The semester has passed very quickly, and through this class, I can say that I have learned many things. Additionally, I have been able to enjoy most of the assignments, for example, the readings that we could debate in class, where each of us gave our point of view. Sometimes there were differences, but in general, we could agree on a common perspective.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this semester has been the opportunity to engage in lively debates and discussions with my peers. Through readings and class debates, I’ve come to appreciate the diverse perspectives that each individual brings to the table. Whether discussing cultural nuances or linguistic standards, I’ve learned to listen actively and respect differing viewpoints, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues. Furthermore, these discussions have not only broadened my understanding of various topics but have also taught me the importance of empathy and open-mindedness in effective communication. Understanding and valuing diverse perspectives have become essential skills that I will carry forward in both my academic and personal endeavors.

Among the various assignments, the interview project stands out as a highlight for me. The dedication and effort put into this assignment allowed me to delve into my own cultural background and share personal experiences with a family member. It was an opportunity to not only explore my identity but also to shed light on the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within our community. The process of exposing and celebrating different cultures has been both enlightening and rewarding. Moreover, this assignment has reinforced the significance of storytelling as a means of connecting with others and fostering understanding. By sharing our stories, we not only honor our individual experiences but also create bridges of empathy and solidarity.

While I’ve made progress throughout the semester, I recognize that there is still much room for improvement, particularly in areas such as writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary. However, the supportive environment fostered in this class has provided me with the encouragement and resources to navigate these challenges with confidence. Constructive feedback and peer reviews have been invaluable in identifying areas for growth and fostering meaningful discussions. Additionally, the emphasis on continuous improvement has instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. As I continue to refine my skills, I am committed to seeking out opportunities for growth and learning in all aspects of my academic and personal journey.

Another aspect of this course that has significantly contributed to my growth is the emphasis on collaborative learning. Engaging in group work and peer reviews has not only enhanced my understanding of course materials but has also provided valuable insights into different perspectives and approaches to writing. Through constructive feedback from peers, I’ve been able to identify areas of improvement and refine my writing skills. Moreover, the collaborative nature of assignments has fostered a sense of camaraderie among classmates, creating a supportive learning environment where we can learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

The structured progression of assignments has provided continuity and cohesion in my learning journey. Each phase has built upon the previous one, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex topics. Whether exploring the cultural significance of language or crafting persuasive messages, I’ve found that each phase has contributed to a holistic understanding of course concepts. This interconnectedness has been instrumental in my growth as a writer and thinker. Moreover, the iterative nature of the assignments has reinforced the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process. By revisiting and refining my work, I’ve been able to internalize key concepts and develop a more nuanced understanding of course material. Overall, the structured approach to learning has empowered me to take ownership of my academic growth and embrace the journey of lifelong learning.

As I look ahead to the future, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the continued growth and learning that await me. The lessons and insights gained from this semester will serve as a solid foundation upon which to build my academic and personal journey. Armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and confidence, I am ready to embark on the next phase of my journey with enthusiasm and determination. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities afforded to me in this class, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to future endeavors, both inside and outside the classroom. As I reflect on my journey this semester, I am grateful for the opportunities for growth and learning that this class has provided. From embracing diversity to recognizing areas for improvement, each experience has been invaluable in shaping my development as a writer and thinker. Moving forward, I am excited to continue honing my skills and exploring new avenues for creative expression. As I embark on the next phase of my academic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and the insights gained, confident in my ability to continue evolving and growing.

Language is a multifaceted prism that refracts the essence of human experience through the diverse mediums of literature, communication, and education. Within this intricate tapestry, different literary genres serve as portals into the depths of human emotion, culture, and identity. Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” delves into the power dynamics inherent in language, while Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Haunted Oak” illuminates themes of oppression and resilience within the African American experience. These narratives underscore the transformative potential of language to shape personal and cultural narratives, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse communities. Learning English as a new language represents a journey fraught with linguistic challenges and cultural adaptations. Saleem’s “Why I Speak Up” captures the emancipatory power of language as a tool for resistance and empowerment, while James Baldwin’s “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” interrogates notions of linguistic legitimacy and cultural heritage. These reflections highlight the pivotal role of self-expression in dismantling systems of oppression and affirming the linguistic diversity of marginalized communities.

