Q: Anzaldua writes about language and its influence on our identity in a non-traditional, academic format. In terms of structure, what is different about how Anzaldua writes? What makes it an academic text (consider your notes on academic writing). What makes it "anti-academic?" In other words, how is it different from a traditional essay? Why do you think Anzaldua writes her essay in this way? What is she trying to accomplish? Select ONE quote from the text that you think expresses her PURPOSE or reasons for writing the essay in this non-traditional way.
Well its different then an academic essay because number one shes not writing in the 5 paragraph essay format. number 2 shes constantly giving example and then her opinions. Its Different because she is also influencing English and Spanish in the text, constantly translating. I think she writes the essay this way because she want the readers attention. It doesn't matter it you agree or disagree, or if your confused or you right on with her. That's what she wants, she wants the attention of the reader so they can make their own opinions based on the facts and her own opinions in the text."i will no longer be made to feel ashamed of existing. I will have my voice: Indian, Spanish,white. I will have my serpents tongue- my woman's voice, my sexual voice, my poets voice. I will overcome the tradition of silence." I absolutely love this quote and completely agree. This shows how Anzaldua put her thoughts and pinions into her work. shes not stating on thing and listing facts. Sher is writing about how she feels ,what has influenced her in her life, how it and influenced her language and how her peers perceive her. She talks about competition with the women of her people. An not all people feel this way and that's why i think that this essay is non traditional. Its about her and what in her mind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You make some strong points here, but remember, an academic essay is NOT a 5 paragraph essay. And an academic essay does require the reader to write and defend his/her own conclusions or opinions, but to do so by synthesizing a variety of perspectives and texts. So, in this way, Anzaldua does very much follow the academic essay format. The greatest difference, I would argue, is her integration of more than one language, of which she translates only sporadically. That, combined with the sections she provides and how she integrates (or rather, doesn't integrate) her quotes helps her to challenge the traditional format of academic writing. But you are right about one thing, Anzaldua uses her personal experience and observations as a central source of evidence to defend her thesis, and this is definitely makes her structure unique.
ReplyDelete