Mother Tongue' by Amy Tan: English Makes Us Different

In the article “Mother Tongue”, Amy Tan states that everyone has their own English but, focuses on her own type of English. Amy focuses on how she was embarrassed that her mother could not speak the same English like all the other people around her. She grew up having to speak for her mother when the people around her didn’t understand her English. As she got older she started to realize that everyone, whether it came from immigrants or Americans, has their own English.

As a child from an immigrant family, I had the same experiences as Amy I didn’t think English was different for everyone. I grew up in a community where everyone spoke Spanish and English since we all stayed in the same groups I didn’t realize the differences. Once I got older I started noticing that not everyone understood my parents, they had a “broken” English, so I had to speak/text for them. I grew up embarrassed that my parents could not speak the same as other people but, now I understand that everyone comes from a different English. I know that English is a general language, however, immigrants or Americans all have different types of accents while speaking.

When I was a child I was ashamed to speak Spanish in front of anyone. I believed that I would be less of a person. I relate to Amy when she states “ I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say.” (531) I grew up having to listen to my parents to try to learn English. I understand now that it was probably worse for them than it will ever be for me but, having to speak for them when someone didn’t understand was embarrassing. I wouldn’t want to go out with them or bring any of my friends over because when they spoke it was broken. I didn’t want people to think less of my family.

Growing up speaking both Spanish and English makes me feel very lucky but, it also came with some cons. I wouldn’t speak much and still don’t because I am very self-conscious about how I sound. I know that when I speak it sounds almost the same as when others speak but, I still struggle with speaking the “correct” English. As Amy Tan explains “ Just last week, as I was walking down the street with her, I found myself conscious of the English I was using, …”(530). I notice when I speak different English it’s that I notice and I don’t like it. I want to know that people don't realize when someone is speaking that they sound different, especially if they come from the same community as you. When speaking in Spanish I don't feel as self-conscious because I know that if I mess up my family will correct but, when I speak English I don't have the same support I really need to think before I talk; especially when coming from an immigrant family, I don't want to sound stupid.

As I got older I believe I got a little more wiser. I grew out of the phase where my parents embarrassed me and started to feel proud that they didn't speak 'perfect' English. Amy described so many types of Englishes that came not only from her mother but her as well. 'The English I spoke to my mother, ...described as 'simple''; the English she used with me,... described as ''broken'; my translation of her Chinese,... described as 'watered down'; and what I imagined to be her translation of her Chinese if she could speak perfect English…'(535) This one of the things that really stuck out to me it might be based on her Chinese mother but, that is exactly how I feel when I am talking to or for parents. As a child of parents that mainly speak Spanish, I don’t want to be so complicated but, when you are speaking for them you might not want to say every single they are saying. I believe that as we get older we start seeing things the way your parents see them, they don’t want to embarrass their child but, want to speak to them so they understand that they didn’t grow up with the same language.

I finally understand that English can come in so many forms it doesn't matter if you come from an immigrant family, American or from all over the world. Everyone who speaks English has their own little shortcuts and accents. What makes English so special happens to be what makes our community so different. As a child from an immigrant, I really understood Amy. I really appreciate the fact that I get to read something that really stuck to me; I know that I am not the only that feels like they speak the “wrong” English. There are so many of us that know it’s the wrong English but, as long as we stick together we can help each other out.