In the article Mother tongue by Amy Tan,
- Who would be the audience and how would they benefit from this article
- why is analysis so important for selected reading? How will it help the audience understand that author’s goal
- Is the author goal incorrect how would it be perceived?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
1. Audience and Benefits of the Article
The audience for Amy Tan’s Mother Tongue would primarily include individuals interested in language, identity, cultural experiences, and those who face challenges with language barriers. It could appeal to students, educators, linguists, and people navigating bilingual or multicultural environments. The article also resonates with anyone who has experienced communication struggles or felt marginalized due to language.
The audience benefits from this article in several ways:
- Increased empathy and understanding: Readers who may not have faced language discrimination themselves can gain insight into how language shapes personal identity and affects how others perceive us.
- Cultural awareness: Tan’s exploration of how English is perceived in her family and how it intersects with her cultural background highlights the complexities of language use in immigrant communities.
- Empowerment and confidence: For readers who speak “broken” or non-standard English, Tan’s message reinforces the idea that their voices and communication styles are valid and valuable.
2. Importance of Analysis in Selected Reading
Analysis is crucial in understanding Tan’s Mother Tongue because it allows readers to explore the deeper themes of language, identity, and cultural bias that may not be immediately apparent. By breaking down the text, readers can:
- Uncover underlying messages: The essay is not just about language but also about the emotional, social, and cultural layers that impact Tan’s personal journey. Analysis helps readers see how Tan uses language as a bridge and a barrier.
- Understand the author’s purpose: Tan is not only sharing her personal experience but also highlighting the larger issue of how people are judged based on their speech patterns and accents. Analyzing the text helps readers see how Tan wants to challenge these perceptions and encourage a broader understanding of language diversity.
- Better engage with the content: Analyzing the text deepens the reader’s appreciation for Tan’s writing style, including her use of anecdotes, personal stories, and literary devices to convey her point.
3. Perception of the Author’s Goal
Tan’s goal in Mother Tongue is not incorrect; rather, it is a reflection of her desire to explore how language influences identity and perception. If her goal were to be misunderstood, it might be seen as an attack on the English language itself. However, Tan’s focus is on how societal attitudes toward different versions of English can marginalize individuals, especially in the context of non-native speakers or those with “non-standard” English.
Her goal, then, is to challenge the assumption that proficiency in standard English equals intelligence or worth. If misunderstood, one could perceive her work as dismissing the value of “proper” English, which would be a misreading. Tan is actually advocating for acceptance of diverse ways of speaking and arguing that the way someone speaks shouldn’t limit their opportunities or define their abilities.
Through the story of her mother’s language struggles, Tan makes a powerful argument that non-standard English is still valid and rich with meaning. This helps readers understand that the true measure of communication and intelligence lies not in adherence to a single linguistic standard but in the ability to express one’s ideas effectively, no matter how they speak.
In conclusion, Tan’s essay encourages readers to reflect on the inherent biases in language and offers a call for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of communication. Analyzing her work allows the audience to see her true intentions and appreciate the value of her message.