Tim Belicose
8/29/15
Prof. Young
Writing Workshop
Reading Response Questions
1. Discuss how the opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist's chair connects to the overall point/message of the essay and title.
The opening scene in "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" connects to the overall point/message of the title because mainly; the first line of the paragraph talks about the dentist controlling her tongue. This is trying to allude to the fact that throughout the essay she is almost forced to talk in English with her current situation.
2. Discuss Anzaldúa's use of the Spanish throughout her writing. Did it make sense? What was her purpose?
I thought Anzaldua's use of spanish throughout her writing made sense because she was trying to show how aggravating it is to read or listen to a different language without fully understanding the meaning of it.
3. Can academic English be defined as Spanish(Standard) and can Chicano Spanish be described as nonstandard? Why? What inferences, conclusions, can be made from referring to one identity(language) as standard versus nonstandard?
I think it can not be described as nonstandard because they are two totally different ways of speaking. A different version of a base dialect does not mean that it is not "standard".
4. Discuss the necessity of speaking/writing in Academic English as an identity. Is it necessary?
I do not think it is necessary for all activities in American life but in a lot of cases it is helpful to know a good amount of Academic English or even slang English.
5. Anzaldua describes different types of Spanish identities. Discuss the various types of English identities you know and use.
The types of Identities I know and use would only amount to two of them: Slang and Formal English. When using Slang English you usually cut off the beginning or ending of a word to allow your sentences to flow quicker. Formal English is the correct use of all English words with little to no abbreviations or slangs.
6. Pachuco. Do you use a secret language, secret identity, to communicate to your friends? If so, what?
I do not specifically use a secret language or secret identity to talk to my friends but occasionally I will use slang to get my words across quicker.
7. Chicano Spanish can be compared to non-standard English. What form of English(standard or nonstandard) do you speak with your friends(audience)? What form of English do you speak when you talk to your mother(audience), professor(audience)? Why?
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