Inside Looking Out

Inside Looking Out

Sometimes when analyzing a situation people tend to look only at the outer appearance of the situation. Neither detail nor true feelings can be determined by the outer experience. Although people tend to relate to a situation, the best way to get the true affect is by experience. "Mute in an English-Only World" by Chang Rae-Lee illustrates the importance of language as a means for social interaction and the power of language, in the American society during the 70's. This in my opinion could only be understood by experience in this situation. After reading the story, one could see or appreciate his determination to make his mother's story known.

The author describes the hard times immigrants have because they speak imperfect or broken English through the use of rhetoric. In some instances not all needs are catered to, but I believe this is one where they should be met. I will analyze the logos, pathos, and ethos of the author to determine his feelings on the subject. The writer's audience is anyone who has experienced a situation similar to his family. His purpose is to get people to recognize as well as change their views on immigrants that can not speak English fluently. He not only writes of his mother's thoughts, but the reactions of others to his mother during her shopping trip.

The author's attitude towards the situation poses much concern for him and immigrants like him. In the beginning of the essay, while reading an article in a local paper, the author says "I unexpectedly sympathized with the frustrations, resentments and fears of long time residents...they clearly felt alienated and even unwelcome in a vital part of their community." It could be determined that there was a similar situation that he has endured in his childhood or past. He not only wants the signs for his family, but other immigrants as well. Not only is he writing about situations non-English speaking people face everyday, but he is writing from personal experience from his childhood. The author feels a responsibility to publish this personal story as an attention grabber for immigrants as well as merchants.

Chang-rae Lee is writing to inform the American people what he and his immigrant family faces in order to "survive" living in an English-only world. The story is based upon his mother and a simple shopping trip. His mother is a struggling immigrant who can only speak enough English to get by. This essay shows how language became a gauge of an individual's self-esteem, which the author states as "... having been raised in a Korean immigrant family, I saw everyday the exacting price and power of language, especially my mother, who was an outsider in an English-only world. The author uses his personal experience to justify the need for "commercial signs in foreign languages to be in English." He doesn't seek pity, but understanding of his families' situation. The author is saying that people should be more sympathetic to non-English speaking people in the U.S.

The author is basically seeking sympathy and a more understanding attitude from people who speak