"Mother Tongue" - Tan by Tammi L Fritz https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8 Discuss your perception of Tan's relationship with her mother - how language affects that and how Tan herself sees it. THEN connect your perception to Tan's overall main idea for this essay. Use textual evidence to support your claims. en-us 2017-07-19 20:40:37 UTC 2025-10-04 10:23:27 UTC hello@padlet.com Mrs. Fritz tfritz2 https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/179067823 Be sure you're following the directions you see on the G.C. stream.]]> 2017-07-19 20:44:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/179067823 Bonnie Fischer https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/179967327 I see the relationship between Tan and her mother as difficult, to say the least. I would even go as far as to say that it is bordering unhealthy. Throughout Tan's life, she has been put in difficult situations because of the wall language builds, which causes her mother to depend on her a little too much. This situation is very complex because while it has "[limited her] possibilities in life", Tan's mother is unable to help her "broken English". This put strain on their relationship, because Tan was "ashamed of her English" and "[her] mother's limited English limited [Tan's] perception of her". This exposes that while Tan feels sympathy for her mother's limited ability to communicate, there is also some hidden resentment, which we can see in the main idea of the essay. The primary idea we see throughout is the exploration of "all the Englishes [Tan] grew up with". She explores the limitations and their effects of language in her life and her mother's, and how that has affected their relationship.]]> 2017-08-02 17:33:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/179967327 Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180075086 My perception of the mother daughter relationship Is switched. Tan feels embarrassed by the way she can express English language in a way she can't express the language her Chinese lineage has. To her mom the English language she spoke to her would be described as "broken" . As for Tan, her translation of her mothers Chinese language seems "watered down" to her. These two words make me believe that their relationship is difficult with understanding eachother internally and externally. I believe the main idea is their envy in this essay on both sides of the relationship. 

]]> 2017-08-03 21:17:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180075086 Chloe Barham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180080694 Tan's relationship with her mother had not been the best in the past and this was due to Tan being "ashamed of her English". Tan felt embarrassed by the state of her mother's English, thinking because it was not perfect, "her thoughts were imperfect" as well. This line of thought was backed by the fact that "people in department stores, at banks, and at restaurants did not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if they did not hear her". Tan's understanding of her mother was limited by her perception of her language, which ties into the main idea of the essay: understanding. Tan makes a point of how differently people treated her compared to her mother whenever hearing them speak, an example being an incident with a hospital, that, when speaking with Tan's mother, "did not apologize when they said they had lost the CAT scan and she had come for nothing". When speaking with Tan herself, however, a doctor of the hospital apologized "for any suffering... [her] mother had gone through for a most regrettable mistake". This occurrence proves how often people tend to judge an entire person by a very small part of them, such as how "well-spoken" they are, and how their resulting treatment of that person is affected by that. Tan's main point is to go against such thinking, by relating that notion to her own life, and how much she changed once she realized who her mother really was. Tan's change at the end of the essay, when she "knew... [she] succeeded where it counted" after receiving a positive verdict from her mother regarding her book probably affecting her more than a positive review from a professional publisher, reflects how she wishes other's to perceive people such as her mother (those who do not have the "mastering" of English many expect); by looking at them and who they are, not at their English. ]]> 2017-08-03 22:49:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180080694 Chloe Barham@ Bonnie Fischer https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180082786 While your interpretation of Tan's relationship with her mother is interesting and has its backing, I don't quite believe that Tan holds as much resentment and anger towards her mother as implied in this response. I think that if she ever had any such anger,  it had died down with her realization that her mother's English didn't define her personality. Though, I do think that the language barrier did initially distance Tan's relationship with her mother.]]> 2017-08-03 23:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180082786 Chloe Barham@ Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180085123 I don't think that Tan's misunderstanding of her mother comes from her not being able to decipher what her mother is saying, but rather from her believing what she is saying is how she thinks, how she is. Tan understands her mother's speech, it is her "mother tongue", after all, but she isn't able to understand her mother, though, this is because she can't see past the way she talks, not because she can't figure out what she's saying.]]> 2017-08-04 00:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180085123 Chase Frow https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180092250 As a child of a native Chinese speaking woman, Amy Tan was ashamed and embarrassed of her mother’s “broken” English. Amy grew up learning proper English; consequently, she greatly surpassed her mother’s ability to speak the language. Their relationship was unwholesome because Amy felt that her “mother’s ‘limited’ English limited [her] perception” of her mother. Since her mother spoke “imperfectly,” Amy believed that “her thoughts were imperfect.” This reflects how powerful language can be in influencing one’s perception of another and how the lack of effective communication can hinder a relationship. The language barrier also reversed the mother-daughter relationship; rather than Amy depending on her mother to take care of difficulties, she often felt responsible for her mother’s problems. Because Amy spoke fluent English, her mother would have her “call people on the phone” and “ask for information or even to complain and yell at people who had been rude.” As Amy became older, she learned to accept her mother’s “broken” English and even described it as their own “language of intimacy.” This mode of communication became emotionally dear to Amy and through it she could see her mother’s “intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech, and the nature of her thoughts.” Throughout this essay, Amy conveys her main idea of the power of language and how it can hinder or strengthen a relationship. Although Amy believed her mother limited her perception, Amy made no effort to see her mother’s meaning.
Understanding or attempting to understand one’s words is what gives language its power. 
