Linguistics: Wallace Vs. Rodriguez

While some may be inclined to believe certain dialects, (southern, Boston, etc.,) simply demonstrate improper English and grammar, these ways of speaking more often than not follow specific rules and tendencies as concrete as those in standard written English. However, those who are not in tune with the language style of the group typically get treated as outsiders. Furthermore, language transcends just written and spoken word, the content, and style with which a particular group chooses to portray themselves represent the likeness in thought and emotion among its members. In effect, the difference in commonly spoken dialect can form a rift between individuals.

Taking into account the language of the educated versus that of the uneducated

For Wallace, his advanced grammar caused trouble between him and his peers. His ability to speak more like a teacher than a student caused him to be singled out and picked on. This lead Wallace to come to the conclusion that success is not marked by those who can master a single dialect, but success comes to those who are able to use and understand a variety of different dialects and adjust when necessary. Rodriguez struggled with a similar problem when he started to change his dialect to sound more like his teachers whom he admired more than his parents. The overhaul of his grammar and vocabulary proved an impediment to sharing his newfound beliefs with his parents having a deficit of schooling. He lost his former accent and style, soon coming to a realization that he was becoming much different than his parents and his past self. The persona he had left behind was one of passion and spontaneity, this he forfeited for the critical, reflective, and self-evaluative, person shown through his writing. Even though he may have lost himself through his journey in the educational system, Rodriguez worked past what his station in life could have easily become. While reading this essay he may paint the portrait of a meek individual, working so hard for fear he would end up like his beloved but not idolized parents. Although Rodriguez writes as the sad son, he is extremely brave in his recounting of

Although David Foster Wallace is undoubtedly an exceptionally learned man, he uses jokes about individuals with mental disabilities and even voices thoughts about Black English that some would say demonstrate racial insensitivity. Paired with the fact that he does not expect bad responses, is the belief that telling an African American person Black English is not allowed in the classroom is appropriate. These two points represent an insensitivity trademark of low social IQ (Wallace 414). Besides the example of racial insensitivity, Wallace also made an ill thought out remark about a semi-autistic computer geek making an intelligent man look not so bright (Wallace 390). Typically, a writer would see the distastefulness of this anecdote, but Wallace uses it without apology and goes on in his essay to make another joke about autism. Also displaying his true character is his anecdote about the snootlet, which he identifies as implicitly, being picked on and bullied because he does not have the capability of the other kids to change his dialect based on the situation. Taking into account the length he goes to discuss the importance of the ability for dialect transition puts forth a new image of Wallace, one that is not aggressive or biting, but a man with regret for his young self’s inability to fit in with the social groups