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New Tongue by Elizabeth Kamara
They speak in a new tongue
And dance new dances
Minds battered into new modes and shapes
Their eyes revel in the wonder of the new
Embraced and bound to hearts with impregnable chains
The old songs as disregarded dreams
Remnants of a past.
Ties of family and friendship
Loosened, broken, burnt
The ashes strewn into the bottomless sea
As fishes swim by
Careless of the loss
Mindful of where they dare
A new generation
Careless of bonds
Of family
Of tradition
Of heritage
They care not
Nor revere the old
Their minds turn inwards
Only inwards
Like the insides of clothes
That marry the bodies of mankind
No room for elders
No,
Not even on the edge of their minds
Their ears blocked to the old tongue
And ways of doing things
Glorying in their new newness of a borrowed tongue and culture
Every man
For himself
By himself
Of himself
A strange coldness descending like snow covered mountain
Or like bathing at the back of the house
On a rainy July day
The gusts of wind falling trees
Carting roofs away
Tugging skirts
And swirling debris in the air
Their borrowed shoes dance
Their borrowed minds parted the red sea long ago
They hang the last lock on their culture
And glide into the future
Without a backward glance.
General Introduction
The poem "New Tongue" by Elizabeth Kamara delves into the complexities of cultural transformation and the generational divide that arises when younger generations adopt new ways, often at the expense of their heritage. Elizabeth Kamara, a contemporary poet, is known for her keen observations on social issues, particularly those related to identity, culture, and the consequences of modernization. The period in which this poem was written is marked by globalization, where cultures increasingly intermingle, often leading to a loss or dilution of traditional values and practices. Kamara’s work often reflects the tension between embracing modernity and preserving the past, a theme that is central to "New Tongue."
Title
The title "New Tongue" is immediately indicative of a shift in language, which serves as a metaphor for broader cultural changes. The phrase "new tongue" suggests the adoption of a new way of speaking, thinking, and behaving, signifying a departure from traditional norms and the embrace of something foreign or different. This title sets the tone for the poem, hinting at themes of change, loss, and the generational shift from old to new, which will be explored in the verses that follow.
Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis of "New Tongue" by Elizabeth Kamara
Stanza 1
In this opening stanza, Kamara introduces the central theme of cultural transformation. The "new tongue" and "new dances" symbolize the adoption of a new language and new cultural practices by the younger generation. This is not just a superficial change; their "minds battered into new modes and shapes" suggests that the very way they think and perceive the world has been fundamentally altered. The reference to their eyes "revel[ing] in the wonder of the new" reflects their fascination with modernity and the allure of the unfamiliar. However, this embrace of the new comes at a cost: the "old songs" are now "disregarded dreams," indicating that the traditions and cultural practices of the past have been dismissed as irrelevant or outdated. The final line, "Remnants of a past," underscores the theme of cultural erosion, suggesting that what remains of the old culture is now just a distant memory.
Stanza 2
This stanza explores the disintegration of familial and social bonds as a result of the cultural shift described in the first stanza. The imagery of ties being "loosened, broken, burnt" powerfully conveys the complete severance of connections that once held families and communities together. The metaphor of ashes being "strewn into the bottomless sea" suggests that these bonds have been irreversibly destroyed, with no possibility of recovery. The line "As fishes swim by / Careless of the loss" highlights the indifference of the natural world to human concerns, but it also mirrors the attitude of the younger generation, who are "careless" of the cultural and relational losses they are incurring. The final line, "Mindful of where they dare," suggests a cautiousness or awareness of the risks of venturing into new, uncharted territories, yet this mindfulness seems to be more about self-preservation in the new world rather than concern for the past.
Stanza 3
In this stanza, Kamara explicitly discusses the generational shift that lies at the heart of the poem. The "new generation" is depicted as being "careless of bonds," particularly those that connect them to their family, tradition, and heritage. The repetition of "they care not" and the phrase "nor revere the old" emphasize their complete disregard for the past. The metaphor of their minds "turn[ing] inwards / Only inwards" conveys a self-centeredness and a preoccupation with personal rather than communal or cultural concerns. The comparison to "the insides of clothes / That marry the bodies of mankind" suggests that this inward focus is as intimate and close as clothing, something that is part of their very identity, yet it also implies that this identity is hidden, internal, and perhaps disconnected from the outer world.
Stanza 4
This stanza addresses the marginalization of elders within the new cultural paradigm. The younger generation has "no room for elders," indicating that the wisdom, experiences, and guidance of the older generation are no longer valued or sought after. The emphatic "No, / Not even on the edge of their minds" suggests that the elders and their ways are completely excluded from the thoughts and considerations of the youth. The phrase "Their ears blocked to the old tongue" is a powerful metaphor for their refusal to listen to or learn from the past, reinforcing the theme of cultural disconnection. The "old tongue" symbolizes the traditional language, customs, and practices that are now seen as obsolete by the new generation.
