James Baldwin Language

This piece by James Baldwin spoke about how the language came to be, why these countries have a certain language because of their history and where they come from. It speaks about the different languages spoken in countries that are very different when speaking the same language. The role of language, how even speaking the same language can be so different. The essay speaks about the truth and speaks to everyone in a crisp tone to make everyone acknowledge the truth of where language came from. This essay is appealing to everyone to be aware that everyone speaks differently than you, because of where they come from and their cultural identity. Depending where we were born and how we were raised is how people will interact with other

For example, “A Frenchman living in Paris speaks a subtly and crucially different language from that of the man living in Marseilles” They both speak the same language and still they will not understand each other, they all have different ways to articulate what they want to say. This is because it all comes from where you were born and where you came from, making who you are and being able to identify yourself. Also, Baldwin goes and tells that “It goes without saying, then, that language is also a political instrument, means, and proof of power.” He says what language is to many, before elaborating that speaking the same language can still be so different making the person you really are and making who you are. It all goes with what the true role of language

He relates to how the Africans that came to the United States, and how the way they learn there own type of english because how they were treated and taught. He writes “...white people in America never had any interest in educating black people, except as this could serve white purposes.” He gives this piece about white people not wanting to teach the black people coming to the country and many working for them because of their skin. The white people did not care for then and making the Africans only option to be is make there own way to communicate with others. This is another reason why when having the same language it could be totally not understanding to others, may have different meaning because you sometimes have to adapt to where you live and your surroundings. Lastly, “a country unable to face why so many of the nonwhite are in prison, or on the needle, or standing, futureless, in the streets” Showing the light of a constant problem, that many blame the high range of non whites that are “criminals” when nobody wanted to teach the people they brought to their country. Overall, these issues started long ago and adapting to what they had to communicate even if it was just each other, but still speaking the same