In “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan shares how her mother’s way of speaking, which she describes as “broken” English, affected their interactions. Tan explains how her mother’s English influenced their relationships with others and shaped their family dynamic. Through her personal story, Tan challenges the idea that there’s only one correct way to speak English. Instead, she shows that language is diverse and can vary depending on culture and background. Tan’s narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting different forms of language. On the other hand, Mohammed H. Mohammed discusses the challenges faced by people learning English as a second language in “Challenges of Learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) by Non-Native Learners.” Mohammed explores issues like pronunciation difficulties and feelings of not belonging due to language barriers. He emphasizes the need for support and understanding for non-native English speakers as they navigate the complexities of language learning. Mohammed’s work highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments that value linguistic diversity. When we compare these two perspectives, we see how they both contribute to our understanding of language and communication. Tan’s personal narrative shows us the impact of language on identity and relationships, while Mohammed’s analysis sheds light on the broader challenges faced by language learners. Together, they underscore the importance of recognizing linguistic differences and providing support for those learning English as a new language.

In “Why I Speak Up” by Saleem, the narrative delves into the significance of language as a means of empowerment and self-expression. Saleem shares personal experiences that illustrate how language proficiency can impact one’s sense of self-worth and confidence. By speaking up against societal expectations and discrimination based on language, Saleem exemplifies the transformative power of language in asserting one’s identity. The narrative emphasizes the intrinsic link between language proficiency and self-esteem, highlighting the importance of fostering positive self-perceptions to overcome linguistic barriers. On the other hand, Fernando Rubio’s edited volume “Self-Esteem and Foreign Language Learning” explores the broader implications of self-esteem on language acquisition and proficiency. The collection of essays delves into the psychological factors influencing language learning outcomes, including motivation, anxiety, and classroom performance. Contributors discuss strategies for promoting positive self-esteem in language learners and the impact of self-perception on language learning success. Rubio’s work provides valuable insights into the role of self-esteem in facilitating effective communication and language acquisition. Comparing these two perspectives reveals how they converge on the central theme of the significance of self-esteem in language learning and communication. Saleem’s personal narrative offers a firsthand account of the transformative potential of language in shaping individual identity and agency. Meanwhile, Rubio’s edited volume provides a scholarly examination of the psychological dimensions of language acquisition, underscoring the importance of fostering positive self-perceptions and confidence in language learners. Together, they underscore the crucial role of self-esteem in navigating linguistic challenges and promoting effective communication in diverse cultural contexts.

In “The Haunted Oak” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the narrative delves into themes of oppression and resilience within the African American experience. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, Dunbar portrays the struggles faced by individuals in the face of systemic injustice and discrimination. The haunting metaphor of the oak tree serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and defiance against oppression. Similarly, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” provides a firsthand account of the brutal realities of slavery and the quest for freedom. Douglass’s narrative illuminates the dehumanizing effects of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Both narratives offer profound insights into the complexities of the African American experience and the enduring quest for dignity and freedom.Drawing on my personal connection with “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” from my high school years, I was struck by the parallels between Douglass’s narrative and Dunbar’s “The Haunted Oak.” Both narratives resonated with me deeply, as they vividly depict the struggles and triumphs of individuals confronting oppression and injustice. Douglass’s powerful storytelling and Dunbar’s evocative imagery shed light on the enduring legacy of slavery and its impact on African American identity. Through these narratives, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural forces that shape the African American experience and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Comparing these two narratives reveals how they converge on the central theme of resilience and defiance against oppression. Dunbar’s poetic imagery and Douglass’s firsthand account offer complementary perspectives on the enduring quest for dignity and freedom in the face of systemic injustice. Together, they underscore the importance of bearing witness to the struggles of the past and honoring the resilience of those who have fought for justice and equality.

