“The ‘F Word’,” by Firoozeh Dumas & “The Gift of Language”, by Lan Cao Essay Example

he who has insight) is transformed into “Farshit” (Dumas 605). Dumas also notes the way they shorten names like Susan and William to Sue and Bill, respectively. Moreover, Dumas employs a metaphor through which she compares Americans’ need to include additional syllables in their vocabulary to “adding a few new spices to the kitchen pantry” (Dumas 605). Like Dumas, Cao uses a metaphor to describe her learning experience. She compares the words of the English language to a “round stone, with the smoothness of something that had been rubbed and polished by the waves of a warm summer beach” (Cao 615).

She reveals that she had minimal difficulty comprehending and grasping the English language. Unlike Dumas, Cao employs imagery to demonstrate how shopping differed in American and Vietnamese cultures. She describes the high standards of neatness in American grocery stores. She observes that food is ““meticulously arranged into a pyramid” (Cao 615). Dumas’ argument is persuasive. She appeals to logic by demonstrating her claim using examples of Americanized names. The reader can understand the reason behind the Americanization of foreign names – so that Americans find them easier to pronounce.

Dumas also explains why she changed her name while in middle school. It was logical that she did so because with an American name, it would be easier to fit in with her peers. The metaphor that Dumas uses is appropriate to the claim that she makes regarding the need for Americans to become tolerant to diversity. It adds humor to her argument, keeping it lighthearted but at the same time, precise and direct. Dumas employs the pathos appeal when she points out her family’s response to

her decision to adopt a new name. She evokes the reader’s sympathy when she reveals that her family teased her.

The reader also sympathizes with Dumas when she mentions how employers discriminate against her because her name symbolizes an identity other than American. Cao’s argument is persuasive. She draws on logic by explaining that she has to assume a parental role to assist her mother to adjust to American culture. The reader comprehends that Cao finds the change easier to make than her mother does. Consequently, it is logical for both to switch roles. Cao’s use of ethos is also evident. The reader empathizes with Cao’s mother because she is unable to fulfill the parental role and is forced to rely on her daughter to cope with the transition.

Cao also evokes the reader’s empathy because she has to be responsible for herself and her mother. As this paper has argued, Dumas and Cao attempt to prove different ideas but some of their rhetorical devices are similar and they present convincing arguments. While Dumas examines Americans’ narrow-mindedness to foreign languages, Cao explores the changes that immigrants are compelled to make during the drastic transition to American culture. In addition to metaphors, Dumas employs humor and satire while Cao uses imagery. Their arguments are believable because they contain logical and emotional perspectives.