Aria - Richard Rodriguez

 “Aria," written by Richard Rodriguez, tells a deeply personal story about language, identity, and the challenges of fitting into a new culture. Rodriguez shares his experiences growing up as a Mexican-American boy and how learning English changed his life and his family. Throughout the essay, Rodriguez emphasizes the emotional weight of his bilingual upbringing. He expresses both nostalgia for the warmth and intimacy of Spanish and a sense of loss as he gradually moved away from it. 

I personally connected to him in a way when he stated how when his family began speaking more English, he felt a growing distance from his parents. For Rodriguez, the lively and heartfelt conversations in Spanish were replaced by awkward and limited exchanges in English. This change not only made communication harder but also made Rodriguez feel less connected to his family's culture and traditions. He describes how their home became quieter, symbolizing the loss of their close bond and cultural identity. I understand this and similarly felt the same way as him when he mentioned how he grew to be more quiet, due to the fact I spoke Spanish at home and English at school. Growing up it was overwhelming learning yet still struggling in both languages, I would also feel disconnected from individuals in my family due to the fact I was learning and speaking more English than Spanish, it often led me to express in outburst due to frustration or quietness because of embarrassment or shame. 

Throughout the story, Rodriguez emphasizes the emotional weight of his bilingual upbringing. He expresses both nostalgia for the warmth and intimacy of Spanish and a sense of loss as he gradually moved away from it. Despite these difficulties, learning English opened up many opportunities for Rodriguez. He excelled in school and found it easier to fit into American society. However, this success came with a price. He felt a sense of loss as he became more distant from his cultural roots. “Aria” ultimately serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of language and belonging. Rodriguez’s writing invites readers to consider the complex balance between embracing one’s heritage and the significant reflection of the experience of immigrants in America, given the unavoidable pull of integration.