Hi there! I’m Denice Frohman, and I want to share something special with you—it’s all about accents. Let’s dive into the world of accents and see how they shape our identities and connect us to our roots.
My mom speaks with an accent that she wears proudly. Her voice is full of energy and life, mixing Spanish and English in a way that’s unique to her. It’s like the two languages are dancing together, each trying to lead. Telling my mom to be “quiet” is impossible; she doesn’t know how to be silent. Her voice is a part of who she is, and she won’t let anyone tell her to tone it down. She’s waited too long to find her voice to let it be silenced.
When my mom speaks English, it sounds different and special. Words like “strawberry” become “eh-strawbeddy,” and “cookie” turns into “eh-cookie.” Words such as kitchen, keychain, and chicken all have a similar sound. Instead of saying “yes,” she says “ah ha,” and it feels like her voice is singing. Her tongue dances with rhythm and spirit, making English come alive in a new way.
My mom’s words flow in conversations with other women who support each other. Sometimes, when words aren’t enough, we use our hands to communicate. Our accents remind us of our vibrant connections. Saying “wepa” can turn a stranger into a friend, and “dale” makes a crowd feel like a family reunion. My mom’s accent carries the stories and sounds of her homeland, even when English words are tricky for her. It’s a constant reminder of where she comes from and the culture she cherishes.
Accents are more than just the way we speak; they’re a celebration of our heritage and identity. They connect us to our families and communities, reminding us of the places we’ve come from. So, let’s embrace our accents and the stories they tell. They make us who we are, and that’s something to be proud of!
Write a short story or poem that incorporates your own or a family member’s accent. Share how this accent reflects your cultural identity and personal experiences. Be creative and use phonetic spelling to capture the unique sounds of the accent.
Interview a family member or friend who speaks with an accent. Ask them about their experiences and how their accent has shaped their identity. Record the interview and present your findings to the class, highlighting the cultural significance of their accent.
Create a map that showcases different accents from around the world. Research the origins and characteristics of each accent. Present your map to the class, explaining how accents can reflect cultural diversity and identity.
In groups, choose a scenario where accents play a key role, such as a family gathering or a cultural festival. Role-play the scenario, using accents to express cultural identity and connection. Discuss how accents influence communication and relationships.
Organize an “Accent Celebration Day” where students can share stories, songs, or poems in their native accents. Encourage everyone to embrace and celebrate the diversity of accents in the classroom, fostering a sense of pride and cultural appreciation.
I’m Denice Frohman, and this is “Accents.” My mom holds her accent with confidence, her voice vibrant and full of life. She speaks a blend of Spanish and English, each language pushing against the other in a lively exchange. There’s no telling my mama to be “quiet”; she doesn’t know how to be quiet. Her voice is a perfect fit for her, and you best not tell her to hush—she waited too long for her voice to arrive to be told it needs to be toned down.
English takes on a unique flavor in her mouth, so “strawberry” becomes “eh-strawbeddy,” and “cookie” becomes “eh-cookie.” Words like kitchen, keychain, and chicken all sound alike. My mama doesn’t say “yes”; she says “ah ha,” and suddenly her voice transforms into a song. Her tongue can’t quite settle into the English language; it has too much rhythm, too much spirit, too much life.
Her words spill out in conversations among women who rely on each other, and sometimes our hands are all we have. Our accents remind us that we are still vibrant and connected. You say “wepa,” and a stranger becomes your brother; you say “dale,” and a crowd feels like a family reunion. My mother’s tongue carries messages from her mother, filled with the sounds of home. Even when her lips struggle with English, her accent remains a steadfast reminder of where she comes from.
Accents – The distinct pronunciation or emphasis on certain syllables or words that is characteristic of a particular region or group. – In the novel, the characters’ accents reveal their diverse backgrounds and add authenticity to their dialogue.
Culture – The shared beliefs, customs, arts, and practices of a particular group or society. – The book explores how culture influences the characters’ decisions and relationships.
Identity – The qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person or group unique. – The protagonist struggles with her identity as she tries to fit into a new school environment.
English – The language originating from England, now widely spoken around the world. – Studying English literature helps students understand different perspectives and historical contexts.
Voice – The distinct style or perspective of a writer or character, often conveyed through tone and word choice. – The author’s unique voice makes the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking.
Conversations – Exchanges of thoughts, ideas, or feelings between two or more people. – The conversations between the characters reveal their inner conflicts and desires.
Connections – Relationships or links between people, ideas, or events. – The novel highlights the connections between past and present through its intricate plot.
Heritage – The traditions, achievements, and beliefs that are part of the history of a group or nation. – The character’s heritage plays a crucial role in shaping her identity and values.
Stories – Narratives or accounts of events that entertain, inform, or convey a message. – The stories passed down through generations help preserve the community’s culture and history.
Roots – The origins or beginnings of something, often referring to family or cultural background. – Understanding her roots helps the character find a sense of belonging and purpose.