]]> 2017-08-04 01:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180092250 Deanna Burton https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180235473 I see Tans relationship with her mother as intimate. She can relate her mother to others in a way we can understand without hesitation. Tan writes about the way our world does not take those who are different from them serious. Tan is not oblivious to the treatment her mother receives, for this is why she would make calls saying "this is Mrs. Tan." She would "translate" her mothers "flawed words" into "perfection." I believe Tan sees her "mother tongue" as perfect, but knows others do not understand it's importance. To her she describes it as "vivid, direct and full of observation," but to those not connected to her mother find it comical, in conclusion this infuriates Tan. The main Idea of the essay "Mother Tongue" is to reveal to the reader that no matter what you sound like when you speak in English, you are intelligent and full of greatness. Tan explains this using the example of her mother. She writes about the doctor and how her mother did not "sound intelligent," because of her "broken English," so things would not get done. "Lo and behold --" when Tan called the hospital the CAT scan "would be found," although her mother was smart and educated, professionals could not see past the sound traveling into their ears. This never stumped Tan nor her mother in school, jobs or even other relationships. ]]> 2017-08-07 04:07:03 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180235473 Deanna Burton@ Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180406810 When I read this essay I do not think that Tan and her mother are envious of each other. I believe they have an understanding and a certain relationship they can understand because of the "mother tongue" the two of them share. Also when she talks of her mothers language "watered down" I read this thinking others thought that of  her mother. This is why she would "call people on the phone and yell at them because they were rude."  And the way Tan's mother talks to her is the same way Tan talks to her husband. ]]> 2017-08-08 19:28:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180406810 Deanna Burton@ Chloe Barham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180407780 I agree that the main idea of "Mother Tongue" is how people judge a person because of the way they speak. I also believe that by the end of the essay Tan begins to have a revelation of her mother and a appreciation for her language, and how it did not matter how she sounded "she was still intelligent" without speaking "perfect English."]]> 2017-08-08 19:39:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180407780 Chase Frow @ Deanna Burton https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180507742 I agree that Tan’s matured relationship with her mother is intimate, but they weren’t always close. As a child, Amy was ashamed of her mother’s english and believed her “mother’s ‘limited’ English limited [her] perception” in the relationship. It wasn’t until Amy saw past the “broken” English and attempted to understand her mother that she accepted this “mother tongue” as a “language of intimacy.” I also agree with your main idea; we shouldn’t be judged by how we sound but rather by what we mean.

]]> 2017-08-09 17:25:04 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180507742 Andrew McIntosh https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180529960 Tans has had a complex relationship with her mother as she has grown and matured. She has a relationship with her mother that would be difficult for another person to have due to her mother's "broken English." She is very close to her mother acting as her voice in many situations in order to communicate more efficiently. She was however slightly embarrassed that her mother couldn't speak English well. She was "ashamed" of her mothers English because she incorrectly believed that your ability to convey what you want to say "effected the quality" of what was said. This leads into her main idea of how people are treated differently and without the dignity and respect that one would receive if they were a native speaker. Her mother was not treated with the respect she deserved, with some people even acting "as if they did not hear her" when she spoke. People seemed to look down on her mother and not treat her as an adult because she could not communicate with them as well has another adult of the same language could. ]]> 2017-08-09 21:01:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180529960 Andrew McIntosh @ Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180533316 I don't believe that envy would be the right word for their relationship, I think their relationship was just strained due to a language barrier between her mother and the people round them, making Tans more of a tool than a daughter and loved one. However you make a very good point of how her mother could express all of her thoughts and feelings, just not in English  ]]> 2017-08-09 21:46:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180533316 Andrew McIntosh @ Bonnie Fischer https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180535081 I agree with the statement that Tans is unable to help her mother in speaking better English, I disagree that she is resentful over her mom's disability. I feel that she is more irritated about how others are treating her mom than her inability to speak English ]]> 2017-08-09 22:10:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180535081 Katelyn Penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180657886 I would say that Tan and her mothers relationship could be both proud of who her mother is but at the same time she doesn't agree with her "broken english" and she is kinda ashamed of it. She would be proud of the english her mom uses in my opinion because it was the "language [she] grew up with" and it reminds her of her family. While at the same time, she is ashamed of it because her mom can't talk professionally to other adults and even though her mom "realized the limitations". The relationship between them makes the main idea of the essay more a overall view of how we see different things and how we see the perspective of the situtaion. ]]> 2017-08-10 20:05:00 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180657886 Katelyn Penn @ Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180658712 I don't agree with you with your main idea, I don't think that neither the mom or Tan envy each other because they both help each other in there own ways. The way the mom talks is how Tan and the rest of the family learned to talk and I wouldn't be envious how my family talked if I were in Tans position. ]]> 2017-08-10 20:16:38 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180658712 Katelyn Penn @ Deanna Burton https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180659178 I agree with you and understand where you are coming from. I like how you connected it to how the world would see her vs how her family and everyone that is close to her sees her. ]]> 2017-08-10 20:23:41 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180659178 Bonnie Fischer @ Katelyn Penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180660445 I agree that Tan is ashamed of her mother's English, as she is only human and can not help her embarrassment.]]> 2017-08-10 20:40:23 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180660445 Bonnie Fischer @ Deanna Burton https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180660564 I agree that Tan is very aware of how her mother is treated, but I disagree that their relationship is intimate, especially when Tan was growing up. She was embarrassed and ashamed, and due to this, often translated more softly than her mother wished.]]> 2017-08-10 20:42:20 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180660564 Kapri Bigham 19bighamkapri https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180788714 Tan's relationship with her mom is dependable, her mother knows that she can count on her daughter when her "broken english" is failing her which was proven when her mom "wouldn't leave until they called her daughter." The relationship was in fact made stronger because her mother's english wasn't up to par with her own. Tan would speak "a different kind of english" to her mother to accommodate. They shared a special bond in which they could understand each other like no one else could. When Tan had to translate her mothers heated words into professional thoughts she appeared equipped handle it seamlessly. Throughout Tan's own inner struggle with feeling slight animosity, thinking that her mother's "watered down" english may be holding her back, she still proved to be dependable. She later realized that her mother in fact was not holding her back, but was fueling her interest in the english language. This leads into Tan's main idea that there is nothing stronger than the bond between a mother and a daughter. ]]> 2017-08-12 00:17:07 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180788714 Kapri Bigham@ Kaitlyn Lard 19bighamkapri https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180789233 I dont agree that Tan and her mother had difficulty understanding each other, since she was able to seamlessly translate her mothers english into something more understandable. Also the fact that she felt proud when her mother said her book was "easy to read" proves that their relationship wasn't strained. ]]> 2017-08-12 00:42:55 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180789233 Kapri Bigham@ Andrew McIntosh 19bighamkapri https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180789408 I agree that Tan has a complex relationship, since sometimes she acts as her mother interpreter. She turns her mothers not as understandable thoughts into something professional like when she took the business call for her mother. I also agree that her mother was not treated with the respect she deserved. ]]> 2017-08-12 00:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180789408 Haley Phelan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791198 Tan and her mother are extremely close. Her mother almost treats her in more of an equal-equal way instead of adult-child. Her mother asks for her to take important business calls for her in order to fool the person calling into thinking of her as more intelligent. Also, later Tan asks her mother to read the first drafts of her novels. At the same time, Tan is in a state of awe for her mother; she captures "her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and the nature of her thoughts." In the beginning, she writes stories about the sort of barrier that forms between her and her mother because she is embarrassed by her mother's speech, but later this barrier crumbles as she looks further and realizes why her mother speaks this way and how it affects her too. This now makes Tan and her mother more intimate as they share this sort of "different English" which leads to Tan to take great joy in the different tongues spoken between different people. This leads to the main idea of how you should appreciate all the oddities of each person you love in the same way that Tan no longer hates and blames her mother's "broken English" for some of her failures.]]