Aria: a Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood

Why does the author believe that it is not possible for children to use their “family language” in school?

In paragraph 4 of Aria: a Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood, the author, Richard Rodriguez, states that “It is not possible for a child, any child, ever to use his family’s language in school.” I would think that the author would feel it more advantageous to go through school speaking his primary language, or family language. It seems that the child would gain more understanding for what is being taught during the class if he has a firm grasp on the language. It became apparent by reading the text, that it is important for a child to learn textbook English, and set aside his family language in order to belong and contribute in the American society.

If a child grows up associating the English language with “los gringos” rather than understanding that he too is a member of “los gringos” society, then he will always remain part of the “socially disadvantaged.” In paragraph 19 the author discussed his thoughts of Spanish as a p

Once a child is able to think of himself as an American rather than “an alien in gringo society,” he can then begin to acquire a sense of public identity and public individuality. In paragraph 39 the author talks about how he truly feels that that he achieved a place in the American society with the ability to speak the English language. The author believes that the day he raised his hand in class and volunteered an answer he started to become a man, an American man.

rivate language and English as the public language. He claims that these thoughts “deepened and strengthened” his feelings of public separateness. He did not have the desire to blend in with the other students and make the effort to learn to speak English, the “public language.” He continued to separate himself from the English speakers that he encountered on a daily basis.

Although at first glance, the idea of bilingual education seems like a positive one, once really considered it seems like immersing the American children into the English language right off the bat and supporting them through their learning process is the best

Some topics in this essay:
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