In-Depth Notes on 'Mother Tongue' by Amy Tan
Introduction
- Amy Tan states she is not a scholar of English; she is a writer who loves language.
- Fascinated by language's power to evoke emotions, images, ideas, and truths.
- Discusses using different Englishes learned from her upbringing.
Experiences with Language
- Delivered a talk about her writing, feeling self-conscious about her speaking English in front of her mother.
- Used formal, academic English, contrasting with the English she uses with her mother.
- Example of English with her mother: "Not waste money that way."
- Noticed this English is also used with her husband, showing a familial bond.
Mother's English
- Tan quotes her mother's description of a political gangster named Du Yusong.
- Her mother's English is vivid and expressive, and while some may deem it broken or limited, to Tan, it is natural and clear.
- Remarks on the shame she felt regarding her mother’s English, equating it with her perceived intelligence.
Impact of Limited English
- Tan's mother faced discrimination and condescension due to her English.
- Tan often acted as a translator for her mother, illustrating the mixed feelings about identification and pride.
- A specific example of Tan intervening on behalf of her mother regarding a stockbroker illustrates the frustration and challenges faced.
Personal Reflections on English Skills
- Tan reflects on her own language skills shaped by her mother's English.
- Discusses the influence of family language on her academic performance.
- Scores well in math/science; average in English, feeling that English tests did not accurately reflect her abilities.
- Experiences with English tests lacking expressiveness reflected her family’s expressive language.
Asian-American Representation in Literature
- Tan observes underrepresentation of Asian Americans in literature and creative writing.
- Mentions the trend of Asian students excelling in math compared to English.
- Challenges assumptions about the capabilities of Asian Americans in writing.
Writing Process
- Tan describes writing using diverse Englishes she grew up with, including:
- Simple English spoken to her mother
- Her mother’s version of broken English
- Tan’s translations of her mother’s Chinese thoughts
- Emphasizes the importance of preserving the essence of language in her writing rather than adhering strictly to grammatical correctness.
- Tan describes writing using diverse Englishes she grew up with, including:
Conclusion
- The ultimate praise from her mother about Tan’s book being “easy to read” signifies success in capturing their shared language and essence.
- Tan's journey reflects a deep personal connection to language, highlighting the fluidity and richness of communication beyond conventional standards.