In “How to Pronounce Knife,” miscommunication is the result of failing to understand or share perspectives. Differences in appearance and language among other identifiers can and often elicit miscommunication. Language precipitates action, and action (or inaction) centers language, whether spoken or written. Joy’s family partakes in unspoken rituals, from spreading out a piece of newspaper as tablecloth to watching TV together before bed. This comfortable silence is communicated through action and body language. Likewise, Joy’s father advises against speaking Lao or even of Laos. This call for denial is meant to protect the family from outside scrutiny, but also contrasts with Joy’s mother, who claims important information should be communicated through speech—specifically, phone calls. As a result, whenever Joy’s teacher, Miss Choi, delivers important information in written form—specifically, through notes pinned to Joy— miscommunication ensues between teacher and parents, as Joy’s mother discards the notes. However, by the end of the short story, Miss Choi exhibits greater understanding of Joy’s family. Both spoken and written language are important; however, silence also progresses the story and contributes to its meaning. Silence is often treated as truth, just as the “k” in “knife” is silent: An ironic example is the fact that Joy does not tell her parents about her vehement defense of her father’s mispronunciation of “knife.

Miscommunication and Silence

Assimilation and Belonging

The Weight of Internal Conflict

History: World

Asian History

Literary Area of Study

Canadian Literature

Social Issues

Class

Society

Life & Time

Coming-of-Age Journeys

Community

Humanities

Education

Relationships

Family

Immigrants & Refugees

Awards

National Book Critics Circle Award Winners & Finalists

Emotions & Behavior

Pride & Shame

Souvankham Thammavongsa

Adult

Short Story

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore How to Pronounce Knife and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

How to Pronounce Knife Summary and Study Guide

contentWarning

Background

How to Pronounce Knife Background

Story Analysis

How to Pronounce Knife Story Analysis

character

Character Analysis

How to Pronounce Knife Character Analysis

theme

Themes

How to Pronounce Knife Themes

Symbols & Motifs

How to Pronounce Knife Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

How to Pronounce Knife Literary Devices

quote

chapter

citation

Important Quotes

How to Pronounce Knife Important Quotes with Page Numbers

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

How to Pronounce Knife Essay Topics

How to Pronounce Knife

Themes

Featured Collections