How to Tame a Wild Tongue
Summary: Anzaldua argues that society has attempted to ‘whitewash’ her and her people. Many fall victim to the pressure and give in, losing their identity. However, there are some like Anzaldua, who resist the pressures and learned to stay true to themselves. As a Chicana, she speaks many languages but she doesn’t identify with all of them and at times the languages backfire. For example, Chicano Spanish is an illegitimate language that she speaks but finds herself only using it at home because she’s afraid that she won’t be understood by others, including other Hispanics. When she discovers Chicano literature she realizes that Chicanos exist as a people and that she should embrace her wild tongue.
Response: Language is a part of our identity. It is the means in which we communicate who we are. Throughout our lives, we learn other languages to be able to communicate with multiple discourses but that doesn’t mean it signifies who we are. Sometimes it can be out of necessity.
The Meanings of a Word”
Summary: Naylor recounts the time in the third grade when she was called a “nigger” by one of her classmates. At the time she had no clue what it meant but by using context clues she knew it was an insult. She realizes in adulthood that it probably wasn’t the first time she has heard the word being used. In her home/neighborhood environment the word had been repurposed to mean anything but an insult. For example, it could mean a man who had gained the approval of others through individual feats of strength, intelligence, etc. Except since she knew the word was used as an insult she asked her mother what it meant.
Response: Words do not define people, actions do. Words without meaning are just sounds. and context is important because the circumstances determine the connotations of the word being used.