Amy Tan’s basic argument is that there are multiple “versions” of English, and that these different versions denote more than just differences in ability to speak English.  A certain accent, or way of speaking English can become a part of one’s cultural identity and serve as a bridge to the past and a marker or continuity.  Tan makes this argument through the personal story of her mother and her mother’s broken English.  Tan’s mother was a Chinese immigrant who spoke “broken” (Tan isn’t a fan of the term “broken”) English throughout her entire adult life.  Tan reflects on the way that this made life more difficult for her mother, but also how it helped form her identity in America and her family’s identity in America.

I definitely speak different versions of English depending on who I’m around.  If I’m at work and talking on the phone, I try to sound very mature and professional and most people on the other end of the line probably think I’m close to 30.  With my friends, however, it’s very clear that I’m just a (relatively) young and unpolished kid.

These different versions of English certainly form different identities I hold.  I’m the young pseudo-professional when I’m in the office, speaking at mature as possible.  With my friends, I’m my laid-back and easy going self, not making a huge effort to impress anyone or act professional.