essay about mother language

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The Power of Mother Tongue: Its Impact on Language Learning and Understanding.

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A Summary and Analysis of Amy Tan’s ‘Mother Tongue’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Mother Tongue’ is an essay by Amy Tan, an American author who was born to Chinese immigrants in 1952. Tan wrote ‘Mother Tongue’ in 1990, a year after her novel The Joy Luck Club was a runaway success. In the essay, Tan discusses her relationship with language, and how her mother’s influence has shaped her use of English, as well as her attitude to it.

You can read ‘Mother Tongue’ here before proceeding to our summary and analysis of Amy Tan’s essay below.

‘Mother Tongue’: summary

Amy Tan begins her essay by offering her personal opinions on the English language. She recalls a recent talk she gave, when, upon realising her mother was in the audience, she was confronted with the fact that the formal standard English she was using in the public talk was at odds with the way she spoke at home with her mother. She then contrasts this with a moment when she was walking down the street with her mother and she used the more clipped, informal English she naturally uses with her mother, and her husband.

Tan calls this a ‘language of intimacy’. She points out that her mother is intelligent and reads things which Tan herself cannot begin to understand. But many people who hear her mother speak can only partially understand what she is saying, and some even say they can understand nothing of what she says, as if she were speaking pure Chinese to them.

Tan calls this clipped informal language her ‘mother tongue’, because it was the first language she learned and it helped to shape the way she saw the world and made sense of it.

Tan notes the difficulty of finding a term to describe the style of English her mother, as a Chinese immigrant to the United States, speaks. Many of the terms, such as ‘broken’ or ‘limited’, are too negative and imply her English is imperfect.

She acknowledges that when she was growing up, she was ashamed of the way her mother spoke. Her mother, too, was clearly aware of how her use of the language affected how seriously people took her, for she used to get her daughter to phone people and pretend to be ‘Mrs Tan’.

She observes that her mother is treated differently because of the way she speaks. She recounts a time when the doctors at the hospital were unsympathetic towards her mother when they lost the results of the CAT scan they had undertaken on her brain, but as soon as the hospital – at her mother’s insistence – called her daughter, they issued a grovelling apology.

Amy Tan also believes her mother’s English affected her daughter’s school results. Tan acknowledges that, whilst she did well in maths and science, subjects with a single correct answer, she was less adept at English. She struggled with tests which asked students to pick a correct word to fill in the blanks in a sentence because she was distracted by the imaginative and poetic possibilities of other words.

Indeed, Tan conjectures that many Asian American children are probably encouraged to pursue careers in jobs requiring maths and science rather than English for this reason. But because she is rebellious and likes to challenge people’s assumptions about her, Tan bucked this trend. She majored in English at college and began writing as a freelancer.

She began writing fiction in 1985, and after several false starts trying to find her own style and idiom, she began to write with her mother in mind as the ideal reader for her stories. Indeed, her mother read drafts of her work.

And Tan drew on all the Englishes , plural, that she knew: the ‘broken’ English her mother used, the ‘simple’ English Tan used when talking to her mother, the ‘watered-down’ Chinese her mother used, and her mother’s ‘internal’ language which conveyed her passion, intent, imagery, and the nature of her thoughts. When her mother told her that what she had written was easy to read, Tan knew that she had succeeded in her aims as a writer.

‘Mother Tongue’: analysis

The title of Amy Tan’s essay is a pun on the expression ‘mother tongue’, referring to one’s first language. But Tan’s language, or ‘tongue’, has been shaped by her actual mother, whose first language (or mother tongue) was not English, but Chinese.

The different forms of English that mother and daughter speak are also a product of their backgrounds: whilst Tan’s mother is a Chinese immigrant to America, Tan was born in the United States and has grown up, and been educated, in an English-speaking culture.

Much of Tan’s 1989 novel The Joy Luck Club is about daughters and their relationships with their mothers. But Tan’s interest in language, both as a cultural marker and as a way of expressing thought and personality, is also a prevailing theme of the novel.

In this respect, if the parable ‘ Feathers from a Thousand Li Away ’ acts as preface to the novel, ‘Mother Tongue’, in effect, acts as a kind of postscript. It helps us to understand the way Tan approaches and uses language within the stories that make up The Joy Luck Club .

An overarching theme of Tan’s novel is mothers emigrating to America in the hope that their daughters will have better lives than they did. This is a key part of ‘Feathers from a Thousand Li Away’, and it helps us to understand Tan’s conflicted attitude towards her mother’s use of language as explored in ‘Mother Tongue’.

Many of the mothers in The Joy Luck Club , such as Betty St. Clair in ‘The Voice from the Wall’, feel isolated from those around them, never at home in America, and hyper-aware of their outsider status, despite becoming legal permanent citizens in the country. Tan’s autobiographical revelations in ‘Mother Tongue’ show us that her own mother struggled to be taken seriously among Americans, and Tan diagnoses this struggle as a result of her mother’s different way of speaking.

Tan, by contrast, used standard English – what used to be referred to, in loaded phrases, as ‘correct’ or ‘proper’ English – and was thus able to succeed in getting herself, and by extension her mother, taken seriously by others. Language is thus more than just a cultural marker: Tan reveals, in ‘Mother Tongue’, the extent to which it is a tool of power (or, depending on the use, powerlessness), particularly for those from migrant backgrounds.

In this connection, it is noteworthy that Tan chooses to focus on the school tests she undertook before concluding that her mother’s ‘broken’ style of English has been misunderstood – not just literally (by some people who’ve known her), but in terms of the misleading perceptions of her it has led others to formulate.

The class tests at school which reduced English proficiency to an ability to recognise a ‘correct’ answer are thus contrasted with Tan’s resounding final words of ‘Mother Tongue’, which see her seeking to capture the passion of her mother, the ‘nature of her thoughts’, and the imagery she uses: all things which her daughter has clearly inherited a respect for, and which school tests fail to capture or observe.

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Mother Tongue Essay in 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, & 500 Words

Table of Contents

Mother Tongue Essay in 100 Words

Mother tongue essay.

Mother tongue, also known as a native language, holds immense significance in a person’s life. It is the language in which individuals form their first thoughts, communicate with their parents, and embrace their cultural heritage. This descriptive essay explores the essence of the mother tongue and its impact on one’s identity and communication skills. The melodious tones, unique vocabulary, and rich cultural nuances of a mother tongue create an undeniable emotional connection. It unites individuals with their roots, allowing them to express their true selves. Moreover, mastering one’s mother tongue strengthens communication skills and facilitates a deeper understanding of one’s heritage. The power of the mother tongue lies in its ability to forge connections, preserve traditions, and cultivate a strong sense of identity.

Mother Tongue Essay in 150 Words

Mother tongue.

Mother tongue is a term used to describe a person’s first language, the language they learn from their parents and use to communicate with their family and community. It is a powerful tool that shapes one’s identity and provides a connection to their cultural heritage.

In my case, my mother tongue is English. It is the language I grew up speaking, reading, and writing. I have vivid memories of my mother patiently teaching me how to pronounce words and construct sentences. English has become second nature to me, enabling the effortless expression of my thoughts and emotions.

However, I recognize the importance of mother tongues from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Each language carries a rich history, unique expressions, and cultural nuances. It is through one’s mother tongue that traditions and values are passed down from generation to generation.

Mastering multiple languages can be an incredible asset, allowing individuals to navigate multicultural environments and build bridges between different communities. It is essential that we celebrate and preserve the beauty of mother tongues, as they are a fundamental part of our collective human experience.

Mother Tongue Essay in 200 Words

Mother tongue is the language that a person learns from their mother and uses as their primary means of communication. It is a language that is ingrained in one’s identity and has a deep connection to their cultural heritage.

For many individuals, their mother tongue is the language spoken in their home country. It represents their roots and serves as a reminder of their family’s history. The words and phrases shared in the mother tongue carry a sense of familiarity and comfort, linking people to their cultural community.

Beyond its personal significance, the mother tongue also plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s cognitive development. Language is a tool for thinking, and when children learn their mother tongue, they acquire not only the ability to communicate but also a unique way of perceiving the world.

Despite its importance, the mother tongue can often be overshadowed by dominant languages in education and society. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the richness of various mother tongues, promoting them as valuable assets rather than obstacles to learning.

In conclusion, the mother tongue is more than just a language; it is a representation of one’s cultural heritage, personal identity, and cognitive capabilities. Embracing and preserving mother tongues is essential for fostering diversity and understanding in our globalized world.

Mother Tongue Essay in 300 Words

The term “mother tongue” encompasses the language we acquire naturally from our parents and use to communicate with our family and community. For many of us, it is the first language we learn, shaping both our experiences and identities. Our mother tongue is not merely a mode of communication; it encapsulates our cultural heritage, traditions, and memories.

Being fluent in our mother tongue allows us to effortlessly express our thoughts and emotions. It is the language in which we first learn to articulate ourselves and formulate our ideas. The nuances, idioms, and expressions embedded in our mother tongue provide a deeper level of understanding about our cultural heritage, values, and beliefs.

Moreover, our mother tongue serves as a bridge connecting us with our familial roots. It connects us to our grandparents, parents, and ancestors who passed down their knowledge, wisdom, and stories in this language through generations. Through our mother tongue, we gain a sense of belonging and a stronger connection to our family and community.

Furthermore, our mother tongue enables us to comprehend and appreciate literature, art, and music originating from our culture. It is often in our mother tongue that we find poetry, proverbs, and songs that touch our hearts and resonate with our deepest emotions.

In conclusion, our mother tongue is an integral part of our identity, history, and heritage. It provides a means of communication, a source of cultural understanding, and a connection to our past. Preserving and nurturing our mother tongue is essential, as it keeps our traditions alive and ensures the transmission of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

Mother Tongue Essay in 400 Words

Mother tongue: a beautiful tapestry of words.

The concept of a mother tongue is, in many ways, like a vibrant tapestry, intricately woven over generations, representing our cultural heritage and identity. It is the language we first learn from our mothers, the language that nurtures our thoughts, and enables us to communicate our deepest emotions. In this descriptive essay, we will explore the power and beauty of the mother tongue, and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us.

A mother tongue is far more than just a means of communication. It is a rich reservoir of history and tradition, encapsulating the essence of a community’s collective experiences. Each language carries within it a unique cultural perspective, offering insights into lifestyle, values, and beliefs. For instance, in Chinese, the mother tongue of my ancestors, the concept of “Ren” emphasizes kindness and compassion, guiding individuals to foster harmonious relationships. Such nuanced cultural nuances are embedded deep within the mother tongue, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experiences.

Furthermore, the mother tongue serves as a conduit for familial bonds and traditions. It connects generations, transferring wisdom and knowledge from one to another. I recall sitting at my grandmother’s feet, listening to her eloquently narrate tales of our family’s history, dreams, and struggles, all in our native language. Through the mother tongue, these stories took on a life of their own, revealing a profound connection to our roots, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging.

Additionally, the mother tongue showcases the linguistic versatility and complexity of our world. Each language has its own rhythm, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. From the click sounds of the Xhosa language to the melodic cadence of Italian, every tongue weaves a distinct melody. The mother tongue captures the essence of a culture, expressing the joys, sorrows, and peculiarities of life in a way that transcends mere words. It evokes emotions that cannot be completely captured by another language, rendering each personal experience that much more vivid.

However, the mother tongue is not just a relic of the past. In an increasingly globalized world, it evolves and adapts, reflecting the changing times and embracing modern aspects. It assimilates new words, cultural influences, and concepts, forging a transition from traditional to contemporary. This amalgam of old and new breathes life into the language, enabling future generations to carry forward the torch of cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the mother tongue is a treasure trove of emotion, heritage, and identity. It conveys not only words but also the essence of a community’s values and traditions. It binds generations together and provides a unique lens through which to view the world. As individuals, we must recognize the importance of preserving and cherishing our mother tongues, for they are an integral part of our identities and allow us to weave together the colorful tapestry of human existence.

Mother Tongue Essay in 540 Words

Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication, acting as a medium through which we express our thoughts, emotions, ideas, and beliefs. It shapes our perspectives, influences our interactions, and forms the very foundation of our identities. In the grand tapestry of languages spoken across the globe, the concept of “mother tongue” holds a special place. This essay aims to explore the essence of the mother tongue, its significance in our lives, and its impact on our understanding of the world.

The mother tongue, also known as the first language or native language, refers to the language a person acquires naturally from birth or early childhood. It is the language spoken by their parents, family, and community, shaping their early memories and shaping their understanding of reality. For the majority of people, the mother tongue is synonymous with the language of their country or region. However, in multicultural societies, individuals may have multiple mother tongues due to their diverse linguistic backgrounds.

One of the most compelling aspects of the mother tongue lies in its ability to connect us to our roots and cultural heritage. It serves as a vessel that carries the vibrant traditions, customs, and folklore of our ancestors. Through our mother tongue, we gain access to the rich tapestry of our cultural identity, deepening our understanding of our own history and fostering a sense of belonging.

Moreover, proficiency and fluency in one’s mother tongue are instrumental in building strong interpersonal and familial relationships. The mother tongue enables individuals to express their thoughts and emotions with nuanced precision, fostering closer connections with their loved ones. It provides a sense of comfort and familiarity, enabling individuals to communicate freely without fear of misinterpretation or misunderstanding.

Conversely, the loss or neglect of one’s mother tongue can lead to a profound sense of disconnection and an identity crisis. Many individuals living in culturally diverse societies face the challenge of maintaining their mother tongue amidst the pressures to adopt the dominant language. As a consequence, a sense of alienation can arise, as one is unable to fully express their authentic self or connect deeply with their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the mother tongue intertwines language and thought, shaping our cognitive processes, reasoning capabilities, and decision-making skills. A study by linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf proposed that language influences how we perceive and categorize the world around us. This theory, known as linguistic relativity or the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that different languages provide unique perspectives on reality, forcing speakers to perceive and conceptualize the world in distinct ways. Thus, the mother tongue not only impacts our personal lives but also molds our collective understanding of the world.

In conclusion, the mother tongue holds immense significance in our lives, serving as the cradle of our cultural identity and shaping our perception of the world. It connects us to our ancestral traditions, strengthens familial bonds, and fosters a sense of belonging. The mother tongue is not just a means of communication; it is a gateway to our roots, enabling us to embrace diversity, preserve our heritage, and forge deeper connections with those around us. Let us celebrate the beauty and power of our mother tongues, for they are the languages of the heart and soul.

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School Education /

Essay on Mother Tongue For School Students

Updated on
Dec 27, 2023

Essay on Mother Tongue: To highlight the significance of mother tongue, Brigham Young said “See that your children are properly educated in the rudiments of their mother tongue, and then let them proceed to higher branches of learning.”

Mother tongue refers to the language we learn at our home. Fluency in this language allows one to grow and explore. Also, knowledge of one’s mother tongue helps carry forward our cultural identity. Apart from these, one’s mother tongue also enables one to understand the local culture and establish and grow business in that area.

This Blog Includes:

Sample essay on mother tongue in 100 words, sample essay on mother tongue in 200 words, sample essay on mother tongue in 300 words.

Also Read: Benefits of Learning Local Language of a Country

Mother tongue, also known as native language or first language, is spoken at home. It forms the core of our identity, embodies our cultural roots, and helps emote our thoughts. It also serves as a bridge that connects generations.

Our first words, cradle songs, and childhood fairy tales are all transferred to us in our mother tongue. All these memories give a sense of belongingness. One should preserve one’s native language as it is often effective in family communication.

Mother tongue holds importance in everyone’s life as it facilitates cognitive development and learning foreign languages. This further helps us in our academic and professional journey.

Also Read: Top 10 Language Learning Websites of 2024: Discover, Learn, and Connect

Mother tongue is the first language that we learn in childhood. It plays a vital role in shaping our worldview. It is a means of communication and a repository of culture, values, and familial bonds. As a child when we speak our first words our parents try to embrace that moment for eternity.

Also, speaking our native language helps us remain in touch with our traditions, rituals, and familial histories. Thus, it is necessary to preserve our first language and pass it on to future generations.

In this globalised world, our linguistic diversity is at risk as most schools and universities impart education in English or other global languages. Thus, to safeguard one’s native language, one must try conversing in that language with her/his/their family and friends. Moreover, safeguarding the tongue promotes a sense of pride and belonging. Also, it reinforces the uniqueness of each language’s heritage.

Thus, our first language defines our beginning and origin. It is just not a mode of communication; instead, it is like a bundle of precious words that helps one to learn and explore more languages. Learning more than one language helps us become a part of an extended society. It is like a treasure that we have been taking care of since childhood.

Ankita Singh

Ankita is a history enthusiast with a few years of experience in academic writing. Her love for literature and history helps her curate engaging and informative content for education blog. When not writing, she finds peace in analysing historical and political anectodes.

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Mother Tongue Summary, Purpose and Themes

Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” is a compelling exploration of language, identity, and familial bonds.

This nonfiction narrative essay, which debuted at the 1989 State of the Language Symposium and was later published in The Threepenny Review in 1990, delves into Tan’s multifaceted relationship with English, influenced significantly by her mother, a Chinese immigrant.

Full Summary

The essay unfolds in three distinct sections.

Initially, Tan introduces us to the concept of “different Englishes,” a theme central to the narrative. She describes the unique form of English spoken by her mother, referred to as her “mother’s English” or “mother tongue.” This language, distinct yet familiar, bridges the first and second parts of the essay.

In the heart of the essay, Tan reflects on the profound impact her mother’s language had on her life and identity. She recalls how her mother, not fluent in “perfect English,” often depended on Tan to bridge communication gaps. This experience shapes Tan’s understanding of language and its nuances.

The essay culminates in a powerful conclusion where Tan connects the dots between her mother’s English and her own writing style and career choices. She recounts how her mother’s presence at a talk for her book “The Joy Luck Club” triggered a realization about the various forms of English she uses.

Tan contrasts the English she speaks at home, her “mother tongue,” with the standard English she learned in school and uses in professional settings. Notably, Tan shifts languages seamlessly, a transition unnoticed by others, including her husband.

Tan shares anecdotes from her past, illustrating how her mother’s language shaped her. She resists describing her mother’s English as “broken,” arguing that it implies deficiency. Instead, she views it as a reflection of others’ limited perceptions.

This perspective is highlighted by the dismissive attitudes of her mother’s stockbroker and doctors, who fail to take her mother seriously, often necessitating Tan’s intervention.

Reflecting on her own journey with English, Tan discusses the challenges she faced in school, influenced by her mother’s unique use of the language. However, this challenge becomes a source of motivation rather than defeat.

Tan’s determination to “master” English leads her to initially distance herself from her “mother tongue.”

It’s not until she begins writing “The Joy Luck Club” that Tan realizes the inaccessibility of the English she was using.

Reconnecting with her “mother tongue,” Tan finds her authentic voice—one deeply influenced and cherished, the voice of her mother. In “Mother Tongue,” Tan not only narrates her personal journey with language but also raises profound questions about identity, culture, and the intrinsic power of language.

The purpose of Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue” is multifaceted, encompassing several key themes and objectives:

Exploration of Language and Identity : Tan delves into how language shapes identity. By discussing the different forms of English she uses, she illustrates how language is deeply intertwined with personal and cultural identity. The essay emphasizes that the way we speak and the language we use are integral parts of who we are.
Highlighting Linguistic Diversity and Acceptance : Tan challenges the notion of standard English, advocating for the recognition and acceptance of linguistic diversity. She highlights the richness and complexity of her mother’s version of English, urging readers to reconsider what constitutes “proper” language.
Examination of Mother-Daughter Relationships : The essay is also a reflection on Tan’s relationship with her mother. Through the lens of language, Tan explores the dynamics of their bond, emphasizing how language both connects and separates them.
Commentary on Perception and Misunderstanding : Tan addresses how people are often judged based on their language proficiency. Her mother’s experiences with her stockbroker and doctors showcase the misunderstandings and dismissals non-native speakers frequently face. The essay serves as a critique of these societal attitudes.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery : “Mother Tongue” is also a story of Tan’s personal journey in understanding her own linguistic heritage and how it has shaped her as a writer and individual. She discusses her initial struggles and eventual acceptance and embrace of her linguistic roots, which significantly influenced her writing style.
Cultural Representation and Advocacy : By sharing her experiences, Tan advocates for cultural representation and the importance of diverse voices in literature. Her journey to include her mother’s language in her writing is a statement about the value of different cultural perspectives in storytelling.

1. The Complexity and Impact of Language

Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” intricately explores the multifaceted nature of language and its profound impact on personal identity and relationships.

The essay delves into the concept of “different Englishes” that Tan encounters and navigates throughout her life. These variations of English—ranging from the standard forms learned in school to the unique, simplified version spoken by her mother—serve as a backdrop for examining how language shapes our understanding of the world and each other.

Tan’s narrative highlights the often overlooked nuances of language, demonstrating how the mastery or lack of mastery of a certain type of language can influence perceptions, opportunities, and interpersonal dynamics.

Her reflections on the dismissive treatment her mother receives due to her non-standard English usage poignantly underscore the societal judgments and barriers language can create.

2. Identity and Cultural Heritage

Central to “Mother Tongue” is the theme of identity, particularly how it is intertwined with cultural heritage and language.

Tan’s own sense of self is deeply connected to her mother’s “mother tongue,” an embodiment of her Chinese heritage. This connection is not just linguistic but also emotional and cultural.

Through her narrative, Tan explores the struggles of balancing her American upbringing with her Chinese heritage, a challenge faced by many children of immigrants.

The essay illustrates how language serves as a bridge and a barrier between her American identity and her Chinese roots.

Tan’s journey of embracing her mother’s English is, in essence, a journey of embracing her own cultural identity, showcasing the complexity of navigating dual heritages.

