Understanding Accents

Denice Frohman explores her mother's accent, a blend of Spanish and English, as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. Her mother's voice, rich with cultural expressions, defies the neatness of English, embodying a vibrant mix of music and language. The accent serves as a connection to community and home, highlighting the importance of language in maintaining cultural ties and identity.

What does Denice Frohman compare her mother's accent to?

• A gentle breeze

• A shotgun

• A quiet whisper

• A soft melody

How does Denice describe the interaction between Spanish and English in her mother's speech?

• They blend seamlessly

• They are in constant conflict

• They push up against each other

• They are completely separate

Why does Denice say her mother doesn't know 'quiet'?

• Her voice is too powerful

• She is always singing

• She prefers silence

• She never learned the word

What transformation occurs to the word 'strawberry' in her mother's accent?

• It becomes 'strawbeddy'

• It becomes 'strawberry'

• It becomes 'strawbree'

• It becomes 'strawbey'

What musical element does Denice associate with her mother's speech?

• Salsa

• Rock

• Jazz

• Blues

What does Denice imply about English in relation to her mother's accent?

• It is too flexible

• It is too rigid

• It is too complex

• It is too simple

What does the phrase 'make Play-Doh out of concrete' suggest about her mother's language?

• It is playful and creative

• It is hard and unyielding

• It is fragile and delicate

• It is simple and straightforward

What does the word 'wepa' signify in the poem?

• A celebration

• A farewell

• A question

• A greeting

How does Denice describe her mother's tongue in relation to her cultural identity?

• As a map

• As a compass

• As a bridge

• As a barrier

What does Denice mean by saying her mother's accent is a 'stubborn compass'?

• It is constantly changing direction

• It always guides her back to her roots

• It is difficult to understand

• It is easy to lose