In “Mother Tongue”, Tan recalls the first time her mother heard her speak in a more complicated, more dynamic form of English than Tan’s mother had been used to Tan speaking in. This was a notable experience for Tan because she spoke a simpler English with her mother at home; however, there are times that we show a different side of ourselves to loved ones (including friends) using different levels of language (e.g. delivering speeches, acting in plays, singing in a performance). Have you ever had such an experience? What was your loved ones’ reaction(s)? How did his make you feel? Your response should be at least 4 sentences long.
6 thoughts on “Blog Post #5: Commentary on “Mother Tongue” (Tan)”
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I have never had an experience where I spoke a different kind of English in front of a loved one who didn’t speak English well because most of the loved ones’ in my life speak fluent English. However, there was a time recently where I was practicing a presentation in front of my boyfriend where I spoke more professional and “put together” then I normally would. He was impressed with my wording and commented, “You worded that nicely.” He also shook his head at times as a sign of approval for the professionalism I was using in the way I spoke. This made me feel proud of myself for structuring my English in a way that could be approved by others in terms of being neat, concise and straightforward while also maintaining a professional tone. I also felt happy because I feel like when I have to be professional, I often get nervous and tend to think I’m not being formal enough.
I have never had an experience where i spoke a different kind of English. However, I am from a family where my father really knows English and doesn’t have a problem with this language. However, my mom isn’t that great at English. When we came to the country i was expected to know English because, i go to school. My mom doesn’t and this would bring me a challenge. Whenever, i had a Doctor’s Appointment my mom would be present, when the doctor would explain things to her it would be really difficult for her to understand. I would then use my knowlege of my countries language and would translate it for her. This would bring me confidence as i understand English and will be able to translate it for somebody from my country.
In my experience I use a different level of English with my friends compared to my mom. With my friends I use way more slang with my friends than I would at home because my mom does not like it. When she heard me speak it with my friends though one time she was shocked because, that’s not really how I talk with her. She didn’t really think other words had other meanings and even I started teaching her some words. Another example would be when I was in middle school I did a play and it was Shakespeare, so it was way a different language than I normally speak.
I talk casually, and freely with my friends and family. However, I am more cautious and formal when I have job interviews, internships and in my essays. I add vocabulary, and my thoughts run more cautiously than when I speak with my friends and family. For example, I had an internship interview in the same room with two of my friends. My friends were impressed by the way I delivered my answers because they usually do not see that side of me when I am with them. The way you speak influences the way people think and perceive you as an individual, that is why it is important to balance and know how to speak in certain environments.
I did have a similar experience to Tan and her mom before. Once I came home and asked my mother if she knew about a certain type of English dish and she looked at me as if I was an alien. I didn’t feel any particular way but I did remember that I was at home and that my mom’s English isn’t as good as mine. Now I am aware of what words to use depending on the setting and who I’m talking to.
I had a similar experience to Tan. I speak to my friends with the New York slang. My mother is only used to me talking to her in Spanish. When I try to explain to her about situations I be in, it’s hard because when I am angry, I speak with the language I talk with my friends, the “New York “ slang. She gets really mad at me and sensitive about it. She does not understand me and she feels like she can not help me out with my situations. I feel bad but I try my best to speak in spanish and translate for her. She prefers me to her in english so she can learn the english language.