Talking Points 2 - Aria

Rodriguez's arguement in this article is that although it is hard for one to do, they must leave behind their private language, and learn to speak the language of those in power around them to be successful in society, which in this case would be the English language here in America.

1. "What they seem not to recognize is that, as a socially disadvantaged chil, i consider Spanish to be a private language. What i needed to learn in school was that i had the right- the obligation - to speak the public language of los gringos."

In this quote, he is letting the readers know right off the bat what he is talking about. I feel like he is just laying it out there to give an overview of what he considers to be a private language and a public language. I feel as if he opened like this not only to inform readers like myself, who have never heard a language be compared to private or public, but also he basically said what I think the article is about, just in different words than I used.

2. "At last, seven years old, I came to believe what had been technically true since my birth: I was an American citizen."

This quote shows Rodriguez's understanding of being part of American society. Although he was already technically a citizen since birth, he did not feel that he was truly a citizen until he assimilated vocally to American culture, and spoke the public language of white people.

3. "So they do not realize that while one suffers a diminished sense of private individuality by becoming assimilated into public society, such as assimilation makes possible the achievement of public individuality."

This quote further proves the point that the author was trying to get across about learning the public language to gain power. This ties into the readings last week about the culture of power. In order for one who does not speak English to be successful in America they must begin to be like those in powers. Once one starts to assimilate they can begin to gain power themselves. Rodriguez claims that the way for one to start to become successful and gain power themselves is learn the public language.