Talk This Way: Structure & Language Techniques

Structure Overview

“Talk This Way” utilises a prose poem format, an innovative structure that blurs the line between prose and poetry.
The absence of traditional poetic structure such as stanzas or verses, resembles the fluid and unstructured nature of spoken language.

Dialogue and Punctuation

Sam-La Rose makes extensive use of dialogue with varying levels of formality to represent the diverse range of voices in London.
The systematic omission of quotation marks in the dialogue creates a continuous flow of speech, reflecting the intertwining and overlapping nature of different voices and conversations.
The use of various colloquial language and dialects gives the dialogue authenticity, further encapsulating London’s vibrant linguistic diversity.

Enjambment and Lineation

Despite its prose structure, the piece does incorporate elements of poetry such as enjambment, allowing ideas to flow from one line to another without formal punctuation.
Thoughtful lineation highlights key ideas, creating a rhythm reminiscent of natural speech.

Imagery and Metaphors

Vivid imagery and metaphoric language are used to convey complex ideas and emotions, such as ‘tongues fluttering like flags’ and ‘a thousand languages bloom like wild flowers’.
These figures of speech serve as powerful visuals that encapsulate the energy and vibrancy of London’s linguistic landscape.

Personification

Personification is used to assign human abilities to abstract concepts, such as ‘languages bloom’ and ‘tongues fluttering’, which bring dynamism and tangibility to language’s static nature.

Use of Repetition

Repetition is a prominent device applied in the piece. Phrases like ‘tongue’ and ‘talk this way’ are reiterated, reinforcing the central theme of language and communication.

Feedback: Delve into the poetic, linguistic, and structural intricacies in “Talk This Way” to uncover Sam-La Rose’s unique portrayal of language’s role in shaping community and identity. Remember, the innovative techniques offer layers of meaning for your interpretation.