Sometimes when we read, we come upon something that an author has written and we say either to ourselves or out loud, “Oh, that’s me” or “Oh yeah, I get that”. In short, we relate to something that the author wrote; we see ourselves in the author’s words. What part of Liao’s “Defining My Identity Through Language: What I Learned about Literacy Narratives” (pp. 61-68) stood out to you the most? In other words, struck a chord with you? Please explain why it struck a chord. Also, did Liao’s writing give you any ideas on what you might like to focus on for your literacy narrative? If so, please share. Your overall response should be at least 4 sentences.
9 thoughts on “Blog Post #2: What Stood Out and Why?”
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Liao’s first example of a literacy narrative defining one’s identity stuck out to me, particularly when she points out that in the narrative “a narrator is struggling against a tension…[an] abstract difficulty accepting or embodying a particular idea. This resonated with because for years I have struggled with my mental health and identity as bipolar. This reading got me thinking perhaps I’ll focus my narrative on the tension of either claiming you “have” bipolar or you “are” bipolar. Furthermore, speak on my journey in gaining literacy in managing my mental health.
Liao’s point about “A literacy narrative can define one’s cultural identity” struck me. When Liao was describing “How to be a good Chinese Jewish hapa” and the need to label oneself through it authors perspective made me realize that many narratives have a message about the author. It struck me because in writing we are constantly defining who we are through autobiography, fictional characters with similar traits and even through others. The fact that a label is used in a narrative not only to define a character but to construct a character is striking because it allows you to build your self through a 3rd perspective and reflect.
Liao’s third proposal of a literacy narrative centered around finding one’s own identity through juggling multiple linguistics struck me the most. Using Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” as an example, I found myself reminiscing weekends spent with grandma on the subway to various doctor appointments as well as shopping at Macy’s Herald Square. At a young age, I tagged along as a mediocre translator with enough vocabulary to get a point across to the doctors as well as the sales associates. I can definitely relate to Tan’s experience with correcting her mother’s use of grammar as my fluency in English speaking matured with time and growth. Eventually, grandma trusted my ability to search for directions, fill out patient forms, and translating her needs word for word. Along the way, she also picked up some basic English phrases and understanding she finds useful when I’m not around. Without knowing, grandma and I have blended together the multiple linguistics of our family heritage and the society we live in to form her identity as a Chinese American immigrant and my identity as a first generation Chinese American. I can see how Tan addresses such experiences to shaping her perspective and understanding of the world growing up as it did for me as well.
What stood out the most to me was how Liao spoke about language creating your identity. For example, her anecdote about going home Salai. One random conversation was the key to figuring out so much about her family’s history, and if she had not had a symbol of language she wouldn’t have found out anything. I found it interesting how she applied this to everyday life and finding your identity in your own life, no matter how different the experience is than hers. Through language, you can find your own identity in communities, even if it is just first figuring out what speaks to you.
While reading Liao’s “Defining My Identity Through Language: What I Learned about Literacy Narratives,” I felt a connection to Liao’s third option of a literacy narrative which is finding one’s identity through juggling several linguistics. Liao gives an example of a narrative she read called “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan to give us an insight of what she means. In the narrative, the author describes how she found her identity by being the translator for her parents’ broken English. Having immigrated to America, her parents’ English was not perfect and some people have trouble understanding what they are saying. However having grown up listening to the broken English, it is easy for the child to grasp what their parents are trying to convey. This specifically struck a cord with me as this is the exact scenario I have gone through in my life. Growing up, I was always the translator for my parents and with the explanation given by Liao, I am starting to understand how this experience shapes how I am and how I view the world while growing up. This particular topic is what I plan on focusing on as the other options did not resonate with me at all.
In “Defining My Identity Through Language: What I learned about Literacy Narratives”, Liao’s third point about juggling several linguistic identities is what stood out to me the most. In this section she referenced “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan, Tan talks about how she uses two different types of English. When communicating with her mom she uses a simpler type of English so her mom can understand. Additionally, Tan has to translates for mom whenever she doesn’t understand. This stood out to me because I am a first generation Asian American and I constantly have to translate for my parents as well as simplify English so they can understand. This made me realize that by juggling several linguistic identities it helped shape my identity.
I was quite intrigued with Liao’s point about juggling several linguistic identities because I never saw it from her perspective till now. In this section, Liao refers to Amy Tan’s literacy narrative “Mother’s Tongue”, where Tan mentions the difficulty of facing the reality of white America not understanding of what they understand as “broken” English spoken from immigrants. What struck a cord with me in this part was how it accurate it was. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had to translate statements in proper english as best as I can over the phone with representatives because they usually try to end the conversation with my Bengali-American dad after noticing how “broken” his english was. Translating english to my dad was never an issue for me, but realizing we do speak different types of english; one of a simple type and a proper way can impact your identity.
When Liao said, “Worry that you’re not mixed enough”, I found it interesting since I did grow up with classmates that were mixed with ancestors from countries from all over the world. They didn’t really identify with any specific culture aside from American. I myself identify as a Finnish-American, being citizens of both and growing up with Finnish culture. I used to think it was cool that my classmates had history in so many countries. I thought man, my family is only from two. Now though, I am grateful to have a deep connection with my mom’s home country and have an appreciation for my family’s roots.
Liao’s literary narrative of multiple linguistic identities stood out to me as it’s a state I’m well acquainted with. I speak what’s received as standard English in the outside world; in inner circles of family and friends, additions of abbreviated phrases and a mix of Chinese and English are used. It’s difficult to reconcile these different identities as part of my whole identity at times. Reading Liao’s narrative, I realized I could use how my language in different circles of my life can be used for my own literacy narrative.