Sunday, September 25, 2011

Argument: Aria by Richard Rodriguez

The author, Rodriguez, argues that bilingual children's path to language assimilation goes further than the classroom.  Rodriguez talks about how English seemed like a public language while Spanish was a private at home language.  He says that he had trouble speaking English in class at first, but I believe he states that the teachers calling on him and forcing him to speak helped.  Also, the teachers came to his house and talked to his parents about speaking English at home too.  This made Rodriguez realize that the language was his to use as well, it wasn't just his "at school language" and it became part of his everyday life. After that he's able to talk to strangers and speak more confidently in class.

The author also addresses a downside.  He says that his parents learn the language slower than the children and they have problems communicating.  So many problems that eventually it is easier to just not speak at all.  I think the point the author is trying to make is that while it is important for bilingual children to own their new language and feel as comfortable with it as their original, it is just as important that they never forget their heritage.  Also, their teachers have to be aware of these goals and go the extra step in helping the children achieve it.

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