Talking Points #2

“Aria” by Richard Rodriguez

Premise:
Confusion
Bilingualism
Two different worlds
English vs. Spanish
Family
Private individuality vs. public individuality
Uneasiness
Shyness
Language in the classroom vs. language in the home
Barriers

Author’s Argument: Rodriguez argues that learning a language not used in the home ultimately leads to a falling out of families.

Evidence:

1.) “I did not realize that they were talking in Spanish however until, at the moment they saw me I heard their voices change to speak English. Those gringo sounds they uttered startled me. Pushed me away.”

2.) “In an instant, they agreed to give up the language (the sounds) that had revealed and accentuated our family’s closeness.”

3.) “My mother and father, for their part, responded differently, as their children spoke to them less. She grew restless, seemed troubled and anxious at the scarcity of words exchanged in the house.”

Questions/Comments/Points to Share: Although I understand what the article is about, I don’t know if I fully understand where Rodriguez stands on the situation. I feel as though he talks about his family so much because of the barrier that was formed when the children learned English and the parents had to adapt because it was for the well-being of their children to have English as a first language. I feel like he was proud of himself when learning English and feeling more comfortable in an environment that wasn’t home, but I don’t know if that changed his argument or if that was just another point that he made. I’m confused, but overall it was interesting to read.