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Writing poetry in one's own native language is very important for true personal expression, keeping cultural identity strong, and fighting against language domination. Even though writing in a big global language might reach more people, poetry in the mother tongue has deeper meaning and cultural value, making it more powerful.

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Poetry written in the mother tongue lets people express feelings better and keeps cultural connections strong.

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Language holds deep feelings and personal memories, so poetry in the native language feels more real and emotional.

Many words and sayings in the mother tongue have special meanings that cannot be fully explained in another language.

Example:African poets like Jessica Mbangeni use their own languages to show the true depth of their culture (Mabaso 102).

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Writing in a common language like English helps poets reach more readers.

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There are 11 official languages in South Africa and 9 of them are Indigenous languages which born from here. However, "English and Afrikaans are still dominant" (Mabaso 101). This fact shows that maybe using English in African countries may attract more people.

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It is good to have many readers, but keeping true expression and culture is more important. Also, translations can help share native-language poetry with the world without losing its real meaning.

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Using the mother tongue in poetry helps save languages and stops culture from disappearing.

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Many local languages are in danger because of globalization and past colonial rule. Writing poetry in these languages helps keep them alive.

Language is a big part of cultural identity—by writing in their mother tongue, poets protect and honor their heritage.

Example: Ngũgĩ decided to write in Gikuyu to stand against language control and support African identity (Mabaso 101).

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Multilingual poetry allows for both cultural preservation and wider communication.

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While multilingual poetry has value, native-language poetry remains the strongest form of cultural preservation. It ensures that traditions and linguistic nuances are passed down unaltered.

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Writing poetry in one’s mother tongue is not just a creative choice but a political and cultural statement. It enables authentic self-expression, strengthens cultural identity, and resists linguistic dominance. Although writing in global languages has advantages, the power and significance of poetry in the mother tongue make it an invaluable form of literary and cultural preservation.

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Our Words, Our Worlds : Writing on Black South African Women Poets, 2000-2018, edited by Makhosazana Xaba,

University of Kwazulu-Natal Press, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/rutgers-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6179410.

Created from rutgers-ebooks on 2025-01-22 23:52:23.