> 2017-08-12 02:07:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791198 Haley Phelan @Andrew McIntosh https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791682 I agree wholeheartedly. I thought it was very interesting how Tan acted as a sort of translator between the "different Englishes" from the "broken English" of her mother to the proper English of the person on the phone. ]]> 2017-08-12 02:29:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791682 Haley Phelan @Kapri Bigham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791785 I agree and I think the reason at this point that she was easily adapted to seamlessly switch between the different tongues is because at this point she is a young woman and she has done so for many years now. ]]> 2017-08-12 02:34:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791785 Emilee Cunningham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791857 I feel like the relationship between Tan and her mother is more dependable than independent. In social situations, Tan's mother depends on her to help her express herself through the english language. Tan's mothers way of english is referred to as "broken", mainly because it is so difficult for others to understand and put together. Because of the mothers "broken" form of english, her relationship with her daughter is almost flipped. Instead of Tan depending on her mother in social situations, the mother depends on Tan. I think the main idea for this essay was to convey that even if english isn't ones first language, they should try and understand and talk in a form of english that is understandable for the sake of others, and family members. ]]> 2017-08-12 02:36:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180791857 Emilee Cunningham @Andrew Mcintosh https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180792123 I agree with you on the fact that she acted as her mothers voice in man situations, however I do not agree on the fact that she was "ashamed" of her mother. Tan did not act as if she resented her moms broken english, she had just hoped it would improve so the mother wouldn't be so dependent on her. ]]> 2017-08-12 02:46:42 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180792123 Chase Frow @ Emilee Cunningham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180810851 There was definitely dependence in Tan’s relationship with her mother. Since Tan spoke “perfect English,” she had to “call people on the phone” for her mother; I agree that this flipped the roles in the mother-daughter relationship. I also agree that the main idea is about understanding one’s words. Although Tan’s mother wasn’t well spoken, it doesn’t mean that her words were meaningless.]]> 2017-08-12 19:16:50 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180810851 Kaitlyn Lard @ Katelyn penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180813688 I agree that tan is embarrassed that her mom can't speak professionally. I also agree with the main idea is seeing people's different point of views ]]> 2017-08-12 21:44:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180813688 Kaitlyn Lard @ Kapri Bigham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180813830 I agree that the mother is dependent on tan when it comes to her "broken English" ]]> 2017-08-12 21:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180813830 Ashley Morgan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821108 I believe that in the very beginning Tan and her mother had a lot of struggles because Tan viewed her mothers way of talking as if it were "broken." Another obstacle that I believe came in between them was that because at times Tan had to take over the "mother role." What I mean by this is that Tan had to call the people for her mother just so that she could get what she wanted. An example of this is when her mother went to the hospital and couldn't get them to work with her so she had to have Tan come up and sort out the problems. I think that their relationship started to grow and get better once Tan started seeing it as their "intimate language" rather than her mothers "broken language." I believe that this change in Tan's perspective completely turned around their relationship and actually allowed them to connect on a mother daughter relationship. You can see the change in the relationship from how she starts off the essay by saying, "I was ashamed of her English." Tan later goes on to tell us that she basically wrote her book "The Joy Luck Club" so that her mother could understand it and then finishes her essay by saying, "I knew I had succeeded where it counted when my mother finished reading my book and gave me her verdict: "So easy to read."" Although I believe that Tan and her mother did struggle because of the roles that Tan had to play, they were always very close because of this, and this also helped them be able to make it through this and acknowledge their own language without having any shame. I believe that Tan wrote this essay to show the reader to not be embarrassed of what you come from. My reason for thinking this is that the entire essay Tan takes the time to explain to the reader how everything became better when she acknowledged their version of the English language as their "intimate language," and when Tan did this, she was able to truly accept where and who she came from. ]]> 2017-08-13 04:12:03 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821108 Ashley Morgan @ Emilee Cunningham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821278 I agree completely that the roles in the relationship are reversed because Tan's mother has to rely on her in some situations but I disagree with what you said is the main point. I do agree that this is important but I believe that here Tan is trying to show the reader that they need to accept who they are and not just try to change to fit the standards of how the world thinks they should be speaking English. ]]> 2017-08-13 04:22:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821278 Ashley Morgan @ Kapri Bigham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821306 I agree about their relationship and I also agree about the main point. I did not see this in the essay at first but after reading yours I do. I also believe that along with her saying that the connection is important I believe that she is trying to show the reader that it is okay to be proud of where you came from. ]]> 2017-08-13 04:25:06 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180821306 Jadynn Lueb https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822558 The relationship between Tan and her mother is strong. Unlike most people Tan is her mothers voice because, "they understood none of it," making both of their lives different. Tan has to be the one that is more relied on due to her mother speaking "broken English" and in some cases their roles are flipped. The relationship they have with each other is special and helps them to bond on a different level.]]> 2017-08-13 05:56:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822558 Jadynn Lueb @ Kapri Bingham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822740 I agree that Tan's mother can rely on her to help when she is in need of help speaking in public. ]]> 2017-08-13 06:07:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822740 Jadynn Lueb @ Katelyn Penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822761 I agree that Tan has a little bit of an ashamed feeling towards her moms incapability to speak English. ]]> 2017-08-13 06:09:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180822761 Ryan Brue https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840096 I see Tan’s relationship with her mother as loving but also very necessary for her mom. Her mom speaks this “broken” english that makes her get taken advantage of and not taken seriously, as if her thoughts are the same as the words she puts out. This is an example Tan uses in her full idea that Asian Americans are pushed more towards math rather than english because of this home life where their parents speak broken english, therefore creating a pattern of pushing Asian Americans towards engineering jobs rather than something in literature or language. Her main idea implies that these people with broken english have the same quality of thought as a normal english speaking person, and that, while expressing it in words might be harder for the former, it reveals how much effort they put into trying.]]> 2017-08-13 18:52:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840096 Ryan Brue @ Jadynn Lueb https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840193 Well said, the bond between her and her mother is indeed strong. For so long the mother was reliant on her daughter for help with speaking clear english to those who attempted to take advantage of her because she could not convey the correct words to fight back. The daughter decided to try writing a book in the same kind of broken english her mother used to prove that speaking broken english does not mean you have inferior thoughts to those who speak perfect english.]]> 2017-08-13 18:56:05 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840193 Ryan Brue @ Katelyn Penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840300 Tan and her mom need each other, as her mom also helped Tan realize a problem regarding Asian Americans and education, how they are pushed towards Math and Science rather than English because of their parent’s english skills being lackluster. All of this well said!]]> 2017-08-13 19:00:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180840300 Taylor McCaslin https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841022 I believe that Tan has an extremely close relationship with her mother. While the differences between the many "Englishes" Tan spoke and the "broken" or "fractured" English her mother speaks might have made life difficult for them both, I feel as if this has only strengthened the bond between the two. Although she grew up with her mother's limited English and had trouble with English as a child, Tan chose to prove people wrong and teach those around her a different lesson. Tan's main idea seems to be that all people, regardless of their language prowess, deserve to be shown the same respect because each person is capable of thought and expressing themselves. Lack of grammatical perfection and jumbled words are not equivalent to stupidity and certainly don't give others permission to look down on anyone.]]> 2017-08-13 19:31:43 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841022 Taylor McCaslin @ Katelyn Penn https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841373 While I agree that Tan was once ashamed of her mother's "broken English," I don't think that she still carries that feeling with her. As she has grown it seems to appear that she's learned from her mother's English and had instead replaced her embarrassment with pride -as you said at the beginning. I do, however, agree completely with your interpretation of the main idea.]]> 2017-08-13 19:46:12 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841373 Taylor McCaslin @ Ashley Morgan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841530 I agree that both Tan and her mother had to face obstacles, but I don't necessarily think that Tan had to take on the mother role to help her mother get what she wanted. Tan was forced to speak on the phone with the hospital because they wouldn't take her mother seriously and refused to try to find the CAT Scan results, which is something that she needed. If anyone had a brain tumor, it could have possibly meant death. ]]> 2017-08-13 19:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180841530 My Doan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180842166 The relationship that Tan has with her mother is a boundless one. While Tan has shown past embarrassment due to her mother's "broken" English, there has never been any complications in their relationship for said reason. In fact, her mother's communication barriers have only strengthened their relationship through the use of their special English, "[their] language of intimacy." This use of their "different sort of English" proves that children can flexibly adjust themselves to their parents to be able to communicate and understand easily. As Tan has matured, she does not view her mother's English as "limited" nor as a barrier but as a gateway for her to "shape the way she saw things" and "[make] sense of the world." Tan's main idea in writing "Mother Tongue" is to portray how language barriers do not restrict the relationship between people unless they chose to turn it into a restriction. Like the hospital that claimed to have "lost the CAT scan" due to her mother's English, there are many others that will discriminate without realizing that English does not make up one's intelligence; however, people can still make the decision to appreciate the efforts that those whose mother tongue is not English put into their everyday speech.]]> 2017-08-13 20:15:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180842166 My Doan @ Chase Frow https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180843673 Although I agree that the relationship Amy had with her mother was previously unwholesome, I do not believe that it stayed that way through the years. As someone who also grows up around family that doesn't speak perfect English, I have come to realize (as I'm sure Amy did too) that despite their imperfect English, our parents understand much, MUCH more than we like to believe. That realization helps people like us see that our parents thoughts are not imperfect; they're just worded differently than our own.]]> 2017-08-13 21:03:06 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180843673 My Doan @ Emilee Cunningham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180843923 I don't believe that the main idea in Tan's essay was to convey that imperfect English speakers should try to talk in a was that is easier for others around them to understand. Many "limited" English speakers realize that their English is difficult to understand and have already put in as much effort as they can, but due to circumstances like the reversed grammar in Asian languages that people like Tan's mother has grown accustomed to, it's difficult for them to make the switch. I feel like the main idea is for the environment and community around them to adjust to understand those people better.]]> 2017-08-13 21:09:45 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180843923 Sheyla Pigman 19pigmansheyla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180849975 Tans relationship with her mother is a normal mother daughter relationship, both sides are happy and of course a couple of barriers. Tans relationship with her mother was "ashamed of her English", which most will call 'broken English'. Tan's of experience in English is influenced by years of schooling and college education in English and Literature majors despite the "disapproving assumptions" that she was given. The main idea for this essay is that there is no right English. There is the out of book English and then there is English everyone uses every day. From the slang to the small phrases we use every day- English can bend at the speakers choosing, rather than be given a set of rules to speak it.]]> 2017-08-13 23:22:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180849975 Sheyla @ Tan 19pigmansheyla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180857639 I agree with your point. Even reading this you made points that I didn't even know existed- Tan has come by major obstacles, and her relationship with her mother is indeed close.]]> 2017-08-14 00:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180857639 Sheyla Pigman @ My 19pigmansheyla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180857944 From my experience with 'broken English', I agree with you. It is no easy feat to speak another language. Language should not constrict like you said, but rather bring people together.]]> 2017-08-14 00:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180857944 Christian Hurd https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180859957 Tan has a very special, intimate bond with her mother. This relationship is founded on and strengthened by this "special English" the two communicate with. Early on, Tan saw this English as a crutch, an inconvenience, and even "was ashamed of her English"; however, as Tan matured, she discovered that this special language only serves to bring the two closer together. Furthermore,  it serves as "a different sort of English that" not only "relates to family talk," but also can be used to convey ideas in an entirely different fashion. In the same way, many English-speakers have their own unique ways of speaking English. These different ways of speaking English can be used to reach different audiences, convey different emotions, and most importantly, bring people closer together through their own "language of intimacy."]]> 2017-08-14 01:26:15 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180859957 Christian Hurd @ Sheyla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180861094 I disagree with the idea that Tan and her mother share a "normal" mother/daughter relationship. Their relationship is much more complex- their special English has given them a much closer bond and their "barriers" have only served to further strengthen this bond.]]> 2017-08-14 01:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180861094 Christian Hurd @ Andrew https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180861500 I agree that too often people with "broken" dialects are not treated with the same respect and tolerance as native speakers. It is unfair that people would "not treat her as an adult" simply because she spoke differently. ]]> 2017-08-14 01:45:54 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180861500 Sophia Britto https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180936038 I perceived Tan's relationship with her mother as very close due to the language barrier her mother has. It seems that Tan acts as a translator for her mother frequently given that she is able to understand "the language [she] grew up with" as if it is "perfectly clear, perfectly natural." It drew them closer together because it is "a different sort of English" most people are used to; conversely, I also feel like Tan also had a very difficult relationship with her mother when she was younger because of her "limited English." Even Tan admits that due to the "standard English" she was surrounded by, it "limited her perception of her" mother until she matured to who she is today. The main idea of "Mother Tongue" is to address the "English language and its variations" between different people. Tan's writing emphasizes how "different Englishes" or any "language of intimacy" can act as a barrier or a bond between people.]]> 2017-08-14 15:25:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180936038 Emilee Cunningham @Kaitlyn Lard https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180957930 I do agree with you on the fact that the mother daughter relationship is flipped between Tan and her mother, however I do not agree with the fact that they envy each other.]]> 2017-08-14 17:35:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180957930 Sophia Britto @ Ashley Morgan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180961998 I agree with you but I don't think taking over phone calls necessarily meant that she was the mother in the relationship; however, it could definitely take away respect in a relationship.]]> 2017-08-14 17:59:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180961998 Sophia Britto @ Christian Hurd https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180963350 I agree with you, and you bring up interesting points too. There's so much slang and multiple meanings to words these days that someone from Texas can sound like they're speaking another language to someone in California.]]> 2017-08-14 18:06:01 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180963350 Hannah Brunson https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974229 I believe Tan has a strong relationship with her mother, even though they have some troubling times. Her mother’s english is “limited” as she uses in her essay, so she learns to speak it different ways, one way for her mother and the other for important business stuff, English to her is a variety of “tongues” since we all speak it a different way. Later on she says she wants to “ Capture what language ability tests can never reveal: her intent, her passion,her imagery, the rhythms of her speech, and the nature of her thoughts.” Leading to show that language isn’t really that big of a deal from the way she thought of it when she was younger.
