Final answer:
Amy Tan argues that society does not judge people fairly based on their ability to speak proper English, which is a false notion. Instead, societal biases against nonstandard English varieties can marginalize speakers, requiring them to code-switch in professional settings. Contemporary educational practices are increasingly valuing students' authentic voices, including nonstandard dialects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea that Amy Tan suggests is that society unfairly judges people based on their ability to speak proper English is false. Tan's perspective is rooted in the notion that societal judgments about language use, especially in cases of nonstandard English varieties, can lead to systemic biases against individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or cultural background. Societal expectations often compel people of color or speakers of diverse English dialects to code-switch between standard English in professional environments and their own linguistic varieties in personal settings because the latter are often stigmatized or deemed unprofessional.
Critical reflections on personal language use within a social or occupational group can reveal unique words, acronyms, or modified terms that may not be understood outside that context. These linguistic nuances contribute to group identity but also can serve as a barrier to outsiders. Furthermore, even when individuals speak and write effectively in different English varieties, there exists a pervasive belief that one standard form of proper English should be universally applied in all settings, overshadowing and devaluing the linguistic richness that various English dialects bring to communication.
The concept that language shapes our reality and perception was explored by linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf in the 1920s. This idea emphasizes the importance of understanding language not just as a tool for communication, but as a powerful force that shapes culture and personal identity. In the current landscape of educational practice, there is a recognition that promoting the use of students' authentic voices, including nonstandard dialects, supports a more equitable and culturally responsive learning environment.