Shibli Nuhan

English 21001 – Writing for the Humanities

9/20/25

Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue” explores how language influences identity, highlighting its significant role in shaping experiences, opportunities, and perceptions in daily life. As the daughter of a Chinese immigrant, Tan adeptly switches between the formal English she uses in public and the more colloquial English she speaks with her mother at home. Her work, aimed at an American audience in the early 1990s, challenges the idea that only “proper” English deserves respect, questioning the common belief in linguistic superiority. Through her story, Tan addresses the serious problem of language bias and its negative impact on individuals, especially those marginalized because of their speech patterns.

In the essay, Tan interweaves her personal experiences with cultural critique, presenting a unique perspective that amplifies her argument. By discussing her own journey and the struggles her mother faced when subjected to prejudice for her “broken” English, Tan underscores the stark reality of how language can serve as a barrier to acceptance and fair treatment in society. Her intended audience includes not only native English speakers but also individuals who may have previously formed judgments about others based on how they speak. Tan’s dual identity as both a competent writer and a devoted daughter lends her credibility, enriching her narrative and driving home the significance of her argument. Through her personal anecdotes, she compels her readers to reconsider their attitudes toward varying forms of English.

A crucial rhetorical strategy employed by Tan is her use of ethos, pathos, and personal storytelling to convey the message that “broken English” should not be perceived as flawed but rather as a legitimate and valuable means of communication. She poignantly illustrates how language bias profoundly affects individuals by sharing a particularly striking personal reflection: “When I was growing up, my mother’s ‘limited’ English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English.” This admission reveals her internalized bias and the connection she formed between language and a person’s worth. By providing specific instances where her mother was dismissed or not taken seriously—often resulting in poor service or outright misunderstanding—Tan effectively demonstrates the tangible consequences of language prejudice. These anecdotes serve not only to humanize her mother’s experience but also to evoke empathy from readers, allowing them to fully grasp the injustice her mother faced due to societal biases surrounding language.

Furthermore, Tan bolsters her credibility by drawing parallels between her roles as a writer and as a daughter. She aspires to articulate the nuances of her mother’s speech that standardized tests and educational benchmarks fail to capture—namely, the emotions, intentions, and unique characteristics inherent in her mother’s communication. This insight reflects a profound understanding of language that transcends mere grammar, revealing its emotional and cultural significance. Tan candidly acknowledges her past use of derogatory terms like “broken” to describe her mother’s English, illustrating her personal growth and evolving perspective. Her statement, “Like others, I have described it as ‘broken’ or ‘fractured’ English. But I wince when I say that,” highlights how labeling a language as “broken” implies damage and diminishes its inherent meaning and value. This journey of self-reflection resonates with readers who may have encountered or grappled with similar biases, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared understanding.

In addition to her rhetorical strategies, Tan effectively engages her audience on an emotional level through her use of pathos and vivid personal narratives. By recounting specific instances in which service workers “pretended not to understand” her mother, she evokes feelings of humiliation and frustration, allowing readers to empathize with the pain of being dismissed based on language. Her powerful declaration that “to me, my mother’s English is perfectly clear, perfectly natural. It’s my mother tongue” recontextualizes her mother’s voice from one of perceived weakness to a source of strength and meaning. This poignant reframing challenges the prevalent injustices associated with linguistic discrimination. As readers experience emotions such as anger and sympathy, they are more likely to reexamine their preconceived notions about language and its implications on identity.

In concluding her essay, Tan underscores the profound significance of her observations, poignantly examining how language politics dictate who is heard and who is marginalized. She eloquently articulates that people treated her mother as if they “did not hear her,” presenting a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring someone due to their accent or linguistic proficiency. This point serves as a broader commentary on societal structures that deny respect and opportunity based on language biases. Tan’s insights ripple outward, impacting not only her family but also students, educators, and workers alike. If contemporary society continues to prioritize only one form of English, it risks silencing a multitude of voices and perspectives that contribute to the fabric of cultural diversity. However, Tan advocates for a transformative shift in how we engage with language and listen to one another, encouraging an embrace of the multiplicity of voices that enrich our communities and foster greater understanding among individuals from varying backgrounds.

Ultimately, Tan’s essay stands as a powerful reminder of the need to critically assess our biases towards language and to acknowledge the richness inherent in diverse linguistic expressions. By fostering an appreciation for various forms of communication, society can move towards greater inclusivity and respect, recognizing that every voice holds value and deserves to be heard. In doing so, we not only honor individual identities but also celebrate the vast tapestry of human experiences that language allows us to connect and share.