Your assignment

You will choose ONE of the following readings that you read and discussed in class. Your essay will summarize your chosen reading, then provide three specific reasons why you can relate to that reading. These reasons should be detailed examples from your own experiences and interests. You may also describe the experiences of others (friends or relatives). For each reading below, I have provided questions to help you brainstorm. You do NOT necessarily have to answer any of these questions.
Please follow the recommended outline on page 2 of this assignment sheet!

1. "Me Talk Pretty Some Day" by David Sedaris

Have you ever taken a language course and had struggles similar to Sedaris's? Have you ever felt alienated by a group because you did not use its appropriate slang, terminology, or pronunciation properly, or possibly alienated another person for the same reason(s)? Have you ever visited a foreign country and experienced translation difficulties that have led to humorous situations (or, for that matter, serious problems)? Have you ever had an instructor similar to Sedaris's, whose teaching style was overly harsh, sarcastic, or demanding? Did his or her teaching have a positive or negative effect on you?

2. "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan

Do you use different "Englishes" (or other languages) in your day-to-day life, as a student, employee, friend, or family member? Have you ever been judged by your use of language (English or another language)? Do you know of anyone who may have had problems similar to Amy Tan's mother because of his or her limited use of English? Have you ever been embarrassed by another person's inability to "fit in"?