Faith Tong Q2 Week 1: How Influential Language Is

Week 1- How Influential Language Is

By Faith Tong

Speaking English is normalized in America, since it’s one of the standard principles to learn. I always just accepted it as a fact even though I did not always like speaking English when I was little. Through the article called “Do You Speak American?” I realized the effects language has on not only me but probably everyone else in America. Language is much more important and influential than I thought it would be. Someone’s level and ability to speak English can affect how they’re treated by peers, teachers, bosses, coworkers, etc. 

Do You Speak American?

Something that stood out to me was when the author stated, “Language can separate insiders from outsiders.” I thought to myself, who are the insiders and outsiders? Are the insiders the Americans who have always been here, and immigrants such as my family and I are outsiders? If so, it now makes sense to my 5-year-old self. I always felt like I didn’t quite belong here, in Fremont. I loved speaking my own native language (Chinese) and was proud of my culture. But I guess other people thought otherwise. My kindergarten teacher would always criticize me for speaking Chinese to my friend, even during recess. Speaking Chinese was one of those things that made me feel comfortable, safe, and just consciously knowing who I am. 

The author also mentioned the history of how all Americans’ came to speak English. Americans’ began to require “English-only” in all public transactions. This strips away someone’s ability to speak their language on a daily basis and instead is replaced with English. Language loss was considered “common” for immigrants in the U.S. and the switch to English has been “sped up since the 1960s”. This could explain why the younger generations (including me) can’t speak our Native language fluently. I find it hard to have a full conservation in Chinese with my parents or friends who prefer to speak Chinese. I now realize that the impact of language plays a big part in my life, because it can limit my communication with others’ and prevent me from understanding or remembering my culture more. How do you guys keep in touch with your native language or culture? (as you can tell someone here needs to improve their Chinese haha)

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