How To Tame a Wild Tongue

How To Tame a Wild Tongue- Reading Response Questions. 

1. Discuss how the opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist chair connects to the overall point/message of the essay and title. 

          The overall point/message of the essay and title is how to control an uninhibited language.   In order to do so, one's "tongue" must be controlled. The opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist chair depicts her in the chair, and the dentist trying to give her a cleaning, however he can't, because her tongue is in the way. This is a reference to reality, where America is trying to tame Anzaldua's tongue, but they can't. 

2. Discuss Anzaldua's use of the Spanish throughout her writing. Did it make sense? What was her purpose?

          Anzualda periodically used spanish in her writing. I was able to understand it because I speak Spanish, and to me it made sense because it was her way of making the reader feel what she feels. She had to struggle understanding english, so others can struggle understanding spanish. 

3. Can academic english be defined as Spanish (Standard) and can Chicano Spanish be described as a nonstandard? Why? What inferences, conclusions, can be made from referring to one identity as standard versus nonstandard?

          Academic English can be defined as Standard Spanish because they are both Primary and known first-hand by native speakers (mostly). Chicano spanish can be described as a nonstandard because it is a sort of slang, or different dialect. Referring to one language as a standard vs. nonstandard shows the separation and the wall between one people and one dialect. 

4. Discuss the necessity of speaking and writing in Academic English as an identity. Is it necessary? 

         One language is one language. One language contains millions of words. It is the way that these words are said that an identity is formed. It is necessary to speak and write in Academic English, but not in all cases. 

5. Anzaldua describes different types of spanish identities. Discuss the various types of English Identities that you know? 

          Different types of English identities that I know of include UK English, Southern English, and European English. 

6. Do you use a secret language to communicate with your friends? If so, What?

          There are many instances in which I would use spanish to communicate with others, but other than that, no. I do not have any secret language to communicate with anyone. 

7. Chicano spanish can be compared to non standard English. What form of English do you speak with your friends? What form do you use to speak to others? 

          Professionally, as in the workplace and school, I use a form of standard- English. However, in a more relaxed environment, I use a non-standard English, which is more laid back.

8. "I am my language". What does this mean? How does this statement connect to a persons identity?

          This means that a person's background consisting of their language sums them up. We speak each day, which makes us up. 

9. Talk specifically about how the introduction and conclusion connect. 

          The introduction and conclusion connect referring back to the author's stubborn tongue in the dentist office. It is saying how not just her, but her people are stubborn, and they will not give up their language for anything. 

10. Can the language you speak be a part of your identity? Why?

          The language you speak can be a part of your identity because it is a part of you each day. Language is something that comes out of you, from YOU, and that is something that I feel no one can take from you. 

11. How important is identity to you? Does Anzaldua believe it is important to have identity? 

To me, Identity is important, but it is something that is supposed to come naturally. Identity is compromised of a million things, but working too hard on it defers from the purpose of being yourself. Anzaldua does believe identity is important to have identity. In the reading, the author states, "So, if you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language. Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity- I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself."