What language is used in the poem half-caste?
English
Half Caste/Original languages
The language of the poem is a mixture of Caribbean dialect and formal British English – the poet at one point says in Caribbean dialect: ‘Ah lookin at yu wid de keen half of mih eye’, but at another in standard English: ‘Consequently when I dream I dream half-a-dream’.
What is the main message of the poem half-caste?
“Half-Caste” Themes The speaker uses a series of metaphors when clarifying what it means to be “half-caste” in order to accomplish two things: first, these metaphors subvert the idea of being mixed race as something negative, and second, they underscore just how ridiculous it is to apply this label to a human being.
How does Agard use language to Emphasise his message?
He repeats key phrases e.g. “Explain yuself ” and “half-caste” to emphasise his message. The short lines and lack of punctuation make the poem feel aggressive and confrontational.
What is the significance of the usage of Caribbean English dialect and spelling in the poem half-caste?
John Agard use phonetic spelling to show the pronunciation of the word from his dialect. He does this to make the poem more personal and strong and it makes you feel like he is really talking to you especially when he uses words like “dem”, “yu”, “wha” and “dah” which also show that he is proud of his roots.
How does Half Caste show identity?
When we talk about identity we signify how a person is portrayed. Agard’s poem ‘Half Caste’ presents the idea of originating from another culture negatively whereas Dharker’s presents the idea positively. Agard does not use any punctuation in his poem ‘Half-Caste’. Dharker on the other hand uses Standard English.
What themes are in half caste?
Possible themes you might be asked about include:
- • Identity.
- • Feelings about people.
- • Feelings about places.
- • Language and dialect, how people talk.
- • Other cultures, customs and traditions – way of life spiritually and materially.
- • Beliefs and rituals.
- • Different attitudes and values.
- • Living between two cultures.
How does half-caste show identity?
What is the tone of the poem half-caste?
The poem is like a challenge addressed to someone who holds prejudiced views. Agard repeatedly tells the person to ‘explain yuself’, and asks them ‘what yu mean’ when they use the term ‘half-caste’. The tone is confrontational, angry.
What is the tone of the poem half caste?
What themes are in half-caste?
What does half-caste mean?
This John Agard poem criticises the use of the term “half-caste”, a popular British slur against mixed-race individuals. The poem demonstrates Agard’s subtle cleverness.
What themes are in Half Caste?
When did John Agard write half caste poem?
“Half-Caste” is a 2005 poem written by John Agard. Agard was born in Guyana (at the time British Guyana) in 1949 and moved to England in 1977. Contextualized in England, the poem explores the use of the word “half-caste,” a derogatory term referring to people of mixed race.
How many times is the word half caste used in a poem?
LANGUAGE/POETIC TECHNIQUES: The words “half” or “half-caste” are repeated almost 20 times in the poem which emphasises how strongly he feels about those particular words being used about him. The poem opens with some sarcastic politeness and a mock apology towards the person who labels him a “half-caste”: “Excuse me…”
Why does John Agard use scathing humour in half caste?
He also uses scathing humour – including the joke: ‘ in dat case england weather nearly always half-caste ’ – because humour can also help to give a point more impact.
What does the expletive Ah Rass mean in half caste?
One line is devoted to the Caribbean phrase: ‘ ah rass ’ – an expletive meaning ‘my arse’ – which makes this line of the poem very angry and aggressive, as though Agard has just got so angry explaining his argument that he cannot contain his anger any more.