When I hear the phrase, “I am my own language”, it means to me that everyone has their own way of representing themselves. Everyone has their own culture and beliefs that makes them different from the rest of people. On page 76, Anzaldua writes “There are more subtle ways that we internalize identification, especially in the forms of image and emotions”, elaborating on the idea that everyone represents their identity through image, emotion, beliefs, etc. I agree with this argument, as I am also close with my culture. My parents were born in Poland and my brother and I were born here, in New York City. The Polish language and culture was passed down to us by them. I am proud of my culture and identity and will always represent myself as a polak. I find the polish language interesting because there are some phrases that are different than American phrases, in terms of meaning. For example, a common American phrase would be “Bless you”. Usually after someone around you sneezes, the polite thing to say would be bless you. In Polish there is also a phrase for when someone sneezes. In Polish we say “Na zdrowie”, which interestingly doesn’t mean bless you, but translates to cheers. I find the Polish language and Polish culture both very interesting in their own ways. I would have to say that one of my most favorite things about the polish culture that brings me joy is the Polish food. We have many different food from American food that I like, which include zapiekanki (polish sandwiches) and pierogi (polish dumplings). I am close to many polish people around me and my closest friend group in particular all have similar hobbies, which include dunking and working out at the gym. Overall the polish language and culture represent my identity and I agree with Anzaldua’s argument that everyone should be proud of their culture, no matter the differences.

-David Ciborowski