Final answer:
The author, likely referring to Richard Rodriguez, is disconnected from English and feels it's not his primary language (option D). Language is central to identity, with one's primary language influencing their cultural identity. The bonds of language, family, and culture are integral to identity, and speaking a native tongue can instill pride and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion about how language and identity are connected for the author, likely referring to Richard Rodriguez, suggests the intricate relationship between a person’s sense of self and the language(s) they speak. Rodriguez's experiences reflect the complexities of identity formation in the context of language acquisition. As highlighted in textbooks and cultural studies, one’s primary language can significantly influence their cultural identity and personal narrative. The correct answer to the question provided is option D: The author's identity is disconnected from English, and he felt English wasn't his primary language. Given that English felt foreign to him initially, this indicates that the author struggled with his identity within the English-speaking culture, suggesting a sense of alienation when using a language that did not originate in his own community or family.
Through the themes explored in various readings and discussions, it is clear that the relationships between language, family, and culture are pivotal to one’s identity. The expression of this identity is deeply entwined with the notion of language vitality—how robustly a language is used and valued within its community. The family and community act as fundamental pillars that uphold and transmit language, and therefore, through language, transmit culture and identity from one generation to the next. Speaking in one's native tongue can indeed evoke feelings of pride, power, and freedom as it allows individuals to connect with their cultural roots and assert their cultural identity.