Question
How does Tan's exploration of her mother's language challenge societal perceptions of intelligence and communication? In your response, analyze how these perceptions can impact personal identity and relationships. Use evidence from the text to support your analysis. in E C R extended constructed response
I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother's "limited" English
limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English
reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them
imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect. And I had plenty of empirical evidence to
support me: the fact that people in department stores, at banks and at restaurants did
not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her or
even acted as if they did not hear her
I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother's "limited" English
limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English
reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them
imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect. And I had plenty of empirical evidence to
support me: the fact that people in department stores, at banks and at restaurants did
not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her or
even acted as if they did not hear her
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In Amy Tan’s exploration of her mother’s language, she challenges societal perceptions of intelligence and communication by emphasizing the disconnect between language proficiency and the inherent value of a person’s thoughts. Through her personal reflections, Tan reveals the societal bias that equates “proper” language with intelligence, which in turn influences her own identity and her relationship with her mother.
Tan’s admission of feeling ashamed of her mother’s “limited” English highlights the detrimental impact of societal perceptions on personal identity. She states, “I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say.” This reflects a common societal belief that equates fluency and correctness in language with intelligence, leading to a devaluation of the speaker’s ideas. Tan internalizes this belief, allowing it to shape her perception of her mother and, consequently, her own identity. In her mind, her mother’s imperfect expression signifies imperfect thoughts, thus reinforcing the false notion that language proficiency is a marker of intelligence. This speaks to a broader societal trend where individuals are often judged by their command of language rather than the content and value of their ideas.
Moreover, the experiences Tan recounts—such as her mother receiving poor service based on her limited English skills—further illustrate the real-world implications of these perceptions. She notes that “people in department stores, at banks and at restaurants did not take her seriously,” highlighting how societal biases can lead to systemic marginalization. Such dismissive reactions not only undermine the speaker’s voice but also impact their relationships. Tan’s relationship with her mother is strained by her own embarrassment and the perceived need to distance herself from her mother’s language, suggesting a conflict between cultural identity and societal acceptance. This illustrates how the societal perception of language can complicate familial relationships and personal identity, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
In conclusion, Amy Tan’s exploration of her mother’s language serves as a critique of societal perceptions that equate language proficiency with intelligence. Her journey reveals the profound impact these perceptions can have on personal identity and relationships, particularly within immigrant families where language barriers exist. By shifting her perspective, Tan ultimately recognizes the value of her mother’s thoughts, independent of the language used to convey them, fostering a deeper understanding of both her mother and her own identity. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of valuing diverse forms of communication and the ideas they express.
Tan’s admission of feeling ashamed of her mother’s “limited” English highlights the detrimental impact of societal perceptions on personal identity. She states, “I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say.” This reflects a common societal belief that equates fluency and correctness in language with intelligence, leading to a devaluation of the speaker’s ideas. Tan internalizes this belief, allowing it to shape her perception of her mother and, consequently, her own identity. In her mind, her mother’s imperfect expression signifies imperfect thoughts, thus reinforcing the false notion that language proficiency is a marker of intelligence. This speaks to a broader societal trend where individuals are often judged by their command of language rather than the content and value of their ideas.
Moreover, the experiences Tan recounts—such as her mother receiving poor service based on her limited English skills—further illustrate the real-world implications of these perceptions. She notes that “people in department stores, at banks and at restaurants did not take her seriously,” highlighting how societal biases can lead to systemic marginalization. Such dismissive reactions not only undermine the speaker’s voice but also impact their relationships. Tan’s relationship with her mother is strained by her own embarrassment and the perceived need to distance herself from her mother’s language, suggesting a conflict between cultural identity and societal acceptance. This illustrates how the societal perception of language can complicate familial relationships and personal identity, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
In conclusion, Amy Tan’s exploration of her mother’s language serves as a critique of societal perceptions that equate language proficiency with intelligence. Her journey reveals the profound impact these perceptions can have on personal identity and relationships, particularly within immigrant families where language barriers exist. By shifting her perspective, Tan ultimately recognizes the value of her mother’s thoughts, independent of the language used to convey them, fostering a deeper understanding of both her mother and her own identity. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of valuing diverse forms of communication and the ideas they express.