Code Talker Analysis

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac is about Ned Begay, a Navajo code talker during World War II. Ned faced two life changing events that shapes who he is. First is his move to an American boarding school that forces him to act like someone else, later he becomes a Navajo code talker with even more hardships to face. During these pivotal events, Ned experiences similar situations that I have been through. Ned was living peacefully on the Indian reservations until he has to go American boarding school hundred miles away. He did not want to leave but he had to for the sake of his family. When he arrived he was forbidden to speak his Navajo language, and could only speak English. His precious hair was cut, his name was changed and he had to take of his clothes and jewelry and change into a military style uniform. When I was eight, my family and I moved from California to Oregon. Like Ned, I was opposed to going but I had to because of my family. Leaving my memories and friends I felt like my identity was taken away as we made the drive to Oregon. I relate to Ned when he felt a part of him was gone when he moved to boarding school.

He would receive a mouth full of soap or be humiliated in class. Eventually Ned learned English and became the "perfect student" as he aced all his subjects. But whenever he didn't understand anything all he said was "Yes, teacher" and nod. Whenever my family goes to Korea, I always feel so lost in the Korean language. I can speak fluent Korean but my vocabulary is limited and I can only seem to catch certain words. My grandma would always tells me to speak more Korean and less English. But like Ned when I hear something I cannot decipher I just smile and say "yes" in Korean hoping I answered