Aspects of Language and Identity

Introduction

In a real sense, language plays a major role in the world society as it not only express one's identity but also constructs the identities. Language refers to a common body of words and system that is used by people of the same community or nation. Conversely, identity refers to a person or group's beliefs, personality or expression that makes them. However, there is a significant intersection between one's language and identity as it will be discussed in the essay. In other words, it will center on some aspects of language and identity. Examining the book "Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao", there is a family reunion of Ralph who keeps on wearing the same clothes as he wore in the previous family union; a happening that is highly questioned by the author. Additionally, he keeps on telling the same story as he had told five years ago, having the same life and job (Daz, Junot, p.10). These can be considered as Ralph's identities since that how he expresses himself like. However, his identities differs from the identities of other characters as they constantly change and very complicated to define. This is whereby most of the characters are experiencing the adolescence stage and restlessly struggling to define their racial and national identities. One's nickname defines one's identity and way of life. For instance, Diaz demonstrates the aspect through two main characters that include Oscar and Yunior. In this case, the nickname of Oscar displays his inability to fit in with others as himself while the nickname of Yunior shows his desire to display the ideal man of Dominican rather than risk rebuff through demonstrating his actual personality. The life that the two individual strive to live shows how people are not only internally complex but also intrinsically inconsistent. Therefore, they find it hard to embrace their full identities and at the same time presenting particular identities to the world. The perception has been supported by Edward Deluzain in the article "Name and Behavior" whereby he quotes that people try to live up to their names, even though some succeed, other get nicknames that are based on their way of live (Deluzain, n.p). Either way, one's nickname stands as the crucial factor in the development of one's self and therefore propels an individual forward on different paths of life and career. Following the same lines of the book, one's future aspiration also serve as an aspect of his or her identity. For instance, the perception of people concerning Oscar and Yunior's identity differed compared to what themselves needed for their future. Despite of the being isolated from the public and private lives so as they could easily apt into their Latino community, they found it difficult to mature and lead fulfilling lives. Even though the Latino community gave their background identity, it had nothing to do with their future welfare since they chose different aspirations that were difficult to mature in and live fulfilling lives within their given community. Collectiveness is also another aspect impacting on the people's language and identify. For instance, in the book of Diaz, Dominicans and Latinos spoke different language and this led to their difference in identities both at their home countries and in the United States. Diaz defines the ability of Latino communities to support their characters to be based on pride in the matters of prejudice and oppression (Daz, Junot, p.80). Moreover, the communities enforce fabricated restraints on given characters' identity. On the other hand, the stereotypes of Latinos are seen to be more than their Dominicans stereotypes since they are human, complex and unable to be branded. From this, the novel shows identity to be complex and fluid since it simultaneously changes on the basis of local location of the individuals and their emotional maturity from the stage of adolescence to adulthood. Sandra, Tsang, Hui and Law suggest that the adolescence stage that every individual experiences can have cause positive or negative identities (Tsang, et.al, n.p). This is because one's identity depends on how he or she addresses issues dealing with whom he or she is. In this case, adolescents who has the ability to establish a vibrant and positive identity after experiencing consistent struggles during their development of adolescence stages can confident advance into their adulthood stages. In other words, one's physical stage and adolescence stage significantly impact on their nature and structure of their identity (Tsang, et.al, n.p). In addition, the identity profile, status and one's ability to effect the appropriate improvements on his or her identity changes have defined impacts on the instant aspects that can either be positive or negative on their individual wellbeing. Positive indicators can include having a positive relationship with peoples such as parents and teachers while the negative indicators would include stress, aggression and anxiety.

Conclusion

In an assumption, language and identity are characterized by different aspects that include; physical stage, adolescence and adulthood stages, collectiveness, one's future aspirations and many others as discussed in the essay. The concepts have been supported by different psychologists and scientists with the aim of emphasizing and proving the given aspects.

Work cited

Daz, Junot.? The brief wondrous life of Oscar Wao. Penguin, 2008. Deluzain, H. Edward. "Names and Behavior." (2007). Tsang, Sandra KM, Eadaoin KP Hui, and Bella Law. "Positive identity as a positive youth development construct: A conceptual review."? The Scientific World Journal? 2012 (2012).

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