"How to Tame a Wild Tongue" - Discussion

Question 1

SOAPSTONE

Answer 1

• S: Anzaldua, militant, challenger, student of language
• O: years of experience w/ language
• A: opponents/people who challenge validity between culture/language
• P: argue the importance of language on identity
• S: (pathos) EPL; mixture language, lots of experience (anecdotes) bolded
• TONE: spirited, confrontational

Question 2

focus: tools for writing about sensitive subjects

Answer 2

• use concrete examples (anecdotes) - in your own argument when appropriate
• confrontation: Anzaldua thrusts “foreign” language in the midst of her writing, giving a feel for what it is like for a non-native speaker
• textual features can sometimes be effective tools (boldface, italics, underlines, etc.) in your arguments

Question 3

step 1

Answer 3

Anzaldua

Question 4

step 2

Answer 4

juxtaposes

Question 5

step 3

Answer 5

english and spanish anecdotes and language

Question 6

step 4

Answer 6

to emphasize her “blended” culture, and establish herself as a knowledgeable source

Question 7

claim: the author uses figurative language to establish the perseverance of her language despite so many obstacles

Answer 7

• there are a lot of spanish terms sprinkled terms throughout the writing for a reason
• Gloria Anzaldua

Question 8

the author uses __________

Answer 8

figurative language

Question 9

note

Answer 9

• to display the pride she feels for her, often maligned, heritage
• Anzaldua
• establish the perseverance of her language despite so many obstacles
• “Spanish speakers comprise biggest minority” “English… be the mother tongue of… Chicanos”
• “my serpent’s tongue” “I will overcome”