3. The Power of Voice and Self-Expression

“Mother Tongue” is also a profound exploration of the power of finding one’s voice and the importance of self-expression. Tan’s journey as a writer is central to this theme.

Initially, she struggles with standard English, perceiving it as the only legitimate form of expression in academic and professional realms.

This belief leads her to distance herself from her “mother tongue,” which she initially views as inferior. However, as she evolves as a writer, particularly while working on “The Joy Luck Club,” Tan discovers the richness and authenticity of her mother’s language.

This revelation allows her to find her true voice—a blend of her mother’s English and the standard English she has mastered.

Tan’s embracing of her unique linguistic heritage as a tool for storytelling and self-expression underscores the empowering nature of owning and using one’s individual voice, transcending conventional linguistic boundaries.

Final Thoughts

“Amy Tan’s ‘Mother Tongue’ is an insightful reflection on language, culture, and identity. Through her personal narrative, Tan eloquently demonstrates how language is not just a tool for communication but a significant factor in shaping our experiences, perceptions, and relationships.

Her essay underscores the importance of embracing linguistic diversity and challenges the conventional notion of ‘standard’ language, advocating for a broader understanding and acceptance of different forms of expression.

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Amy Tan Mother Language Analysis

Childhood offers many difficult challenges, especially growing up in a family that counts English as a second language. Amy Tan grew up in such a family; including her mother, who spoke substandard English. Tan recalls this in Mother Tongue, where she writes the realization that she possessed multiple types of “Englishes,” she had, professional English full of correct grammar and pronunciation, and her “ family talk” informal speech which she shares with her mother and husband. Tan then goes on to explain that people tend to view her mother as less intelligent because of her “broken” English. She recounts many stories in which her mother received inadequate service because she did not speak as clearly as others did. Tan states that she has even received limitations on her learning because of the diluted clarity of her “Mother Tongue.” Tan states that authors possess limitations, but, for a communicator, clarity requires severe attention. Some authors have a limited vocabulary due to upbringing; this alters how people view the message intended. When speaking about her mother, Tan states, “Some of my friend tell me they understand 50 percent of what my mother says.” (Tan, 1990, Para. 7) There are moments in communication where meaning can falter because of a lack of words to utilize. Tan also makes this point when transcribing words …show more content…

Tan explicitly states, “I think my mother’s English almost had an effect on limiting my possibilities in life as well.” (Tan, 1990, Para. 15) Parents greatly affect the language of their children and if one has flaws, the next certainly will in beginning. Tan later states that her childhood understanding of English harmed her test taking abilities, “So I never did well on tests like that.” (Tan, 1990, Para. 16) Tan speaks about semantic tests, and they proved difficult due to her understanding of words. Their meaning needed clarification so that she could understand

Tan's Attitude Towards Her Mother Analysis

Tan’s attitude towards her mother throughout the essay can be described as understanding yet embarrassed. Tan is understanding of her mother throughout the essay because she constantly says that her English differs when talking to her mom versus when talking to others. She does this because she knows her mom is not as well-spoken as others, but Tan still wants her mom to be comfortable speaking English with everyone. Tan even changes many things in later writings because she envisions her mother reading it, and wants to know that her mother will understand everything she puts into the writing even though she speaks “broken English.” Tan was also embarrassed of her mother in the essay because she speaks of times when Tan blamed her own mother

Mother Tongue by Amy Tan Essay

2 Works Cited

In the work of Amy Tan’s “Mother’s Tongue” she provides a look into how she adapted her language to assimilate into American culture. She made changes to her language because her mother heavily relied on her for translation. She was the voice of her mother, relaying information in standard English to

Rhetorical Analysis Of Mother Tongue By Amy Tan

In “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan an American writer, shares her experience growing up with the family where no one speaks perfect English, and how it affected her education and her life. As the second generation of Chinese immigrants, Tan faces more problems than her peers do. Her mother, who speaks limited English needs Tan to be her “Translator” to communicate with the native English speakers. Tan states, “I was ashamed of her English” (2). Her mother is like a burden to her, at least in Tan’s early years. But the cultural conflict she becomes the theme of her writing and it is under this situation she wrote many novels and essays including “Mother Tongue.”

Amy Tan Mother Tongue Summary

Amy Tan’s literacy narrative “Mother Tongue” is about the different dialects of English, she is familiar with. She explains that her intelligence is judged by the way she speaks. Amy Tan, explains memories from her life where she encounters many forms of English. Her mother, a Chinese immigrant spoke “broken English.” She describes her mother as someone who was able to understand English, well the mother claims that she understands everything, but when it came to speaking, she spoke without the correct grammar. Due to her mothers broken English, Amy Tan has adapted to the type of English her mother speaks, their own type of English language. Tan feels as if the English she is speaking with it outside world is more complex than the English she

Essay on Amy Tan's Mother Tongue

1 Works Cited

The main rhetoric appeal used by Tan is pathos, the appeal to emotion. Language becomes an obstacle for Tan because her mother speaks limited English. Amy must be an interpreter for her mother in instances where her mother cannot communicate effectively. ?And sure enough, the following week there we were in

Essay on Amy Tan’s A Mother’s Tongue

Tan employs cause and effect when she is talking about her experiences with IQ tests and the SATs. The fact that her mother spoke English the way she did made it very difficult for Tan to envision what the test was asking, as with the questions where she could not identify one singular correct answer. In her experience with language, maybe she had heard her mother would say something a certain way, even though, technically, it was not grammatically correct. Her perceptions of things, specifically the rules of language, were different because of the language used at her home.

Amy Tan Mother Tongue Thesis

She had to keep all these English’s separate because each was like its own language. If Amy were to mix them, it would become confusing and wouldn’t have made sense to her or her mother as they had grown accustomed to this language and communication. One language was the English she spoke to her mother. Amy had to simplify her English when speaking to her mother; Amy would speak the basic ideas of what she was trying to say to make it easier for her mother to comprehend. For example she said, “Not waste money that way” to her mother one day; she would even say this to her husband because it was routine to her to do so. When she made a speech once, she felt as if the way she was speaking was wrong because her mother was in the audience. A second English language to Amy was how her mother used English with her. Tan describes her mother’s English as “broken” or “fractured” language. This type of English affected Tan greatly; she said it limited her possibilities in life and also affected her performances in school when she took achievements tests, IQ tests, and the SAT because it limited her language skills. Another type of language that she grew up with was Amy’s translation of her mother’s Chinese. She described it as “watered down” and yet sometimes she would grow in confidence when she was on the phone with people because of this. However, later her self-esteem would lower because of

My Mother 's English Of Vision Across Americas

From an article called My Mother’s English of Vision Across Americas, the author called Amy Tan intend to tell us that the differences between her mother’s English and standard English. Plus, the process of how she finds these differences. Moreover, she tells us the influence of it to her mother, even to her. She makes some examples to prove that her mother suffered from unfair treatment because of her mother’s nonstandard English. In other words, English limit affect the daily life of her mother. Therefore, she always pretends to be her mother when she was fifteen years old. When she grows up, she was ashamed of her English and find why her English is different from other people. Then, she tries her best to improve her English.

