Talk This Way: Key Quotes

“‘Talk this way, walk this way,’ laughs the Algerian barber, his tongue curling around vowels and tones that crouch in the crevices of Cockney.” This quote accentuates the shift between different dialects, highlighting the co-existence of various languages within London’s multicultural space.
“Out in the streets, voices burst like fireworks — a thousand languages bloom like wild flowers..” The metaphoric expression of multiple languages as ‘wild flowers’ blooming symbolises the organic, vibrant linguistics of London.
“Different tongues fluttering like flags along the high street..” Here, symbolism and metaphor work together to create a striking visual image which emphasises the cultural diversity represented through language.

“Each language is a heartbeat, with its own rhythm, its own blood.” Metaphor vividly illustrates the idea that languages are not merely communication tools, but the life force and identity of the people who speak them.
“Every accent, every dialect, is a different way of seeing the world.” This quote articulates the notion that language shapes our understanding of reality, underpinning Sam-La Rose’s key theme of the transformative power of language.

“‘Mate,’ he explains, ‘it’s just another way to say…brother.’” The quote is a snapshot of a conversation, emphasising the capacity of language as a facilitator of connection, conveying complex relational dynamics through simple exchange.
“The Somalian barber grins. ‘We all talk this way, don’t we?’” This rhetorical question summarises the collective linguistic experience in London, highlighting an inclusive and unifying perspective.

“‘My grandmother’s English wouldn’t pass for yours,’ he says. ‘But in her mouth, the Queen’s language becomes a regal Patois.’” The quote underscores the idea of language as a personal cultural entity that can be reshaped and redefined.
“He’s British-born Bengali — West London hybrid — speaking the cross-pollinated language of youth.” Language is depicted as a dynamic and evolving tool, reflecting hybrid identities and cultural mingling, buttressing the theme of linguistic adaptability and diversity.