The quote “I am neither here nor there, I am this in-between space, this third thing” is from Jhumpa Lahiri’s essay “In Other Words” (2011). The quote is a reflection on the author’s own experience of identity and belonging as a first-generation American of Indian descent.

Lahiri is suggesting that she does not feel fully connected to either her Indian heritage or her American upbringing. She is caught between two cultures, unable to fully inhabit either one. This sense of liminality, or being in a transitional state, is a common experience for many people with mixed cultural backgrounds.

The “in-between space” refers to the ambiguous territory where Lahiri finds herself, torn between her parents’ culture and her own American upbringing. This space is neither one nor the other, but rather a hybridized identity that defies categorization.

The phrase “this third thing” is particularly significant, as it implies that Lahiri has created a new identity for herself, one that is unique and distinct from either her Indian or American heritage. This “third thing” represents a fusion of cultures, languages, and experiences that cannot be reduced to a single category.

Lahiri’s quote can be seen as a reflection on the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural hybridity. It highlights the difficulties of navigating multiple cultural identities and the search for a sense of belonging in a world where cultural boundaries are often blurry and constantly shifting.

In this sense, the quote can be seen as an exploration of the human experience, where individuals often find themselves situated between different cultures, languages, and identities. The quote encourages readers to question their own notions of identity and belonging, and to consider the complexities of being “in-between” in today’s globalized world.