Being bilingual
I was born and raised in Japan until I was in elementary school and moved to the US before middle school. I went back to Japan after graduating high school to go to an university in Japan.
When people ask me if I am bilingual, I say yes. I speak and write in both languages. Have I mastered both of these languages? I can't say so with conviction. There are different degrees to being bilingual. I have been asked if I am "fully" bilingual, as in native status in both of the languages. For a long time I considered myself "fully" bilingual. I can express my feelings and read or listen and understand the languages well. Lately though, I feel like I am fooling people (and myself) when I tell them that. Can I express an exact same idea in both Japanese and in English in the same manner? I'm never 100% confident in my English grammar. I'm always reluctant to proofread in English for someone in fear of being called out that my English is not "native" enough. At the same time, whenever I try to correct someone's Japanese post on italki, I'm afraid that my correction may not be "correct".
I tell myself I can't be the only one with this kind of insecurity... Or am I? Either way, I believe writing here and having people correct me really helps, both my language skills and my confidence. I I hope I become comfortable enough soon so I could help more people learn the languages!
And thanks always for the corrections by kind people:)
Your english seems great! I think most people deal with insecurities and frustrations when learning a second language, but remember that everyone fluent in any language once started from the beginning. Good job!