Week 1 Writing Assignment Proposal Worksheet Student Example

Week 1 Writing Assignment Proposal Worksheetstudent Examplese Habla

What is the title and author of your selected essay? What is the topic of the essay? What is the author’s argument on the topic?

What evidence does the author use to present their point of view? Identify one writing strategy (rhetorical mode) the author uses to make their argument? What is your position on the topic? Do you agree or disagree with author? Why?

What would you do differently if you were to present this argument? (Describe specific elements) Describe reasons why someone might disagree with the author’s stance? Consider audience: Who would benefit from reading this? Now compose your thesis statement (main idea) by following this formula: THESIS: Title of Essay____________ Author’s name____________ Insert verb____________ (argues, advocates, shines a light on) Topic_____________ and Author’s position or main point.

Paper For Above instruction

The essay "Se Habla Español" by Tanya Maria Barrientos explores complex issues related to cultural identity within the Latino community in the United States, particularly focusing on language and its role in cultural belonging. Barrientos discusses her personal experience as a Latina who was raised without learning Spanish and questions the assumption that language proficiency is essential for cultural authenticity. Her central argument emphasizes that cultural identity transcends language and that one’s heritage should not be solely defined by speaking the language of origin.

Throughout the essay, Barrientos employs a combination of narration and comparative analysis as her primary rhetorical strategies. She recounts her experiences with language learning and contrasts her situation with that of Italian-Americans and Polish-Americans, who often do not speak their ancestral languages yet identify strongly with their cultural roots. This rhetorical mode helps her illustrate that cultural belonging is multifaceted and not solely dependent on linguistic skills. For instance, she notes, "Not all Poles speak Polish. Not all Italians speak Italian," implying that language is just one aspect of cultural identity (Barrientos, 2022, p. 717). The personal anecdote combined with cultural comparison effectively underscores her thesis that language should not be the sole criterion for cultural authenticity.

My position aligns with Barrientos’ perspective. I believe that language is an important cultural component but not a definitive marker of cultural identity. People can cherish and embody their heritage through customs, traditions, and personal experiences, even if they do not speak the language associated with their ancestry. I agree that societal pressures to speak a particular language to prove cultural belonging can be exclusionary and reductive. However, I also acknowledge that language can serve as a bridge to cultural understanding and community, which might be valuable in certain contexts.

If I were to present this argument, I would incorporate empirical research that demonstrates how cultural identity persists independently of language proficiency. For example, I would include studies showing that heritage centers or cultural festivals often emphasize customs regardless of language fluency among participants. This evidence would strengthen the claim that language is just one of many ways to connect with cultural roots, providing a broader perspective beyond anecdotal evidence.

Some individuals might oppose Barrientos' stance, arguing that language retention is vital for cultural preservation and authenticity. They may contend that losing the language risks diluting cultural identity and heritage over generations, leading to a form of cultural erosion. This perspective is rooted in the belief that language acts as a repository of cultural knowledge, values, and history, which cannot be fully conveyed without linguistic proficiency.

Readers who might benefit from this essay include children of immigrants, educators, policymakers, and cultural advocates. Particularly, children of Latinx parents who feel pressured to speak Spanish to confirm their cultural identity could find reassurance in the idea that cultural belonging is broader than language. It encourages inclusivity and recognizes diverse pathways to cultural engagement.

Based on these considerations, I propose the following thesis statement:

THESIS: In her essay "Se Habla Español," Tanya Maria Barrientos argues that while language can be an aspect of cultural identity, it should not be regarded as the sole determinant of cultural belonging, emphasizing that authentic cultural connection extends beyond linguistic proficiency.

References

• Barrientos, T. M. (2022). Se habla español. In R. Bullock, M. Daly Goggin, & F. Weinberg (Eds.), The Norton field guide to writing with readings (6th ed., pp. ). WW Norton.
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