In “Aria: A Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood,” Richard Rodriguez illustrates the transformation from child to maturing young adult, while addressing the struggles that accompany growing up within an American society as a bilingual Hispanic. Rodriguez crystallizes the emotions of the situation and truly demonstrates the knowledge of what an individual would face in a similar situation, considering most people do not experience such circumstances. While sharing his private thoughts and public encounters, Rodriguez allows the readers to connect with him on a personal level. He invites the audience to ultimately gain insight on his specific childhood experience, memories …show more content…
Although Rodriguez concluded his recollection of childhood on a positive note, he does not fail to distinguish the anxiety that overwhelmed him when the comfortable, private language of Spanish disappeared. His audience understands that children in fact do struggle when faced with such drastic changes within their life, as they are placed in a new atmosphere. Supporters most likely witness the situation themselves, or know and understand the statistics of the number of bilingual students succeeding in an unfamiliar environment remains considerably low. Bilingual supporters project the idea of carrying the children’s personal Spanish language within the learning and education environment with hopes of making the kids feel more at ease. But Rodriguez proves the exact opposite, as children feel as if their world shuts down when their private, comforting language stands distorted.
The essay portrays both private and public views of bilingual education, as private thinking about loss and failure becomes a public point from an overall experience. The passage allows the audience to take a trip within opposite ends of the spectrum, or …show more content…
For example, Rodriguez reveals the restrictions placed on his life when he illuminates, “Nervously. I’d arrive at the grocery store to hear there the sounds of the gringo, reminding me that in this so-big world I was a foreigner (424).” Language can impact the overall identity of a person if the constraints limit the everyday actions. A person cannot achieve the intended goals, be there best overall self, if one cannot even express their self properly. The result from not being able to express oneself as wanted may affect ones friends in life, or acquaintances. Also, language can connect the family portion of one’s self-identity. Rodriguez speaks of the tie within his family while he explains, “For a second or two I’d stay, linger there listening. Smiling, […].” This statement reveals how language helped Rodriguez form himself and create connections within in his family. He remained very family-oriented while first adjusting to the drastic