A Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood by Richard Rodriguez - Personal Statement Example

He says, "At the age of six, well past the time when most other children no longer easily notice the difference between sounds uttered at home and words spoken in public, I had a different experience. I lived in a world magically compounded of sounds. I remained a child longer than most often frightened by the sounds of Los gringo and, delighted by the sounds of Spanish at home." 2. The experience of Richard Rodriguez in his memoir of bilingual childhood might not be tragic, but as a kid where security and comfort can only get from the loving cares of his family at home and the intimacy by constantly using their private language, he was unable to maintain self-belonging and intimate relationship he has especially when the latter started to feel uneasy talking their native language, which is Spanish, and likewise his family with him around.

This created not a language barrier but emotional contact with them that Richard noticed later on. He once said as he observes, "there was a new silence in the home" when he experienced quiet ambiance during mealtime. 3. The argument still lies in parental guidance where teaching by example is appropriate. In this case, if the parents and family members of Richard Rodriguez make also the effort of loving and learning the English language and trying to practice it at home with Richard rather than creating a silent mood when Richard is around, the confidence to establish a more intimate and healthy relationship in the family could be easy.

It is he argues, "To seek intimate sounds is to seek the company of intimates". My conclusion is that each individual has to surmount every obstacle in life including language barriers for them to gain intimate contact with the public and private life at the same time. But it is not always the school community or the society who speaks the language dominantly to be in-charge in establishing one's public identity. Furthermore, the effort of the parents in speaking and understanding the main language plays a vital role in their child.

Hence, the bilingual usage to be established at school, society, and home are important, significant, and agreeable even though the effect will never be beneficial and tolerable all the time.