Short Writing Assignment 2: Se Habla Español (83-87)
Sneh Shah
Mayer Amanda
ENG 100
September 9th

The text “Se Habla Español” by Tanya Barrientos touched my heart because I can find a connection with her point of view, and by showing me how important cultural roots are. Tanya points out the importance of race and ethnicity within the USA, and that it is ok to embrace your heritage in a world that sees you as different. This text mainly refers to a Latin American girl from Guatemala who was brought to The United States when she was a little kid. Her native tongue was Spanish; however, she was not able to speak it as a consequence of being part of a society that generally rejects emigrants. This reflection was imposed by her parents in her childhood. As a kid, she was not taught or spoken Spanish at home, only English. Her parents feared that her daughter Tanya would be rejected in the future by the American society.” Because speaking Spanish translated into being poor. It meant waiting tables and cleaning hotel rooms.” (84). Her parents did not want this, they wanted her to be successful and so making her life easier by being involved with Americans.

In the short text that we can read Tanya occasionally uses Spanish terms. The reason is for the reader to see Tanya’s perspective of knowing Spanish, without knowing the language whilst there is a feeling of being left out. The Spanish word may also suggest that she is slowly transforming by becoming proud of her roots and wanting to move forward. Although, if the words were translated and just being handed out to the reader then her point would not be proven.

By being educated in English in the United States, she defied all expectations and stereotypes. She was more likely to be successful because she was raised in English. In her early school years not speaking Spanish make her feel American, it made her