Language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Language - Essay ExampleThe question of life and choice of the behavior we want to exist is challenged by the option of talking to oppression. Ethnic minorities ar often prevented from a proper existence and their usual way of life in case their languages are suppressed and assimilated in accordance with white standards of European languages. On the basis of essays on languages and challenges of its functioning on the borderlands, we will focus on the important social and epistemological role languages play in our lives. Authors views on language Navarro Scott Momaday in his essay Personal reflections (1987) intends to show Native Americans and their attitude for language and the role it plays in their lives. Europeans and Native Americans show antithetical attitudes in their story telling and these reflections are seen in the way they use language. He tries to show different world perceptions between Europeans and Indians. For example, he shows the way Native Americans use the v erb to live. Very often it is used in a metaphoric way. This writer grew up in the Indian reservation near Oklahoma State and he realizes the Indians perceive the world. Thus, when they say that the sun comes back to the Earth they underline that the Earth is their homeland. The impression of cartridge clip is endless and illusive for Native Americans. There is an essential linguistic diversity between Native Americans and white people. There is a well-developed oral impost among the American Indians. There is a great respect shown towards the speaker. Consequently, the listener should be very attentive and comprehend every word, which is uttered when the story is told to him. The words are means for carrying liberty and the language reflects the nature of deep respect in the life of Native Americans. Gloria Anzaldua in her essay How to Tame a Wild patois (1987) discusses cultural differences, which are reflected in language as well. She talks about borderlands, where two or mor e cultures exist. There are essential linguistic differences non only between Spanish English or Standard English, but also between different dialects. If the immanent speakers are prevented from an opportunity to speak their native languages, this can be considered as violence. The author describes numerous controversies, when she was made to speak American language otherwise she had to go back to Mexico, where she belonged. At Pan American University the student had to get rid of their accents and speak American English language. Mother tongue becomes dry and people forget their speech. Chicano Spanish, she claims, is considered by the purist and the most Latinos a mutilation of Spanish. It is out(predicate) to remove Chicago Spanish language, because it occurred in a natural way. People are heterogeneous creatures and it is natural of them to speak different languages. Pachuco is positioned as the language of rebellion. These varieties of Spanish languages are full of anglicis ms. Therefore, we can see a clear tendency of language interference. A poor Spanish is positioned as illegitimate and a crap language. The author also talks about books and films, which are created by Spaniards or Mexicans. For example, she mentions the novel City of Night written by John Rechy. There is a clear mixture of Spanish and English words. Moreover, in the films of Mexicans or about Mexicans, she claims, there is a clear sense of alienation and at the same time she feels like coming home. There is a great ambiguous feeling about pop art of the Mexicans. At least, the glimpses of native language are lovely for the Native Speakers. Les Chiconos are people, who have Indian roots and they have their own tongue. Toni