How does Esperanza feel about her two languages-- and by extension, about her two cultures?

 Esperanza is proud of her own language but also realizes the necessity of speaking English. Those who do not speak English are relegated to the bottom of the socio-economic pile. Esperanza's father could not even order ham and eggs in America because he did not know the words. Esperanza begins to use English more. Not mastering English means a sense of powerlessness an Esperanza refuses to be in tat position. I think that culture follows a similar narrative as language. Although Esperanza loves her culture she also, at times, feels suffocated by it. Embracing some Western ideas gives her a sense of emancipation from what is expected from her by Mexican culture.