Often times, as writers, we tend to use pretentious diction in order to persuade our audience under false pretenses. We use ready made phrases and lengthy- vocab to trick readers or listeners, assuming they will take us more seriously. Of course, this is not a realistic reflection of how the human mind works. Amy Tan is her article "Mother Tongue" states that we profess our imperfect thoughts in imperfect phrases.
Tan distinguishes two types of audiences: unfamiliar, and intimate. When addressing strangers, we tend to express ourselves in a manner that may earn us more respect. In comparison, Tan recalls what it was like having a mother who speaks "broken english". Her mother was not given the respect and attention she deserved merely because her English speaking skills were limited. I believe we subconsciously avoid this issue by over compensating with heavy diction that merely complicates what we are trying to convey.
The author implores her readers to write with passion, intent, imagery, and flow. She suggests picturing an audience for anything you write. To blur the line between our intimate and unfamiliar audiences, we should do as follows:
1.) Write simply
2.) Be straightforward
3.) Be concise
Speak what is on your mind, write with conviction and picture your ideal audience. Express your inner thoughts in the most imperfectly perfect way you know how. There is nothing "broken" about our language; something so raw; so simple; so intimate, as our natural speech is a beautiful thing.
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