In “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” James Baldwin passionately advocates for the recognition of Black English as a legitimate and valuable form of communication. Baldwin challenges the prevailing narrative that devalues Black English, asserting its cultural significance and roots within African American communities. His argument extends beyond linguistic discourse to encompass broader discussions of identity, power, and cultural hegemony. Similarly, “Spoken Soul: The Story of Black English” offers a detailed examination of the historical and cultural dimensions of Black English. The book provides insights into the evolution of Black English and its role as a dynamic and expressive mode of communication within African American culture. Together, these texts highlight the resilience and creativity of African American communities in preserving and innovating language as a means of cultural affirmation. Reflecting on the narratives presented in “Spoken Soul: The Story of Black English,” I was struck by the depth of cultural pride and resilience embedded within Black English. The book’s exploration of the linguistic features and cultural influences of Black English underscores its significance as a vital aspect of African American identity. Baldwin’s impassioned defense of Black English resonates with the themes of empowerment and cultural affirmation conveyed in “Spoken Soul.” Both texts challenge societal norms and advocate for the recognition and celebration of Black English as a unique and valuable linguistic heritage. They highlight the importance of embracing linguistic diversity and resisting efforts to marginalize or erase the rich cultural contributions of African American communities.

In conclusion, the exploration of language through various literary works and academic perspectives reveals its multifaceted nature and profound impact on human experience. Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” and Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Haunted Oak” illuminate the power dynamics and resilience embedded within language, particularly within the context of cultural identity and oppression. These narratives emphasize the transformative potential of language to shape personal narratives and foster understanding across diverse communities. Additionally, the challenges of learning English as a foreign language, as discussed by Mohammed H. Mohammed, and the significance of self-esteem in language acquisition, as explored in Fernando Rubio’s edited volume, underscore the complexities inherent in language learning and communication. Moreover, narratives such as Saleem’s “Why I Speak Up” and James Baldwin’s “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” advocate for the recognition and celebration of linguistic diversity, particularly within marginalized communities. These narratives highlight the importance of self-expression and cultural affirmation in navigating linguistic challenges and resisting oppressive systems. Similarly, “Spoken Soul: The Story of Black English” provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural dimensions of Black English, underscoring its significance as a vital aspect of African American identity. In essence, the convergence of these narratives and perspectives underscores the intricate relationship between language, culture, and identity. By embracing linguistic diversity and challenging societal norms, we can foster inclusive environments that value and celebrate the richness of human communication in all its forms. Through continued exploration and understanding of language, we can work towards building a more empathetic and interconnected world where diverse voices are heard and respected.

Sources

– Rickford, John Russell, and Russell John Rickford. Spoken soul: The story of black English. Turner Publishing Company, 2007.

– Mohammed, Mohammed H. “Challenges of learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) by non-native learners.” International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research 3.4 (2018): 1381-1400.

– Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. Broadview Press, 2018.

– Rubio, Fernando, ed. Self-esteem and foreign language learning. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2021.

Reflection 3

In this research essay, I’ve explored the fascinating world of language, connecting different stories and academic ideas to understand how we communicate. I’ve enjoyed linking what I’ve read with online articles, noticing how they often share common themes. This process has deepened my appreciation for the richness of language and its impact on us. My aim is to promote understanding and respect for diverse voices, making our world more connected and compassionate.

            The person I interviewed was my aunt, at the time I had to interview a relative I thought of her because she is one of the wisest people I know and just by asking a little she gives a lot of detail about the story and also while she is telling the story she gives extract details about what is being talked about. In the interview we had, I realized that if we do not give a lot of importance to a custom or a certain event that is important for development, it is very difficult for it to be maintained over time and if it is maintained, it is very difficult for it to be the same. way of how it originated. A clear example with my family, some of my grandparents did not influence my parents much with religion and I have almost heard very little about religion, rarely in my life have I gone to mass. That’s what I mean: if you don’t put that effort into inheriting a custom, it will be very difficult to keep it in the family over time.

Another clear example is myself, most of the time when I lived in Ecuador I have always celebrated “carnival” but it was not until now the last thing that has to do with being a religious symbol or that has meaning, I always thought that the holidays were celebrated. And the custom is gradually disappearing on my side because I haven’t celebrated carnival for 3 years because I live here in the United States as it is not a celebration here, only people from Ecuador know about this celebration. 

There are practically no people to celebrate with, another point I want to get to is that as I, little by little without realizing it, I am losing that idea of celebrating the “carnival” I can’t imagine my children, they will have no idea what I’m going to be talking and it’s going to be one more story about how we had fun in my time, because as they were born with the culture here, suddenly in their daily lives they learn about events that are celebrated here. It all depends on me if I want to invest my time in teaching them some custom from my native country, and another thing is that if the custom or celebration catches their attention, and if they no longer like it, you cannot force someone to do something. does not want to, at that moment is when the inheritance of customs is lost.

