Latest News

The literary devices in “New Tongue” are diverse and carefully used to achieve the desired outcome. The literary devices in “New Tongue” make the poem more interesting and the meaning more vivid. Read on to find out the literary devices used in the poem.

Read the overview and content analysis of “New Tongue by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara here.

Follow this link to read the Analysis of Themes in “New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara

Introduction

“New Tongue”, a poem by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara, has embedded in it different literary devices. These devices enhance the depth and meaning of the poem. They also elicit an emotional connection to the subject of the poem and provide rhythm to the tone.

The poem clearly identifies the disregard and unwillingness of the new generation to not let their native ways die. They have tied the new ways around themselves “like the insides of clothes that marry the bodies of mankind” (lines 23-24). Now, they no longer sing the old songs; the old songs have become “as disregarded dreams remnants of the past” (lines 6-7). Family and friendship bonds are broken, burnt, and “the ashes strewn into the bottomless sea” (line 10).

Kamara created vivid imagery to enable the reader to imagine the scenes described and used repetition to add texture.

Below are the literary devices used in the poem “New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara and a short discussion on each with some examples.

Literary Devices in “New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara

1. Imagery

To capture the extent of the deviation from the original culture and the effects it has on the people, Elizabeth Kamara paints a picture of what it looks and feels like. She describes the emotional detachment as a “strange coldness descending like snow covered mountain”, and the ripping away of the culture as “the gust of wind falling trees carting roofs away, tugging skirts, and swirling debris in the air”.

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
(Stanza 4, lines 35-41)

These descriptions are very relatable and paint a picture of what is going on and the accompanying feelings in the minds of the readers.

2. Metaphor

“Dance new dances” is used to capture the extent of deviation that established social and cultural norms of the people. This wide gap in socio-cultural practices arises as the generation changes. Over time, everything has begun to appear new.

They speak in a new tongue
And dance new dances
(Stanza 1, lines 1-2)

Kamara also uses the metaphor of clothes turning inside-out to show how the new generation has become focused on self and only cares about self-aggrandization. They are detached from the world and care little about the appearance and outcomes of this self-focus disguised as individuality with no care for culture, traditions, or African communal heritage.

They care not
Nor revere the old
Their minds turn inwards
Only inwards
Like the insides of clothes
(Stanza 2, lines 19-23)

3. Repetition

The repetition of words in successive lines was used to add emphasis and depth to the message of the poem. Different types of repetition were applied by the writer to achieve a certain rhythm in the poem.

The types of repetition used in the poem include –

1. Anaphora (repeating a word at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases).
2. Epiphora, also known as epistrophe (repeating a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences).

Example 1

A new generation
Careless of bonds
Of family
Of tradition
Of heritage
They care not
(Stanza 2, lines 14-19)

Example 2

No room for elders
No,
Not even on the edge of their minds
(Stanza 3, lines 25-27)

Example 3

Every man
For himself
By himself
Of himself
(Stanza 4, lines 31-34)

Example 4

Their borrowed shoes dance
Their borrowed minds parted the red sea long ago
(Stanza 5, lines 42-43)

4. Personification

Some non-human elements were given human qualities in the poem. This enhances the emotional depth of the poem, drawing in the reader, and emphasizing the points. The gust of wind is said to cart away roofs and tug at skirts.

The gusts of wind falling trees
Carting roofs away
Tugging skirts
(Stanza 4, lines 38-41)

5. Symbolism

In the poem, “New Tongue”, Elizabeth Kamara uses symbolism to portray some things. The new generation’s abandonment of their traditions and culture is described as hanging the last lock as they “glide into the future” without looking back.

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.
(Stanza 5, lines 43-46)

Conclusion

Literary devices are used to enhance or elaborate on elements of a literary work. By using the literary devices discussed above, Kamara adds depth and meaning to the poem, “New Tongue”, in a way that elicits emotions and enhances engagement.

Read also

Literary Devices in “Hearty Garlands” by S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza

Themes in “Hearty Garlands” by S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza

Literary devices in “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara