mother tongue influence essay

Mother Tongue

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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Amy Tan's Mother Tongue . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Mother Tongue: Introduction

Mother tongue: plot summary, mother tongue: detailed summary & analysis, mother tongue: themes, mother tongue: quotes, mother tongue: characters, mother tongue: terms, mother tongue: symbols, mother tongue: theme wheel, brief biography of amy tan.

Mother Tongue PDF

Historical Context of Mother Tongue

Other books related to mother tongue.

  • Full Title: Mother Tongue
  • When Written: 1989
  • When Published: 1990
  • Literary Period: Contemporary
  • Genre: Essay, Memoir
  • Setting: Oakland, California; San Francisco, California; New York City, New York
  • Climax: Tan’s mother attends one of her talks about The Joy Luck Club .
  • Antagonist: Societal ignorance and bias
  • Point of View: First Person

Extra Credit for Mother Tongue

Sagwa. Tan’s 1994 children’s book, The Chinese Siamese Cat , was adapted for television and broadcast by PBS as “Sagwa The Chinese Siamese Cat.” First aired in 2001, the series follows Sagwa, the protagonist kitten, on her adventures as a palace cat in historic China.

Music. Tan’s talents aren’t limited to pen and paper. A member of the band “Rock Bottom Remainders” since 1993, Tan has performed with fellow authors Stephen King, Dave Barry, and Scott Turow.

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mother tongue influence essay

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

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mother tongue influence essay

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Mother Tongue Analysis Essay'. 28 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Mother Tongue Analysis Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-essay-mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/.

1. IvyPanda . "Mother Tongue Analysis Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-essay-mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Mother Tongue Analysis Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-essay-mother-tongue-by-amy-tan/.

  • “Mother Tongue” Article by Amy Tan
  • Mother Tongue by Amy Tan: English v. The "Broken Language"
  • Linguistic Identity. “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan
  • Amy Tan’s Story “Mother Tongue”
  • Linguistic Dominance in the "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
  • Denotation and Connotation on the Basis of Amy Tan’s Mother Tongue
  • The Significance of Language: “Mother Tongue”
  • Mother Tongue by Amy Tan: What Does Your Language Say about Your Identity?
  • Amy Tan’s and Personal English Learning Experience
  • "Mother Tongue" by Tan
  • Hypothesis of the Pronunciation Words
  • Bilingualism in East Asia Countries
  • Differences in Languages between Arabic and English
  • Multilingualism and Identity
  • Korean and Japanese Honorific Systems

Exploring Language and Identity: Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" and Beyond

Exploring Language and Identity: Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" and Beyond

  • Resources & Preparation
  • Instructional Plan
  • Related Resources

In the essay “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan explains that she “began to write stories using all the Englishes I grew up with.” How these “different Englishes” or even a language other than English contribute to identity is a crucial issue for adolescents. In this lesson, students explore this issue by brainstorming the different languages they use in speaking and writing, and when and where these languages are appropriate. They write in their journals about a time when someone made an assumption about them based on their use of language, and share their writing with the class. Students then read and discuss Amy Tan's essay “Mother Tongue.” Finally, they write a literacy narrative describing two different languages they use and when and where they use these languages.

Featured Resources

Discussion Questions for "Mother Tongue" : Have students discuss Amy Tan's essay in small groups, using these discussion questions.

Literacy Narrative Assignment : This handout describes an assignment in which students write a literacy narrative exploring their use of different language in different settings.

From Theory to Practice

NCTE has long held a commitment to the importance of individual student's language choices. In the 1974 Resolution on the Students' Right to Their Own Language , council members "affirm[ed] the students' right to their own language-to the dialect that expresses their family and community identity, the idiolect that expresses their unique personal identity." The Council reaffirmed this resolution in 2003 , "because issues of language variation and education continue to be of major concern in the twenty-first century to educators, educational policymakers, students, parents, and the general public."

Rebecca Wheeler and Rachel Swords assert that: "the child who speaks in a vernacular dialect is not making language errors; instead, she or he is speaking correctly in the language of the home discourse community. Teachers can draw upon the language strengths of urban learners to help students codeswitch-choose the language variety appropriate to the time, place, audience, and communicative purpose. In doing so, we honor linguistic and cultural diversity, all the while fostering students' mastery of the Language of Wider Communication, the de-facto lingua franca of the U.S."

This lesson focuses on ways to investigate the issues of language and identity in the classroom in ways that validate the many languages that students use. To help students gain competence in their ability to choose the right language usage for each situation, explorations of language and identity in the classroom are vital in raising students' awareness of the languages they use and the importance of the decisions that they make as they communicate with others.

Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

  • 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
  • 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
  • 9. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
  • 10. Students whose first language is not English make use of their first language to develop competency in the English language arts and to develop understanding of content across the curriculum.
  • 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

Materials and Technology

  • Copy of "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
  • Blue pens, Black pens, and pencils (optional)
  • Discussion Questions for "Mother Tongue"
  • Literacy Narrative Assignment
  • Essay Rubric
  • Student Self-Assessment

Preparation

  • Arrange for copies of the essay "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan. The essay is widely anthologized. It was originally published in The Threepenny Review in 1990.
  • Make an overhead transparency of the Discussion Questions for "Mother Tongue," or arrange for an LCD projector to show the questions to the class.
  • Make copies of the Literacy Narrative Assignment , Literacy Narrative Rubric , and Student Self-Assessment .
  • Test the Venn Diagram on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

Student Objectives

Students will

  • develop critical reading strategies.
  • discuss and evaluate the impact of language on identity formation and self-esteem of several writers.
  • expand their awareness of the role language plays in identity formation.
  • write their own literacy narratives.

Session One

What are the different "languages" you use? When and why? Consider both reading and writing, and don't forget about email! If you speak another language, include it (or possibly them if you know more than one).
  • Encourage students to read their responses aloud.
  • As they do, keep track on the board or on an overhead transparency of the different "languages" they are describing.
  • Discuss the interaction of language usage and choice with audience and occasion by focusing on the examples the students have provided.
  • For homework, ask students to write a journal entry that describes a time when someone made assumptions or even a judgment (negative or positive) about them based on their language usage (written or spoken). For those who say they've never had such an experience, suggest writing about a situation they've observed involving someone else.

Session Two

  • Open the class by asking volunteers to share their journal entries.
  • Look for similarities among the experiences students describe, and discuss them as a group. Ask whether they notice stereotypes at work in the situations they describe.
  • If students have access to the Internet, introduce Amy Tan by sharing audio and video clips of her talking and reading. Biographical information about Amy Tan can be found at Bookreporter.com .
  • Hand out copies of "Mother Tongue," and read the first two paragraphs aloud.
  • Discuss why Tan opens with an explanation of what she is not .
  • Read the next two paragraphs. Ask students to explain what Tan means by "different Englishes."
  • Shift the discussion by asking why Tan speaks a "different English" with her mother than with her husband. Ask students to consider whether doing so is hypocritical.
  • Assign the remainder of the essay as reading for homework.

Session Three

  • What point is Tan making with the example of her mother and the hospital?
  • What point is she making with the example of the stockbroker?
  • Tan says that experts believe that a person's "developing language skills are more influenced by peers," yet she thinks that family is more influential, "especially in immigrant families." Do you think family or peers exert more influence on a person's language?
  • Why does Tan discuss the SAT and her performance on it?
  • Why does she envision her mother as the reader of her novels?
  • After about 15 minutes, ask each group to explain their responses to the questions. Encourage them to support their responses with specific reference to Tan's essay.
  • Ask them to write notes and ideas in their journals using the Literacy Narrative Assignment . Stress that students are only gathering ideas. They are not creating the polished essay at this point.

