'Bilingual/Bilingue Explication'

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that 'Bilingual/Bilingue', by Rhina Espaillat is an invitation into a young girl's world as she grows up in a Spanish household, yet in an English speaking country. The writer notes that carefully weaving English with Spanish words for emphasis, Espaillat paints a picture of a girl forced to speak Spanish while yearning for English. The truth of the matter is that one cannot force a language out of one's heart, and even though the young girl is forced to speak Spanish in her home, her English words are just as meaningful as her Spanish. The writer maintains that 'Bilingual/Bilingue' is a statement on the flaws of forcing a native language upon someone, or perhaps of excluding a language from someone's life, as in the end it is what is in one's heart that is the true meaning of the language.

From the Paper:

"With the problem established, the fourth stanza quotes the father as to what he is intends to do about the problem. He insists for his daughter to speak English outside the home and Spanish within. By maintaining that Spanish be spoken at home, the father is attempting to remain a part of his daughter's life as a Spanish speaker himself. He does not want English coming into his home and have a language barrier between himself and his daughter and establishes the rule. This division of the two languages, however, to the daughter is like dividing her world in two as Spanish and English are both important to her and what follows in the poem is a reaction to the rule her father has established."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bilingual/Bilingue by Rhina Espaillat

More papers on 'Bilingual/Bilingue Explication':

• Research Paper # 97419 : "Bilingual/Bilingue"
• Research Paper # 93384 : "Pro's and Con's of Bilingual Education"
• Persuasive Essay # 69643 : "Bilingual Education"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: