Search For My Tongue

Overview:

“Search for My Tongue” is an evocative poem by Sujata Bhatt.
This poem explores the themes of cultural identity, language, and inner conflict, as the speaker grapples with bi-cultural experiences.
Bhatt employs vivid imagery and metaphors to depict her struggle with language loss and the resurgence of her mother tongue.

Themes:

One of the major themes in the poem is cultural identity, particularly as it relates to language.
The poem expresses Bhatt’s fear of losing her native language and hence, an integral part of her ethnic identity.

A sense of inner conflict is evident throughout the poem.
This conflict arises from being torn between two different languages (Gujarati and English) and by extension, two different cultural identities.

Bhatt also explores the theme of the power of language, considering how language can reflect and shape one’s cultural heritage.
The ‘tongue’ in the poem is symbolic not just of the poet’s mother language but also of her connection to her cultural roots.

Devices and Structure:

An extensive use of metaphors and similes can be seen in the poem. The metaphor of the ‘tongue’ has been used to signify language and its influence on personal identity.
The poem features a metaphor of the ‘tongue’ being a plant or a flower that ‘grows back’, signifying the recovery and resurgence of the speaker’s mother tongue.

The middle section of the poem is written in Gujarati, Bhatt’s mother tongue. This section, followed by a translated version of the same, is a powerful tool that represents the sensation of being lost between two languages.

“Search for My Tongue” is written in free verse. This lack of rigid structure represents the struggle and chaos within the poet regarding her language and identity.

Interpretation:

“Search for My Tongue” paints a candid picture of the struggles experienced by bilingual individuals, particularly when faced with the loss of their native language.
The poem’s evocative, rich language and dramatic imagery engage the reader in a stimulating exploration of cultural identity and language preservation.
The poem concludes on a positive note, implying that while external influences can affect our language, our native tongue or cultural identity can never be fully erased, symbolised by the regeneration of the ‘tongue’.