“Hola, mi nombre es Sra. Rose. Como estas?” that was the first question I heard in Spanish while starting out in preschool. I pretended to go along with it even though I could not understand what she was saying. She continued with saying words in Spanish until I finally could make out what she was talking about. Ever since then I have been exposed to Spanish and now have the understanding and ability to speak it when I want to get a job. I have also been able to help Spanish speakers when they cannot speak English. The essays of Espada and Rodriguez demonstrate different beliefs of what bilingualism means. For me, being bilingual is not just about speaking two languages, it is about understanding and being a part of a completely different culture than your own. Bilingualism will connect to different parts of the world and respect the different cultures while becoming friends with more people who will respect you back.
First, to Martin Espada bilingualism means more than just speaking one language, it means to have the right retain your own identity while also having the choice …show more content…
Rodriguez describes “The believer, the calming assurance that I belonged in public, had at last taken hold” (Rodriguez 99-100). Although he could speak Spanish fluently, once he learned English and was immersed in it, Rodriguez felt more a part of the public and country. This shows that he believes being bilingual was learning a public language and being immersed in two languages. Also, Rodriguez illustrates how he and his family were not as close and he would not rush home anymore. He would come home to friends hanging out with his brothers and sister. This enumerates how Rodriguez lost something which was his closeness to his family, but gained something, that is that he had more friends and became a part of the
First, to Martin Espada bilingualism means more than just speaking one language, it means to have the right retain your own identity while also having the choice …show more content…
Rodriguez describes “The believer, the calming assurance that I belonged in public, had at last taken hold” (Rodriguez 99-100). Although he could speak Spanish fluently, once he learned English and was immersed in it, Rodriguez felt more a part of the public and country. This shows that he believes being bilingual was learning a public language and being immersed in two languages. Also, Rodriguez illustrates how he and his family were not as close and he would not rush home anymore. He would come home to friends hanging out with his brothers and sister. This enumerates how Rodriguez lost something which was his closeness to his family, but gained something, that is that he had more friends and became a part of the