foundations upon which we build our identity.” - Unknown. Bilingualism has many different interpretations and definitions and can cause problems in the community or unite it. The concept of bilingualism represents several different ideas, two writers, Martin Espada and Richard Rodriguez share in their essays their personal stories about being immersed into the English culture and learning the language. They share their views of what bilingualism means to them personally and make arguments about the importance
The struggles of learning a new language often overshadow the added advantage of bilingualism; in a globalized English speaking world however, the need to acquire the tongue of the trade becomes more apparent. As an immigrant, my advantage of having access and support to learn English at a young age enabled me to embark on a smooth journey transitioning into bilingualism. However, had this opportunity come at a later, less malleable stage of my life, I would have surely been lost, like my parents
making me do this?!” I would say. My parents couldn’t handle the teachers or me anymore so they decided to not enroll me the next year. Language is truly a connection with cultural identity and I wish I didn’t miss out. The renowned writers; Martin Espada and Richard Rodriguez worked on essays that shared their own
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
language. But I am just one person with one view on the subject. For bilingual speakers Martin Espada and Richard Rodriguez, their experiences explain their different views. Bilingualism is a very debated concept today. The idea of bilingualism varies from person to person. For known poet Martín Espada, bilingualism allows a sense of identity for multiple language speakers. To compare, writer Richard Rodriguez views bilingualism as a right and obligation. Bilingualism is a right all citizens should have
everybody can communicate and connect: English. Not all people that go to my high school speak English to the point of fluency, but they all do speak fluently enough to gain an education in an English speaking school. In other words, they’re bilingual. Bilingualism is like grafting a plumb tree branch onto a peach tree. The plum branch will grow on the peach tree, but neither the branch nor the tree will ever be the same. The peach tree is no longer purely a peach tree, and the plumb branch is not just a
is bilingual can understand the sentence above. Which is true. In the stories by Richard Rodriguez and Martin Espada, they explain their thoughts on bilingualism,both ideas are very different. For me, bilingualism is very important to me, as a tool and a way of expression for family and friends. Bilingualism can enhance lives, and incorporate a better understanding between others in different cultures. Bilingualism is a bridge to connect us culturally and idealistically. In Espada’s story ‘The New
Nigeria, had not properly learned English themselves carried over to the speaking ability of the kids. Bilingualism has taken a controversial stand over the years as immigration in the U.S increases. Some believe bilingualism helps unite communities while others argue bilingualism separates cultures. Martin Espada In Martin Espada's essay, New Bathroom Policy at English High School, demonstrates bilingualism helps unites communities of people that fight against cultural discrimination. As Spanish immigration
grows with spanish speakers and latinos, American english speakers become more defensive against the spanish speakers. English speakers try to stop people speaking their own language in school settings, and threaten to harm non natives. The idea of bilingualism goes beyond just speaking two languages, it ties to a person’s identity and their culture. Both english speakers and spanish speakers want to keep who they are, they both fear each other, anxiety rests between both, both have troubles but American
always about a love for the language, but the need to communicate efficiently in America. Martín Espada and Richard Rodriguez, two bilingual American citizens, share their viewpoints on the term bilingualism, and its application in America. In his essay, Martín Espada shows his belief that bilingualism is an important aspect of one’s cultural identity. In The New Bathroom Policy at English High School, Espada highlights the discrimination directed towards citizens of America that speak a language