Let's face it: it really wouldn't be a Latin deli without a little Spanish. It would just be a regular deli, serving regular cold cuts to regular people. While that may still be delicious, it doesn't make the point that Ortiz Cofer is driving home in "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica": language is a part of who we are. The Spanish in the deli—spoken among the clients and read on the labels—provides a way for people to connect with their culture and remember their past.
Questions About Language and Communication
- Why do you think the shoppers read the food labels out loud?
- What is the effect of putting the Spanish words in italics?
- Despite all the speaking in this poem, our store owner is silent. Why do you think that is?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
The poem shows us that language is as much a part of our cultural identity as anything else.
As this poem demonstrates, if you can't communicate with others, then you'll never truly feel at home.