Differences of Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue"

The Power of Language

Language’s kinda a big deal. It shapes how we see the world and how we talk to people. In Amy Tan's essay, "Mother Tongue," she digs into how language is more than just words. It's about her life and who she is. She talks about her mom’s struggles with English, showing the ups and downs of speaking in different ways. I’m gonna break down what Tan says about these differences and why they matter. At the end of the day, I think we should really appreciate all kinds of language.

"Broken" vs. "Proper" English

So, one big thing Tan talks about is the difference between what folks call "broken" and "proper" English. Her mom speaks what some might say is “broken” or “limited” English. That sometimes leads to mix-ups and confusion. But Tan doesn’t buy into the idea that her mom’s way of speaking is less than. She shows us how deep and meaningful her mom’s thoughts really are, even if they don’t come out in perfect English. This raises a question: What really makes one type of English better than another?

Home vs. Public Language

Another point Tan makes is how language at home can be so different from what you use in public. Her mom's English isn’t always smooth, so people sometimes treat her poorly or assume she's not smart because of it. Tan's own stories about dealing with this show how tough things can get because of language differences and prejudice out there in society. This makes it clear how important it is for us to understand and welcome different languages.

Formal vs. Informal Talk

Tan also looks at the shift between formal and informal ways of talking. She notices how her mom changes her speech when chatting with family compared to others outside the family circle. This adaptability shows that language isn't stuck; it moves with who you're talking to and where you're at. Tan’s look into this difference points out that language is always changing and that we gotta pay attention to its quirks.

Personal Writing Style

A final point Tan makes is comparing her mom’s language with how she writes herself. At first, she didn’t wanna include her mom's style in her writing 'cause she thought it'd seem unprofessional or messed up. But then she realized that her mom's way of speaking is a special part of who she is, something worth embracing in her work too. This shows how language shapes identity and why it’s important to honor every bit of our linguistic roots.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" really dives into the different ways people use language and what that means for their lives. Through sharing stories about her mom’s limited English, she calls out stereotypes against non-standard English speakers—stuff like thinking they're not smart just because they speak differently. By checking out these differences, we’re reminded how important it is to celebrate all kinds of English as valuable parts of our world.

If we do this—if we celebrate these differences—we can make society more inclusive and understanding for everyone.

References

• Tan, A. (1990). Mother Tongue. The Threepenny Review, 43, 14-20.
• Perez, M., & Smith, J.R. (2018). Exploring Linguistic Identity: Reflections on Amy Tan’s Work.
• Kelly, S.C., & Wong, A.Y.L.(2020). Understanding Multilingualism through Literary Narratives.
• Davis, R.E.(2019). Language Diversity as Cultural Wealth: Studies on Bilingual Narratives.