Analysis Of Mother Tongue By Amy Tan

Tan’s attitude towards her mother’s English begins with embarrassment and humiliation. Growing up in an immigrant family which speaks imperfect English, Tan witnesses many discriminations that her mother has encountered in department stores or at banks, those experiences help to shape Tan’s opinion to her mother’s English. For example, Tan states that “[she] was ashamed of [her mother’s] English. [She] believed that [her mother’s] English reflected the quality of what [her] mother had to say” (508). In young Amy’s opinion, her mother’s expressions and thoughts are broken and imperfect like the way she speaks, and she believes that linguistic expression is linked to a person’s intelligence. As a result, she was ashamed of her mother in public because of her fractured English.

Amy Tan Mother Tongue Analysis

First of all, Amy Tan uses ethos to present the idea that social expectations must not negatively influence one's perception. She makes her argument by using rhetorical devices such as, “I wanted to capture what language ability tests could never reveal: her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and the nature of her thoughts”. She felt that standardized tests could not accurately determine a person’s intelligence. Amy Tan states how people have different ways of thinking and different types of intelligence. Therefore, it really is kind of unfair, for lack of a better term. Tan recalls all the English that she grew up with her mom, and what she was taught affected her life. Throughout the story, she describes her relationship with her mother, who speaks “broken” English, and how her perception of language has changed due to her mother. She also successfully manages to explain that language barriers in the U.S have limited amounts of success for non-English speaking residents. Because her "mother tongue" is the English she uses while she is in her first world, her

Mother Tongue by Amy Tan

English is an invisible gate. Immigrants are the outsiders. And native speakers are the gatekeepers. Whether the gate is wide open to welcome the broken English speakers depends on their perceptions. Sadly, most of the times, the gate is shut tight, like the case of Tan’s mother as she discusses in her essay, "the mother tongue." People treat her mother with attitudes because of her improper English before they get to know her. Tan sympathizes for her mother as well as other immigrants. Tan, once embarrassed by her mother, now begins her writing journal through a brand-new kaleidoscope. She sees the beauty behind the "broken" English, even though it is different. Tan combines repetition, cause and effect, and exemplification to emphasize

Contrasting Cultures in Tan's Mother Tongue and Nguyen's The Happy Days Syndrome

At hoe, Amy Tan maintained a loving relationship with her mother. There, they were able to speak to each other the same way and understand each other perfectly. It was only outside the home that communication became a problem. She recalls how people disrespected her mother in department stores, restaurants and other places. Her mother, on a daily basis, received a constant condescending attitude from people. Tan became very uncomfortable with such attitudes. When her mother is disrespected or treated unfairly, Tan would simply “sit there red-faced and quiet”. She never felt angry toward her mother, like Khang did. However, she did feel that her mother’s informal English limited her perception of her.

Summary Of Mother Tongue By Amy Tan

In the essay, “Mother Tongue”, Amy Tan lays out examples of noticing the different Englishes in her life and how she incorporates them into her writing. She also breaks down the different versions of English that have taken root in her life. Tan notes that she includes all the Englishes of her life in her book, The Joy Luck Club. Tan, the daughter of immigrants, learned to navigate between the “perfect” English of her professional life and the “broken” English of her youth. The author’s main claim of there being no perfect way of speaking English is one that can be easily recognized because Tan gives clear examples of the diverse versions of English in her life, she pinpoints moments in which she sees the differences and discovers how to accept and acclimate these differences to her life and career.

Mother Daughter Relationships in works by Chang Rae-Lee and Amy Tan

3 Works Cited

This dialect, Tan says, became their "language of intimacy, a different sort of English that relates to family talk, the language [she] grew up with" (Tan 589). This type of language creates an identity for Tan, one which she was ashamed of growing up. This feeling of shame later backfired as an adult in her fiction writing. She wrote to prove she had "mastery over the English language" with large words, unheard of to the common ear, and sentences she thought were "wittily crafted." But as Tan matured, she realized she should envision an audience for her stories; this audience was her mother. She began to write stories using "all the Englishes" she grew up with. As she found out, this change of her own conception of language enriched her writing and added to her ethos. After all, her mother’s language, as she heard it, was "vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery." "That was the language that had helped shaper the way [she] saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world" (Tan 590). Her "mother tongue" is her identity as a writer, and she learned that someone’s English does not reflect the quality of what he/she has to say.

Mother Tongue, by Amy Tan

Despite growing up amidst a language deemed as “broken” and “fractured”, Amy Tan’s love for language allowed her to embrace the variations of English that surrounded her. In her short essay “Mother Tongue”, Tan discusses the internal conflict she had with the English learned from her mother to that of the English in her education. Sharing her experiences as an adolescent posing to be her mother for respect, Tan develops a frustration at the difficulty of not being taken seriously due to one’s inability to speak the way society expects. Disallowing others to prove their misconceptions of her, Tan exerted herself in excelling at English throughout school. She felt a need to rebel against the proverbial view that writing is not a strong

Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” : Rhetorical Analysis

In the essay Mother Tongue , Amy Tan believes that everyone speaks different languages in certain settings and are labeled by the way they speak. The author interested by how language is utilized in our daily life” and uses language as a daily part of her work as a writer. Throughout her life she recognizes her struggles applying proper English instead of the broken used in her home.

She became aware of how she spoke was when giving a lecture about her book The Joy Club and realized her mother who was in the audience did not understand what was being discussed. This was because she never used proper English in her home or talking to her mother. It is her belief utilizing proper English and broken English is essential in communication depending who you are talking to. The next time she noticed this about her English was when walking with her parents, she made the statement “not waste money that way”. This is due to the language barrier in her household that is used only by her family. Her mother was raised in China and spoke Mandarin her English always came across as broken to everyone outside the family, which made it hard for her to understand when someone spoke proper English.

Amy insured everyone that met her mother’s that even though her English seem “broken” it does not reflect her intelligence. Even though people placed this label on her mother of the way she spoke she rejected the idea that her mother English is “limited”. She highlights the fact that even her mother recognizes that her opportunities and interactions in life are limited by the English language. Amy Tan realizes that how you communicate within the family dynamic, especially for immigrant families plays a large role in in the growth of the child. It allowed her to acknowledge that perhaps her family’s language had an effect on the opportunities she was provided in her life. For instance in her experience, she notices that Asian students actually do better in math tests than in language tests, and she questions whether or not other Asian students are discouraged from writing or directed in the direction of math and science. Tan changed her major from pre-med to English and she decided to become a freelance writer even though her boss told her she couldn’t write. She eventually went on to write fiction , she celebrates the fact that she did not follow the expectations that people had of her because of her struggle with writing and language. With her mother as an influence Tan decided to write her stories for people like her, people with “broken” or “limited” English. In the essay , Mother Tongue, Amy Tan goes to great length to persuade the readers of her experiences being multicultural family that the effectiveness and the price an individual pays by insuring that their ideas and intents do not change due to the way they speak, whether they use “perfect” or “broken” English. Tan also clarifies to the readers that her “mother’s expressive command of English belies how much she actually understands”. She uses many examples to take readers into her life experiences to discover this truth. She utilizes the first person view throughout the essay and adds her firsthand knowledge of growing up with a multiple languages spoken in the home. This was done to validate of her argument and shine a light on the importance of this issue in her life as well as her culture.

