Mother Tongue – Don’t judge a book by its cover
1 Mother Tongue – Don’t judge a book by its cover … or someone’s intelligence by her English
Author – Amy Tan
2. In the article, the author focuses on the English language that is used by her mother. Her
mother is not very fluent is the language and thus she uses ‘broken’ English while interacting
with people in the language. In the work she has highlighted that when a person uses broken or
limited English, it does not mean that his thought is also limited. The fundamental purpose of the
author is to make the readers realize that an individual’s intelligence, intent, passion and the
nature of thoughts must not be judged by the English language that they use. A person with
limited English has the capability to saying something of quality just like others who speak
English fluently (Tongue, 2003).
This decision has been arrived at by capturing the transformation in the piece of writing.
Initially Tan stated that she was embarrassed of her mother’s English language. But ultimately
she came in terms with it and started writing her work so that readers like her mother could
derive value from it. Thus Tan stated writing in simple English so that she could cater to the
reading needs of all kinds of audiences.
3. Tan has stated that her mother’s expressive command over the English language does not give
a true picture of how much she actually understands. For instance, even though her mother uses
broken English, she reads Forbes report, and listens to Wall Street Week.
The author has stated that the English language that is used by her mother is perfectly
clear to her. Since it is her mother tongue, she feels that the language is direct, vivid, imagery
and full of observation. In fact it is this ‘broke’ language that has shaped her perception. The
broken English that her mother uses does not restrict her imagination and thinking (Tongue,
2003).
Tan has stated that she has been criticized for her writing but she knows that she has
succeeded when people with limited or broken language are able to read it. When her mother
gave the verdict that her work was ‘so easy to read’ she understood that she had succeeded as a
writer.
Each of these points that have been captured shed light on how a person with broken
English can be imaginative and creative just like any other person. Tan’s mother’s imagination
and passion shows that her broken English does not limit her thinking ability. So Tan has started
writing stories to cater to people who use or understand ‘simple’ English (Tongue, 2003).
4. In the selected article, the main audience involves the individuals who use broken or limited
English language. For example, people who use broken English can derive value from Tan’s
work by understanding that their langue cannot restrict their intent and intelligence. The potential
challenge that the author faces while addressing their purpose with the audience revolves around
the perception and outlook that people have for individuals who use broken English.
References
Tongue, M. (2003). Amy Tan.4The World is a Text: Writing, Reading, and Thinking about
Culture and Its Contexts, 291.
