Analysis of "They're Bilingual…That Means They Don't Know The Language"

Student's Name
Course
Professor
Date
The Ideology of Language
Description of the Text
The text "They're Bilingual…That Means They Don't Know The Language" describes discrimination against African Americans like the Latinx who face prejudice due to their ethnic groups. The Latinx are considered ignorant and inferior due to the poor use of language as the Americans consider bilingual speakers as individuals who do not understand the English language. The text is based on Dr. Baez, a university leader who welcomed the audience to a graduation ceremony in New Northwest High School in June 2008 in English Language. Many Latinos were attending the ceremony did not understand the English language, which meant that they needed a translator. Diaz acted as the translator for Baez's greetings and welcoming speech which led to an incomplete translation of Baez's words. As Baez understands the Spanish language, she immediately expounded her words, bringing a warm chuckle to the audience. The translation and use of bilingual language indicate some truth to the allegations that people who use two or more languages do not effectively understand the English language. Thus, the text indicates that English-language speakers are monolingual, a concept that promotes superiority among whites.
Importance of the Text
The text is crucial because it indicates that discrimination based on language is crucial to the problems faced by African American students in schools. If Baez, a school principal with various degrees and experience in conducting successful meetings with her staff, could elevate feelings of discrimination, the Latinos would experience more prejudice. The stigmatization brought about through language leads to the...