In the opening of her essay, Gloria Anzaldúa uses the phrase “taming a wild tongue” in a very literal context of her being at the dentist and being told to keep her tongue under control. However, throughout the rest of her essay, she explains that being an immigrant in that era has affected her ability to speak Spanish freely and openly. Therefore, in this context, the “wild tongue” is referred to as the foreign language of immigrants that isn’t the primary language of the country they immigrated to. In addition, to “tame it” mean to silence the tongue, to make it speak the conventional language of the nation, to make it forget the native culture, and to make it conform to society’s standards. By forcing immigrants to speak only English, the United States is essentially denying them their right to freedom of speech. Another language should not be considered so wild and untamed that it needs to be saddled, but rather celebrated for its uniqueness. It is extremely important to encourage native speakers to practice their language so they can teach it to their children and prevent the language from becoming completely extinct, like many already have in the past.
Katsiaryna Aliashkevich
I love the point you made in the end on the importance of encouraging native speakers to speak their own language. I know many people who come from a different heritage that aren’t taught their language and are forced to learn and speak English. Rather than diminishing their culture, it should be something that is embraced and shared.
Being a native Spanish speaker, I can understand why when others tried to restrict her from speaking her language, Anzaldua went “wild”. Like you mentioned, bilingual speakers should be encouraged to speak their other tongues as this doesn’t only increase knowledge but keeps history alive. If it isn’t practiced, languages slowly get forgotten and it should be a privilege to know other dialects. Listed in the essay, I have always found it fascinating how we are able to code-switch so fast between so many dialects/languages and perfectly utter and understand each one. We shouldn’t be put to shame for the more we know or be considered “wild” for what we believe in. Instead of trying to find ways to tame outspoken people like Anzaldua, I believe comprehending each other leads to further improvement.
I really like the connection you made with taming is, in other words, an attempt for the United States to wash away foreign culture, there for it is taking away that freedom of speech. I think that, although less common today, there is that constant struggle between cultures to celebrate, or even to plainly accept another societies culture without making it seem less then their own. At the time Gloria was feeling discouraged to be herself due to this but always fought to keep her culture alive at least within herself.