Bilingualism

He argues that the Latinos and other bilingual people need to stand up for themselves and their culture and not allow the more dominant languages to overtake them. With the forced assimilation of Spanish speakers into the English culture, the Spanish language is slowly dissolving. Many non bilingual people want to eliminate all other languages beside the dominant language of English. Espada writes, “There are too many in this country who would amputate the Spanish tongue.” (4). By eradicating the Spanish language many bilingual speakers will lose both their sense of identity and their voice in the world. Espada claims that bilingual people want to learn English, but they also want to preserve their cultural identity. He explains how non-English speakers want to learn English, but continue to speak their native language; “I have never met a single person who didn 't want to learn English. What they want to do is also retain their own language, culture, and identity.” (9-10). By retaining their own culture and learning English they are able to participate in both cultures.

Bilingual education offers a completely different world for students of different ethnic background and thus creates a comfort zone limiting the risk-taking factor necessary for the maturation of a child to an adult. Rodriguez argues supporters of bilingualism fail to realize "while one suffers a

What is the meaning of bilingualism? Even with a dictionary definition, can it be trusted to give an answer that everyone agrees with? The dictionary definition is controversial, which results in people discussing the actual definition that fits everyone’s perception. But of course, with discussions, comes arguments. Who discusses such topics, and what do they talk about? Two prominent figures who discuss this topic are Martín Espada and Richard Rodriguez. Both have contrasting views on bilingualism, and their views are shown in their essays, which are The New Bathroom Policy at English High School by Espada and Hunger of Memory by Rodriguez. Espada’s definition of bilingualism is the ability to learn a new language and the right to

When someone is bilingual it means they’re fluent in two languages. For Martin Espada this definition goes deeper. For him bilingualism means speaking two languages, but also letting the two languages become a part of him. When a part of someone’s identity is threatened, they don’t just sit back and let it happen, they fight back. This is the same for Espada. He’s been fighting back for the right to speak Spanish because for him he finds that “the best way for me to maintain Spanish is to fight for the right to speak Spanish” (17-18). He stands up to oppressors that don’t want him to speak Spanish, and keeps fighting.

According to Martin Espada’s essay, “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School,” bilingualism represents a sense of self identity, a passion and love for speaking two languages, and the ability to embrace and preserve another culture. Espada has a love and passion for bilingualism and the privilege he has to

Being bilingual consist of two cultures and two languages, it builds into self identity. Spanish and English in America is seen as an advantage, and in Mexico it is seen as unique and educated. Due to past experience as a child and now as a young adult, I have seen both the disadvantages and advantages of being bilingual in the United States. Bilingual children in America are usually children of Mexican immigrants who learn no perfect Spanish, what they know is taught by their (most likely) uneducated parents. In school they are profited from learning the basics of their native language along with speaking it. Instead they are required to learn a new culture, a new language and new traditions. In other words, being Bilingual in America is

As a child, I was simultaneously immersed in three completely different cultures. My mother was Chinese, yet spoke Vietnamese, my father was white, and I lived in a predominantly Spanish community. These contrasting lifestyles and cultures truly showed me the difference between a public and a private identity, and the importance behind bilingualism in the world today. However, before I can recount what I’ve learned, we must first discuss two contrasting concepts about bilingualism from two very accomplished and controversial writers: Martín Espada and Richard Rodriguez.

Spanish speakers benefit learning English, universally used in the United States. I have always accepted other’s life decisions. Bilingualism to me relates to both Espada and Rodriguez’s opinions. Espada believes non-English speakers should fight for the right to preserve their language and identity. Rodriguez believes language and culture diminishes the less that language is spoken. I believe in United States English should be spoken in formal settings (schools, businesses, etc.), while other languages could be spoken in appropriate situations (non-business). Espada grew up with English as his first language and later learned Spanish. Rodriguez grew up with a choice to no longer resist English or to not fit in with American society. Their differences reflect on their opinions today.

How I speak to my friends differs from the way I speak to my teachers. How I speak to my family differs from the way I speak in public. Does my ability to speak multiple dialects of English infer I am bilingual? Society commonly interprets bilingualism as the capability to speak multiple languages. In reality, someone’s cultural and emotional connection largely helps define bilingualism. I define bilingualism as someone’s ability to express their culture(s) while speaking a language(s). The writers Martin Espada and Richard Rodriguez discuss their views of bilingualism within their essays. Espada teaches at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and conducts political poems. In his essay “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School” he

In “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School,” Martin Espada reveals his definition of bilingualism. Through Espadas stories and arguments, he states that bilingualism means having a sense of identity and culture with the languages that you speak. He supports his idea of bilingualism by telling his audience that people who don’t speak English want to keep their language, and everything that comes with it, alive. Espada states, “What they want to do is also retain their own language, culture, and identity” (165-167). Espada values his concept and belief of bilingualism and he helps others by writing about it because he knows bilingual speakers face discrimination and harassment every day. When Espada was being mistreated by an English speaker on the street, he stood up for himself and said, “He can

Bilingualism is being able to speak two languages fluently, but to Espada and Rodriguez it’s something much more. When talking about bilingualism Espada believes bilingualism is part of the Latino culture, something that should be sacred and protected as part of their identity. “The defense of the right to a Latino identity and the Spanish language” (lines 256 - 258). When he says “a Latino identity and the Spanish language” it shows that he believes that just the language itself is as important as identifying as a Latino, this shows its importance to him and his

Thesis - According to both Rodriguez and Espada, bilingualism is the separation of public and private language in society. to protect the rights of Spanish speakers.

Bilingualism to Espada means more than just speaking two languages, it symbolizes his identity. Espada argues that bilingualism is worth defending because having a second language is part of a person’s identity. Espada says, “That’s what they are trying to do to all of us,... (because I speak Spanish with my heart”)” (Espada 7). He shows the importance of his second language. Bilingualism means having a connection with culture and personal identity.

"America's strength is not our diversity; it is our ability to unite around common principles even when we come from different backgrounds, we can still unite with those bilingual people that have the same dream. The American Dream..." That is what Raj answered when I asked his opinion in regards of bilingualism and how diverse the United States is becoming. Bilingualism is the use of two alternative languages that are interchanged depending on the situation the speaker wants to convey or communicate (Myers-Scotton, C. (2006). Multiple voices: An introduction to bilingualism. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.) In this Bilingual Profile I will share my interviewee's background, explain the reasons of his language of choice, and explain

An ongoing battle of culture, freedom, and language occurs in America today. The battle is commonly called Bilingualism. The dictionary definition: being able to speak multiple languages. Though, when you dig deeper, you discover the hunger of differing tongues. Many people believe bilingualism should have a certain role in the public and education. One of these figures is Martin Espada, who believe that bilingualism is also respecting one's culture. He believes that more effort be put into understanding different cultures and languages. An opposing figure to this is poet and author, Richard Rodriguez, who believes bilingualism should not be emphasized in the public