The examples she uses is when she tells a story of her mother’s struggles with a stockbroker because of her “broken “ English, Tan quotes her mother’s words “Why he not send me check, already two weeks late. So mad he lie to me, losing me money”. Amy Tan did this to give the readers an idea on how this particular situation played out and how her mother’s English affected outcome. The authors writing is also very emotional and somewhat angry at throughout the essay , it makes her and her family very sympathetic figures. Tan’s specific concern is being shunned by both white-America and the Asian population. This also further her strengthen her views that puts her in an equally frustrating position from the perspective of Americans with the stereotypical views of Asians. Many people in college looked at her funny for being an English major instead of Math as a major. Individuals of Chinese decent are associated with math or science and that is because of the stereotyping that Asian receive. This is based on studies being conducted that a majority of Asians do in fact excel in mathematics and sciences.

Amy also observed that many of her instructors towards math and science as well and was even told by a former boss that writing was not biggest attribute and should focus more onto her account management skills. The author states that “perhaps they also have teachers who are steering them away from writing and into math and science, which is what happened to me”. The author utilized the nonfiction essay form to discuss how language played a major role in her life. This also allowed her to show the readers how her relationship with the English language and her mother has changed over the years. In her essay , Mother Tongue Amy Tan describes numerous incidences that helped shape her views as a writer. The uses of first persons account to describe her experiences with her mother and how her mother’s use of the English language influenced her upbringing, such as a story her mother once told her about a guest at her mother’s wedding “Du Yusong having business like fruit stand. Like off-the-street kind. He is Du like Du Zong – but not Tsung-ming Island people….That man want to ask Du Zong father take him in like become own family. Du Zong father wasn’t look down on him, but didn’t take seriously, until that man big like become a mafia. Now important person, very hard to inviting him. She may have chosen to focus on this type sentence structure because it gave the readers sense of awareness into her life and also to make it easier for them to understand the factors that shaped her style as a writer. In conclusion after reading Mother Tongue, it became very apparent that her mother played an important part in the author’s life. However, after further reading, I determined that she could have been addressing a specific group of people. She is also explaining her story to people who read her works, since so much of her literature seems to be influenced by how she views of the English language. Amy Tan goes to great lengths in the essay to give bits and pieces of how she overcame the perception that many people had of her, since she did not do as well with English-related schooling as she did with the Sciences, or Math.

LiteratureApp

Amy Tan's 'Mother Tongue': Analysis

In her essay, Mother Tongue , Amy Tan contemplates how her background shaped her life, her education, and brought her shame, but ultimately, she learns to embrace her background. Tan describes the way that she was stuck between two worlds. When she is with her mother, she speaks in simple English, but while she is in the public eye, she shifts to an English that is more formal and acceptable; one that English-speaking people accept. Tan relates her story of her mother talking about a gangster that wanted her family in China to adopt him because her family had more status.

She tells us the story using her mother’s language, so we can see how expressive her mother’s broken English is. Even though the language is not what we may be used to, her story is something we can follow. It is vivid with detail and images. For Tan, her mother’s language is the language of her childhood, and it is clear, and full of imagery. She has no difficulties understanding exactly what her mother is saying. She knows that this simple English is the same language that helped her understand the world, helped her formulate her views, and helped her learn to express herself.

In the beginning of Amy Tan’s narrative, “Mother Tongue” she states, “I am someone who has always loved language. I am fascinated by language in daily life. I spend a great deal of my time thinking about the power of language – the way it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth” (Tan 299). In these few sentences you understand the passion she has for the English language and what it can do. Tan explains to her audience that she was introduced to the English language in many ways. She gives numerous examples of different language from the different influences in her life. Her use of language in this essay helps to prove her point that you shouldn’t base your judgment of someone’s intelligence on their use of an unfamiliar language. Tan’s rarely uses concise language, so much so that my word editor recommended the use of concise language on multiple quotes. She uses her writing as a strategy to effectively prove her point.

Tan’s intended audience could be anyone that had to learn a new language to fit in where they live. She shows the readers that there is more than one kind of correct English. She often refers to the “Englishes” that she uses. Tan points out the narrow-minded views that many people have of people that come from different backgrounds or cultures. The use of her mother’s experience shows the reader that people would judge way to quickly after hearing her mother talk. People would often assume that her mother was uneducated, even though she “reads the Forbes report, listens to Wall Street Week, converses daily with her stock broker and reads all of Shirley MacLaine books with ease- she does all kinds of things I can’t begin to understand” (Tan 300). Tan is trying to motivate people to accept the things that make them different. She is showing the audience that people will often have misconceptions about people that come from different countries, and people that aren’t easy to understand.

Amy Tan can effectively persuade her readers by her use of ethos and having a strongly known character. Tan uses easy to read language throughout her essay. Even without elegant words, the readers can still understand the complexity of the argument she is making. In the last paragraph Tan is able to emphasize the way that she is more concerned with her audience and appealing to them. She states, “Apart from what any critic had to say about my writing, I knew I had succeeded where it counted when my mother finished reading my book and gave me her verdict: ‘So easy to read’ ” (Tan 302). She is not seeking the approval of critics and chooses not to write like a professor even though others might believe she should. She writes purely for her audience and wants them to be able to understand her writing to the fullest.

Tan makes her writing so easy to read because she knows that most people who natively speak Chinese have a hard time being understood by English speaking people. She has goodwill for her audience because she has felt the pain of being treated poorly due to language barriers. Tan vividly describes a time when her mother was treated unfairly simply because the other person didn’t understand what she was trying to say. She recalls a time when a hospital would not look for a lost CAT scan for her mother until she came to translate. Since her mother was unable to speak perfect English, the person in charge of the results did not concentrate on what she was saying. It wasn’t until Tan came and explained what her mother was talking about that the doctor would take the situation seriously. The doctor immediately responded to the request and apologized for the mistake. It makes it clear that people who did not have perfect English can sometimes get misunderstood and disregarded. Tan explains how some people are treated simply because they are thought to be inferior. Not speaking perfect English according to how Tan’s mother was treated prevented her from accessing or getting the right services. The author’s way of writing is unique and complex on how she develops her points. She shows us the problem then tells us why it is a problem.

The carefully chosen writing style of “Mother Tongue” makes the essay feel like a conversation that you are having. Tan engages the audience directly when she says, “You should know that my mother’s expressive command of the English language belies how much she really understands” (Tan 299). By directly addressing the audience she is able to show that she wasn’t writing this essay just to share her ideas, she really wants the reader to understand what is happening, and why it is such a difficult situation. Tan uses many storytelling techniques to make all the experiences feel more personal. By making the readers struggle to understand her mother, Tan makes the reader feel the frustration of the thick language barrier. We are compelled to experience all of the confusion as if we are having a real conversation. The reader is made to feel empathetic towards the situation. Tan knows what her mother means, and she feels bad that others don’t get to experience her thoughts or ideas. Tan’s writing style gives her readers a glimpse of what it must feel like to be stuck between the two worlds. As a reader you are made to feel the road block that is put in the way of her mother. It creates a feeling of defeat when she knows that her mother is capable of expressing her own ideas, but due to people’s impatience she has to constantly be a translator.

Linguistic Identity. “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan Essay

The essay “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan is a beautiful and elaborate piece meant to demonstrate the cultural challenges and divides existing for those with English as a second language. Tan comprehensively explores the role that language plays in perceptions of the world, relationships among people, and the perception of other nationalities and ethnicities in intercultural communication. The primary purpose of the essay was to define and analyze Tan’s struggles with linguistic identity and how she used her background and relationship with the English language to become a writer.

