Hoffman and Rodriguez on Bilingualism

Abstract: A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares 2 books. Eva Hoffman, in Lost in Translation, A Life in a New Language and Richard Rodriguez, in Hunger of Memory, make some very similar points concerning the psychological changes that are inherent in learning a new language and assimilating into a new culture. Both authors indicate that, as children placed in this situation, becoming bilingual required major changes in the way in which they perceived and defined the self, that is, their identity. However, while their narratives share this quality, Hoffman's book is much more oriented toward the difficulties entailed from a personal point of view, while Rodriguez's perspective is on the necessity of becoming bilingual in order to achieve full assimilation and an accompanying feeling of political empowerment. In other words, Hoffman is focused inwardly and Rodriguez is focused outwardly. No additional sources cited.

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Catagory: Teaching Methods & Classroom Management

Subcatagory: Education

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