In Plain English Let's Make It Official Analysis

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Recommended: Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” video

Adapting to a new setting, where a different language is more commonly used, can cause an altercation in a foreigner's identity. Immigrants' identities may be influenced by the language of those who are unacquainted with foreign names. Not only does language affect the foreigner, but language can influence change in a person adjusting to the new culture brought on by a foreigner. The newcomer might be teased due to the change in the individual’s identity, which may result in the immigrant altering their individuality to belong. Some believe language does not express one's true self and feelings and, therefore, does not alter that person's identity. Others think America needs to have English as a national language because the United States …show more content…

Immigrants, of course, can use their language in America, as Charles explains, "[an immigrant] may speak [their language] in the street and proudly teach it to his children." Foreign language can still be expressed in one's life even though there is a more common language. However, Krauthammer goes on to say, "[An immigrant] knows that his future and certainly [his children's] lie inevitably in learning English as the gateway to American life." In order to belong in a new land and successfully communicate, an important step to take would be adapting to the common language. Thus, acclimating to English, the common language, changes one's identity to be more American though some have opposing beliefs.

Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" presents the idea that language does not express one's personality, which is essential to their identity. Tan writes, "[she] wanted to capture what language ability tests can never reveal: her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and the nature of her thoughts." Amy wanted to display the nature of one's self through understandable language and inspire others to do the same through her writings. Yet, writings are formed by one's language and thoughts. Therefore, language can exhibit one's thoughts and identity, which can be inspired by

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