Language and Latinidad

In class we discussed how language is power. I believe that is what Tato Laviera was trying to demonstrate through his poem “Spanglish”. In the poem Tato describes the American and Latinx culture while using English and Spanish words or expressions. This poem highlights the positive attributes and characteristics of speaking both Spanish and English or “Spanglish”.  The author demonstrated in the form of a poem that there is nothing wrong with speaking Spanglish. That is a powerful demonstration for those Spanglish/Spanish speakers who are ridiculed for not speaking proper English the way Miguel Fernandez was when he first started school (as mentioned in the previous post). It’s important that Latinx individuals that don’t speak English properly feel the support from others.  

It can be tough to be ridiculed or oppressed for not fluently speaking a foreign language as shown in the story “How to Tame A Wild Tongue”, by Gloria Anzaldua. In the story, the author describes getting hit by the school teacher for getting caught speaking Spanish at recess. In the story she also mentions how the teacher responded with, “If you want to be American, speak American. If you don't like it, go back to Mexico where you belong.” These are some common real-life examples discussed of how some Latinx individuals can be ridiculed for not speaking English. Therefore, poems like “Spanglish”, and stories like “How to Tame A Wild Tongue” are important. These literary works encourage other Latinx individuals to take pride in their culture, language, and to not be discouraged to show that. In the poem Laviera wrote “Spanglish is perfect”. In the essay, Anzaldua wrote “Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself”. These quotes are significant. These literary works are encouraging and motivational for Spanish speakers. Spanish speakers need not to be ashamed of their language. Which is why I appreciate these literary works about the Spanish language so much.