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Amy Tan describes in her essay several "Englishes" that she grew up with and continues to use in her current life. Name and define the two types of English she refers to.

A) Mother Tongue and Academic English.
B) Formal English and Informal English.
C) Mandarin Chinese and English.
D) Standard English and Slang.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Amy Tan describes 'Mother Tongue' and 'Standard English' as two primary English dialects she uses, with the former being the informal, nonstandard dialect of her family and cultural background, and the latter being the formal, standardized dialect typical of professional and academic settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

In her essay, Amy Tan discusses several English dialects and 'Englishes' that reflect a person's heritage, culture, and experiences. She particularly refers to 'Mother Tongue', which can encompass nonstandard varieties of English used in family or community settings, and 'Standard English', which is often used in formal, academic, and professional environments. 'Mother Tongue' relates closely to informal English, encompassing elements such as vernaculars and slang, which can include unique grammar and vocabulary tied to a person's background. On the other hand, Standard English aligns with formal English, which follows conventional grammar rules and is often perceived as the appropriate language for formal settings and academic writing. Code-switching between these forms of English depending on the context and audience is a common practice, allowing individuals to navigate various social and professional situations effectively. Despite perceptions and traditional expectations, each dialect and 'English' form, whether standard or nonstandard, fulfills a unique role in communication and personal expression.

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