it mean to be a multilingual native? Can you localize a person—or an identity?

“The difference between ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘Where are you a local?’ isn’t the specificity of the answer; it’s the intention of the question. Replacing the language of nationality with the language of locality asks us to shift our focus to where real life occurs.”

— Taiye Selasi

Find out what the “three Rs of identity” are for Taiye Selasi and prepare for some thought-provoking questions.

TED talk:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local

The power of diversity within yourself

In her talk, Rebeca Hwang explains why multilayered, complex identities can be an advantage in a globalized world.

“It was easy for me to stand out, which couldn’t hurt in a world that was rapidly changing, where skills could become obsolete overnight. So I stopped looking for that 100 percent commonality with the people that I met. Instead, I realized that oftentimes, I was the only overlap between groups of people that were usually in conflict with each other.”

— Rebeca Hwang

Ultimately, Hwang asks whether our differences can bring people together rather than alienate them. What can we learn from diversity?

TED talk:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/rebeca_hwang_the_power_of_diversity_within_yourself

Don’t insist on English!

Patricia Ryan is an English teacher who passionately advocates for translation. She raises important questions and challenges our assumptions about English as a global language.

Can a lingua franca be detrimental to a globalized world?

“Now let me put it this way: if I met a monolingual Dutch speaker who had the cure for cancer, would I stop him from entering my British university? I don’t think so. But indeed, that is exactly what we do. We English teachers are the gatekeepers.”

— Patricia Ryan

How many brilliant minds are unable to realize their full potential because they lack English-language skills? Take inspiration from this celebration of native languages and the importance of allowing others to use theirs.

TED talk:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/patricia_ryan_ideas_in_all_languages_not_just_english

Hungry for more inspiration?

For more inspiration, check out our previous selection of TED Talks:

• TED Talks on languages and evolution

• Different writing scripts around the world

Find out what makes a language real, why it’s important to create new words, and how languages evolve over time.