English Through the Eyes of a Second Generation Immigrant

Rupi Kaur. Image source


This post is meant to be a teaching aid in a multimodal presentation as part of a Multiliteracies assignment andpresented with additional oral commentaries, hence the stripped down look. I will get around to uploading the recording later.

As part of an assignment, we were required to discuss a choice of issues from multiple perspectives and in different modes. My group chose the issue of broken English. In the process, I stumbled upon this beautiful poem by Rupi Kaur, a famous Indian born Canadian poet titled simply [Broken English](https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/broken-english-4/). The phrase "broken English" instantaneously brings a roll from our eyes but through her love and passionate words, she stated that we should not put value on strangers based on their skill in a language that is not their first.

Type of text: Poem

Poems have always been a medium through which people express their deep seated-feelings and emotions. The freedom of expression with the usage of literary devices allows for greater connection to readers, clearer depictions and a more personal voice which convey messages better than most medium could. The poet's feeling of hurt when her mother feels deeper and more personal through her use of this medium.

Perspective: Child of an Immigrant

Immigrant society suffered from discrimination and their lack of competence in English is an easy weak point to ridicule for some. However, the poet is adamant that immigrants are hard workers and their inability is nothing compared to their work ethic.

Stand: Low English Competency does not determine someone's value

Influences

Being a female second generation immigrant, Rupi relates very much to the issues such as feminism and racism. An artistic soul, she began drawing at age 5 and as time flew, began to write poems, illustrating them and ends up signing a publishing deal when her Instagram poetry became to receive widespread attention. Filial love is also a big factor that may ave contributed to her writing this poem.