Question

select the correct answer.
what effect does the use of mixed spanish and english have in this excerpt from \freeway 280\ by lorna dee cervantes?
albaricoqueros cerezos, nogales...
viejitas come here with paper bags to gather greens.
espinaca, verdolagas, yerbabuena...

a. the mixed language celebrates the poet’s bicultural and bilingual identity

b. the mixed language suggests the poet does not have a good command of english

c. the mixed language gives the poem a lyrical, rhythmic quality.

d. the mixed language conveys the poet’s rejection of her american identity.

e. the mixed language hints at the poet’s inner conflicts based on her bicultural heritage.

Explanation:

• Option A: Mixing Spanish (a language tied to the poet's cultural heritage) and English (the language of the American context) in the poem is a way to celebrate her bicultural and bilingual identity, as it merges elements of both cultures/languages she is connected to.
• Option B: Using mixed language is not an indicator of poor English skills; it's a creative and cultural choice, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: The mixed language here is more about cultural expression than creating lyrical rhythm (there's no clear rhythmic pattern from the mix alone), so C is wrong.
• Option D: The mix doesn't show rejection of American identity; instead, it integrates both cultural aspects, so D is incorrect.
• Option E: The excerpt doesn't hint at inner conflicts; it's a celebration of the bicultural identity, not conflict, so E is wrong.

Answer:

A. The mixed language celebrates the poet’s bicultural and bilingual identity