The first point that Tan makes is regarding the power of language and its use in daily life. For some, language is a natural part of daily life, while to others it is a tool used in the profession. Tan describes that she suddenly became aware of the “different Englishes” that she and most other people use. Many things depend on the context of the language use, for example, the topic of discussion, setting, and the people one interacts with. Language can sometimes take on intimate forms used with family and close individuals that may not make sense to others or be grammatically incorrect. Tan particularly refers to her mother, who is of Chinese background and educated. The woman can use somewhat “broken” syntax and unorthodox phraseology. While Tan understands her clearly, others may struggle with communication.

The essay’s argument leads to how limited English is based on perception. Therefore, realizing these barriers, one can consider the challenges that non-native speakers may face in a variety of aspects in life where perfect grammatical communication is necessary. The author specifically highlights how Asian-American students are often steered towards math and sciences and believed to be incapable of lingual-based fields due to accents, phraseology, and grammar errors. In turn, Tan reflects on her own life as to how she faced similar cultural stereotypes, but defied expectations and became a professional author.

This article was selected due to the personal connection it has to my life. Language continues to define perspectives and cultural outlook for me based on my own background. I appreciate that Tan speaks candidly but personably, emphasizing the intimate moments of learning a second language, especially with the family involved. My goal is to promote the idea that is highlighted in the essay as can be related to a significant number of people and should be made known in the educational settings where there are so many non-native English-speaking children. Their socialization is limited, and ambitions are destroyed due to the stereotypes and cultural perspectives on language mastery. My goal is to break down these barriers and demonstrate my passion for language that similar to Tan’s arguments should not discriminate based on cultural background.

Evidence may be beneficial in supporting my claim from an empirical standpoint. Such aspects as education patterns, student capabilities, psychological and sociological perspectives can be explained through theory and research. Therefore, while Tan’s essay is largely based on personal experience, I hope to build it into a solid argument. I am particularly interested in the evidence that Tan offers regarding Asian student being directed into STEM programs rather humanities due to their perceived poor knowledge of the language.

My revision strategy will be based on carefully rereading my writing and focusing on feedback from other readers. I will use a variety of tools such as research databases, a thesaurus for better use of synonyms, and proofreading to check for grammar. I will focus on revising the large aspects first such as the flow of my argument and supporting evidence, and gradually focusing on smaller details such as grammar and word choice. Receiving feedback from outside perspectives as crucial as it helps to identify weaknesses that one would not commonly notice yourself. I think my greatest weakness is word choice and sentence structure which limit my ability to express the complex ideas on the topic. Utilizing external feedback helps to preview how my writing would be understood by the general readership.

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Essay On Importance of Mother Tongue – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay

Key Points To Remember When Writing Essay On Mother Tongue

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Writing essays helps illuminate our thoughts and fosters a deep understanding of subjects. Especially when the topic is as personal and profound as one’s mother tongue. This essay on mother tongue in English aims to stress its importance, not just for linguistic evolution, but for cultural identity. The mother tongue is more than just a medium of communication; it’s a bridge to our ancestry, memories, and childhood. As you delve into this essay for children and students, you will discover the deep connection we share with our mother tongue and how it shapes our thinking, emotions, and worldview.

Writing an essay on such a poignant topic as the mother tongue demands an approach that combines research with emotional depth. The significance of our mother language cannot be overstated, making it vital to handle this subject with care. Here are some pivotal guidelines to ensure your mother language essay is both informative and impactful:

Topic Understanding: Before starting, ensure you truly understand the depth and nuances of the mother tongue and its implications on culture, identity, and personal development.

Personal Touch: Since this is a personal and deeply resonant topic, it’s beneficial to include anecdotes or experiences related to your mother tongue. It will make your essay relatable and heartfelt.

Research Well: While personal experiences are vital, grounding your essay in facts and studies can add depth. For instance, research on the cognitive benefits of learning in one’s mother tongue can be a valuable addition.

Cultural Significance: Emphasize the cultural and historical importance of mother tongues. Discuss how they play a role in preserving traditions, folklore, and shared community memories.

Global Context: Highlight the position of mother tongues in a globalized world. Discuss the challenges and importance of preserving them in the face of global languages.

Language Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear structure – an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Originality: While it’s okay to seek inspiration from other sources, make sure your essay is original. Avoid plagiarism and aim for authenticity in your words and ideas.

Proofread: Once you’ve penned down your thoughts, take the time to review your essay. Check for grammatical errors, ensure smooth transitions between points, and verify that the content aligns with the topic.

Engaging Conclusion: Conclude your mother language essay in a manner that leaves a lasting impression on readers, emphasizing the timeless importance and personal connection we all share with our native languages.

The mother tongue, our first language, forms the cornerstone of our cultural and personal identities. This language resonates with our earliest memories, emotions, and experiences. Here’s a short essay for lower primary classes that encapsulates the essence of the mother tongue in 10 straightforward lines:

1. Mother tongue is the first language we learn from our parents.

2. It holds our family’s stories, songs, and secrets.

3. Every culture has its unique mother tongue that shapes its identity.

4. Our mother tongue helps us express our truest feelings easily.

5. Learning in our mother tongue makes understanding simpler and fun.

6. It connects us to our grandparents and ancient traditions.

7. Through it, we can understand our culture’s folktales and songs.

8. Every mother tongue is special and deserves to be cherished.

9. By speaking in our mother tongue, we celebrate our heritage.

10. Our mother tongue is like a comforting lullaby, always close to our heart.

The mother tongue, a gift bestowed upon us from birth, is the vessel of our earliest memories, emotions, and cultural expressions. Its importance transcends mere communication, embedding itself into the very fabric of our identity. The following paragraph delves into the essence of the mother tongue when expressed in English:

The English language, while globally dominant, often finds itself intertwined with a myriad of mother tongues, each enriching it with unique nuances. Our mother tongue, intrinsically linked to our heritage and identity, carries tales of our ancestors and the melodies of lullabies sung to us as children. This language, deeply rooted in emotions and memories, forms an irreplaceable part of our psyche. Even as we navigate the vast expanse of global languages, our mother tongue remains our anchor, providing solace, authenticity, and an unmistakable sense of home.

Recognizing the profound significance of our mother tongue helps in appreciating the cultural tapestries that shape our world and our place within it.

The mother tongue, often considered the language of the soul, encapsulates the essence of one’s culture, heritage, and personal experiences. Its resonance reverberates far beyond mere words, acting as a compass that guides our emotional and cognitive landscapes. Here’s a concise essay exploring the profound significance of the mother tongue:

Our mother tongue, the very first language that dances on our lips, is intrinsically tied to our identity. It’s not merely a medium of communication, but a tapestry woven with threads of memories, emotions, and cultural traditions. Every lullaby sung, every story narrated, and every emotion expressed finds its purest form in our mother tongue. Children, when introduced to concepts in their native language, exhibit enhanced comprehension and a deeper emotional connection. Furthermore, our mother tongue serves as a gateway to our cultural heritage, preserving age-old traditions, stories, and values. In an age dominated by globalization, the importance of cherishing and preserving our mother tongue cannot be overstated. For in its melodies and rhythms, we find the echoes of our past and the aspirations of our future.

This intimate bond with our mother tongue anchors us, reminding us of our roots even as we explore new linguistic horizons.

