In Simon Ortiz's essay, "The Language We Know" Ortiz wrote about his childhood as an Acoma Pueblo Indian during the 1950's. Ortiz wrote that through the teachings from his parents and grandparents he did not forget his traditions and language. During that period in time Native American children were sent off to school to learn the English language and become "Americanized." Ortiz wrote, "it has occurred to me that I learned English simply because I …showed first 75 words of 727 total…

…showed last 75 words of 727 total…to Americans of Hispanic descent. However, it is not too late for my daughter, whom I hope to instill the language and heritage of her grandmother. I will also teach her to be proud of her heritage, and especially not to forget it. Works Cited: Baldwin, James. "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me What Is?" Reading <Tab/>and Writing: The Keys to Knowledge. Ed. Laura Morales-Johnson and LeAnn