The Use of the English Language in Mother Tongue by Amy Tan Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Tan firmly supports the dynamic character of language. She is critical of achievement tests which have rigid parameters of rating language skills. In her personal experience, she did not excel in such tests because The answers on English tests were always a judgment call, a matter of opinion and personal experience . She holds that such tests are not a true measure of language skills, as they prioritize logic and semantics over creativity. Tan asserts that language is continuously influenced by family background. She believes that it is not only the language spoken by peers which impacts a child s language, but also the language spoken in the family, especially in immigrant families which are more insular, (that) plays a large role in shaping the language of the child . She suggests that there can be no single rigid form of English, as children from multi-ethnic backgrounds bring their own unique interpretations and speech patterns into their way of speaking. Tan discounts the impo rtance given to the traditional forms of English. She sarcastically points out her attempt to use wittily crafted sentences, sentences that would finally prove I had mastery over the English language .We will write a custom essay sample on The Use of the English Language in Mother Tongue by Amy Tan or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Tan unambiguously expresses her pride in her mother s language and personality. Tan s essay is very thought-provoking as it prompts an analysis of the influence of immigrants on the language of their adopted country and the disadvantages which have to be overcome by their children. Tan also subtly points out the link between command over the English language and racial discrimination in American society.