The mother tongue, our primary language, forms an intrinsic part of our identity. It ties us to our cultural heritage, shapes our cognitive processes, and influences our emotional responses. Understanding its significance, especially in the realms of education and national development, is imperative. In this essay, we’ll delve deeper into the essence of the mother tongue and explore ways to promote its preservation and growth.

Importance of Mother Tongue

Our mother tongue is much more than just a language; it is an embodiment of our history, culture, and collective memory. It serves as a bridge connecting us to our ancestors, the values they upheld, and the tales they told. This deep-seated connection impacts various facets of our lives, especially in education and national development.

Significance in National Development

A nation’s strength isn’t solely determined by its economy or military prowess, but also by the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage. The mother tongue plays a pivotal role here. It fosters unity, instills a sense of belonging, and reinforces shared values. By promoting and preserving our mother tongue, we ensure that our national identity remains intact, even in the face of rapid globalization.

Importance in Education

Educating children in their mother tongue has myriad benefits, including:

Enhanced comprehension: Concepts are grasped faster when taught in a child’s native language.

Emotional connection: Students relate better to content when it’s in their mother tongue, fostering a deeper emotional understanding.

Boosted confidence: Children are more expressive and confident when communicating in their primary language.

Cultural preservation: Teaching in the mother tongue ensures that traditional values and stories are passed down to younger generations.

Holistic development: A balance of mother tongue and global languages ensures a well-rounded education.

Ways To Promote Mother Tongue

1. Celebration of Language Days: Hosting annual events celebrating various mother tongues can instill pride and promote usage.

2. Incorporate in School Curriculum: By including mother tongue literature and stories in school curriculums, we ensure it remains a vital part of a child’s education.

3. Encourage Media Representation: Local television shows, radio programs, and films can help in the widespread dissemination of the language.

4. Literature Festivals: Hosting events that focus on literature in one’s mother tongue can amplify its reach and appreciation.

5. Language Classes: Organizing community-based classes to teach and preserve the language ensures that younger generations stay connected to their roots.

Through the Mother Tongue essay, your child will grasp the profound significance of their primary language, understanding its role beyond mere communication. The essay underscores the intimate relationship between culture, identity, and language, emphasizing how it shapes cognitive processes and emotional bonds. Moreover, by appreciating the importance of mother tongues in education and national development, your child will gain a holistic perspective on its relevance in the global context.

1. Can A Child Have More Than One Mother Tongue?

Absolutely! A child can indeed have more than one mother tongue, especially if they are raised in a bilingual or multilingual environment. When children are exposed to multiple languages from birth or at a very young age and use them frequently in various spheres of life (e.g., one language with one parent and another with the second parent), they can develop native proficiency in both, effectively having multiple mother tongues.

2. What Is The Difference Between Mother Tongue and First Language?

The terms “mother tongue” and “first language” are often used interchangeably. However, there’s a subtle distinction:

Mother Tongue: This typically refers to the language spoken at home, especially by one’s parents or caregivers. It’s deeply connected to one’s cultural and familial roots.

First Language: This is the language that a person learns first and in which they are most fluent or comfortable. In many cases, a person’s mother tongue and first language are the same, especially if they continue to use that language predominantly. However, due to circumstances such as migration or a change in the primary language of education, a person’s first language might shift from their mother tongue.

Both terms emphasize the foundational role of the language in one’s life, but the specific focus of each can vary based on context and individual experiences.

The mother tongue, intricately woven into our identity, remains a testament to our cultural heritage, familial bonds, and individual narratives. Its significance extends beyond simple communication, touching upon the core of our emotions, memories, and expressions. Through essays and discussions, we not only underscore its importance but also educate and empower the younger generation to cherish and uphold this linguistic treasure. Recognizing, celebrating, and promoting our mother tongue ensures the preservation of our rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and values for generations to come.

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Essay on International Mother Language Day ( Matri Basha Diwas ) for Students and Children

Essay on international mother language day.

A language is much more than a means of communication. Language, particularly our mother tongue, is an essential component of our culture. Some people believe that our language has the power to alter our perceptions of the world. There are around 6,500 languages in the world, but did you know that a language dies and disappears every two weeks? International Mother Language Day, celebrated on February 21st, is a day to celebrate and defend all of the world’s languages. It has been decided that the theme of the International Mother Language Day in 2022 will be “ Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities. ” It focuses on the potential role of technology in advancing multilingual education and assisting in the establishment of high-quality teaching and learning opportunities for all students and teachers.

This is such a unique day and it has a unique story in the back too. Bangladesh is the only nation that sacrifices lives and gave blood for the language. In 1952 Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan. And Pakistani rulers wanted to make Urdu the official language of the country. And they declared it. But the students of Dhaka University didn’t accept that. They protested against the government and lots of students and general people died there. Shahid Minar is a monument that has been created to pay respect for them.

Every year on February 21st, UNESCO observes International Mother Language Day to promote and spread mother languages and a greater awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions around the world, as well as to encourage solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and discussion. The MHRD is commemorating it as Matribhasha Diwas throughout India with the goal of sensitising people to the need for greater use of mother tongues and other Indian languages for the nation’s development and progress, imparting communicative skills and proficiency in mother tongue, particularly among English medium students, giving a boost to “Knowledge Creation” in mother tongues, encouraging translation from other languages to mother tongues, and encouraging translation from mother tongues to other languages. All schools, colleges, universities, and language-related institutions under both the Central and State Governments have been asked to commemorate this by holding seminars, workshops, and special lectures, as well as various competitions for students, on the importance of mother tongues, India’s vast and diverse language heritage, and ways and means to preserve and support all mother tongues in India. New forms of competitions such as GK competitions on Indian language heritage, translation from other languages to mother tongues, speech competitions in mother tongues on modern issues, exhibitions on Indian mother tongues, and so on would be some of the celebration’s distinguishing aspects.

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India was never a country that spoke only one language. Not only is the country multilingual, but every area and city is as well. Since time immemorial, all languages have not only coexisted but also supplemented and enriched one another. As a result, the culture of this land is inclusive. During Matribhasha Diwas celebrations, people are encouraged not only to use one’s mother tongue more frequently, but also to learn other people’s mother tongues, in order to develop this sense of oneness or nearness. Schools and colleges are encouraged to engage in year-long activities that promote greater use of one’s own mother tongue and faster learning of other people’s mother tongues, as well as creating a welcoming environment and recognising and nurturing Indian mother tongues. Language festivals are also being staged for the first time in various locations.

According to the 2001 Census, India has 22 Scheduled languages, 100 non-scheduled languages spoken by more than ten thousand people each, 1635 rationalised mother tongues (including foreign languages), and 1957 other mother tongues that need to be studied, safeguarded, and promoted. Honourable Human Resource Development Minister Shrimati Zubin Irani released 1008 books in 22 languages for children produced by the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore, launched an online course on Classical Tamil developed by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, Chennai, and published 5 volumes of Sanskrit translation of Kalki’s legendary Tamil work “Ponniyin Selvan” today at the Matribhasha Diwas in Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai.

According to Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” At least 43% of all languages are endangered, and just about 100 are used in the digital world. The majority of online communication is conducted in one of the following languages: English, Chinese Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Indonesian, Malayan, Japanese, Russian, or German. Everyone, however, has the right to use their mother tongue and to preserve the memories, traditions, and ways of thinking that their mother tongue represents. That is the purpose of International Mother Language Day.

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