Amy Tan Is An American Writer Whose Novels Examine Family Re

Amy Tan Is An American Writer Whose Novels Examine Family Relationship

Amy Tan is an American writer whose novels examine family relationships, especially those of mothers and daughters. She has written several bestselling novels, such as The Joy Luck Club and The Kitchen God’s Wife. Tan holds a BA and MA from San Jose State University. In her essay “Mother Tongue,” Tan reflects on her use of language and how it shapes her identity, her perceptions of her mother, and her cultural experiences.

Tan describes her love for language, emphasizing its power to evoke emotions, images, ideas, and truths. She discusses her personal experience of switching between different forms of English depending on context and audience. For example, she talks about giving a speech about her writing, which was filled with formal, scholarly language that her mother, present in the audience, might not understand. Tan becomes acutely aware of the different Englishes she uses: one for academic and public settings, and another—more vivid, direct, and image-rich—that she uses with her mother at home.

She recounts how she often unconsciously switches to formal English in public talks about her work, using complex grammatical constructions. However, at home, she speaks in a straightforward, simple style that her mother uses. Tan emphasizes that her mother's English, which she initially viewed as limited or imperfect, is actually clear and full of imagery, reflecting her thoughts and personality vividly. Despite her mother's limited English in some contexts, Tan recognizes her command of language is rich and expressive, shaping Tan’s perceptions and appreciation of her cultural identity.

Tan further explores her feelings of shame and perception growing up, where her mother’s English was seen as a reflection of her thoughts’ worth. She admits that external perceptions often undervalue her mother’s language but underscores that her mother’s speech is natural and meaningful. Tan concludes that her mother tongue is more than just language; it is a vital part of her identity and cultural background that continues to influence her worldview and her writing.

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Amy Tan’s reflections on language and cultural identity in her essay “Mother Tongue” reveal the complex relationship between language, perception, and personal identity within immigrant families. Her observations about her mother’s English highlight broader issues about linguistic diversity and societal attitudes towards non-standard language forms, especially within the context of Asian American experiences. This essay underscores the importance of recognizing the richness of different English dialects and the cultural significance they carry, particularly within family and community settings.

Tan’s discussion begins with her love for language and its power to evoke emotion and image, illustrating her fascination with linguistic variation. Her experience of giving a public speech using formal, academic English contrasts sharply with her use of simple, direct language with her mother, demonstrating how language functions differently in formal versus intimate contexts. For Tan, her speech about her work was laced with complex grammatical structures, nominalizations, and conditional phrases—forms she rarely used with her mother, whose speech is vivid and image-rich, and which she considers her true mother tongue. This contrast highlights the concept of linguistic identity and how language can serve as both a bridge and a barrier.

Furthermore, Tan discusses societal perceptions of her mother’s English, which is often judged as limited or imperfect by others. She shares her own initial shame and perception that her mother’s English was a reflection of her intelligence or worth. This attitude reflects common societal biases that equate linguistic propriety with intellect and status. However, Tan’s appreciation for her mother’s language grows as she recognizes its expressive power and authenticity. Her mother’s speech is full of imagery and directness, capturing her personality, her observations, and her life experiences vividly, serving as a vital part of Tan’s cultural and personal identity.

Tan’s narrative demonstrates that language is not merely a tool for communication but also a reflection of cultural identity and familial bonds. The recognition of her mother’s language as her mother tongue signifies a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. It challenges preconceived notions about language standardization and underscores that the value and richness of language are rooted in its cultural and personal significance, rather than grammatical correctness or societal approval.

Her essay also prompts broader discussions about linguistic discrimination and the societal tendency to undervalue non-standard dialects. It advocates for greater acceptance and appreciation of linguistic diversity as an essential aspect of cultural identity. Recognizing the validity and depth of different English dialects can foster a more inclusive understanding of language, culture, and identity, especially for immigrant communities striving to maintain their cultural roots while integrating into broader society.

Ultimately, Tan’s reflection in “Mother Tongue” reveals that language is a vital expression of personal and cultural identity. Her appreciation of her mother’s expressive English affirms that language diversity enriches our understanding of human experience. It encourages us to respect and embrace the multiple layers of linguistic expression that define our identities and shape our perceptions of others. Language, in all its forms, acts as a bridge connecting families, communities, and cultures, fostering understanding and mutual respect.

References

• Tan, A. (1990). Mother Tongue. The Threepenny Review.
• Kramsch, C. (2009). The Multilingual Subject. Oxford University Press.
• Baker, C. (2011). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. Multilingual Matters.
• Crystal, D. (2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press.
• Wolfram, W., & Schilling-Estes, N. (2006). American English: Dialects and Variation. Blackwell Publishing.
• Rickford, J., & Rickford, R. (2000). Spoken Soul: The Story of Black English. Wiley.
• Chen, X. (2014). Language Attitudes and Identity. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development.
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• Ngugi wa Thiong'o (1986). Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. James Currey.
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