I believe the main idea of the essay is equal rights, when her mother wasn’t able to speak english correctly she was looked down on by other people around her, sometimes “ acted as if they did not hear her.” In my opinion we all have problems, some more difficult than others, but people should show kindness to those around others no matter what.

]]> 2017-08-14 19:10:15 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974229 Hannah Brunson@ My Doan https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974331 I love the way you worded your answer, also I agree with you on how it strengthen their relationship with one another, although I had never experienced it, I heard much about the impact it can do with relationships with others.  ]]> 2017-08-14 19:11:04 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974331 Hannah Brunson@ Christian Hurd https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974437 I completely agree with you that people have their own way of speaking and that can bring people together, we’re all different and that can give others a glimpse of other people’s culture.

]]> 2017-08-14 19:11:42 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180974437 Andy Hagins https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180976794 I think that Tan was mostly embarrassed of her mother when she was younger, but she was proud of her as she got older. Tan explains that she would have to call people on the phone and pretend to be her mom so people would clearly understand what she was saying. She was "forced to ask for information or even to complain and yell at people who had been rude to her." Many people did not understand Tan's mother's "broken" or "fractured" English, and Tan describes that her mother's English limited her "perception of her." Later in the story, Tan feels like her mom speaks good English and she does not mind what people think of her mom. She feels like her mom speaks with a "passion." Tan's overall main idea is that her mom was treated wrong because of her poor English. She feels that people who have amazing English should be able to understand people who have "fractured" English and not treat them different.]]> 2017-08-14 19:33:41 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180976794 Krystian Ayala https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180985720 Tan’s relationship with her mother seemed shallow or lacking in depth at first especially the way they talked to each other made Tan think her mother did not understand as much as she thought. Made known to the reader clearly what she thinks about her mother and “when I was growing up, my mother’s ‘limited’ English limited my perception of her”, thinking that way Tan was unable to see that her mother understood much more than she originally thought. The mother even knew that her English wasn’t the best and Tan had to use her voice to do stuff for her mother so people might take her seriously, this of course affected their relationship too. Later on Tan comes to the realization that her mother understands a lot of things and it helps to deepen that relationship they have together.]]> 2017-08-14 20:53:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180985720 Art Mendoza @ Krystian Ayala https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180992051 I agree the relationship was weak at first, but because of the problems they were able to become closer because they needed each other. Her mother might have had "limitations" but Tan was able to help her and strengthen their bond.]]> 2017-08-14 21:55:41 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/180992051 Kyra Birkenfeld https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181001939 Tan’s relationship with her mother is complicated. Language affects the relationship Tan has with her mother in many ways. Tan can fully understand her mother’s “broken” English” even when other people do not; consequently, Tan has to translate and talk for her mother most of the time. When Tan was a child, she saw her “mother’s tongue” as disgrace and was “ashamed” of her mother because she thought that her mother’s English reflected the “quality” of her thoughts. But now Tan sees her mother’s English as “family talk,” and she even uses it with her husband. The main idea of the essay is language is a blessing people have that influences on the possibilities and the hardships within people’s lives. ]]> 2017-08-14 23:51:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181001939 Kyra Birkenfeld @ Taylor https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181011479 I agree with the points you make in your answer. People should not have limited opportunities in their life due to shortcomings in their imperfect English and faulty grammar.]]> 2017-08-15 01:23:54 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181011479 Kyra Birkenfeld @ Krystian https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181014548 I agree that the relationship between Tan and her mother is weak at first and then strengthens as Tan matures, but I think that Tan treasures their "broken" language and relationship more than we are able to understand in the essay she wrote because she specifically writes her stories for her mother to be able to read.]]> 2017-08-15 01:50:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181014548 Andy Hagins @ Christian Hurd https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181015074 I agree with you that the English brought Tan and and her mother closer together as she matured. Tan ends up writing a book about her and talks about her "broken" English as a positive sign for her mother that helped reveal her "intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and nature of her thoughts."]]> 2017-08-15 01:56:07 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181015074 Andy Hagins @ Sheyla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181016219 I disagree with your idea as well that Tan and her mother had a normal relationship. Kids do not normally talk on the phone for their moms and "complain and yell at people." Both sides were not necessarilly happy at this point, somewhat due to people in stores, banks, and restaurants. The people there would not "take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if they did not hear her." Later on, Tan writes about her mom going to the hospital and how the hospital "did not show any sympathy when she told them she was anxious to know the exact diagnosis, since her husband and son had both died of brain tumors."]]> 2017-08-15 02:06:50 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181016219 Drew Norman https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181023742 The relationship between Tan and her mother is very devoted on both fronts.  Tan’s mother has trouble speaking clear English which results in her daughter always being there to help her out and get her words out.  Meanwhile, her mother, who is smarter and much more capable than she lets on, supports and loves Tan and will do anything for her daughter no matter what struggles she has.  Tan’s determination to spite all those who doubt her while still remaining loyal to her mother expresses her commitment to family roots and hope for a better future. The main idea is to not let problems turn into limitation. Her struggle does not hold her down as she writes, ”Fortunately, I happen to be rebellious in nature and enjoy the challenge of disproving assumptions made about me.” It makes Tan work that much harder for a better life and career all while loving her “broken” mother. The author does not let her mother and family history hold her back, she lets it inspire her.  She does not let her family’s issues determine her story because she figures out she is the one who writes it.

