Search for my tongue

Question 1

You ask me what I mean

Answer 1

Direct address. Person being addressed does not understand what it is like to lose their tongue.

Question 2

Spit it out

Answer 2

Implies disgust. Has no choice but to reject her mother tongue as her second language is more palatable to others. Shows hanger and regret at having to do this to fit into her new culture

Question 3

It grows back,

Answer 3

Caesura. Emphasises slow, incremental return of her mother tongue

Question 4

Ties, pushes

Answer 4

Shows how forcefully the mother tongue is returning. Will not be repressed

Question 5

Repetition of ‘the bud opens’

Answer 5

Symbolises the opening of her mother language in her mouth

Question 6

Blossoms

Answer 6

Optimistic about mother tongue returning