HW 1/29

HW 1/29 Tan/Anzaldua

            The articles “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” and “Mother Tongue” examine individual experiences in which English has been affected by their heritage through the language itself or family. Initially both articles posed the disadvantage of not speaking, or being surrounded by some who do not speak English well. Tan illustrates her mother’s unfinished botchy English and its power to limit her during her strongest mental development stages thus negatively impacting her life. Anzaldua examines the criticism from both ends of the racial spectrum by not speaking a pure language but instead combining and compressing. Aside from sharing subject in common, Anzaldua seems to emphasize connection to racial heritage, while Tan focuses more on rising the acceptance of such languages throughout society.   

            Growing up in a Mexican family my parents speak English well and we’ve never faced a communications problem although I am seemingly losing my ability to speak Spanish. Earlier in my life I had balanced Spanish and English well enough to speak to my grandparents (Spanish only) and friends at school without mixing the two languages. I face the problem Anzaldua lightly addresses, I have lost my Spanish tongue. I have forgotten most words I knew and my ability to run a train of thought in Spanish seems impossible. As Anzaldua points out, “Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself,” criticism around her forces thoughts of self-censorship which leads to shame in acting upon other’s thoughts. As opposed to criticism and pride I feel a sense of shame based on my decreasing knowledge of my language which prompts me practice more often and regain the ability I once had.