¶ … Tame a Wild Tongue
Language and Identity in Anzaldua How to Tame a Wild Tongue
How to Tame a Wild Tongue is a fascinating internal expose of the evolution and development of language among immigrants of Spanish linguistic heritage. Gloria Anzaldua recognizes herself as a "blended" individual who speaks and contributes to a myriad of native and blended languages that are all varied and regionally expressive of both native Mexican and other "Chicano" immigrants as well as many of this heritage which were born in the U.S. To new immigrants or second generation immigrants to the U.S. Or even some who were isolated linguistically from their mother tongue by political borders. The work is powerful and expressive; it also lends itself to an internalized (externalized) idea of self. Anzaldua specifically discusses the cultural connections and disconnections that are created by language and its evolution and also addresses issues of internal social strife associated with the political and social expression of language, even among people of similar heritage.
Anzaldua discusses the variation of her own language describing no less than eight "languages," all of which she considers distinct and all examples of the heterogeneity of Chicanos and Chicanas. "1. Classic English, 2. Working Class and Slang English, 3. Standard Spanish, 4. Standard Mexican Spanish, 5. North Mexican Spanish Dialect, 6. Chicano Spanish (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California have regional variations) 7. Tex-Mex, 8. Pachuco (called Cal6). (pp.2948-2949) To her all these "languages" are a natural part of her own history, all were learned in social interactions among varied groups or individuals and Anzaldua stresses that she, being an second (possibly 3rd or 4th) generation immigrant from the Texas era most often self-identifies with Tex-Mex, which to her is "Spanglish" and amalgamation of Spanish and English that is distinct to the Texas region. For her when she is most relaxed and in the company of others from this area and with this heritage this dialect is the most comfortable. Yet, she also notes that in all of her social and professional experiences she has felt some pressure to conform to the dominant, respected language, whether that is Pachuco (Street slang) or Chicano Spanish (regional to mainly California, but charged with the political ideation of the Chicano inspired aspects of the civil rights movement. All of the various, "languages" of Anzaldua's heritage come together to form her identity. In an excert from the work in literary ciritcizm one researcher describes Anzaldua's identity as one that is specifically tied to her expression of living on the borderland in both thought and reality:
"So, if you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language. Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity. I am my language." Her language is a mix of languages. Her identity is a mix of identities. Many of us feel that we are on "the borders" of things, in one way or another, which explains, in part, the appeal of Anzaldua's book to so many audiences. (Fought, 2008, para 1)
Fought, stresses that many individuals in the U.S. And elsewhere, and especially those who are members of a disenfranchised group feel as if they are always living on the borderlands, between one culture and another, seeking acceptance in each, many through language.
Anzaldua begins with a discussion of how she grew up with pressure from family to conform to English only standards, standards that were not acceptable to her but were nonetheless a part of growing up and "succeeding" in the American culture. Anzaldua remembers distinct expressions by elder family members and teachers in school regarding the need to speak English without an accent, never to speak Spanish and most importantly never to blend the two together. This demand echoes in her mind as she reflects on self-identity and demonstrative social experience surrounding language, with those who challenged her academically for her desire to teach...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now