Trevor Noah’s experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa are powerfully depicted in his memoir, “Born a Crime.” A recurring theme is his fluid identity, shaped significantly by his ability to navigate diverse linguistic landscapes. While the original text touches upon Trevor’s multilingualism and its impact on his sense of self, it prompts a deeper question: why did Trevor’s mom want him to learn all languages? Exploring this question reveals profound insights into his upbringing and the strategic brilliance of his mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah.
The original article highlights Trevor’s mixed-race heritage and how it placed him in a precarious social position. His skin color, neither fully black nor white in the eyes of apartheid’s rigid racial classifications, paradoxically offered him a unique form of protection and also isolation. As the article notes, “’Trevor doesn’t get beaten because Trevor is Trevor.'” This quote underscores how his identity, partly influenced by his appearance, set him apart. However, his linguistic abilities were equally, if not more, crucial in shaping his interactions and survival.
The text mentions Trevor’s “simulcasting” – his ability to converse with people in their own languages. “’I would simulcast — give you the program in your own language,’” he states. This wasn’t merely about politeness; it was a survival mechanism in a country fractured by both racial and linguistic divides. South Africa, particularly during apartheid and its aftermath, faced significant language barriers. As noted, “If a person was the same skin color spoke a different language, he or she was considered an outsider.” Trevor’s multilingualism was a bridge, allowing him to connect with different communities and defuse potentially dangerous situations. It allowed him to belong, or at least to navigate, spaces where his mixed-race identity might have otherwise made him an outsider.
The original article also touches upon Trevor’s childhood innocence regarding race, comparing skin colors to “types of chocolate.” This childlike perspective underscores the learned nature of racial prejudice. Similarly, the acquisition of language is a learned skill, and in Trevor’s case, it was actively fostered by his mother. It is highly probable that Patricia Noah, understanding the complexities of South African society, recognized multilingualism as a vital tool for her son’s survival and empowerment.
Patricia Noah was a fiercely independent and forward-thinking woman. She raised Trevor in a challenging environment, constantly navigating the absurdities and dangers of apartheid. Teaching Trevor multiple languages was likely a strategic decision rooted in several key motivations:
- Survival and Safety: In a country with eleven official languages and a history of linguistic division, knowing multiple languages provided Trevor with a shield. He could understand and communicate with a wider range of people, potentially defusing tense situations and avoiding misunderstandings that could arise from language barriers.
- Social Agility and Connection: Multilingualism is a key to social mobility. It allows individuals to connect with diverse groups, build relationships, and understand different perspectives. Patricia likely wanted Trevor to be socially adept, capable of navigating various social circles, and building alliances across cultural lines.
- Expanded Opportunities: Beyond mere survival, language skills open doors to opportunities. Patricia, who valued education highly, likely understood that multilingualism would give Trevor a significant advantage in a post-apartheid South Africa and in the wider world. It would equip him for a broader range of careers and experiences.
- Cognitive Development: Learning multiple languages is known to enhance cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking. Patricia, keen on Trevor’s intellectual development, might have intuitively understood these benefits.
Ultimately, Patricia Noah’s insistence on Trevor learning multiple languages was an act of profound maternal foresight and strategic parenting. In “Born a Crime,” Trevor’s linguistic agility isn’t just a quirky personal trait; it’s a fundamental aspect of his identity and a testament to his mother’s wisdom. It was a crucial tool that allowed him to negotiate his place in a complex world, transforming potential vulnerability into remarkable adaptability and strength. His ability to “simulcast” wasn’t just a linguistic trick; it was a reflection of his mother’s powerful lesson: that understanding and embracing different languages is key to understanding and navigating the complexities of life itself.