Stanza 5
In this stanza, Kamara critiques the new generation's pride in their "newness," which is depicted as being "borrowed" from other cultures. The repetition of "Every man / For himself / By himself / Of himself" emphasizes the individualism and self-centeredness that have replaced the communal values of the past. The "strange coldness descending like snow-covered mountain" introduces a sense of alienation and discomfort, a consequence of the new cultural identity that is detached from its roots. The imagery of "bathing at the back of the house / On a rainy July day" further enhances the feeling of exposure and vulnerability, while the "gusts of wind falling trees / Carting roofs away / Tugging skirts / And swirling debris in the air" symbolizes the chaotic and destructive forces unleashed by this cultural shift. The stanza conveys the unsettling and disorienting effects of abandoning one’s heritage in favor of a foreign, borrowed culture.
Stanza 6
The final stanza brings the poem’s themes to a powerful conclusion. The "borrowed shoes" and "borrowed minds" symbolize the complete adoption of a foreign culture, to the extent that even the metaphors they live by ("parted the red sea") are borrowed. The act of "hang[ing] the last lock on their culture" signifies the final abandonment of their heritage, as if they are locking it away, never to be revisited. The phrase "glide into the future / Without a backward glance" encapsulates the younger generation’s complete detachment from their past. There is a sense of inevitability in this movement towards the future, yet it is tinged with sadness and finality, as they leave behind everything that once defined them culturally and socially.
Each stanza in "New Tongue" by Elizabeth Kamara builds upon the previous one, deepening the exploration of themes related to cultural loss, generational divide, and the consequences of adopting foreign influences. The poem is a poignant reflection on the cost of progress and modernization, where the allure of the new leads to the erasure of the old, and with it, the connections that once held communities and identities together. Through powerful imagery, metaphors, and a critical tone, Kamara invites readers to consider the profound impact of these changes on both individual and collective identities.
Themes in "New Tongue" by Elizabeth Kamara
Elizabeth Kamara's poem "New Tongue" explores several interwoven themes that reflect the complex realities of cultural transformation, generational shifts, and the consequences of modernization. The poem presents a vivid commentary on the erosion of traditional values in the face of new, often foreign, influences. Below are the major themes of the poem, elaborated upon in detail.
1. Cultural Erosion and Loss of Heritage
One of the central themes of "New Tongue" is the erosion of cultural heritage and the subsequent loss of identity. The poem illustrates how younger generations, symbolized by those who "speak in a new tongue," are gradually abandoning their ancestral languages, traditions, and values. The phrase "The old songs as disregarded dreams / Remnants of a past" poignantly captures the idea that the rich cultural traditions of the past are now seen as irrelevant or outdated by the new generation. This cultural erosion is further emphasized by the image of "ashes strewn into the bottomless sea," symbolizing the irretrievable loss of cultural ties and the permanence of this disconnection.
2. Generational Divide
Kamara's poem also delves deeply into the theme of generational divide. The younger generation in the poem is depicted as being "Careless of bonds / Of family / Of tradition / Of heritage." This carelessness signifies a growing rift between the young and the old, as the new generation disregards the values and teachings of their elders. The poem emphasizes how this divide is not just a physical or emotional separation but a profound ideological one, where the younger generation's focus has shifted entirely inwards, "like the insides of clothes / That marry the bodies of mankind." This inward focus suggests a self-centeredness and a lack of concern for communal or familial ties, highlighting the growing chasm between generations.
3. Modernization and the Influence of Foreign Cultures
"New Tongue" also grapples with the theme of modernization and the overwhelming influence of foreign cultures, often at the expense of native traditions. The "borrowed tongue" and "borrowed shoes" mentioned in the poem represent the adoption of foreign languages and cultural practices. Kamara critiques this trend by portraying it as something alien and superficial, with the new generation "gliding into the future / Without a backward glance." The "borrowed" nature of these new cultural elements suggests that they are not genuinely owned or fully integrated into the identity of the people, but rather adopted out of convenience or necessity, leading to a loss of authenticity and self-awareness.
4. Disintegration of Family and Social Bonds
Another significant theme in the poem is the disintegration of family and social bonds. Kamara vividly describes how "Ties of family and friendship / Loosened, broken, burnt," indicating the breakdown of these fundamental connections. The metaphor of ashes being "strewn into the bottomless sea" suggests that these bonds are not only broken but irreversibly lost, highlighting the depth of this societal shift. The disintegration of these bonds is further emphasized by the imagery of "No room for elders / Not even on the edge of their minds," suggesting a complete disregard for the wisdom and guidance of the older generation, which traditionally played a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion.
