"I had to decide to forget Spanish when I began my education. To succeed in the classroom, I needed psychologically to sever my ties with Spanish."
This excerpt from "Going Home Again" shows how different some people are from others. The author says he "decides to forget Spanish" rather than to embrace the heritage and background that truly adds to their personality and their lives. Personally, I acknowledge and continue to use my Brazilian background. It is more difficult to learn other languages already knowing English and Portuguese but it also helps. I have never had to "sever my ties" to a major part of my life. I believe the writer should embrace their Spanish and incorporate it into their education. Knowing a different language is something that one should be proud of and not try to hide from others. There is a reason why college applications, job applications, etc. ask their possible employees if they know other languages. I'm sure it was difficult for the author to learn another language while being accustomed to Spanish but it also was a phase of life that they have to experience that grew them as a person and prepared them for other adversities.
I took the same quote, and I think you're completely right. I also grew up talking another language and I don't even think about forgetting about my language or my culture because this is part of what I am. I think that knowing another language very well helps you in many ways, either if it is for a job or traveling or anything else!
ReplyDeleteI am going to agree with everyone on the point that there is no need to sever cultural and linguistic ties just because you decide to further your education. Our past is something we should generally be proud of and definitely not something to forget once we grow a bit older. The more we know can only help us.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this article and I envy people who are able to break the language barrier. I don't see how knowing another language can do anything but help you as a person. I also believe keeping your heritage in a foreign land makes you unique and of greater value to the country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point how we should not sever our cultural ties. Not only should one embrace their heritage, but by knowing 2 languages, one gains many benefits inside and outside of the classroom. Everyone should embrace their heritage because that is what defines that individual. Without your heritage, what defines who you are? The amount of opportunities gained from just knowing 2 languages is endless. So on the contrary, if you want to succeed in the classroom, do not sever your ties with Spanish or any other language you may know.
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