How to Tame a Wild Tongue
The passage focuses on the conflicts of a Spanish-American where in an American society, English was the only accepted language to speak in. Anzaldua mentions the term, “Chicano”, which is used to describe those of Latina decent, and live in America. The Chicano had to take two different language classes, so that they would speak with the correct languages, in both English and in Spanish. They were criticized for speaking the opposing language, and weren’t accepted by their discourse communities. For speaking Spanish, they were considered as Mexicans, and when speaking English they are considered as traitors for embracing the English language. However despite this, the Chicano find ways to deal and accept their differences, creating their own discourse community as well. They had developed their own language, where there is a merge of aspects from English into many Spanish terms. In many music produced, the ideas that they embrace are of those that resolves this conflict of language being a persons’s identity. Music, along with several other ways were outlets for Chicanos to find confidence in being different. Anzaldua emphasizes the importance of language, as to him it is a way of identifying himself. The Chicano language was considered by many native Spanish speakers as a poor version of the Spanish language which discourages many Chicano. However Anzadula retaliates, and states that despite how much they criticize their language, the Chicano are strong and can take the criticism. There is pride within the Chicano, as they have pride in their new separate communities and embrace their differences.
The Meanings of a Word
Naylor describes the conflict of a word and it’s meaning, as it’s original meaning is altered due to changes within society. The term that she talks about in particular is “nigger”, which in general is used to describe on of African American decent. However, throughout it’s history the term is often used by Caucasians, especially within the Americas, as a way to criticize African Americans by their race. Now a days it is still a term that is used to describe those of African American backgrounds, however it has been a way to describe them in a less insulting way. The term can be used to describe one’s or a group’s unruly actions, which was a reflection of what type of men that they were. The term, as Naylor saw it, was one that was based upon men and was only used to describe men of this ethnicity. The problem that Naylor has with this is a word with racist backgrounds, and although that racist meaning is slowly dying out due to changes where it becomes a norm to call someone a “nigger”. It might not be considered as an offensive term to describe those of African decent within the future, however the backgrounds of it wouldn’t be able come to light. It in ways, was a method to forgive the past actions of racism towards African Americans and with the loss of the meaning, it allows racists to be forgiven as that word would no longer be considered as offensive.