Belonging In How To Pronounce Knife By Tammavongsa

Thesis question: In the story, you choose what ideas does the author develop regarding the need for a sense of belonging.

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In “How to Pronounce Knife,” Tammavongsa develops the idea that the need for a sense of belonging can lead individuals to suppress their cultural identity and conform to societal expectations. Joy, the protagonist, navigates the complexities of assimilation in a new country, grappling with the pressures to fit in while preserving her Lao heritage. Her father’s directive to hide their cultural background reflects a deep-seated fear of exclusion, illustrating how the desire to belong can result in the denial of one’s roots. This internal conflict is symbolized by Joy’s struggle with the silent “k” in “knife,”

Joy’s lie about not showing the note to her parents and wearing her worn out green jogging suit instead of the requested attire highlights her awareness of being different and her efforts to minimize this difference, “In this scene of pinks and sparkles and matching purses and black bow ties and pressed collars, she saw that she was not like the others” (p.2). This vivid imagery accentuates Joy’s understanding of her alienation and her realization of her outsider status in a group that values conformity and appearance. Miss Choi’s reaction to Joy’s attire and the subsequent classroom embarrassment underscore the societal pressures Joy faces. Miss Choi’s question, “Joy”. Did you get your parents to read the note we sent home with you?” and Joy’s lie in response, “No,” she lied, looking at the floor,” (p.2) emphasizes how the need to conform can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, as Joy is visibly distinct from her peers and is subjected to ridicule. This sense of not belonging drives her to internalize the importance of fitting in, even at the cost of her own comfort and truth, which deepens the narrative’s exploration of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of

Her father’s insistence on not revealing their Lao heritage is rooted in his own experiences and the hardships faced by his friends, who have been forced into menial jobs despite their previous professional status in Laos. He tells Joy, “Don’t speak Lao and don’t tell anyone you are Lao. It’s no good to tell people where you’re from,” (p.2), reflecting his desire to shield her from the prejudice they face. Through this directive, linked with Joy’s realization of her father’s vulnerability, reveals the dual burden of seeking acceptance while protecting one’s family from societal prejudice. The moment when Joy contemplates telling her father about the silent “k” but chooses to spare him the embarrassment, “She wants to tell her father that some letters, even though they are there, we do not say them, but she decides now is not the time,” (p.4) symbolizes the protective instincts born from shared struggles. This dynamic between Joy and her father emphasizes how the desire for belonging shapes their interactions and decisions, ultimately highlighting the emotional tribulation of navigating cultural identity in a foreign land. Joy’s silence is an act of love and respect for the role her father plays in their family, signifying the deep familial bonds that are both a source of strength and a reflection of the sacrifices made to preserve