SHORT ASSIGNMENT
Reading Responses
Assignment Overview
Reading Response #1: This response explores ideas about language, literacy, and identity while connecting the reading to my own experiences.
Reading Response #2: This response examines rhetoric and the rhetorical situation by reflecting on a real-life example of communication and persuasion.
READING RESPONSES
Response 1: "How to Tame a Wild Tongue"
I believe when Anzaldua states "I am my language," she is stating that language is part of someone's identity and who they are as a person. Language connects us to our culture, family, experiences, and how we communicate with others. Therefore, if one is criticized on their use of language, it may be perceived as personal since language is connected to our identity.
Since Spanish is my first language, I recognized much of the Spanish used within the document. Reading both English and Spanish side by side, reminded me of my own experiences of learning English after migrating from Colombia to Panama. I think Anzaldua decided to add these two languages to represent the diversity due to its connection to her identity as well as providing readers an understanding of what it is to have language create barriers or connections.
Using multiple languages has been part of my educational and daily life experience. Utilizing both Spanish and English was difficult at first. However, as time passed using both languages allowed me to develop stronger communication skills and increased my confidence. Learning English while maintaining Spanish as a part of my identity influenced my literacy development.
Response 2: "Backpacks vs. Briefcases: Steps Toward Rhetorical Analysis"
Writing an appeal for a UCF parking violation is a recent rhetorical situation that I have encountered. I was the rhetor as I wrote to explain the circumstances surrounding the parking ticket and to persuade a reviewer to dismiss the citation.
The exigence was the citation itself. I saw the need to write an appeal as I believed there were circumstances that could justify or explain why I parked where I did. I hoped to convey a sense if understanding of the situation to the reviewer so they may consider dismissing the citation.
As I knew that UCF parking services staff would ultimately review my appeal, knowing who would read my message directly affected how I communicated it. Therefore, I attempted to write respectfully, professionally, and clearly. I also made sure to going straight to the point by providing all necessary information rather than using unnecessary language or tone that could exprés frustration.
Several constraints also limited my options. The first constraint was that the space to describe my circumstances was limited. Secondly, I needed to maintain professionalism while arguing my position. Lastly, I needed to provide enough evidence to support my appeal.
When viewed from a rhetorical lens, this experience showed how often we adjust our communication to our audience and purpose. It also illustrated the importance of selecting an appropriate tone when communicating the most relevant information when attempting to convince another individual.
Skill Application
These reading responses helped me strengthen my critical reading and analytical skills by encouraging me to think beyond the surface of a text. They allowed me to connect course concepts such as literacy, language, rhetoric, and audience to both the readings and my own experiences. Through these assignments, I practiced reflecting on ideas, supporting my opinions with evidence, and developing a deeper understanding of writing and communication.