Observations:

• She describes languages as being a tool and the english language as being a collection of tools
• The english she talks to others is different from the english she talks at home
• Her mother talks a very direct type of english, using very little “and” or “like”
• She was embarrassed of her mothers broken english
• People treated her mother differently almost as an outsider because she didn’t speak perfect english
• Math is precise, while there is no perfect english

Compelling Moments:

1. I found it interesting how Amy Tan used the word “broken” to describe her mothers english because its exactly what it sounds like to the listener as well. Her mother’s english is strongly focused on describing an image she sees in her head, using very little words.
2. She used associative analogies to get through her english examinations, which i found very interesting because it more vividly shows me the type of person she is. She doesn’t think of things in one way like math, but in numerous possible ways as in writing.

Question to Author:

Did she choose to pursue a career in Writing mainly to prove that Asian Americans were capable of writing perfect english? Or because she was very passionate about writing ?

Author’s Purpose:

I believe the Author’s Purpose in this piece of writing is to connect not only with Asian American families that can relate to this situation, but families from all types of countries that have had a similar experience. Everyone has a unique way speaking english at home or with friends than they have when speaking in public or for a formal audience. This is what Amy Tan was trying to say when she said “In all my Englishes.” Although the language is the same, the way you may speak it with a different group of people may vary due to the way you grew up speaking it. I also believe that Amy Tan was writing to a smaller audience for people who are pressured into choosing careers based on their best skill. Amy Tan explains that no one should choose a career based on what they are good at, but on what they enjoy doing, just as she did with writing.