]]> 2017-08-15 03:09:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181023742 Drew Norman @ Jadynn Lueb https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024016 I agree wholeheartedly that their relationship is strong. The bond that they have is being constantly tested due to the never ending struggle to find acceptance.  Both depend on one enough for strength getting through the good and bad times. ]]> 2017-08-15 03:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024016 Drew Norman @ Andy Hagins https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024431 I agree with your claim that as both get older, Tan learns to appreciate and be proud of her mother more. The author realizes how strong her mother is while maturing with age and grows wiser to all of it.]]> 2017-08-15 03:16:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024431 Lanie Kuykendall @ Drew https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024595 I agree that both Tan and her mother are devoted in their relationship and that difficulties are often mistaken as limitations. Tan does not let such difficulties hold her back.]]> 2017-08-15 03:19:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024595 Lanie Kuykendall @ Taylor https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024898 I agree that Tan and her mother have a very close relationship, and their bond has been strengthened through the many obstacles the have faced through language differences.]]> 2017-08-15 03:23:06 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181024898 Jess Avila https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181028724 I believe Tan and her mother struggle and have tension between them both because Amy has goals to achieve speaking proper English rather than the English that her mother speaks. Tan is the daughter of a native Chinese speaking family who can not speak "proper English." Tan seems to be raised correct and mature as the relationship with her mother strengthens but the language acts as a wall. At the start of the essay, she explains how she uses different types of English that she would use with her mother and other people. I love how she states that she is "not a scholar of English" but she is a writer. This compares a writer from a scholar and how you don't have to know everything about English to write. I feel like the main idea of the essay is to emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to speak English even though there are different variations of speaking it. ]]> 2017-08-15 04:10:01 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181028724 Jess Avila @ Andrew https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181031161 I agree that Tan and her mother have a complex relationship and the fact that the mother was not treated with the respect that she deserved as she spoke. ]]> 2017-08-15 04:34:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181031161 Jess Avila @ Sophia https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181032182 I can see how Tan and her mother seem close despite the "language barrier." I like how you describe Tan as her mothers translator. ]]> 2017-08-15 04:45:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181032182 Lanie Kuykendall https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181095342 Their relationship is difficult, but Tan connects with her mother in a special way through language. It is as if they have their own special language, for the way they speak is nontraditional and seen as "broken" or "simple." Tan sees the way her mother speaks as a "limitation" to everyday activities. The main idea of "Mother Tongue" is language connects individuals. As an author, Tan is able to write in a way that is "easy to read" by all and connect with people of all ethnicities. ]]> 2017-08-15 14:46:40 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181095342 Mekayla Sisemore https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181110963 In Tan's early childhood years she did not have a normal relationship with her mom. She was more so a personal assistant to her, always making phone calls sorting out issues. She was always there to clean up her moms messes. In a way Tan was embarrassed when it came to her mother. I mean how would you feel if your mother's doctor called you? Or having to call people to "complain and yell" for your mother. It wouldn't be easy or normal. However, when Tan becomes older she begins to appreciate her mothers English and how the language is normal. It also helped her when she became a writer. She is no longer bothered or embarrassed about her mothers English because it has become a normal speech. I believe Tan's main idea is to show that English is a strange language and everyone has there own form of it. Just like her mothers "broken English" was a normal language for Tan and her mother to understand. It shows the readers that English is not a perfect language. ]]> 2017-08-15 16:09:10 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181110963 Christina Gay https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181137698 Tan's relationship with her mother was difficult, Tan was "ashamed of her english" and her mother could not help with her "broken english." Tan and her mother were in between and rock and a hard place when it comes to their knowledge of english. Although Tan feels as though this has "[limited her] possibilities in life," her mother is always there to support and lover her. Though their relationship has rough spots, they are always going to be there to support one another, just as a mother and a daughter should.]]> 2017-08-15 18:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181137698 Christina Gay @ Lanie https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181139320 I agree with the idea of the pair having their own special language. It is a very unique perspective on the mother daughter duo. I also agree with your idea of the main idea that language connects individuals, it is definitely true.]]> 2017-08-15 18:44:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181139320 Christina Gay @ Mekayla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181139696 I agree that Tan was almost like an personal assistant than a loving child. It is easy to see their mother daughter relationship to grow through the difficulties they faced together.]]> 2017-08-15 18:47:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181139696 David Gensemer https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181148549 Tan and her mother, it seemed, had a close relationship and relied on one another for support and helped each other such as when "[her mother] had crashed out her small portfolio" and Tan had to "get on the phone and say in an adolescent voice that was not very convincing" that she was her mother. Their reliance on each other because of their broken English made their bond even stronger. This ties in to Tan's main idea that language is powerful because you can see that the commonness of a language, even a broken one, can connect people in a more intimate way than they could be without it. "It has become our language of intimacy, a different sort of English that relates to family."]]> 2017-08-15 19:51:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181148549 Krystian Ayala @ Drew https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181148628 I agree that Tan works hard to improve something most people think she’d be bad at simply because of where she is from and you brought that point out well.]]> 2017-08-15 19:51:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181148628 Art Mendoza @ Jadynn Leub https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181149270 I agree that their relationship is strong (in the end) and that their roles were flipped in a way, and they were able to bond better, because they needed each other.]]> 2017-08-15 19:55:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181149270 Art Mendoza https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181149575 The relationship between Tan and her mother was rocky mostly because Tan was "ashamed" of her mother's English. Their roles were reversed in a way. When her mother had trouble speaking, Tan stepped in. Tan would defend her from the people who would criticize her. I believe that the "language barrier" between them, would separate them while also bringing them closer together.]]> 2017-08-15 19:57:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181149575 Krystian Ayala @ Chase https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181150729 I agree with your statements on the subjects and you explained the entire essay in-depth with good points on language and its power effectively.]]> 2017-08-15 20:05:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181150729 David Gensemer @ Haley https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181152826 I was glad to see that I was not the only one who saw a good relationship there]]> 2017-08-15 20:23:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181152826 David Gensemer @ Andrew https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181153074 I like that you gave a two sided story with the "complex relationship".]]> 2017-08-15 20:25:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181153074 Rendi Hendon https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181159392 Tan and her mother's relationship is strong due to her mother's "Broken English" and how Tan must work through barriers to communicate to her mother. Tan is proud of her mother at the end of the essay , but was originally ashamed of her mother's lack of ability to speak English. Words are more than just words, and Tan uses the fact that you must read between the lines to understand what the point they're trying to get across is. ]]> 2017-08-15 21:25:55 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181159392 Rendi Hendon @ Christina https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181160905 I agree completely with your last statement. Tan and her mother's close bond allows them to care and support each other constantly. ]]> 2017-08-15 21:42:49 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181160905 Rendi Hendon @ David https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181161268 Your writing throughout this is great. I love the connection that you made with language being powerful and a connector of people.]]