Reflection on Audio Essay

When I was first assigned to this audio essay, I did not like this idea of sharing our personal experiences with everyone in the class. I have always experience language barrier and I think it is a shame to talk about it in front of everyone. However, this assignment turned out to be better than I originally expected it to be. I was quickly learned that I was not the only one who had struggled with languages; many students had struggled or still struggle with linguistic problems in their lives. Although we all had similar problems, the story behind each of us is different and unique. 

In many of the audio tapes, I noticed several reoccurring themes: regrets, shame and embarrassment, and complications with native language or English.  While many students were embarrassed with their native language, others regretted that they never took their native language seriously. One audio essay that I was able to relate to was Gauri’s essay. She talked about how her native language was inferior to English because he mom expected her to speak English with her friends. Although I do not live with my mother, I used to make phone calls with her to talk about my school life in America while she was in China. She would always want me to speak English when I talk to people and permit me to forget about Chinese because she believed that I could always talk to her in another dialect (I think it was very foolish). I can also relate to Garry’s essay because I was always being isolated from a group. Gary talked about not able to communicate with other kindergarteners, and his difficulty to ask to use the bathroom since he could not speak English. It had reminded me the time when I was in elementary school which I was left out from a group activity because I did not know how to speak or communicate in English. I believe it is unfair for children to feel neglected at a young age because it will have a negative long-lasting effect on them (such as me).  

Language is a complication. Most of the students came from a different country with English being their second language. It is difficult for a non-native to learn a new language and maintain his or her native language. This is presented in both Jacky and Rapsang’s audio essay. Since they wanted to learn English in order to be like everyone else who spoke fluent English, they began to depreciate their native language. As they focused more and more on English, they started to forget their native language and regret not speaking it because communicating with family members would always be difficult. The language barrier causes the gap between the family widen as time passes due to the lack of communication. 

Learning a new language definitely comes with a price but being a bilingual and multilingual is important. As Maria stated in her audio essay, she was able to help a new student who only spoke Russian in school. I hope that I can use my bilingualism to help those that are struggling and help them to adapt to the culture. Overall, I am glad that we shared our personal linguistic problems in class. The audio aspect of this assignment makes our stories alive and easier to connect or relate with one another. We should all appreciate our native language because it has taken an essential role in building our identity.