Something that caught my attention is that most religious celebrations are celebrated almost at the same time during this time of year. Lent and Holy Week are during these months of February and April. I’m not very clear about these other two examples, but just these days I heard that Ramadan began and another celebration is Passover and finally Easter. I don’t know much in detail about each celebration but I know that they are related to religion and it seems curious to me that they are celebrated for the same time. An interesting fact that my aunt said in the interview is that in the old days there was no doubt about the words of adults, which means that everything was under the word of adults, practically, that this is the right thing to do and is the truth. They did all this so that minors would pay attention and not doubt.

Finally, in the interview I realized, thanks to my aunt’s words, that technology is separating the new generations from customs and culture, this is a simple way to explain it is that the new generations have access to thousands and without number of websites, games and many other ways of training with a phone at hand, the result is that little by little they lose their habits.

Reflection 2

In my interview with my aunt, her profound insights shed light on the delicate balance between preserving cultural traditions and the influence of modernity. Her wisdom highlighted the importance of passing down customs through generations, illustrating how neglecting to do so could lead to their gradual erosion over time. Reflecting on my own experience with the fading tradition of celebrating Carnival since moving to the United States, I realized the significance of actively maintaining cultural practices within my family. Moreover, her observation about the simultaneous occurrence of religious celebrations underscored the interconnectedness of diverse cultural phenomena. The interview also raised concerns about the impact of technology on younger generations, emphasizing the need to navigate digital distractions while nurturing a connection to cultural heritage. Overall, this conversation deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions that shape our identities and underscored the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Oral History Script

Introduction:

The most appropriate person for this interview was my aunt Gladys, who is my dad’s older sister, but I think she is the person who has enjoyed the carnival the most. He is also a wise person with his words but sometimes he deviates from the topic a little to explain something else.

Maykel: Aunt Gladys, one of my questions is when does the carnival start?

Aunt Gladys: I have not celebrated carnival for many years because I am already around 67 years old so I am not going to be very precise with the dates, but what I am very clear about is that in my time the carnival was celebrated the week before the carnival begins. Lent. For example, this year the carnival ended on February 13 and February 14 was Ash Wednesday. It is generally always celebrated between February and early March.

Maykel: So the carnival has to do with religion?

Aunt Gladys: Our family has not been that religious, I tell you this so you have an idea that I could be wrong. At the time of my youth, adult people always instilled in me certain values or certain ideas that could never be questioned. So I never asked directly about something he doubted. Over time I understood that carnival is a way to enjoy the family and friends that surround us, it was also a way for adults to bring out that inner child, but if we talk within religion it is a way to leave all the bad things behind, to celebrate. new beginnings and start Lent.

 

Maykel: in your youth, how did you experience carnival days and how did you celebrate it?

Aunt Gladys: the truth was it was a very nice time since all the people left their house with buckets of water to wet others, there were people who played with eggs, bursting them on top of another person. There were people who mixed water with paint to stain anyone on the street. Also on those carnival days, it always rained a lot and generally it always rained on the same days and it was like that for many years, now it is very difficult for it to rain on carnival days. I don’t know if it is for some reason of climate change but it doesn’t rain like before.

Maykel: One of the most intriguing questions is, how much has the celebration changed from before to today?

Aunt Gladys: Over the years many things have changed, now people celebrate these dates in a more vain way, I think people do not celebrate it with its true meaning, I also feel that technology is creating a gap between maintaining traditions or As time goes by, little by little they disappear. A clear example is me, nowadays I no longer celebrate it and I no longer wet someone with water, the only thing I do maintain is not eating meat during Lent. Before, during Lent there were myths that if you touched the water too early you could turn into a fish. That way they kept us entertained, unlike today when teenagers and some children no longer believe in those myths and rules that are followed during Lent and Holy Week. I don’t think they go to mass every Sunday as part of fulfilling their religion. In that sense, we did try to go to mass during the weeks of reflection.

Maykel: Is there anything new they are doing at the carnival now?

Aunt Gladys: There are not many new things but what in recent years children play with is a kind of soapy foam that does not burn others, there have always been balloons filled with water. What has changed is the meaning of customs.

Maykel: Tia, I know that his time is valuable and he has already answered beyond my questions, but what advice do you have for today’s youth?

