Cyndi Lynn Sheridan; A Trip of Language Chaos

Cyndi Lynn Sheridan                                                                                                English – E

January 5, 2011

                                                A Trip of Language Chaos

“May I have a soda please?”

“Excuse me? What would you like?”

“A soda please.”

(The cashier just gazed at me with a blank stare.)

I tried to organize my thoughts before I was embarrassed even further. I felt my cheeks turning red as if my face was burning up. Then, I thought to myself and realized that maybe the residents of Pittsburgh pronounced or had different words for certain products as compared to how residents of Philadelphia may call them. I just arrived here no more than two days ago for just a simple doctor’s appointment, and I’ve have already been faced with an obstacle involving language. Despite the fact that I was thirteen, I still had trouble grasping languages from around the world. With one more hopeful try, I asked once more but with similar words in which I was trying to portray the first time.

“May I have something to drink?”

“Oh yes, what would you like? We have ‘pop’ if that’s okay.”

Without causing more confusion, I just agreed with what the cashier said. She handed me a bottle of Coca Cola soda bottle. Exactly what I was asking for from the beginning.

“Is that all?” she asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

Walking towards the car, I hilariously shared my experience with my parents. At first, they giggled a little but then just stared at me wondering why things were so different between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh even though they are located in the same state. After explaining what just happened to me, they burst into obnoxious laughter. They tempted to make an effort and describe how certain things conflict with language, environment being one of them. For example, since I was raised in the South Philadelphia region my accent is different then most because I pronounce water by saying “wudder”. Their words of wisdom reminded me of an essay I read in which my view on language was effected.

            In the essay How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldía, the main character creates a language to suit her identity as well as the environment she lives in. The girl is experiencing difficulty deciding between speaking one language; therefore she develops a language that correlates between her personality and her opinions. Although I only speak English, sometimes I do the same exact thing depending on where I am. Also, my beliefs on language are quite similar to the author when she states, “ A language, which they can connect their identity to, one capable of communicating the realities and values are true to themselves.”

This shows that a language is spoken and used to appeal one’s characteristics as well as to portray the aspect of a person’s life. Identity clarifies the inner beauty of someone by many actions, language being one of them. This is relevant to me because when I socialize with my friends I usually say things that express how I feel and what I am all about. On occasions, I speak to authority figures with proper vocabulary and a respectful tone in order to show my appreciation, but it still shows who I am despite the community I am involved with.

            After several experiences of being in the state of embarrassment on either the words I used for something or how I pronounced something, I’ve came to realize that there are always struggles you are bound to face throughout life but you have to approach them differently. This means that everyone is unique in their own type of way especially when relating to language, so you just have to keep your head held high and overcome this obstacle without being self-conscientious about yourself. I’ve gained a large amount of knowledge by experiencing faults with my language, but now I have a clear understanding on how to connect with people from different backgrounds.   Acceptance is a main goal that you must be able to accomplish in order to actively engage within a community because then a positive attitude is being conveyed. Also, it allows people to use their language in whichever form they feel comfortable with. Clearly, language reflects upon strength, dignity, power, and beliefs because it either builds or breaks you through your identity.