Answer:
In the story "Who's Irish?" by Gish Jen, the speaker is a Chinese immigrant grandmother who narrates the events from her perspective. Her identity as a Chinese immigrant and her life experiences shape her worldview and perspective of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Chinese Immigrant: The speaker's identity as a Chinese immigrant influences her perspective of the world. She brings with her the values, traditions, and cultural norms from her homeland, which often clash with the American culture she finds herself in. This contrast between her Chinese identity and the American environment shapes her perception of the world.
2. Grandmother: The speaker's role as a grandmother also influences her perspective. She has a traditional view of family and expects her granddaughter to adhere to the same cultural norms and values. This aspect of her identity affects how she interacts with her granddaughter and contributes to the conflicts within the story.
The author uses word choice and syntax to help the reader understand part of the speaker's identity. The speaker's broken English and occasional use of Chinese words reflect her immigrant background and her struggle with the English language. This linguistic style not only highlights the challenges she faces as an immigrant but also provides insights into her cultural background and the cultural clashes she experiences.
Additionally, the author's use of first-person narration allows the reader to directly access the speaker's thoughts and experiences. Through the speaker's perspective, the reader gains a deeper understanding of her identity and how it shapes her interactions with others and her worldview.
Overall, the speaker in "Who's Irish?" is a Chinese immigrant grandmother whose identity and life experiences as an immigrant and a grandmother shape her perspective of the world. The author employs word choice, syntax, and first-person narration to help the reader understand and empathize with the speaker's identity and the complexities she faces.