APELC P1 5 November 2011 Reflective Essay Amy Tan Samuel Johnson once said, language is the dress of thoughts.

. Our use of language shows our inner id, our emotions. Like a well-crafted painter, each word we use acts as a brush stroke to what were trying to convey: to paint the image of what our minds are trying to reveal, may it be the simple truth or the most intricate notions. Our mind is the well-crafted painter, our use of tone serves as the color palate, giving color to evoke emotion to what is yet to be an abstract masterpiece. Each word we say reveals a part of us. I am someone who has always loved language; language has always played a huge part in me. A developing polyglot as some may say. Nothing can quell the desire I have for languages; for I was intrigued by the way language can capture an emotion, an abstract idea, and honesty. Its as if language serves as a portal to a persons spirit. Ive come to realize that every time I speak, there is a part of me that swiftly converts my thoughts according to the appropriate time matter. Ive come to realize that my use of different English is more complex at home than I use in public. I found myself identifying this English into two groups to what I refer as Western English versus Asian English. I found myself conscious of the English I was using, specially at home where cultural practice collides with the use of Language. For the past year, Ive come to realize the big difference between Western English versus my Asian English; Asian English being my native tongue, a language I learned to develop and nurture. Exactly a year and a month ago, I arrived in America equipped with the appropriate English to be placed in a freshman honors class. On my first few weeks, Ive encountered numerous curious eyes, some of them gawking. For a moment, I felt like a unicorn. Curious eyes wandered about that Asian girl who looked too old to be

placed in a freshman class. Their curiosity would often lead to amusement whenever they would find out that I was new in the country, but my eloquence in the language has concealed that fact. Growing up, I was forced to believe that English was a universal language but it never occurred to me that small differences; from accents, to certain choice of words can make a difference. It is as if Asian English is different from Western English. For instance, I vividly remember during my first few days in school, I asked directions to the nurses office, which I then referred to as the clinic as what I was used to say in Asian English. The student I asked gave a stunned look for a moment, as if I were asking if I could go to some parallel universe. Or the difference between addressing my teachers; I have gotten use to using the terms Asian-English Sir and Madame versus the Western Mister and Miss. Nevertheless, I was fairly shocked at first on how children here can get away calling elders by their first name alone, a major faux pas from my conservative Asian English I was fortunate enough to experience less cultural adjustments, far from the adjustments I had to make when I lived in Japan, where language barrier was a slight issue and English is not a widespread language as it is in the Philippines. There always seemed to be a barrier when it comes to language, even though I consider Asian English as my mother tongue, Tagalog and Japanese as my Native, one way or another they often associate with each other whenever I try to convey an idea or a message. It is as if these three languages always have a mongrel son: a mixture of either Asian English-Tagalog, Japanese-Asian English and etc. These fusions were used more often at home than I did outside. At home, I found myself speaking in various forms of English-fusions depending on the relative I am speaking to. It was most common when addressing to elder members of the clan; cultural aspects often

affect my use of language. There are terms in Tagalog or Japanese that I cannot translate to English, such as using the Tagalog words Tito and Tita; common words used to address the elders in Tagalog, regardless if they really are my relatives. It was a mandatory show of respect, a cultural aspect that affects my use of language. For instance, whenever I speak to family friends or relatives who cannot speak Tagalog or Japanese, I find myself still addressing to them as Tito or Tita. Often I would find myself using English-Japanese to my stepfather whenever conveying a subject matter that cannot be thoroughly explained in English or Japanese. Or sometimes, I even use this English-fusion when speaking to my sister or to my mother. It does come in handy most especially when were speaking about a private matter in public and not everyone can decipher. For me, Language is a mold of character that shows potency, perception and integrity. It reflects a persons upbringing and tradition; a mild glimpse of their background culturally. That is why often people can distinguish the difference between American English from the British English or even the Australian English. The English Language is the universal language; no matter the difference, no matter how it can be molded to adept ones culture or May it be affected by cultural aspects or by personal choice, it creates an understanding within different borders.