Session Four

  • Open by discussing the assignment itself. Explain that a literacy narrative tells a specific story about reading or writing. Tan's article is essentially a literacy narrative because it discusses events about language use from her past (whether good or bad) and reflects on how those events influence her writing today.
  • If desired, ask students to choose examples from the essay that connect writing from Tan's past to her present.
  • Pass out copies of the Essay Rubric , and discuss the required components for the finished paper.
  • Discuss the possibilities that students raised in their journal entries.
  • To begin developing ideas further, ask students to use the Venn Diagram to map and compare the two "languages" that they will explore in their essays. Ask them to think creatively about the qualities and characteristics of the "languages."
  • Allow students time to work on their literacy narratives in class.
  • Assign a draft of the literacy narrative as homework; each student should bring his or her draft to the next class session (on a disk if you are working in a computer lab, or a printed copy otherwise).
  • Additionally, if you are not working in a computer lab, ask students to bring a pencil, a black pen, and a blue pen to class.

Session Five

  • Begin with a discussion of the problems students are encountering with the assignment.
  • Brainstorm ways to address one or two of the challenges.
  • Remind students of the criteria for the assignment in the Literacy Narrative Essay Rubric . For the peer review, ask students to compare the drafts that they read to the characteristics described in the rubric.
  • Each student will read three papers, each written by someone else.
  • On the first paper that you read, make your comments with your black ink pen or in bold.
  • On the second paper, make your comments with the blue ink pen or in italics.
  • On the third paper, make your comments with your pencil or with underlined letters.
  • Finally, you'll return to your own essay and read over the comments.
  • Arrange the students in small groups of four, having students rotate the drafts among group members as they read and respond. Adjust groupings as needed to accommodate the number of students in your class.
  • Once students have read and responded to all the drafts, discuss questions, comments, and concerns students have as they prepare to revise.
  • Encourage students to pay particular attention to comments that all of their peer readers agreed upon when reading their drafts.
  • For homework, have students create their final, polished draft of the literacy narratives. Collect the papers at the beginning of the next session.
  • To explore a more controversial response to language usage, students might read "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is" by African American author James Baldwin. Written before the term "ebonics" came into usage, it is a brief but highly political argument about the link between language and identity and the damage school systems can cause by privileging one language (or dialect) over another. It can be found in the New York Times archives (29 July 1979, page E19).
  • Students also might examine a passage from the fiction of Cormac McCarthy, Sandra Cisneros, or another author who includes Spanish in his or her work—without translating it. What is the effect on a reader who does not know Spanish? What might be the purpose of an author making the decision to write whole sections in Spanish?
  • To pursue the link between power and language, students might read the poem "Parsley" by Rita Dove. It explores the historical incident in which the Dominical Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo used the pronunciation of the word "parsley" to separate Dominicans who speak Spanish from the persecuted Haitians who speak a French Creole (a topic Edwidge Danticat takes up in her novel The Farming of Bones ).

Student Assessment / Reflections

Observe students for their participation during the exploration and discussion of Tan’s essay and their own language use. In class discussions and conferences, watch for evidence that students are able to describe specific details about their language use. Monitor students’ progress and process as they work on their lilteracy narratives. For formal assessment, use the Literacy Narrative Rubric . Ask students to complete the Student Self-Assessment to reflect on their exploration of language and their literacy narratives.

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Introduction.

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mother tongue influence essay

Words Worth English Language Lab

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mother tongue influence essay

Mother Tongue Influence and Its Impact on Spoken English

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  • english language lab , mother tongue influence , spoken english

English is valued highly in the Indian society with a lot of prestige being attached to the language. A lot of time and energy is dedicated to teach or learn English in the Indian schools. Despite this, not much attention is given to enhance the speaking skill in the average Indian classroom. That the learner will pick up the skill from general classroom activities and instructions over a period of time is a false assumption made. As a result, the learners are not able to develop this skill and hence lack confidence while conversing in English.

To further this, though articulation of individual sounds while teaching this language is addressed, teaching of pronunciation is not given much importance either. In regular Indian classrooms, the importance of native-like accent is not given due stress. One strong reason that could be attributed to this could be that number of dialects found is so large that it is practically impossible to address all the accents in a classroom. This is serious challenge in the Indian classrooms. The areas of sound relating to spoken English and to pronunciation in the Indian context needs to be consciously addressed to counter this challenge and to make native-like accent in Indian learners more plausible.

The importance of pronunciation in communication cannot be denied. In fact it is as important as grammar and vocabulary. Yet, the evidence of mother tongue influence on English is very obvious. This manifests in the form of incorrect pronunciation.

