Me Talk Pretty One Day

Amani Farraj

Mr. Felder P.7

AP English Language 

November 20, 2016

In the text, “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” by David Sedaris, mainly demonstrates the author’s experience with French language lessons in Paris. In fact, Sedaris utilizes various rhetorical devices to support his writing overall. One rhetorical device included is pathos, which creates a stronger personal connection with the reader. For instance, he mentions, “at my age, a reasonable person should have completed his sentence in the prison of nervous and the insecure… My fears have not vanished. Rather, they have seasoned and multiplied with age,” (Sedaris 291). This expression of nervousness and fear creates a feeling of sympathy from the readers, making the connection between them and Sedaris stronger. Furthermore, Sedaris depicts fear again, “My fear and discomfort crept beyond the borders of my class room and accompanied me out onto the wide boulevards, where, no matter how hard I tried, there was no escaping the feeling of terror I felt whenever anyone asked me a question,” (Sedaris 294). Similarly, this description put the readers in his shoes, making them understand him better.

Interestingly, Sedaris not only uses pathos in his writing, but also diction. In fact, the diction in his writing adds on to his use of pathos. For example, he writes, “The first day of class was nerve-racking because I knew I’d be expected to perform,” (Sedaris 291). His use of the word “nerve-racking” adds to his use of pathos because it enhances the anxious emotions spread through his writing. Moreover, Sedaris states, “If you have not meismslsxp by this time, you should not be in this room. Has everybody apzkiubjxow?” (Sedaris 291). In the same way, the use of incorrect, rubbish words not only expand the anxious emotions in his writing, but also, once again, puts the reader in his shoes. Thus, making a stronger connection as well as understanding overall.

The main issue brought up in the essay was the fact that there was a huge language barrier in which Sedaris had to deal with. Sedaris demonstrates his experience with French language lessons in Paris, in which he expressed as very difficult for him. Actually, he reveals the challenges people face daily. Everyone has experienced some type of language barrier at least once in their life. No matter what language a person speaks, we all have a unique accent or minor difference. Thus, a language barrier is bound to happen.