NEED REVISED ESSAY AS PER FEEDBACK FROM PROFESSOR -avoid arguing that the article should be longer

College Communications 2

Draft Essay

Submitted To: Professor Darren Gowlett

Submitted By: Ami Ray

Date: 15th july 2024

"Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan

Amy Tan's essay "Mother Tongue" eloquently explores the complexities of linguistic identity, illustrating how language can shape and reflect one's personal and cultural experiences. Through her narrative, Tan challenges the stereotypical views of linguistic proficiency and highlights the profound impact of "broken" or "limited" English on individuals' lives, particularly within immigrant families. While Tan's essay effectively conveys the significance of language in shaping identity, it also has certain limitations that can dilute its impact.

The central thesis of "Mother Tongue" is that the language spoken at home, especially in immigrant families, significantly shapes one's perception of the world and identity. Tan's stories about her mother's English, which she describes as "broken" or "fractured," serve as a powerful testament to the complexities and nuances of linguistic identity. Tan notes, "I am someone who has always loved language. I am fascinated by language in daily life. I spend much of my time thinking about the power of language how it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth" (Tan, 2007). This statement underscores Tan's deep appreciation for the multifaceted nature of language and sets the stage for her exploration of the different "Englishes" she uses.

Tan's use of personal anecdotes is a strength of the essay. For instance, she recounts an incident where her mother's "broken" English led to poor service at a hospital, highlighting how linguistic prejudice can affect real-life situations. Despite her limited English, Tan's mother is portrayed as knowledgeable and capable, challenging the stereotypical view that proficiency in standard English is the sole marker of intelligence. Tan writes, "You should know that my mother's expressive command of English belies how much she understands. She reads the Forbes report, listens to Wall Street Week, converses daily with her stockbroker, reads all of Shirley MacLaine's books with ease all kinds of things I cannot begin to understand" (Tan, 2007). This powerful illustration of her mother's capabilities despite her "broken" English serves to question the societal biases against non-standard forms of English.

However, the essay's impact is weakened by its overly personal and anecdotal nature. While Tan's personal stories are engaging and illustrative, the essay would benefit from a broader analysis that includes more empirical data or references to linguistic studies. For example, Tan could have incorporated research findings on bilingualism's cognitive and social benefits or the challenges non-native English speakers face in various social contexts. Such additions would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the issues she addresses and strengthened her arguments.

Moreover, Tan's critique of how "broken" English limits individuals' opportunities and shapes their self-perception is somewhat limited by her focus on her own experiences. While her narrative is compelling, a more diverse range of perspectives would enhance the essay's depth. For instance, including the experiences of other non-native English speakers from different backgrounds would provide a more holistic view of the linguistic challenges immigrant communities face.

In comparing "Mother Tongue" to other works on similar themes, it is evident that Tan's essay excels in its emotional resonance but lacks the analytical rigour found in some academic studies. For example, in "Language and Identity in a Multicultural Society," researchers argue that linguistic diversity should be embraced and supported through educational policies recognizing multilingualism's value. If included in Tan's essay, such a perspective would have strengthened her argument for accepting and appreciating linguistic diversity.

Despite these limitations, "Mother Tongue" remains a poignant and insightful exploration of linguistic identity. Tan's ability to convey the emotional weight of her experiences with language is a testament to her skill as a writer. Her reflections on how her mother's English influenced her perceptions and academic performance are particularly impactful. Tan writes, "I think my mother's English almost had an effect on limiting my possibilities in life as well...Sociologists and linguists probably will tell you that a person's developing language skills are more influenced by peers. But I do think that the language spoken in the family, especially in immigrant families which are more insular, plays a large role in shaping the language of the child" (Tan, 2007). This observation highlights the profound influence of familial language on individual development and challenges the conventional wisdom that peer influence is paramount. Tan's experiences are not just a narrative, but a journey that evokes empathy and understanding in the readers.

Additionally, Tan's discussion of her struggles with English in school highlights the educational challenges children of immigrant families face. Despite excelling in math and science, Tan struggled with standardized English tests, which she attributes to the dichotomy between the English she used at home and those used in academic settings. This duality in language use often places children of immigrants at a disadvantage in educational systems that prioritize standard English proficiency. Tan notes, "My English skills were never judged as perfect, though; I was in remedial English classes throughout my grade school years, and then I did well in creative writing classes, but not in other English classes" (Tan, 2007). This experience underscores the need for educational reforms that recognize and accommodate the linguistic diversity of students.

Furthermore, the essay touches on the broader societal implications of linguistic prejudice. Tan's mother's experiences with discrimination due to her "broken" English are indicative of a broader societal issue where language proficiency is unfairly equated with intelligence and capability. This bias not only affects individual opportunities but also perpetuates systemic inequalities. Tan's reflection on how language shapes perceptions and interactions calls for a more inclusive and understanding approach to linguistic diversity. By highlighting these societal implications, Tan's essay raises awareness about the issue of linguistic prejudice and its far-reaching effects, making the audience more conscious of the need for a more inclusive approach to language.

In addition to personal anecdotes, Tan employs various rhetorical strategies to convey her message effectively. Her use of vivid imagery and descriptive language brings her experiences to life, allowing readers to empathize with her and her mother's struggles. For instance, Tan describes a moment when her mother was ignored by a stockbroker due to her English, stating, "She said she was shouting at him, 'What he say? I don't believe! I don't believe!'" (Tan, 2007). This vivid recounting of the incident not only highlights the emotional impact of linguistic prejudice but also engages the readers, making them feel more connected to Tan's narrative and her mother's struggle.

Tan's exploration of the "different Englishes" concept adds depth to the essay. She explains how she uses different forms of English depending on the context - a more polished, academic English in professional settings and a more straightforward, more direct English at home with her mother. This code-switching is a common experience for many bilingual individuals and underscores the adaptability and complexity of linguistic identity. Tan writes, "I began to write stories using all the Englishes I grew up with the English I spoke to my mother, which for lack of a better term might be described as 'simple'; the English she used with me, which for lack of a better term might be described as 'broken'; my translation of her Chinese, which could certainly be described as 'watered down'" (Tan, 2007). This multifaceted approach to language use challenges the monolithic view of English proficiency and celebrates the richness of linguistic diversity.

To further enrich the essay, it would be beneficial to explore the experiences of other immigrant families and the strategies they employ to navigate linguistic challenges. For example, studies have shown that bilingualism can enhance cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. Including such perspectives would provide a more balanced view of the benefits and challenges of linguistic diversity. Moreover, discussing educational policies supporting multilingualism, such as bilingual education programs, would offer concrete solutions to Tan's issues.

In conclusion, Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" is a powerful reflection on the intersection of language, identity, and cultural experience. While the essay's personal nature and anecdotal approach may limit its analytical depth, it sheds light on the complexities of linguistic identity and the challenges non-native English speakers face. Tan's narrative invites readers to reconsider their language assumptions and appreciate the rich diversity of "Englishes" in multicultural societies. Future revisions could incorporate more empirical data and diverse perspectives to enhance the essay's impact, providing a broader context for Tan's compelling personal stories.

References-

Tan, A. (2007). Mother Tongue. In L. Williford and M. Martone (Eds.), The Touchstone Anthology of Contemporary Creative Non-Fiction, 1970 to the Present (pp. 514-519). New York, NY: Touchstone.