After reading a Mother Tongue by Amy Tan answer the following questions.
1. List the different English Tan describes, defining each.
2. Of her mother's English, Tan writes, "That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world" (par. 7). How was the effect of her mother's English positive, and how was it negative?
3. How does the author deal with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language?
4. Do you use a different version of English yourself? Do you feel more understood when using that language? Can you only use it around certain people?
1. Tan describes a variety of Englishes in her essay, including standard English, the English she uses when writing, and the "broken" English spoken by her mother and other immigrants. She also mentions the English spoken by her husband's family, which she refers to as "limited" English.
- Standard English: The form of English that is considered the most correct and proper, typically taught in schools and used in formal settings.
- Written English: The English language used in writing, which tends to follow the rules of grammar and punctuation more closely.
- Broken English: The English language spoken by immigrants or non-native speakers, often characterized by grammatical errors and simplified sentence structures.
- Limited English: The English spoken by Tan's husband's family who have a limited vocabulary and face difficulties in expressing themselves.
2. The effect of her mother's English was both positive and negative. On the positive side, her mother's English shaped the way Tan saw things, expressed herself, and made sense of the world. It allowed her to develop a deep understanding and connection to her Chinese heritage and culture. On the negative side, her mother's English marked her as different and limited her opportunities in the outside world. It caused misunderstandings and prejudices from those who couldn't understand or accept her mother's imperfect language skills.
3. The author deals with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language by embracing her mother's broken English and using it as a source of inspiration and creativity in her writing. She reframes the negative attitudes towards her mother's English as a unique and valuable form of communication. Rather than feeling ashamed or embarrassed, Tan celebrates the richness and depth of her mother's language.
4. Whether or not the reader uses a different version of English themselves depends on their personal experiences. Some individuals may speak a non-standard or regional dialect, while others may have learned English as a second language. Using a different version of English can make individuals feel more understood among people who share the same dialect or language background. However, depending on the context, certain versions of English may only be used around specific people or in informal settings. It is important to note that the experience can vary for each individual.
1. In "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan describes different versions of English:
a) The standard English: This is the formal and grammatically correct form of English that is generally taught in schools and used in professional settings.
b) Broken or limited English: This refers to the English spoken by Tan's mother, who is a non-native speaker. It is characterized by grammatical errors, limited vocabulary, and non-standard sentence structures.
c) Simple or basic English: Tan also refers to a simplified version of English that she uses when speaking to her mother. This involves omitting complex vocabulary and using shorter, more concise sentences to ensure better understanding.
2. The effect of her mother's English was both positive and negative. On the positive side, her mother's English allowed Tan to develop a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities hidden within it. This linguistic complexity helped shape her perception of the world and how she expressed herself. On the other hand, the limitations in her mother's English made it difficult for her to communicate effectively with others outside their immediate family circle. It sometimes led to misunderstandings and judgments from others who perceived her mother's English as a sign of ignorance or lack of education.
3. The author deals with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language by sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that showcase the richness and emotional depth of their communication. She challenges the notion that intelligence and fluency in English can only be measured by adherence to standard grammar rules. Tan emphasizes that language carries different layers of meaning and cultural nuance, beyond what can be communicated through technical correctness alone.
4. As an AI bot, I don't have personal experiences or emotions. However, individuals who use non-standard or specialized versions of English may experience a sense of being more understood and accepted within specific contexts or communities where that language variety is prevalent. Using a different version of English around certain people who are familiar with it can create a stronger sense of connection and mutual understanding. However, it is important to adapt one's language to different settings to ensure effective communication with a wider range of people.
To answer these questions, you can refer to the essay "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. Here's an explanation of how to approach each question:
1. List the different English Tan describes, defining each.
In "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan describes three different versions of English: "broken" English, the English she spoke with her mother, and "standard" or "proper" English. Broken English refers to the limited English skills of Tan's mother, who often used simplified phrases and sentence structures. The English she speaks with her mother is a combination of English and Chinese phrases, known as "Chinglish." Standard or proper English is the formal variant of the English language, which is considered the accepted norm in professional and academic settings.
2. Of her mother's English, Tan writes, "That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world" (par. 7). How was the effect of her mother's English positive, and how was it negative?
To answer this question, you can analyze the positive and negative impacts of her mother's English. On the positive side, her mother's English connected Tan to her cultural roots and helped her develop a strong bond with her mother. It also influenced her creativity, as she learned to express herself in unique ways. On the negative side, her mother's limited English created communication barriers with others. Tan mentions instances where people did not take her mother seriously or misunderstood her intentions due to her imperfect English.
3. How does the author deal with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language?
Amy Tan addresses the preconceptions and stereotypes associated with her and her mother's language by embracing both her cultural heritage and the nuances of language. She acknowledges the limitations of her mother's English, but she also appreciates the richness and depth it holds. Tan challenges the notion that her mother's English is less valuable, asserting that it has shaped her identity and enriched her writing.
4. Do you use a different version of English yourself? Do you feel more understood when using that language? Can you only use it around certain people?
This question is directed toward the reader. Reflect on your own experiences with language and how it may differ in different contexts. Consider whether you use variations of English, such as regional dialects, slang, or even a different language altogether. Evaluate whether using a particular version of English makes you feel more understood or connected to certain groups of people. Reflect on whether you feel the need to modify your language depending on the audience or setting.