Aunt Gladys: As in general I would like to tell the generation like you, is to tell them to enjoy every second and every moment of their lives, not to be attached to the material because the material comes and goes, life is only one and it is the most valuable thing we have in our hands. From my point of view I feel that little by little with technology we are losing many customs and this causes more people to lose that touch of life and humanity that those customs give them. To a certain extent, I would like my youth to know where they come from and to feel proud of it.

Maykel: Thank you very much Aunt Gladys, her words are truly wise.

Aunt Gladys: Don’t worry, we all go through the same path.

Maykel: Thank you

Question: What do you learn from the WLLN? Do you enjoy it?

At the beginning of the assignment, nothing came to my mind but I started to review everything from my past to the present and I found two things, one was when I was learning how to write I hated but since I realized that it was an important part of learning. The second thought was when I came here to the United States, to learn a new language different and be and a new culture that is different from mine. When I came here I didn’t imagine that I would meet new people from other countries and people from my country. When I communicated with them at the beginning I was so comfortable but then I realized that we have different ways to speak and sometimes I didn’t know what they were talking about. Making this whole compilation of my life I realized many things that in the past I wouldn’t never realized

Maykel Mendez 

LL Narrative Final Draft

            At different stages of life, people learn and discover many new things, over time we never stop learning and continuing to discover new things A clear example is my relationship with language, it was difficult for me because as you learn about literature, almost most of the topics have to be memorized, and it was not something intuitive for me, in language you do not finish learn because there are many ways of interpreting and many points of view on a topic.  Furthermore, as time passes, the meaning of some topics can be reinterpreted or lost, I was not very good in the subject of language and literature, both reading and interpreting a text took me a long time. As time went by I grew and in these stages of life I can improve my language skills.

During my school life I was always better at mathematics, and this helped me put aside my language deficiency when I was in primary school. Nowadays mathematics is still my escape, since now it is not only my mother tongue but English as a second language. Learning a new language opened my eyes and even changed my perception of the world. By this, I mean that I can realize that the world is a gigantic place and I didn’t take those kinds of things into account, but living in New York Everything in Queens you meet people from all over the world, and each of these people has a different story to tell.

In my case, I am from Ecuador, and now I have been living in the United States for a little over three years, specifically in Queens. During this time that I have been living in Queens, I have had many interactions with people from different parts of the world and I find it very interesting to be able to get to know different cultures. Something that caught my attention is that in a group of people we can speak the same language but within this same language there can be many differences in the way of speaking and interpreting situations, and something that I will always avoid is having misunderstandings because there are words that may be normal for me but another person may have a very different meaning.

There is one moment in particular that I will remember and it was the one that made me realize that I had to change something in my native language, although I can say that there are several moments, for example, one time I was buying lunch at a bodega in Dominican food so when I go to order the ingredients I say rice, “menestra” and meat and the person who was serving the food looked at me again and told me what is the “menestra”? Now I couldn’t believe that the person didn’t know the “menestra” because it is the name of the food that I have known for as long as I can remember. So, I looked for a neutral word which this word was beans “habichuelas” for Dominican people, and that way they could understand me. Another example that there are many differences between the different Hispanic countries is the names of the fruits, for example in Colombia in a certain part they know the watermelon as “patilla” and for me, this word is a type of ant.

One of the experiences that I will always remember is that every time I had to go out, at least I had to go out thinking with something in my head to be able to communicate in English. This also happened to me at the beginning of having come to live in Queens, because When I first arrived, it happened to me a lot that I had to think a lot in my head when I had to start a conversation as much as in Spanish and much more when it was in English, because when talking to a Hispanic person who is not from my same country, almost Most of the time I had to repeat what I wanted to say up to twice. After all, I spoke in a way that was very typical of my country (slang), and when trying to speak in English it was worse because there is no literal translation if it is not a common word, because of these experiences I learned that I had to be a little more neutral and up to this point I have also learned many words from other Hispanic countries.

Finally, after many experiences, it comes more naturally to me to talk to people from other countries and I no longer have that problem of repeating what I want to say, and since I have learned more words from other Hispanic countries I have no problems communicating with them, and I have realized that by being more neutral when speaking my vocabulary has improved a lot, this was a big step in my learning of English because I no longer have to think about entering words to be able to say what I want, now I am learning more vocabulary to improve my English and to be fluent in the language in the future.

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