Book Description

El Zarape Press presents its first collection of poetry by the eclectic Daniel García Ordaz, The Poet Mariachi, "the voice of the Rio Grande Valley" (Texas), an emerging voice in Latino and Hispanic American poetry.You Know What I'm Sayin'? is a celebration of the common experience of language and culture transfiguring time and place and juxtaposing the politics of urban hip-hop America with the lyricism of rural deep South Texas, a retelling of ancient history sung by a contemporary Chicano voice.With an introduction by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Debbie Cole, a linguistic anthropologist.Mainly English; some bilingual (English/Spanish) pieces. This book is being taught at university and high school campuses across the U.S., especially by linguistics professors and those seeking diverse new voices to connect with young Hispanic, Latino, Chicano readers.The first half of the book is very American-experience based; the second half has a more Mexican American experience flavor to it. The middle of the book has a monologue and a "Play On Words" that's meant to be enjoyed read though may be acted out: it's about preconceived notions and about how we hear and perceive communication.