American Tongues Commentary Essay Example

The movie entitled ‘American tongues’ is a documentary film presenting a survey of regional American dialects. The film is entertaining and at the same time, very informative. The film begins at the scene when people express themselves through their different dialects. Onwards’ an African American lady is interviewed and asked whether she often uses a standard form of English or a vernacular dialect in her daily routines. She responds that she commonly uses both the two types at different times. Specifically, she speaks standard form of English when at work but during times with friends and family members, she uses her vernacular dialect. The other characters also communicate the importance of a dialect at a particular environment. That is; it is always useful to know and use a responsive dialect depending on environment and situation.
I strongly agree with this perception. This is because using different dialects to different environments portrays one’s competence abilities. A good example is the scene where an Asian American- a Korean in this case, uses two types of dialects just like the African American lady. The Korean categorizes one of the two dialects as official and the other for social communication. Using a Standard English at the workplace shows the extent and level of professionalism. As people judge others through their direct communication competence, the Korean suggestions portray an image of a learned and educated professional communicating in Standard English in the office. During off to work hours when spending time with close relatives and neighbors, the vernacular dialect becomes more appropriate and feels comfortable.
Although the film was made about twenty-five years, it expresses opinions that are still valid up to today. Many people have preferred to learn different kinds of dialects for the use in different situations and environment. Furthermore, the film’s expressed opinions are not only for Californians but also for all Americans irrespective of their states. This is because the tendency that peoples express their views differently in various environments has been common among all Americans.
I am very positive about this film documentary. This is because it teaches a lot about the level of richness of dialect America. This gives people a chance to express their views in their own unique ways of communication. Ultimately, it allows effective communication and delivery of one’s opinion. This is due to the fact that people present their contribution about something in the best possible way when given the chance. And this chance is allowing them to communicate using their preferred dialect. However, I still think that it is still wise and appropriate that people are taught a standard language in a specific dialect to be used in public and official purposes.
An official dialect is essential for identification purposes. It unifies gives all Americans the opportunity to get unified in a unit despite the different dialects among them. For instance, an Asian American will be able to speak in a similar ancient with a Native American, African American among others during official times. This includes public places, offices and areas of sensitivity and public interest. This will be significant in that the world will identify the American people with a certain dialect. It completely eliminates the chance of confusion. For instance, when the Standard English is the official American dialect, Americans will be known through it.
Although people receive dialects in different attitudes, it is also important that nobody is denied the chance to express their freedom of rich ancestry. This is to say that even if a common dialect is identified, the other dialects should also be recognized as well for the benefit of the larger American society.