"I used to think that my mother got into arguments with people because they didn't understand her English, because she was Chinese"

In the quote from Amy Tan, the speaker reflects on a developmental misconception about their mom, determining a younger presumption that language barriers catalyzed interpersonal disputes. The speaker used to think that these disputes stemmed from others not understanding their mom's English, presumably due to her Chinese heritage. Implicit in this reflection is an acknowledgment of layered cultural and linguistic characteristics that shape human interactions.

In the beginning glimpse, the quote underscores a common narrative experienced by many immigrant households where non-native English speakers, particularly from Asian backgrounds, face obstacles in communication that extend beyond mere language efficiency. This idea is substantiated by the speaker's preliminary belief that misconceptions were simply linguistic in nature, which is a possible reasoning procedure for a kid or somebody unskilled with the nuanced complexities of cultural identity and social interaction.

Nevertheless, as suggested by the phrase "used to think", the speaker has gone through a change in understanding, indicating that they now acknowledge the inadequacy of their original presumption. The awareness here hints at much deeper insights: disputes might not solely emerge from language barriers however also from cultural differences, societal biases, or understandings of identity. These aspects shape how people are perceived and dealt with, independent of their linguistic capabilities.

Moreover, the speaker's mother, being referred to as "Chinese", clarifies the dual forces of racial and cultural identity that most likely impact others' understandings of her, despite her real command of English. Prejudices or presumptions about Chinese individuals might result in dismissive or adversarial attitudes in others, fueling arguments or misconceptions.

In essence, the quote exposes a journey from a simple view of communication barriers to a more sophisticated understanding of how identity, bias, and culture intertwine. It indicates the more comprehensive complexities of browsing a world where language is both a tool of connection and a limit, showing styles main to Amy Tan's work on the Asian American experience.