5. Alienation and Identity Crisis
The poem also touches on the theme of alienation and identity crisis. As the younger generation adopts a "new tongue" and "new dances," they become increasingly alienated from their roots, leading to a fragmented sense of identity. The "strange coldness descending like snow-covered mountain" symbolizes the emotional and spiritual coldness that accompanies this loss of connection to one's heritage. The imagery of "bathing at the back of the house / On a rainy July day" evokes a sense of discomfort and displacement, further emphasizing the alienation experienced by those who have lost touch with their cultural identity.
6. The Inevitability of Change and Progress
Finally, Kamara acknowledges the inevitability of change and progress, even as she laments the consequences. The poem recognizes that the younger generation's movement towards a "new tongue" and new cultural practices is part of a broader, perhaps unstoppable, process of modernization and globalization. The image of the younger generation "gliding into the future" without looking back suggests a forward momentum that cannot be easily halted. This theme reflects a nuanced understanding of change, where progress is seen as both necessary and costly, bringing about new possibilities while simultaneously erasing elements of the past.
In "New Tongue," Elizabeth Kamara masterfully explores the themes of cultural erosion, generational divide, modernization, disintegration of social bonds, alienation, and the inevitability of change. Through vivid imagery, poignant metaphors, and a critical yet resigned tone, Kamara captures the complexities and consequences of abandoning traditional values in favor of modern, often foreign, influences. The poem serves as a powerful reflection on the costs of progress and the profound impact of cultural transformation on individual and collective identities. Kamara’s work invites readers to consider the importance of preserving cultural heritage even as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern world.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The poem is rich with metaphors that convey deeper meanings. For instance, "Their minds turn inwards / Only inwards / Like the insides of clothes" uses the metaphor of clothes turning inside out to illustrate how the younger generation is introspective, self-focused, and detached from the outside world, including their cultural heritage.
2. Imagery: Kamara employs vivid imagery to evoke the sensory experiences of cultural loss and transformation. The lines "A strange coldness descending like snow-covered mountain / Or like bathing at the back of the house / On a rainy July day" create a stark, cold visual that symbolizes the alienation and discomfort associated with abandoning one's roots.
3. Alliteration: Alliteration is used to emphasize the fluidity and repetition in the loss of culture. In "Their borrowed shoes dance / Their borrowed minds parted the red sea long ago," the repetition of the 'b' sound in "borrowed" reinforces the theme of adopting foreign or unfamiliar practices.
4. Symbolism: The poem is laden with symbolic elements. "They hang the last lock on their culture" symbolizes the final abandonment of tradition, akin to locking away something precious and leaving it behind forever.
5. Personification: Kamara gives human qualities to non-human elements to enhance the emotional depth of the poem. For example, "The gusts of wind falling trees / Carting roofs away / Tugging skirts" personifies the wind as a destructive force, symbolizing the uncontrollable force of cultural change that uproots and displaces.
6. Repetition: The phrase "Careless of bonds / Of family / Of tradition / Of heritage" repeats the word "of" to emphasize the multiple layers of connection that the younger generation disregards. This repetition drives home the depth of their indifference.
Language and Diction
Kamara’s choice of language is both simple and profound, allowing the poem to resonate with a wide audience. The diction is modern and accessible, yet it carries a weight of cultural and emotional significance. Words like "borrowed," "new," "coldness," and "lock" are carefully chosen to convey the theme of loss and disconnection. The language is straightforward but laced with a tone of melancholy and resignation, reflecting the poet’s lament for a lost culture. Kamara also uses formal language to underscore the seriousness of the subject matter, avoiding slang or dialect to maintain a universal appeal.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and reflective, evoking a sense of loss and nostalgia for a disappearing way of life. The tone is critical yet resigned, as the poet observes the inevitability of cultural change and the indifference of the younger generation. There is a subtle undercurrent of sadness and disapproval as Kamara portrays the younger generation's disregard for their heritage, but also a recognition that this shift is an unavoidable consequence of the passage of time.
Context
"New Tongue" was likely written in a period of intense cultural globalization, where the spread of Western culture and language has led to the erosion of indigenous traditions and values. The historical context of post-colonial societies, where younger generations often abandon their native languages and customs in favor of Western ones, is crucial to understanding the poem’s themes. This context reveals the poet’s concern with the preservation of cultural identity in the face of modernity and the pressures to conform to a globalized, homogeneous culture. Kamara’s work reflects a broader social commentary on the loss of cultural diversity and the alienation that accompanies such a profound transformation.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Kamara's "New Tongue" is a poignant exploration of the generational and cultural shifts that occur when tradition is abandoned in favor of modernity. Through the use of powerful literary devices, Kamara conveys the deep emotional impact of this transformation, highlighting the loss of cultural identity and the sense of alienation that follows. The poem serves as a reflection on the inevitable changes that time brings, while also mourning the disappearance of a rich cultural heritage that once connected generations. Kamara’s work challenges readers to consider the cost of progress and the value of preserving the past in a rapidly changing world.
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