Language=Identity

You may never have thought as language and identity as the same thing. When I first heard this correlation, I didn't fully grasp it. I knew what language was; a voice distinct to a certain culture or area. I knew what identity was; your character and the way you are distinguished from others. These two seemed very different, but as I read Gloria Anduzula's writings I realized how much they truly relate. Language distinguishes many things. You can tell where they are from, their culture, and sometimes even their education. All of these factors are parts of your identity. For example, if we went anywhere out of the state, people could notice our Minnesotan accent right away. They would judge our identity and know we hold up Midwestern values and come from a different state then there own. They may place us above or below us, grading our identity as it is. You may not realize it, but we judge daily. Our identity consists of what people see us as. Language differentiates you from others. It's part of who you are and you can't change that. Just like your identity, when it comes down to the core, you really can't change it. You either accept it or choose to break the stereotypes. I think you should embrace your identity and language. Your language makes you unique; it distinguishes you from one another and you can make a name for yourself. Be proud, and keep your identity.