Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this interview.

In "Interview with Simon Ortiz," Ortiz says, "So the importance really of the oral tradition is the importance of what your philosophy is, in
terms of your identity, what your heritage is, and how that forms, formulates itself in creative expression called writing."

How does Ortiz's word choice affect the text?

A. His language gives the interview a comic, lighthearted tone.

B. His language helps establish the text's dignified, respectful tone.

C. His language conveys the interview's critical, disapproving tone.

D. His language provides the text with an exuberant, enthusiastic tone.