How does Tan convey a central idea in the excerpt …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from “Mother Tongue.” Lately, I√¢¬Ä¬ôve been giving more thought to the kind of English my mother speaks. Like others, I have described it to people as √¢¬Ä¬úbroken√¢¬Ä¬ù or √¢¬Ä¬úfractured√¢¬Ä¬ù English. But I wince when I say that. It has always bothered me that I can think of no other way to describe it other than √¢¬Ä¬úbroken,√¢¬Ä¬ù as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness. How does Tan build a central idea of her story in the excerpt? Tan discusses her thoughts about language to build the idea that the English language does not have words to match some Chinese terms. Tan discusses her relationship with her mother to build the idea that mothers and daughters in all cultures often have misunderstandings. Tan discusses her mother√¢¬Ä¬ôs use of English to build the idea that a form of language can be purposeful and meaningful even if it is nonstandard. Tan discusses the English language to build the idea that there is a lack of appropriate synonyms for the word √¢¬Ä¬úbroken.√¢¬Ä¬ù

Short Answer

Tan argues that language doesn’t need to adhere to standard rules to be meaningful, challenging the idea of “proper” language and emphasizing the value of nonstandard communication. She reflects on her guilt for labeling her mother’s English as “broken,” recognizing that effective communication is not defined by grammatical precision but by the ability to convey ideas and emotions.

Step-by-Step Solution

Understanding Tan’s Argument about Language

Tan explores the significance of her mother’s use of English to illustrate that language does not have to conform to standard rules to convey meaning. This argument challenges the notion of what defines “proper” language and emphasizes the value in nonstandard forms of communication.

Context of Guilt and Recognition

Tan expresses a sense of guilt for referring to her mother’s English as “broken” or “fractured.” This feeling signifies her acknowledgment of the emotional weight that accompanies language and the importance of recognizing that her mother’s nonstandard English effectively communicates ideas and emotions.

Central Idea of Purposeful Communication

Through this narrative, Tan constructs the central idea that effective communication does not rely solely on grammatical precision. She highlights that language is about conveying meaning and purpose, which can be achieved in various forms, demonstrating that understanding and connection can thrive in imperfect speech.

Related Concepts

Language

The system of communication used by a particular community or country, encompassing spoken, written, or signed forms and their grammatical and syntactical rules

Nonstandard English

Forms of english that do not conform to traditional grammar and usage rules, often reflecting cultural or regional dialects and personal styles of speaking

Effective Communication

The ability to convey information and ideas in a way that is understood by others, regardless of the grammatical precision or standardization of the language used.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Lately, I’ve been giving more thought to the kind of English my mother speaks. Like others, I have described it to people as “broken” or “fractured” English. But I wince when I say that. It has always bothered me that I can think of no other way to describe it other than “broken,” as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness. How does Tan build a central idea of her story in the excerpt? Tan discusses her thoughts about language to build the idea that the English language does not have words to match some Chinese terms. Tan discusses her relationship with her mother to build the idea that mothers and daughters in all cultures often have misunderstandings. Tan discusses her mother’s use of English to build the idea that a form of language can be purposeful and meaningful even if it is nonstandard. Tan discusses the English language to build the idea that there is a lack of appropriate synonyms for the word “broken.”

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