Mother tongue amy tan discussion questions. SOLUTION: Mother tongue by amy tan 2022-10-06
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In her essay "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan discusses the complexities of language and how it can shape one's identity. Throughout the essay, she reflects on her own experiences as a Chinese-American writer and the challenges she faced in trying to navigate and express herself in two different languages.
One key theme in the essay is the power of language to both connect and divide people. Tan describes how her mother's "broken" English, which was heavily influenced by her Chinese heritage, made it difficult for her to communicate with others and caused her to feel self-conscious and isolated. At the same time, however, Tan also acknowledges the unique beauty and richness of her mother's language, and how it helped to bring them closer together.
Another important theme in the essay is the idea that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a marker of identity and belonging. Tan reflects on how her own language skills, both in English and Chinese, have influenced her sense of self and her relationships with others. She also discusses how language can be used to reinforce stereotypes and discrimination, citing the ways in which her mother was often judged and treated unfairly because of her accent and linguistic choices.
Throughout the essay, Tan raises a number of thought-provoking questions that could be used as discussion points:
How has your own relationship with language shaped your identity? Do you feel more comfortable speaking certain languages or in certain settings?
In what ways has language been a source of connection or division in your own life or in society at large?
How has language been used to reinforce stereotypes or discrimination, either personally or more broadly? How can we combat these negative effects?
How do you think language influences our relationships with others and our sense of belonging?
Do you think it is possible to fully express oneself in a second or third language, or is there always a sense of "lost in translation"? How do you think language shapes our thoughts and emotions?
Overall, "Mother Tongue" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of language and its role in shaping identity and relationships. It encourages readers to think critically about their own language skills and experiences, and to consider the ways in which language can both unite and divide people.
Discussion: Amy Tanâs âMother Tongueâ
How does she demonstrate language prejudice in action? This piece illustrates that there is equal an importance for all forms of her English, while needed at different times, and scenarios. What specific ethical issues must be taken into consideration with regard to technological advancements and U. At this point, Tan is trying to show that the hospital might have not given her mother the same treatment because of her imperfect English accent. So, she wanted to make it suitable and easy for her to read. Based on the way people treated her mother, Tan also began to think her mother lacked something crucial. Reply to this post.
Language and Literature Dellapa: Discussion Questions for "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
Mother Tongue ''Mother Tongue'' is an essay by Amy Tan best known as the author of The Joy Luck Club in which she explores themes of language prejudice. A variety of factors and circumstances that impact the emergence and severity of issues in one system can have a role in the performance of the other. Discussion Questions for "Mother Tongue": Have students discuss Amy Tan's essay in small groups, using these discussion questions. However, they lose their hopes of recognition and beneficial job opportunities because language barriers often determine their place in society. The impact of patient characteristics, as well as racial and ethnic variables, can also have an important impact. Sometimes her mother would put her on the phone to speak to people for her and pose as her because her English is more understandable to representatives than her mothers. You must specifically discuss the legality of the technique, moral and ethical considerations, and the overall effectiveness of using this method.
I suggest you have multiple times in mind, since your schedule may not mesh with mine! What is the effect on a reader who does not know Spanish?. Why are these divisions important to Tan? In our opinion a family exerts more influence on a person. Also, there is no point about writing something about someone if they will not understand it or approve of it. In this context, Tan discusses the structure of test questions in English. I have spoken with many different people whose primary language is not English, but I found that with patience it was easy to understand them.
Rawda and Dahlia 1. She knows the right time and place to switch from Broken English, formal or casual when she is outside in the world. How has modern technology been a detriment to the U. Photo Credit: yodiyim - stock. She does it either to relate, or she imitates unknowingly. Department of Justice and have been asked by the U. Written before the term "ebonics" came into usage, it is a brief but highly political argument about the link between language and identity and the damage school systems can cause by privileging one language or dialect over another.
Amy talks about the different ways on speaking English in this piece of writing. Discouraged by her grades in English, Tan enrolled in pre-med studies in college. Like slang and other ways to communicate. And I had plenty of empirical evidence to support me: the fact that people in department stores, at banks, and at restaurants did not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if they did not hear her. For those who say they've never had such an experience, suggest writing about a situation they've observed involving someone else. They were rude to her, gave her terrible service, or refused to speak with her.
But to our friends we use slang and certain words to express ourselves. Therefore, to be healthy and economically valued, immigrants need to enhance their language proficiency. If not, what impact would this have on you? At first, the stockbroker was not cooperating with the mother. The survey in Canada demonstrates that immigrants with high occupational skills but poor language fluency tend to settle for low-skilled jobs Imai et al. Everyone knows their role in her life by the way she speaks to them.
The english that Amy Tan uses with her mom differs from the english she uses when speaking to audiences or friends. I am not a scholar of English or literature. The last date is today's date â the date you are citing the material. Amy tans responsibility illustrates to us as she has to make sure when to code switch through different people. She figures it out later when she gives that speech with her mother in attendance.
Next, address the following, and include your responses in your Key Assignment Final Draft. Respect for making big celebration, he shows up. Professor: Jessica Penner Email: eng1121. The different Englishes which Tan use could be separated into her work English, home English and business English. This also shows we should stick to our roots meaning we should not forget our mother tongue neither we should feel ashamed of the way we use the language English.
I believe that Tan uses dialogue throughout the essay so that the reader has a good idea of the English that her mother speaks, as well as the conversation between Tan and her mother. A literacy narrative needs vivid detail to bring it to life. Compile your responses in your final report, and submit the file to your instructor. Why do you think Tan chose to begin by denying her own authority? Thus, Tan understands the common tendency to assume that the different use of a language implies poor cognition. I feel like Amy feels like she has the responsibility of making her mom feel heard by being able to speak her way of english. What role does shame play in this essay? Are you always aware of how English is being used around you? This is especially true of a language like English, which many have been forced to adopt by the process of colonization.
