As someone who has always been interested in language and communication, I have always considered English to be an important part of my personal and professional development. Over the years, I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to learning and improving my English skills, and I believe that this effort has paid off in many ways.
One of the most significant ways in which my English skills have benefited me is in terms of my ability to communicate effectively with others. Whether it is through written communication, such as emails or reports, or through spoken communication, such as presentations or meetings, having strong English skills has allowed me to clearly convey my thoughts and ideas to others. This has not only made me a more effective communicator, but it has also helped me to build stronger relationships with my colleagues and clients.
In addition to helping me communicate effectively, my English skills have also played a key role in my professional development. Many jobs today require a high level of English proficiency, and having strong English skills has helped me to stand out in the job market and to secure more advanced positions within my field. Additionally, my English skills have allowed me to access a wider range of resources and information, as much of the research and literature in my field is published in English.
Another important aspect of my English skills is the cultural understanding and awareness that they have given me. As someone who has studied and lived in a number of different countries, I have had the opportunity to interact with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Having strong English skills has allowed me to understand and appreciate these different cultural perspectives, and to communicate more effectively with people from different cultures.
Overall, my journey with English has been a fulfilling and enriching one. While there is always room for improvement, I am confident that the time and effort I have dedicated to learning and improving my English skills has been well worth it. I believe that strong English skills are essential for anyone looking to succeed in today's globalized world, and I am grateful for the many ways in which they have benefited me personally and professionally.
In the story "Everyday Use," Alice Walker tells the tale of a mother and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie. The mother is a poor, hardworking woman who has lived a difficult life on a small farm in rural Georgia. Dee, the older daughter, is educated and ambitious, and she has always looked down on her mother and sister for their lack of sophistication and culture. Maggie, the younger daughter, is shy and unassuming, and she idolizes her sister Dee.
The story begins with the mother waiting for Dee to visit, as she has not seen her in many years. When Dee arrives, she is accompanied by a man named Hakim-a-barber, who is a member of the Black Panther Party. Dee is now going by the name Wangero and has embraced the tenets of Black pride and African heritage.
Upon seeing her mother and sister, Dee is disappointed by their appearance and the simplicity of their lifestyle. She criticizes their "everyday" clothing and objects, saying that they should be used for display in a museum rather than for practical use. Dee is particularly interested in two quilts that have been passed down through the family for generations.
The mother is proud of these quilts and wants to give them to Maggie, who has always appreciated them and will use them everyday. However, Dee insists on taking the quilts for herself, claiming that they are a part of her African heritage and that she will display them in her home as a symbol of her cultural identity.
The mother is torn between her love for her daughter and her desire to preserve the family's cultural traditions. Ultimately, she decides to give the quilts to Maggie, recognizing that it is important for her to have a tangible connection to her family's history and that she will use and appreciate the quilts in a way that Dee never could.
In the end, Dee leaves in a huff, taking only a few small items with her. The mother and Maggie are left to continue their simple, everyday lives, but they are content knowing that they have a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and the value of the objects that they use in their daily lives.
Through the story of "Everyday Use," Alice Walker explores themes of cultural identity, family relationships, and the importance of heritage. She also critiques the idea of cultural appropriation, as Dee's desire to claim the quilts as a symbol of her African heritage ignores the fact that they are a part of her family's history and traditions. The story serves as a reminder that cultural objects are not just objects, but are imbued with meaning and significance that should be respected and preserved.