Pronunciation error may be due to many issues. Guesswork or vagueness of the correct form of a word or sentence, or a general ineptness of the language could be the reason of mispronunciation. The most common reason is transfer or interference from the mother tongue. Generally, errors made in pronunciation are due to difference in the sound system and spelling symbols between the mother tongue and English.

As a regular practice the teacher is seen as a model for correct speaking in class. The learners are expected to be introduced to the pronunciation of words in English by their teacher during the day-to-day interaction. It is when the teacher her/himself has coloured pronunciation that the learners are unable to acquire correct skills in spoken English. The pronunciation samples they are exposed to in their classroom environment being inappropriate, the learners are most likely to adopt a similar pronunciation skill.

Added to this is the challenge of the fossilised sound system of the mother tongue of the learners that inhibits the acquisition of the pronunciation and sound system of the second language. It is understood that if the second language is introduced to the learners before puberty, the chances of attaining a native-like pronunciation skill is easier. This challenge can surely be met by using the mother tongue removal tool offered in good digital language lab . Words Worth English Language Lab has an inbuilt facility to meet this requirement.

To help reduce this problem in Indian schools, it is vital that while on one hand spoken English be encouraged and promoted, on the other hand, such sound patterns as which are likely to be confused and faltered be identified and drilled. The learners should be able to practise these sound patterns over and over again using a model voice to emulate.

It has been realised that such activities when done in digital language labs, not only help eliminate the mother tongue influence, but also hasten the acquisition of the target language. Digital language labs equipped with this facility allow learners to listen to correct pronunciation of a word and the check their own learning during the practise session.

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

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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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  1. 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….

  2. Mother Tongue Study Guide

    Before its publication as an autobiographical essay in The Threepenny Review in 1990, "Mother Tongue" was Tan's anticipatory response to her fellow panelists at the 1989 "The State of the English Language" conference. Describing her mother's influence on her writing style, Tan highlights the role her "mother tongue" plays in her debut novel, The Joy Luck Club.

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

    Understanding the influence of the mother tongue on language learning can help learners and educators develop more effective language learning strategies. The benefits of learning in your mother tongue. Learning in your mother tongue has several benefits that cannot be overlooked. Firstly, it is much easier to comprehend and understand concepts ...

  4. (PDF) The Influence of Mother-Tongue Interference on English as A

    A learner encounters mother tongue influence while learning or speaking a foreign language or target language. ... They were instructed to write between 200-to 300-word essays on a given topic in ...

  5. Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue": Literary Analysis

    In " Mother Tongue ", Amy Tan uses anecdotes and anaphora to emphasize that language is not about the surface structure, but rather about the underlying meaning the thoughts come from. Tan uses anecdotes throughout the essay to describe her growing wisdom of language and its evolving roles in her life. She found that while she is presents ...

  6. PDF Mother Tongue, by Amy Tan

    Mother Tongue, by Amy Tan I am not a scholar of English or literature. I cannot give you much more than personal opinions on the English language and its variations in this country or others. I am a writer. And by that definition, I am someone who has always loved language. I am fascinated by language in daily life.

  7. Amy Tan's Mother Tongue

    Amy Tan's many adventures and experiences as she strived to learn English evoke a lot of feelings. For example, when she felt mad and rebellious when her mother did something that she thought was not good for her learning. On the other hand, she praises her mother and the influence of their mother tongue in shaping who she was as a writer.

  8. Mother Tongue by Amy Tan

    ''Mother Tongue'': Further Analysis. In this lesson, you learned about Amy Tan's essay, ''Mother Tongue''. In this essay, she explores the role of English in her relationship with her mother.

  9. Mother Tongue Response: The Power of Language and Identity: [Essay

    In "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan invites readers to contemplate the profound role that language plays in shaping our identities and relationships. She underscores the complexities of language proficiency, the power of communication, and the value of linguistic diversity. Through her personal narrative, Tan reminds us that language is not a mere tool ...

