Language played a huge part in Amy Tan’s life. She didn’t just use one style of speaking with everyone. When it came down to school or work, she spoke clear English that everyone could understand. However, when it came down to family, she spoke “simple” English. She didn’t need to use big words or speak professionally when it came to her family. This is because she grew up using “simple” English and she understands it perfectly and so does her family. Growing up using simple English did not stop her from learning native English, but it did affect her own perception of herself and family. Her mother to be more specific. As she stated in her narrative “…when I was growing up, my mothers “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English limited the quality of what she had to say That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.”. She thought that just because her mom didn’t speak perfect English her thoughts didn’t matter. She became aware of her language biases when she was giving a talk to a group, a talk that she said she has given many times before, but this time her mother was in the room. Because the way she speaks with her mom and the way she speaks with other people are so different, it made her more aware of her different styles of speech.

Since I also come from a non-English or semi-English speaking family, I do believe that many people who learn English as a second language or grow up in immigrant households are aware of the many different ways language is being used. The way I would use language with my friends is not the same way I would use language with my parents. Just like in Amy Tan’s case. For me, it’s not just about respect. I respect my parents. However, the way I talk with my parents is not the way I would talk at work or school. Respect is important, but so is understanding and comfort. I’ve always been aware of the ways language is being used around me because it helped me become more socially comfortable.