How To Tame A Wild Tongue

The author talks about the dilemma she faced about her own language and how she represents herself through her language. Gloria Anzaldua who is a Chicano talks about how Chicanas have problems expressing their feelings. Since they lack a native language, instead it is a product of several languages. And their language Chicano Spanish has incorporated bits and pieces of several versions of Spanish. The author speaks about people who are neither Spanish nor live in a country in which Spanish is the first language; for a people who live in a country in which English is the reigning tongue but who are not Anglo; for a people who cannot entirely identify with either standard Spanish no standard English. So she emphasizes the importance to have their own language. A language which they can connect their identity to , one capable of communicating the realities and values true to themselves- a language that comprises a variation of two languages.

Gloria Anzaldua gives a list of different languages Chicanas speak , such as standard English, Working class and slang English, Standard Spanish, Standard Mexican Spanish, North Mexican Spanish dialect, Chicano Spanish, Tex-Mex, Pachuco etc;. Which she uses to communicate with different people. Further the author goes into detail about the history of Chicano Spanish and about how it came into existence. Then the author jumps into the lives of Chicanas.

Chicanas not having a native language but instead creating one themselves made them vulnerable to linguistic Terrorism. Most of the Chicanas believe that they speak poor Spanish so they are afraid to communicate in their own language. Which the author interprets as a low estimation of herself when a Chicanas or latina , has a low estimation of her native language. And considers ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity- I am my language. In addition realizes that until she can take pride in her language, she cannot take pride in herself. Also acknowledges