Description
Book SynopsisThis work describes the author''s experiences in both Spanish and English literacy development. It illustrates the bilingual/bicultural experience of acculturation and assimilation, a process of change, both culturally and linguistically. The Eagle and the Serpent does so in three levels: autobiographical narratives in bi-literacy acquisition, expository reflections from the viewpoint of a bilingual/bicultural Mexican-American adult, and finally an analysis of the process evident in the author''s experience. Interspersed in the autobiographical elements, Palacios reflects on his spiritual journey of religious conversion, from Mexican Catholicism to American Evangelicalism. After discussing immigration, acculturation, and literacy, the story ends with an appended poem that reflects many immigrant children''s lives of metamorphosis.
Trade ReviewMore than a contribution to the now-established genre of immigrant autobiography, this work presents socially-situated episodes that enable the author to reflect on the struggles to preserve one language and emerge in another… Ignacio's voice invites us to see and hear his world. His way with words and deeds and things, expressed in the multiple genres of narrative, exposition, and poetry, allows the reader to understand the coming into being of his identity, the struggle through rejection, to community, a life among multiple cultures, literacies, and people. -- Dr. Dan Tannacito, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Table of ContentsPart 1 Foreword Part 2 Introduction Chapter 3 The Imperfect Seven Chapter 4 Scholars' View Chapter 5 Childhood in Mexico Chapter 6 Just What is Literacy? Chapter 7 Immigration to the U.S. Chapter 8 Acculturation in America Chapter 9 Metamorphosis Chapter 10 Current Literacies Chapter 11 The View From Here Part 12 Appendix: Immigrant Children at Ellis' Door Part 13 Works Consulted and Cited
