Anzaldúa And Morrison: The Power Of Language
Language throughout our culture is extremely powerful. It is used to make connections with other people, it is used in business, and countless other things. Without language there would be no unity or diversity. Both Anzaldúa and Morrison explore the power of language in their own perspectives.
Anzaldúa expresses the power of language when she talks about linguistic terrorism. She mentions that, “Repeated attacks on our native tongue diminish our sense of self” (Austin 210). Since she was raised speaking Chicano Spanish, this language is a part of who she is. She also states, “If you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language… I am my language” (Austin 211). The power of one language washing another is what truly hurts people. People should not be attacked because of the native language they speak, because by doing so, you are attacking who they are as a person. All in all, Anzaldúa believes the power of language should be used to bring people together. …show more content…
Throughout her speech she notes, “Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence; does more than represents the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge” (Austin 219). When language is oppressed the power it holds to make a difference is lost. This is due to the lack of language being used. She also mentions, “When language dies, out of carelessness, disuse, indifference and absence of esteem, or killed by fiat… all users and makers are accountable for its demise” (Austin 219). Morrison is trying to point out that if a language has died or has been changed it is the users fault for the change, considering they are the ones using or not using it correctly. Overall, Morrison believes that the power of language comes with the correct use of
Anzaldúa expresses the power of language when she talks about linguistic terrorism. She mentions that, “Repeated attacks on our native tongue diminish our sense of self” (Austin 210). Since she was raised speaking Chicano Spanish, this language is a part of who she is. She also states, “If you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language… I am my language” (Austin 211). The power of one language washing another is what truly hurts people. People should not be attacked because of the native language they speak, because by doing so, you are attacking who they are as a person. All in all, Anzaldúa believes the power of language should be used to bring people together. …show more content…
Throughout her speech she notes, “Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence; does more than represents the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge” (Austin 219). When language is oppressed the power it holds to make a difference is lost. This is due to the lack of language being used. She also mentions, “When language dies, out of carelessness, disuse, indifference and absence of esteem, or killed by fiat… all users and makers are accountable for its demise” (Austin 219). Morrison is trying to point out that if a language has died or has been changed it is the users fault for the change, considering they are the ones using or not using it correctly. Overall, Morrison believes that the power of language comes with the correct use of