Aria
By: Richard Rodriguez
Reflection Prompt
When reading Rodriguez's story it was unclear in the beginning what he was talking about. When I realized that he was faced with the issue of a language barrier the first thing that came to mind was Johnson's idea of "just saying the words." He uses the word "gringo" a lot throughout his story when referring to others who don't share the same hispanic culture. This was of using the words I think shows the social norm in America of white, english- speaking people. Learning a new language can often time she difficult; especially when someone is thrown into that environment where speaking a different language is a must. Rodriguez's story is a prime example of how someone in a minority situation is at a disadvantage because of the "rules" set up by society.
In comparison to Rodriguez's experiences, I also find the language barrier very frustrating. In spanish class if I am asked to answer a question I feel uncomfortable answering because I know it won't be correct. However the biggest different between Rodriguez and I is that I know that the other students in the class are also struggling with the same language. He feels that he isn't even "allowed" to use the english language. He states, "I moved very far from the disadvantaged child I had been days earlier" (Rodriguez 36). Feeling in the minority he and his family changed to assimilate into american culture. This lead to him feeling like he lost the close connection he had with his family when they were speaking spanish at home.
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| The dog in this picture is a representation of people in a minority setting who may not speak english. The man is pretending or may even believe he understands what the dogs issues are; however he truly has no idea because he cannot understand his language.
Questions-Comments-Points to share:
The language barrier in the United States I think has a lot to do with the school systems. In other places of the world they teach other languages a lot more diligently. For instance, last semester there was a girl from Russia in one of my classes and when she went to school over there, english was a major language they were expected to learn. If these types of courses are enforced in American school, I think there would be less of a minority/ majority type attitude.
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HI, Kate ! I too found it sad that the author felt he had lost a connection with his family. Although it was sad, I appreciated the fact that it was being talked about, because I think its something most people don't think of, the gap between first generation and second generation immigrants. if we think technology put a gap between parents and children in America I can only imagine when the entire culture is different. Even though our family roots are powerful, socialism through schooling etc is almost unavoidable especially the younger you are.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact that, when I am asked a question in Spanish, when I was in Spanish, if I was called on I felt so uncomfortable because I was never comfortable with the language. I can't imagine have a language barrier and possibly going through a disconnection with my family, the only way I do connect with my family, peers and friends is with speaking. I feel bad for Richard because like you mentioned, he is a minority and at a disadvantage due to society and its not fair.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that someone in a minority is at a disadvantage in our society due to the "rules" it has. I think the person connection with being asked a question when you were in Spanish is a great example of language barrier and what it is like struggling to learn a new way of speaking. I feel bad that Richard had to lose his culture and background to fit into our society.
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