Exploring the Text

  1. Much of this essay is written in Spanish or a variant of it. In some instances, Gloria Anzaldúa translates into English, though not all the time. As a reader, how do you react to the passages written in Spanish? How does your level of fluency with that language affect your response?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Much of this essay is written in Spanish or a variant of it. In some instances, Gloria Anzaldúa translates into English, though not all the time. As a reader, how do you react to the passages written in Spanish? How does your level of fluency with that language affect your response?
  2. What is the purpose of the opening anecdote about the dentist (paras. 1–3)? What ethos is Anzaldúa establishing with her audience? When she writes, “My mouth is a motherlode,” is she being facetious or aggressive? How can you tell?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: What is the purpose of the opening anecdote about the dentist (paras. 1–3)? What ethos is Anzaldúa establishing with her audience? When she writes, “My mouth is a motherlode,” is she being facetious or aggressive? How can you tell?
  3. In several instances (such as paragraphs 7 and 15), Anzaldúa points out the sexism inherent in the communities she is writing about. Explain whether you think this discussion is part of her overall point about the consequences of language bias and domination, or whether it is a separate point.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: In several instances (such as paragraphs 7 and 15), Anzaldúa points out the sexism inherent in the communities she is writing about. Explain whether you think this discussion is part of her overall point about the consequences of language bias and domination, or whether it is a separate point.
  4. Examine the syntax of paragraph 12. What types of sentences does Anzaldúa use? How does the syntax reinforce the message she is conveying? Consider form, variety, and pacing in your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Examine the syntax of paragraph 12. What types of sentences does Anzaldúa use? How does the syntax reinforce the message she is conveying? Consider form, variety, and pacing in your response.
  5. In paragraphs 14–17, Anzaldúa draws on her personal experiences to illustrate the eight languages she enumerates. Explain why you think that this focus makes readers feel excluded or included. Then discuss whether Anzaldúa’s personal experience interwoven throughout the essay strengthens or weakens her argument. (See also paras. 31–34.)

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: In paragraphs 14–17, Anzaldúa draws on her personal experiences to illustrate the eight languages she enumerates. Explain why you think that this focus makes readers feel excluded or included. Then discuss whether Anzaldúa’s personal experience interwoven throughout the essay strengthens or weakens her argument. (See also paras. 31–34.)
  6. Why is English a “neutral language” (para. 25) for mexicanas y latinas, according to Anzaldúa? In what situations that you have observed or read does English become neutral ground for those who speak different languages?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Why is English a “neutral language” (para. 25) for mexicanas y latinas, according to Anzaldúa? In what situations that you have observed or read does English become neutral ground for those who speak different languages?
  7. What does Anzaldúa mean by her claim, “Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity—I am my language” (para. 27)? Is this her thesis, or primary claim, in the essay? Explain why you agree or disagree with her.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: What does Anzaldúa mean by her claim, “Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity—I am my language” (para. 27)? Is this her thesis, or primary claim, in the essay? Explain why you agree or disagree with her.
  8. Anzaldúa claims, “I will overcome the tradition of silence” (para. 28). What does she mean? Explain to what extent you believe writing this essay contributes to her goal.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Anzaldúa claims, “I will overcome the tradition of silence” (para. 28). What does she mean? Explain to what extent you believe writing this essay contributes to her goal.
  9. What strategies does Anzaldúa use to appeal to authority? Cite specific passages where these occur.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: What strategies does Anzaldúa use to appeal to authority? Cite specific passages where these occur.
  10. Anzaldúa divides her essay into four main sections: an introduction, “Overcoming the Tradition of Silence,” “Chicano Spanish,” and “Linguistic Terrorism.” What is the progression and/or connection among these divisions?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Anzaldúa divides her essay into four main sections: an introduction, “Overcoming the Tradition of Silence,” “Chicano Spanish,” and “Linguistic Terrorism.” What is the progression and/or connection among these divisions?
  11. The third section, “Chicano Spanish,” is a fairly technical linguistic and historical analysis. What does it contribute to the essay? What would be lost if it were omitted or repositioned?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: The third section, “Chicano Spanish,” is a fairly technical linguistic and historical analysis. What does it contribute to the essay? What would be lost if it were omitted or repositioned?
  12. Some critics and readers of Anzaldúa’s works have pointed out that while her anger about the issues she examines may be justified, her writing suffers as a result of overly strong emotions. Explain why you agree or disagree that her fiery tone detracts from her argument. Pay special attention to the final paragraph.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: Some critics and readers of Anzaldúa’s works have pointed out that while her anger about the issues she examines may be justified, her writing suffers as a result of overly strong emotions. Explain why you agree or disagree that her fiery tone detracts from her argument. Pay special attention to the final paragraph.
  13. What similarities do you see among the sources that Anzaldúa has cited? What is the purpose of notes 11 and 13? Do you think it would have been more effective if Anzaldúa had incorporated these points within the text of her argument? Explain why or why not.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: What similarities do you see among the sources that Anzaldúa has cited? What is the purpose of notes 11 and 13? Do you think it would have been more effective if Anzaldúa had incorporated these points within the text of her argument? Explain why or why not.
  14. This essay was published in 1987, long before the day we now know as 9/11. Do you think that the new historical reality argues for changing the section heading entitled “Linguistic Terrorism,” or does this reality make the heading even more powerful? Explain your viewpoint.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - How to Tame a Wild Tongue - Exploring the Text: This essay was published in 1987, long before the day we now know as 9/11. Do you think that the new historical reality argues for changing the section heading entitled “Linguistic Terrorism,” or does this reality make the heading even more powerful? Explain your viewpoint.