Essay Example on Hunger of Memory is a book written by Richard Rodriguez in 1982

Therefore speaking a foreign language introduces one to the culture of the native speakers In the context of Hunger of Memory Richard Rodriguez was introduced to the new American culture by his efforts in learning English in school and reading English books since he had the desire to learn and improve his fluency in the English language For instance Rodriquez 1983 states that the nun said in a friendly but oddly impersonal voice boys and girls this is Richard Rodriguez It was the first time I heard anyone name me in English Richard the nun repeated more slowly p 9 From the text it can be noted that the Rodriguez had never heard his name called on that tone this indicates that he was being introduced to a new culture Additionally Rodriguez s change in environment and learning of new language made him understand the Americans more than he ever knew In fact Rodriguez 1983 states that my story discloses instead an essential myth of childhood inevitable pain If I rehearse here the changes in my private life after my Americanization it is finally to emphasize my public gain p 27 It implies that the relocation of the family made Rodriguez adapt to lifestyle and culture of the American people because there was no otherwise After reading the first chapter I felt I could somehow relate to the struggle Rodriguez was having in trying to assimilate to the mainstream culture I as well grew up in a Spanish speaking household similar to that of Rodriguez Spanish was my first language and the only language spoken at home I learned English with the help of my neighborhood friends and of course school