Analysing 'Search for My Tongue'
I can analyse the imagery in 'Search for My Tongue' and link this with the theme of pride.
Analysing 'Search for My Tongue'
I can analyse the imagery in 'Search for My Tongue' and link this with the theme of pride.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Search for My Tongue' shows the importance of language in shaping our identity.
- Initially, Bhatt fears she has lost her mother tongue, Gujarati, after immigrating to America.
- Bhatt then finds her mother tongue again, writing the second stanza in Gujarati.
- Bhatt ends the poem showing great pride in her ability to still speak her mother tongue.
- Bhatt uses plant imagery in the poem to reflect the power of one's native language.
Keywords
Belonging - feeling happy or comfortable as part of a group
Immigrant - a person who has come to a different country to live there permanently
Pride - a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction because of something you have achieved, possess or are part of
Common misconception
Students may misconceive what the phrase "my tongue" means initially.
Explain the figurative language involved in the phrase "my tongue" and the link to language.
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Analysing 'Search for My Tongue', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Analysing 'Search for My Tongue', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the Poetry about place and home unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need a copy of 'Search for My Tongue' by Sujata Bhatt for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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