Talking points 2

1." What they seem not to recognize is that, as a socially disadvantaged child, I considered Spanish to be a private language. What I needed to learn in school was that I had the right and the obligation to speak the public language of los gringos". pg 34


Richard Rodriguez is saying in this quote that the use of Spanish was used only in his home life and English was used in the outside world. He did not see the use of being bilingual. He is also saying that he knows how to speak Spanish; he needed to learn how to succeed in speaking English. This quote reminded me of a recent incident that happened. When I went on my second visit to my service learning, there was a mother who came into the office to register her children. The secretary spoke only English and the mother spoke only Spanish, the daughter was shy and wouldn’t talk. A third grader that was leaving early stepped in and said "I speak Spanish and English, I can help". I thought that was a very nice thing that little girl did.


2. "One Saturday morning I entered the kitchen where my parents were talking in Spanish however until, at the moment they saw me, I heard their voices change to speak English". pg 35

I don't understand why they would totally cut out their "home language". It is a part of what makes their family unique. All families are different. Besides in today's society you can benefit from speaking another language. Speaking a different language should not make you feel any less of an individual in today's society.

3."One day in school I raised my hand to volunteer an answer. I spoke out in a loud voice. And I did not think it remarkable when the entire class understood. That day, I moved very far from the disadvantaged child I had been only days earlier". pg 36

He is saying that one day he finally had the courage to take the English that he knew how to speak and speak for the first time in front of the whole class. That takes a lot of courage. His confidence must of boosted way up when the class understood him. I only speak English and do not like to speak in front of my peers. I always wonder if I am going to mess up or stutter (talking to children is different).

Richard Rodriguez's "Aria" was an easy read and I really enjoyed it because it is a personal experience. I like to read stories about people’s lives. It is written in first person therefore it is easy to put yourself in that "persons shoes" in a way. I think that it is boring to read a bunch of facts. I look forward to more readings of this nature, it spikes my interest. I also think that I will be able to relate more to diversity in the classroom now that I am expanding my horizon and volunteer in a setting that I did not think I would ever be in, and so far enjoying it very much.