After reading a Mother Tongue by Amy Tan answer the following questions.

Question

1. List the different English Tan describes, defining each.

2. Of her mother's English, Tan writes, "That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world" (par. 7). How was the effect of her mother's English positive, and how was it negative?

3. How does the author deal with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language?

4. Do you use a different version of English yourself? Do you feel more understood when using that language? Can you only use it around certain people?

Answer 1

1. Tan describes a variety of Englishes in her essay, including standard English, the English she uses when writing, and the "broken" English spoken by her mother and other immigrants. She also mentions the English spoken by her husband's family, which she refers to as "limited" English.

- Standard English: The form of English that is considered the most correct and proper, typically taught in schools and used in formal settings.
- Written English: The English language used in writing, which tends to follow the rules of grammar and punctuation more closely.
- Broken English: The English language spoken by immigrants or non-native speakers, often characterized by grammatical errors and simplified sentence structures.
- Limited English: The English spoken by Tan's husband's family who have a limited vocabulary and face difficulties in expressing themselves.

2. The effect of her mother's English was both positive and negative. On the positive side, her mother's English shaped the way Tan saw things, expressed herself, and made sense of the world. It allowed her to develop a deep understanding and connection to her Chinese heritage and culture. On the negative side, her mother's English marked her as different and limited her opportunities in the outside world. It caused misunderstandings and prejudices from those who couldn't understand or accept her mother's imperfect language skills.

3. The author deals with the way the world thinks about her and her mother's language by embracing her mother's broken English and using it as a source of inspiration and creativity in her writing. She reframes the negative attitudes towards her mother's English as a unique and valuable form of communication. Rather than feeling ashamed or embarrassed, Tan celebrates the richness and depth of her mother's language.

4. Whether or not the reader uses a different version of English themselves depends on their personal experiences. Some individuals may speak a non-standard or regional dialect, while others may have learned English as a second language. Using a different version of English can make individuals feel more understood among people who share the same dialect or language background. However, depending on the context, certain versions of English may only be used around specific people or in informal settings. It is important to note that the experience can vary for each individual.