  10. Exploring Language and Identity: Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" and Beyond

    Overview. In the essay "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan explains that she "began to write stories using all the Englishes I grew up with.". How these "different Englishes" or even a language other than English contribute to identity is a crucial issue for adolescents. In this lesson, students explore this issue by brainstorming the ...

  11. Language Influence in Mother Tongue by Amy Tan

    In Amy Tan's essay, "Mother Tongue," she explores the importance of language and how it shapes our identity. Tan reflects on her experiences growing up as a Chinese-American and the challenges she faced due to her mother's [...] Mother Tongue Response: The Power of Language and Identity Essay. Language is not merely a tool for communication; it ...

  12. Amy Tan "Mother Tongue": Thesis: [Essay Example], 443 words

    In conclusion, Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" presents a compelling thesis on the influence of language on identity and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Tan highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating between different linguistic and cultural worlds. Her essay serves as a poignant reminder of the power dynamics ...

  13. PDF Effects of Mother Language Transfer on Second Language Acquisition

    Mother tongue, or first language, plays a very important role in second language learning. And the precondition of people learning a second language is based on if "they have acquired their mother tongue" (Rod Ellis, 1986, p. 6). In the process of second language learning, "learners were strongly influenced by their L1 (first

  14. Understanding of the Importance of Mother Tongue Learning

    Abstract. Mother tongue is valuable due to several reasons. Mother tongue is vital in framing the thinking and emotions of people. Learning to speak in the mother tongue is very necessary for a ...

  15. PDF A Study of Mother Tongue Influence on Learning English As a Second

    Key words: mother tongue, second language, mother tongue influence, acquisition 1. INTRODUCTION I have been teaching English at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka over a period of a decade in different faculties for the native Tamil spe aking students. The feedback of the target students indicates that students ¶

  16. PDF A Study on Mother Tongue Influence in English Communication

    mother tongue sounds with the original sounds of English. It acts as a commercial language. Key words: English communication ,Universal, Mother Tongue , Global ,Corporate culture . Cite This Article As: Sriprabha M (2015). A STUDY ON MOTHER TONGUE INFLUENCE IN ENGLISH COMMUNICATION. Inter. J. Eng. Lit. Cult. 3(11): 296-300 INTRODUCTION

  17. ᐉ Mother Tongue Essay for Students in English ☑️ Topics, thesis

    The mother tongue is the language that we use most freely and actively in all cases of daily life. The child learns the world through the natal tongue. This term refers to the language we hear from our parents, which we are brought up in and which is common to the people and the place where we were born.

  18. Mother Tongue Essay

    Long and Short Essays on Mother Tongue for Students and Kids in English. We are providing students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic 'Mother Tongue' for reference. Long Essay on Mother Tongue 500 Words in English. Long Essay on Mother Tongue is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

  19. Mother Tongue Influence and Its Impact on Spoken English

    Mother Tongue Influence and Its Impact on Spoken English. English is valued highly in the Indian society with a lot of prestige being attached to the language. A lot of time and energy is dedicated to teach or learn English in the Indian schools. Despite this, not much attention is given to enhance the speaking skill in the average Indian ...

  20. PDF Mother Tongue Influence on English Writing: A Study with EFL Learners

    The negative influence of the mother tongue (Arabic) on different grammatical components was isolated and analyzed in this study based upon 120 essays and 1200 sentences written by 120 EFL ...

  21. The Manifestation of Mother Tongue Influence (L1) in Writing Essays

    This study is important since it addresses Tamil-speaking ESL learners' concerns, notably primary schoolchildren in Perak, Malaysia. The study shows that transferring linguistic knowledge from one's native language (L1) to a second language (L2) affects punctuation, spelling, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun use. The study used a qualitative research technique to examine how ...

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

    Mother Tongue Essay in 540 Words Mother Tongue. 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 ...

  23. Influence of Mother Tongue in English

    Influence of Mother Tongue in English. A lot of people refer to mother tongue 'influence' on English, as mother tongue 'influenza' and have a good laugh at others' expense. Of all the influences, the mother tongue influence is the most difficult to get rid of, or so we believe! In my Verbal Ability sessions, I invariably come across ...