> 2017-08-15 21:49:02 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181161268 Mekayla Sisemore @ Lanie https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181168713 I completely agree that Tan connects with her mother through her "broken" language. I see it as their own special language because hardly anyone can understand her mother. ]]> 2017-08-15 23:41:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181168713 Mekayla Sisemore @ Jess https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181168899 I I agree that the language barrier has caused tension between the two. Tan had to grow up fast and she blames her mom for that with all the phone calls she had to make or answer to. ]]> 2017-08-15 23:43:02 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181168899 Jacob Brue https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181172834 Tan has a loving relationship with her mother. She thinks highly of her mother’s thoughts and opinions. Tan was once “ashamed of her English,” but she no longer believes it is lacking. She now views the version of English her mother speaks as a special connection the two of them share, and as something she shares with those very close to her. She is well aware that her mother’s English has made her and her mother’s lives somewhat more difficult. However, it is just one of the many traits her mother has that she loves. The author wrote the essay to explain that unusual language is not a flaw, and does not change the value of a person or their ideas. This is revealed when she criticizes the idea that “her English reflect[s] the quality of what she had to say.” She separates intent and meaning from the language used to convey it. Even though people not used to hearing her mother have trouble understanding it, her words are still worth hearing.]]> 2017-08-16 00:24:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181172834 Amanda Christopher https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181174711 Tan’s relationship with her mother isn’t conventional; it’s complicated, but it’s a strong relationship. Her mother “has long realized the limitations of her English,” and it has gotten Tan into some uncomfortable situations. She has to talk to people for her mother because people don’t understand her mother’s “broken English,” and has through these experiences truly come to understand the language barrier her mother is so familiar with. When Tan decided to write, she ended up “envision[ing] a reader for [her] stories.” This reader she “decided upon was was [her] mother” because the stories she wrote “usuing all the Englishes [she] grew up with.” This and how proud she is of her mother who made her feel as though she “had succeeded where it counted,” help to support the main idea of language strengthening a relationship. ]]> 2017-08-16 00:45:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181174711 Amanda Christopher@David https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181174968 I think that your perspective on the bonding effects of language, no matter how broken, is quite interesting and beautiful]]> 2017-08-16 00:48:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181174968 Jacob Brue @ Amanda https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181175374 I agree that Tan having to help her mother communicate has given her a special sympathy for her mother and a special relationship. Therefore, language strengthened their relationship. That is a main idea in the essay.]]> 2017-08-16 00:53:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181175374 Amanda Christopher@Jacob https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181175401 I agree especially with the way you describe the way that Tan views her mother's language, and the way you describe her mother's language as unusual yet worthy of being heard, is inspiring.]]> 2017-08-16 00:53:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181175401 Jacob Brue @ Randi https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181176569 I disagree that Tan has to work through barriers to communicate with her mother. Communication with her mother is natrual for Tan. I agree, however, that Tan ends the essay proud of her mother. I believe it is because her mother faces difficulties because of her English often and Tan admires her because of that.]]> 2017-08-16 01:03:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181176569 Jessica Hammond 19hammondjessica https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181182647 I feel like Tan has a very close bond with her mother. The reason being is that I actually connect to this article since my own mother has "broken" English like Tan's mother. And to me that makes my relationship close to my mother, so I feel like Tan's relationship is close. Just because Tan is put into situations that can frustrate her, she respects her mother's English and how she is trying the best she can. She even writes books thinking about her mother, "it counted when my mother finished reading my book." Now that shows how much she cares for her and how close she is with her. The overall main idea of this essay is that "broken" English is beautiful. And the author captures that by saying how she uses, "all Englishes."]]> 2017-08-16 02:12:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181182647 Jessica Hammond @ Bonnie 19hammondjessica https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181184401 Everyone has their own opinions how to interpret this piece, but I disagree with you on how Tan's relationship with her mother is unhealthy. I disagree because Tan is inspired to continue writing and having her mom as her reader of her drafts, "it counted when my mother finished reading my book and gave me her verdict.." Thatquote shows how she wants to impress and get approval from a very important person, her mother.]]> 2017-08-16 02:26:23 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181184401 Jessica Hammond @ David 19hammondjessica https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181184893 I agree with you on Tan having a close relationship. I also liked how you said they relied on each other which I agree all the way. Great job!]]> 2017-08-16 02:30:07 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181184893 Sarah Brown volleyballsjb11 https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181192153 As a young girl, Tan was embarrassed by her mother's "broken speech" and was not comfortable impersonating her mother, a middle aged women, as a young girl. She was forced to interpret for her mother many times and was ashamed of her mother's language. Tan the author viewed her mother's speech as a liability. She could not look past her mother's "fractured English" into the words her mother was actually speaking. As Tan grew, she had a newfound respect for her mother. She no longer cared what her mother's English sounded like; she heard only the thoughts coming from her brain. The author's focus on "her intent, her passion, her imagery, and the nature of her thoughts" opened her mind leading to a significantly stronger relationship between the mother and daughter. Humans rely on language to communicate and make the world work. Language can create a "visual image" of someone that is not a true representation of that person; furthermore, Tan is displaying to the reader how easily judgments are made based solely on how one speaks. The author is proving that to find a person's true personality you need to discover their "passion" for life. One can do this by focusing what someone is saying, not how they sound while saying it. ]]> 2017-08-16 03:45:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181192153 Sarah Brown @ Bonnie Fischer volleyballsjb11 https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181194000 I agree that Tan and her mother's relationship is very unhealthy due to the fact that Tan feels she has to take care of her mother. This can create frustration between a mother and daughter and often hidden emotions that are not spoken about. These lies and embarrassment of her mother drive a wedge in their relationship. ]]> 2017-08-16 04:07:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181194000 Sarah Brown @ Chloe Barham volleyballsjb11 https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181195152 I agree with Chloe that the doctor's actions are a true representation of how the sound of someone's voice can change one's respect for that person instantly. The doctor did not take Tan's mother serious due to her "broken English." However, as soon as the doctor heard Tan speak his attitude changed completely. The doctor did not focus at all on the serious situation that was at hand because he could not get past the way she spoke. ]]> 2017-08-16 04:15:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181195152 Kimberly Meraz https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181198503  My perception of Tan's relationship with her mother is it being strong but also weak in some aspects. By just how Tan speaks of her mother, you can tell they have a close bond and that she knows very well of her mother. "She reads the Forbes report, listens to Wall Street Week converses daily with her stockbroker, reads all of Shirley MacLaine's books with ease-" She knows the daily routines of her mothers life, showing how they have a heartfelt relationship. Then their are moments when the relationship can be dependent as in how Tan's mother relies on her daughter for phone calls and situations where Tan's perfect english is favorable. I believe the author wrote this essay to shed light on how challenging speaking english as a non-native speaker can be and to educate others on how even though a person's english may be "broken," that doesn't mean their intelligence is also; a way of saying to not judge a book by its cover.


