Blog #8 - Aria (Richard Rodriguez)

In "Aria: A Memoir of Bilingual Childhood," Richard Rodriguez shares his experiences growing up bilingual and his views on bilingual education. He strongly believes that students should focus on learning English because it can lead to success, but he also describes how this focus caused him to lose closeness with his family. Rodriguez talks about his journey from speaking Spanish at home to using English in school, which made him feel more confident academically but less connected to his family. He writes, "I became... the confident student, academically successful. But, diminished, in my family's eyes." This struggle is common for many bilingual students, who often feel torn between their cultural roots and the pressure to fit into an English-speaking world. While I appreciate Rodriguez's perspective, I think he overlooks the benefits of being bilingual. Personally, being bilingual has opened many doors for me, especially in my career. I’ve heard from many people that knowing another language gives me an advantage in the job market. Rodriguez seems to believe that bilingual education is a waste of resources, but I feel it can be incredibly valuable. Rodriguez’s story also highlights the emotional cost of losing one’s first language. He describes how, after his teachers encouraged his parents to speak English at home, he felt less connected to them. This resonates with my experience in a Kindergarten classroom with many bilingual students. The  teacher is fluent in both English and Spanish and creates a welcoming environment by using both languages. This approach helps all students feel comfortable and supported. Rodriguez expresses sadness about the distance he felt from his family as he lost the ability to communicate in Spanish. This loss emphasizes how language can shape our identities and relationships. While it’s crucial for students to learn English to thrive, it’s just as important that they can express their cultural backgrounds at home. This brings up important questions about how we can better support bilingual students. Schools should embrace language diversity by using materials that reflect different cultures and allowing students to use their native languages as a bridge to learning English. Such methods can enhance both language learning and cultural appreciation. Ultimately, Rodriguez’s reflections show how complex the relationship between language, identity, and family can be. While I agree that mastering English is essential for success, I believe we should also promote the value of being bilingual.