I have to challenge your premise. I see no evidence that one's language determines one's identity. For example: English is the world's trade language. America, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, England, etc. all speak English. However, each region or nation has its own identity and culture. The closest resemblance will be Canada and America, as our histories and peoples share much. However, the nations definitely have different cultures. To address your question regarding perspectives: that comes not from the study of a language, but from the study of culture and history. More directly, it comes from immediate exposure, such as immersion. Keep asking questions, you're on the right track.