A Wild Tongue

By Afua, Caitlyn, Gabrielle and Janiyah

 A Wild Tongue


Gloria Anzaldua’s article “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” (1987) explores the idea of being stripped of one’s language. She expresses the tug-of-war of speaking english, spanish and a mix of them is rejected culturally by Americans and Mexicans. Her personal experiences illuminate and highlight the discomfort of language barriers and divisive rhetoric that increases cultural divides. Gloria compares a trip to the dentist office where she was told to control her tongue relates to her cultural experience of being told to tame her language in order to fit into society. She speaks directly to those who are afraid of speaking their language in certain areas due to their fear of rejection and those who persecute others for speaking different.


I was very concerned and saddened after reading this essay. I cannot relate in my own personal experience with language, but I have some friends who can. I have experienced their languages being rejected in groups where others cannot understand. Since most of the teachers could only read and speak in English, my friends were forced to only write and speak in English. Over time many of my friends lost some of their language. It is true that one loses what they don't use. The hope is that people learn to accept diverse cultures and languages and try to understand each other’s heritage.


The author brings attention to the dentist’s words to express her language experiences as she documents the cultural rejection. “I’ve never seen anything as strong or as stubborn,” he says “how do you tame a wild tongue” (Anzaldua par 3)? Keeping the tongue still is being compared to stopping someone from speaking their language. “I remember being caught speaking Spanish at recess—that was good for three licks on the knuckles with a sharp ruler” (Anzaldua par 4). These moments of judgement radiate the notion of not belonging due to her language and spanish culture. Anzaldua wants acceptance of linguistic culture without oppression. The bridge to remove hatred of differences starts with tolerance and removing fear from the unknown. 


Works Cited

Anzaldua, Gloria. "How to Tame a Wild Tongue." Connections: Guide to First Year Writing @ Clayton State University. Ed. Mary Lamb. 6th Edition. South Lake: 2016.

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