Gloria Anzaldua’s article “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” focuses on the cultural differences between American and Mexican culture. It also examines how immigrants fall between the cracks. She discusses cultural dominance, low self-esteem, and other topics. She wants to show the audience that learning another language shouldn’t be a cause for shame. This piece also explores the theme of Acculturation. It is where she explains that immigrant should have the ability to create their own identity. Anzaldua believes that Americans must accept their heritage.
Anzaldua begins her essay by comparing Anzaldua’s accent to her speech. She tells of her dental visit, where she was told that Anzaldua’s stubborn tongue must be controlled. The doctor’s words seem to frustrate her and she starts to think of ways to manage a wild mouth. However, the dentist did not notice her accent. Anzaldua’s anecdotes appeal to the emotions of people, helping them understand how this oppression can be emotionally devastating. Anzaldua 39. She feels like she doesn’t have the ability to accept her language as legitimate until she does. She simply wants her audience respect Chicano Spanish, and to feel comfortable with their own culture and language. She doesn’t want to be ashamed of being alive.
Anzaldua states that Spanish speakers feel reprimanded when they speak Spanish. However, many Spanish speakers also accuse Spanish speakers of “speaking an oppressor’s dialect” when they speak English. She discusses the pressures that she felt from both sides. Anzaldua discusses the criticisms she’s faced using Chicano Spanish. Chicano Spanish is considered a “border-language that naturally developed” and many Latinos (35) consider Chicano Spanish a “mutilation or Spanish.”
“How to Tame a Wild Tongue”, overall, has provided me with a lot more insight into a world of suffering than I would have if I hadn’t read Anzaldua first-hand accounts. She relates her Chicano experience and the hardships she had to endure over the years. Language is an important element in identity construction. It is a way to communicate and interact with others and helps create unity. There are many languages in the world. Therefore, each person should be able to appreciate their own dialect. It is crucial that people learn how to get along with one another. Multiculturalism can be a boon for any nation. The author dealt effectively with the themes of racism.