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What is the conflict of story My English by Julia Alvarez?

The conflict in Julia Alvarez's "My English" is multifaceted, but it primarily centers around the struggle of the narrator, a young Dominican girl, to navigate the conflicting identities imposed upon her by her cultural background and her new environment in America.

Here are the key conflicts:

* Language and identity: The narrator feels torn between her Dominican heritage and her American experience. She struggles to express herself authentically in English, feeling like she is "always stumbling around" in a language that doesn't quite belong to her. This linguistic barrier impacts her ability to connect with her peers and fully embrace her new world.

* Cultural clash: The narrator faces difficulties understanding the social norms and expectations of her American classmates. She feels like an outsider, constantly observing and trying to decipher the unspoken rules of American culture. This creates a sense of alienation and disconnect, hindering her ability to fully integrate.

* Internal conflict: The narrator grapples with the pressure to conform to American standards while preserving her Dominican identity. She is constantly trying to find a balance between embracing her new life and honoring her roots. This internal struggle fuels her desire to learn English, but also causes her to question the potential loss of her cultural heritage.

The story ultimately highlights the complexities of immigration and assimilation, particularly for children who are caught between two cultures. The conflict lies not only in the external differences but also in the internal struggle to reconcile and embrace both aspects of oneself.

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