Find two direct lines from the text that support your thesis statement they should be quality quotes that make your analysis successful from the book A way of talking by Patricia Grace
Thesis statement: Patricia Grace's "A Way of Talking" presents the theme of cultural identity by highlighting the importance of language as an indicator of one's heritage and community.
Quote 1: "When we speak our own language we are all strong. When we talk in the Pākehā way it’s like being asleep" (Grace 6).
Analysis: This quote emphasizes the importance of language and how it connects individuals to their culture and community. Speaking in one's own language provides a sense of strength and vitality, while adopting the language of the colonizers, in this case, the Pākehā, leads to a sense of disconnection and apathy.
Quote 2: "I always tell them that English can’t say everything. Sometimes you’ve got to use our Māori words to say what you mean properly" (Grace 3).
Analysis: This quote underscores the idea that language is not just a means of communication, but also a way of conveying one's unique cultural identity. The speaker makes the case that some emotions and meanings can only be effectively conveyed through the use of specific Māori words and phrases. Therefore, maintaining and using one's language is critical for the preservation of cultural identity.