Lengua Para Diablo Flashcards
Lengua Para Diablo is an excerpt from the
book _________________.
Banana Heart Summer
Banana Heart Summer is written by __________________.
Merlinda Bobis
An acclaimed FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN writer and
performer who has published in THREE
languages (Bikol, Pilipino, and English). Her novels, short story and
poetry collections, and plays have received
various awards.
Merlinda Bobis
Award-winning writer __________ grew up in ________, Philippines at the foot of an active volcano and now lives in Ngunnawal Country (Canberra), Australia.
Merlinda Bobis, Albay
Lengua Para Diablo means …
“The Devil Ate
My Words.”
Lengua is a SPANISH word
meaning ___________, which in the story,
symbolizes the words eaten by the devil.
Tongue
Lengua (Beef tongue) is also a dish made of
_____________. Lengua is often seasoned
with onion and other spices, and then
placed in a pot to boil.
cow’s tounge
to pacify or calm someone, likely to ease their emotional state or tension. It indicates that the person in question often needed soothing or reassurance, particularly after losing their job, as their situation might have led to increased stress, frustration, or emotional instability.
APPEASED
to persuade someone to do something or make them feel better by using flattery, gentle coaxing, or affectionate actions. In this context, it suggests that the father tried to appease or win her over with kisses, possibly to soothe her feelings or make amends.
CAJOLED
to promise or commit to providing comfort, help, or a solution to ease someone’s difficulty or distress. In this context, the person (likely the father) was prepared to offer support or assistance but stopped himself after noticing something in the mother’s expression. Instead, he muttered a saying (“The devil ate my words”) and chose not to speak further. This phrase implies hesitation or perhaps fear of saying the wrong thing.
PLEDGE RELIEF
To make small holes or pierce something with a sharp object, like a fork.
In the text, the tongue is pricked to allow the flavors to seep in.
PRICK
A large, flat serving dish used to hold or present food.
The “devil’s platter” is a metaphorical reference, likely implying the father’s tongue is gone and symbolically served in an elaborate dish.
PLATTER
Having a pleasantly sharp or spicy flavor, or figuratively, something that is intriguing or exciting.
In the text, it describes the rich, flavorful result of the tongue prepared with various spices.
PIQUANT
To fully enjoy or indulge in something pleasurable.
Here, the father’s “silent tongue” is imagined as enjoying or soaking in the rich and flavorful seasonings, emphasizing the lavish preparation.
LUXURIATING
A person who takes great pleasure in fine food and drink, often with a discerning palate.
In the text, the speaker fantasizes about experiencing a life of luxury and indulgence in flavors, like an epicure savoring the finest delicacies.
EPICURE
