Table of ContentsPersuasion Techniques in the “Mother Tongue”EthosPathosLogosConclusionWorks CitedIs English Really a Singular Language? Although it may seem like this at first glance, the reality is much more complex. People around the world adopt distinct variations of English as their native language, shaping their unique perspectives and interactions with the language. In her essay “Mother Tongue,” author Amy Tan offers readers a glimpse into her writing world and her unwavering commitment to perfecting her mastery of the English language. Using persuasive techniques such as pathos, ethos, and logos, Tan effectively argues that his native language played an important role in improving his command of English and literature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayPersuasion Techniques in the “Native Tongue”EthosAs an Asian American with a wealth of life experiences, Amy Tan establishes a philosophy in his essay by positioning himself as a credible writer. She frankly states, “I am not an English or literature scholar…I am a writer,” a statement intended to gain the respect and trust of her readers. Additionally, Tan builds credibility by discussing surveys that suggest Asian American students often succumb to societal pressures. She views her ethnicity as a limiting factor in life opportunities, saying that she and other Asian Americans who speak "broken" English at home face a predisposition that keeps them away from writing. She shares, "Teachers...are steering them away from writing and toward math and science, and that's what happened to me." Beyond the realm of ethics, Tan also taps into the emotional facets of his experiences. PathosAmy Tan takes an emotional approach to highlight the injustices her mother frequently faces due to her imperfect command of English. She vividly describes the embarrassment she endured due to her mother's inability to speak English fluently. She remembers "a lot of empirical evidence...: the fact that people in department stores, in banks and in restaurants didn't take her seriously, didn't provide good service, pretended not to understand her and even acted as if they didn't hear her After years of thinking about her mother's difficulties and her own emotions, Tan finally realizes that she understands the essence of her mother's speech. a heartfelt statement: “I wanted to capture what language aptitude tests could never reveal: his intention, his passion, his images, the rhythms of his speech and the nature of his thoughts” Tan's use of pathos. effectively elicits empathy from the audience for her mother and for those who have struggled with similar situations, as described in her essay Logos Finally, Tan employs a logical strategy to prove her mother's ability to understand complex literature. cannot be defined. by the “broken” English she uses to communicate. Tan's mother demonstrates her ability to understand people's "perfect" English and an interest in sophisticated literature. Tan states: “...my mother's expressive command of English belies what she actually understands. She reads the Forbes report, listens to Wall Street Week... [and] reads all of Shirley MacLaine's books with ease - all kinds of things. I can't manage to0261444811000309