]]> 2017-08-16 04:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181198503 Kimberly Meraz @ Emilee https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181198725 While I think it may be beneficial for non-native speakers to not speak broken English, I don't believe this is the main idea of the essay. I think the main idea was trying to focus more on educating others on how challenging speaking English can be when it isn't your first language, and to remove some of the stigma being how people who speak "broken english" aren't intelligent.]]> 2017-08-16 04:50:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181198725 Kimberly Meraz @ Andy https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181199165 I agree with you that Tan used to be embarrassed of her mother and later not mind it as much to now being prideful of it. I enjoy that she made this article to shed light to families who maybe can't speak perfect English.]]> 2017-08-16 04:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181199165 Halie Butler https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200265 2017-08-16 05:14:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200265 Halie Butler @ https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200338 2017-08-16 05:15:34 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200338 Halie Butler @ https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200383 2017-08-16 05:16:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200383 Halie Butler @ Chloe Barham https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200949 I agree with Chloe that Tans relationship was not always perfect with her mother due to her embarrassment from their English.]]> 2017-08-16 05:25:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181200949 Halie Butler @ Lanie https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181201334  I agree with Lanie that Tan connect with her mother through language like most can't.]]> 2017-08-16 05:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181201334 Halie Butler https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181244592 My understanding of Tans relationship with her mother is one of sole understanding. She has been influenced by her mother more than by her peers, the situation she has faced because of the language barrier has made her feel uncomfortable and embarrassed but she was able to prevail because of the innate ability to clearly understand her mom.Tan sees it as an opportunity to help her mother further understand and speak the language . With the struggles that her and her mother have faced with the barrier, she sees a chance to understand more together with her mom.                                                            ]]> 2017-08-16 12:39:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/181244592 Logan Pinter https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182714533 I would describe Tan's relationship with her mother as strained, to say the least. Tan seems to simultaneously feel pity and respect for her mother. She obviously pities her mother, as she spends a few paragraphs speaking about how others judge her mother's form of English, saying ""People in department stores, at banks, and at restaurants did not take her seriously." Tan sees her mother's language as a problem, one her mother can't truly fix. Despite this, she also respects her mother, mentioning that her mother understands stocks, something Tan "Can't begin to understand." These two emotions dominate her relationship with her mother, causing Tan to act as her mother's savior in some circumstances, and her student in others. This weird, somewhat contradictory relationship heavily reinforces the main theme; Don't judge a book by its cover. It's an extremely well-known theme, but the examples provided in the essay were amazing. The impossible-to-quote missing CAT scan story told in paragraph 13 is my personal favorite. Simply put, the relationship Tan has with her mother shows just how utterly ridiculous it is to judge someone solely on the way the speak, as their relationship shows that Tan's mother is extremely intelligent, but simply lacks speaking skills. The judgment she faces, coupled with Tan's resulting pity, shows just who unjustified the judgement is.]]> 2017-08-25 00:33:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182714533 Logan Pinter @Christian https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182717625 I must say, that's an amazing version of the main idea. I didn't realize Tan's mother's English might be on equal ground to my own. Thank you for pointing out that, just maybe, it's simply meant for a different audience.]]> 2017-08-25 01:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182717625 Logan Pinter @Deanna https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182718795 Well, I didn't expect that. Although I agree with you, I couldn't easily see past the horrible situations Tan's mother encountered. Somehow, you managed to put a positive, motivational spin on an otherwise depressing essay. Well played, madame.]]> 2017-08-25 01:16:54 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182718795 Zoie Brown https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182785772 Tan and her mother have a very unique relationship, but not necessarily an unhealthy one. Tan sees her mother's English as a unique way of communicating with the world, but still feels "ashamed of her [mother's] English" because she knows the world perceives her mother as less intelligent and less important. As Tan matures, she realizes that her mother's English is actually "a language of intimacy," something that only her loved ones could understand. I believe that this ties into the main idea of the piece, which is that "broken" English is just another way of communicating, and that it in no way devalues the words being spoken or the person speaking them. Tan writes that "[her] mother's limited English limited [her] perception of her [mother]," leading the reader to understand that even Tan herself made the same misjudgment about language. ]]> 2017-08-25 12:42:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182785772 Zoie Brown @ Mekayla https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182787433 I absolutely agree with your statement that Tan "was more so a personal assistant to her [mother]," because it really helps illustrate the unique relationship they share.]]> 2017-08-25 12:51:38 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182787433 Zoie Brown @ Jess https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182787747 I love how you mention the "tension" between Tan and her mother! I didn't realize how that barrier between the two of them might cause Tan's mother distress as well as Tan.]]> 2017-08-25 12:53:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tfritz2/nnaopxjo40g8/wish/182787747