August 30, 2015
Prof. Young
English 1100
How to Tame a Wild Tongue
1. In the opening scene, when Anzaldua is in the dentist chair, the author says "the dentist is cleaning out my roots". What is implied is her ethnic roots are trying to be removed. Anzaldua's language or native tongue, Spanish, is very much a symbol of her ethnicity and not allowing her to express herself with any trace of her Spanish language is the goal in taming her tongue.
2. Anzaldua's use of Spanish language throughout her writing makes a lot of sense. She often uses Spanish when recalling events from her childhood such as things her mother would say to her. Her purpose was to remind the reader of the culture she grew up with that is still part of who she is now.
3. I am not sure I understand the question, but, I would not say Academic English is standard and Chicano Spanish is non-standard. I am not sure for any language there is a standard because there are so many different dialects and geographic variations. Most English speaking people do not speak Academic English, so how can it be the standard. Anzaldua talks about people judging based on one's native tongue, inferring lack of education, wealth or culture.
4. I think at times, speaking and/or writing in a more formal, proper Academic English is necessary. For instance, business situations, informative writing and more formal events lend itself to the use of proper Academic English. The use of slang or regional variations of language may not be understood when trying to communicate to a diverse population of people.
5. As with the Spanish language, there are various English language identities which often indicate which part of the country you live in. For instance, a Boston accent is very distinctive and different from a New York accent. If someone says "Y'all", you can assume they lived in the South for a period of time. Social media has created a whole new language of its own.
6. No, I do not have a secret language that I use.
7. I typically speak non-Standard English with my friends and my family. Although sometimes, I probably speak more standard English with my parents out of respect. I would also be more likely to speak Standard English with a Professor, out of respect.
8. "I am my language" means the language I speak tells you where I grew up and what groups I identify with. However, the language you speak does not tell your whole story.
9. In the introduction, Anzaldua talks about fighting the change even though there were many who thought the Spanish language should be silenced. Her mother did not want her to speak "English like a Mexican" and Chicano students took classes to eliminate their accents. Anzaldua rebelled against these beliefs. In the conclusion, it was the rebellion of the people that gave the Chicano Spanish its name and identity. They no longer wanted to be silenced or let their race or culture die.
10. Yes, the language we speak can be part of our identity. It identifies where we come from, groups we identify with. It might identify a profession we belong to, or interests we may have.
11. Anzaldua thinks it is important to have identity. She states "I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself". She speaks of surprise and joy when the bilingual book, "I Am Joaquin" gets published. She feels her Chicano identity is being recognized and legitimized.
2. Anzaldua's use of Spanish language throughout her writing makes a lot of sense. She often uses Spanish when recalling events from her childhood such as things her mother would say to her. Her purpose was to remind the reader of the culture she grew up with that is still part of who she is now.
3. I am not sure I understand the question, but, I would not say Academic English is standard and Chicano Spanish is non-standard. I am not sure for any language there is a standard because there are so many different dialects and geographic variations. Most English speaking people do not speak Academic English, so how can it be the standard. Anzaldua talks about people judging based on one's native tongue, inferring lack of education, wealth or culture.
4. I think at times, speaking and/or writing in a more formal, proper Academic English is necessary. For instance, business situations, informative writing and more formal events lend itself to the use of proper Academic English. The use of slang or regional variations of language may not be understood when trying to communicate to a diverse population of people.
5. As with the Spanish language, there are various English language identities which often indicate which part of the country you live in. For instance, a Boston accent is very distinctive and different from a New York accent. If someone says "Y'all", you can assume they lived in the South for a period of time. Social media has created a whole new language of its own.
6. No, I do not have a secret language that I use.
7. I typically speak non-Standard English with my friends and my family. Although sometimes, I probably speak more standard English with my parents out of respect. I would also be more likely to speak Standard English with a Professor, out of respect.
8. "I am my language" means the language I speak tells you where I grew up and what groups I identify with. However, the language you speak does not tell your whole story.
9. In the introduction, Anzaldua talks about fighting the change even though there were many who thought the Spanish language should be silenced. Her mother did not want her to speak "English like a Mexican" and Chicano students took classes to eliminate their accents. Anzaldua rebelled against these beliefs. In the conclusion, it was the rebellion of the people that gave the Chicano Spanish its name and identity. They no longer wanted to be silenced or let their race or culture die.
10. Yes, the language we speak can be part of our identity. It identifies where we come from, groups we identify with. It might identify a profession we belong to, or interests we may have.
11. Anzaldua thinks it is important to have identity. She states "I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself". She speaks of surprise and joy when the bilingual book, "I Am Joaquin" gets published. She feels her Chicano identity is being recognized and legitimized.
