Quotes
Quote #1: "With great tact the visitors continued, 'Is it possible for you and your husband to encourage your children to practice their English when they are home?' Of course my parents complied" (Rodriguez 35).
In this quote the nuns from Richard's school come to tell his parents they would prefer them to speak English at home so Richard can speak better and more often in class. In my opinion, I find this to be ridiculous. I understand it would be helpful for Richard if he heard his parents in the national language. On the other hand, it's like having their family change their entire culture and who they really are.
Quote #2: "One day in school I raised my hand to volunteer an answer. I spoke out in a loud voice. And I did not think it remarkable when the entire class understood. That day, I moved very far from the disadvantaged child I had been only days earlier" (Rodriguez 36).
This quote is Richard talking about how much more confident he is in class now that he can understand the English spoken. Here, I can see why it is important for Richard to be hearing English as his main language at home. He will understand the lessons and be able to answer and contribute to the class.
Quote #3: "By contrast, my father seemed reconciled to the new quiet. Though his English improved somewhat, he retired into silence" (Rodriguez 37).
This quote is saying that now that Richard's family has resorted to speaking in English, his father can no longer follow what they are saying and now just sits in silence. This is obviously a con of changing the language at home. Now it's harder for Richard to communicate with his own father.
Comments: This whole article is a touchy subject because having a student's family change their native language has its pros and cons. Like I said before it gives the child the confidence to be able to speak in class, but on the other hand, it can cause friction at home like when Richard's father could no longer speak because he didn't know English very well. Reading this article, made me realize that things like this happen all the time in this country. Immigrants move from other countries and have to learn the native language to become "Americanized". In my opinion, it's all pretty ridiculous. We should be trying to help the students inside the classroom rather than trying to change their whole home life.
I agree that changing their native language has its pros and cons... In my blog post I mention this as well. Learning a second language can help them in school, but it can take away their communication with their family. I agree with what you said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as well. It is absurd for them to just quit speaking Spanish and learn a new language. They have lost their heritage and their family bond. They should have balanced it out equally instead. Overall, great job. Check out my blog post to compare.
ReplyDeleteI agree while the comments above as well as your blog post Lucy! One of my favorite quotes in this article was at the beginning of the article when Richard asked why his first grade classmates couldn't be taught two languages when they where young. I think this example relates to your post because if all students are given the option to learn more than one language the chances of more students becoming bilingual could be greater!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with this. This also fits the idea that I approached looking at how making those not part of the culture of power join it, erases their identity. And that there has to be some other way to integrate these people in the culture without erasing their own individuality.
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