Kashmir University BG 6th Sem English Notes: Speaking in Tongues by - Zadie Smith
In the following discussion, we will explore the main ideas and themes within "Speaking in Tongues" and provide insightful answers to textual questions that arise in this captivating essay.
Short Summary
The text is about a lecture titled 'Speaking in Tongues' by Zadie Smith, given in 2008. In this lecture, she talks about how people's identities are influenced by the languages they use. She begins by reflecting on her own identity, wondering if her British identity is defined by her Cambridge-educated accent or her childhood voice. She notes that in British culture, there is an expectation that people stick to one voice, often a sophisticated one.
She mentions the character Eliza Doolittle from the play Pygmalion, who is made to change her accent by Professor Higgins. Smith finds this story instructive. She also discusses President Barack Obama's memoir, "Dreams from My Father," praising his ability to adapt and use various voices.
Smith uses the metaphor of Dream City to describe people who can use different voices. She argues that having multiple voices is a gift, not a burden, and that a singular self is an illusion. She then discusses the issue of Black consciousness and how categories like 'black' and 'white' can limit authentic self-expression.
Smith also brings up Shakespeare as an example of someone who could speak truth in multiple ways, which she believes is important for politicians to maintain balance and harmony in a world with conflicting ideologies.
In simple words, the text talks about how the way we speak and the languages we use can shape our identities. It uses examples like Eliza Doolittle and President Obama to show how having the ability to use different voices can be a good thing. It also discusses the idea that a single, unchanging self is not realistic and that people should be able to speak in different ways to express their true selves.
Textual Questions:
Q1. How does the author convey the transition in her voice from one of the working class to that of the high-brow academic?
Answer: The author, Zadie Smith, describes her transition from a working-class voice to a high-brow academic one by discussing her personal experience. She questions whether her identity is defined by her educated Cambridge accent or her childhood voice. Initially, she had a flexible "double voice" that allowed her to adapt to different social settings. However, as she progressed, she embraced the more sophisticated, educated literary voice associated with high-brow academics. This transition highlights the tension between maintaining one's authentic voice and conforming to societal expectations, particularly in British culture, where a singular, unchanging voice is often prized.
Q2. Explain how Zadie Smith illustrates her personal development of voice and its various dimensions.
Zadie Smith illustrates her personal development of voice by reflecting on her own journey. She talks about how her voice evolved, starting with her childhood voice and the educated accent she acquired at Cambridge. She initially had a flexible "double voice" that allowed her to adapt to different situations. However, she eventually settled on a more educated, high-brow voice. This transition reflects her struggle to balance the different dimensions of her identity and voice, highlighting the tension between staying true to oneself and meeting societal expectations, particularly in British culture, where a singular, unchanging voice is often emphasized.
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Q3. Why is Barack Obama singled out for his ability to speak plurally? Explain with reference to the text.
Barack Obama is singled out for his ability to speak plurally because he is depicted as someone who can authentically adapt to and speak in various voices, representing diverse groups of people. The text mentions how Obama could shift between different voices, including young Jewish males, black old ladies, white women, churchmen, and security guards. Zadie Smith admires Obama's capacity not only to speak to people but to truly connect with them by using their voices. This ability to embody different voices is seen as a valuable quality, setting him apart from those who sacrifice their authentic voices for a single, uniform one.
Q4. What is Zadie Smith's concept of an ideal voice? Substantiate your answer with reference to the text.
Answer: Zadie Smith's concept of an ideal voice is one that can encompass multiple voices and adapt to various circumstances. She suggests that a singular, unchanging voice is an illusion and that individuals should have the ability to speak in different ways to express their true selves authentically. This concept is exemplified in the text when she discusses Barack Obama's ability to use various voices. She admires him for being able to speak like different groups of people, emphasizing his authenticity in connecting with diverse communities. Additionally, she uses the metaphor of Dream City to describe those who possess the gift of multiple voices. In Dream City, people understand that everything is doubled, and they must cross borders and speak in different tongues, emphasizing the value of having a multifaceted, adaptable voice.
Q5. 'Voice adaptation is still the original British sin.' What does this comment reveal about British culture?
Answer: The statement, "Voice adaptation is still the original British sin," reveals an aspect of British culture where there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a singular, unchanging voice. In British culture, there is often a societal expectation that people conform to a particular accent or style of speech, especially one associated with high-brow or educated language. This expectation can be seen as a form of pressure to adapt one's voice to fit a specific mold, and it is referred to as a "sin" because it implies a departure from one's authentic self. ( Get PDF At Edu Career Learn)
This emphasis on a uniform voice suggests that British culture places value on tradition and conformity, potentially at the expense of individuality and the freedom to express oneself in a diverse or adaptable manner. It highlights the tension between conforming to social norms and embracing one's authentic voice in British society.
Q.6. Why does Smith refer to Eliza Doolittle from G. B. Shaw's Pygmalion as a patron of the 'tragically double-voiced'?
Answer: Smith refers to Eliza Doolittle from George Bernard Shaw's play, "Pygmalion," as a patron of the 'tragically double-voiced' because Eliza's character embodies the struggle and conflict associated with adapting one's voice. Eliza, originally a working-class character with a Cockney dialect, undergoes a transformation to acquire a more refined, high-brow voice under the guidance of Professor Higgins. This transition from her authentic voice to an artificial one reflects the tragedy of losing one's true self in the quest to fit into a different social class or meet societal expectations. The term 'double-voiced' symbolizes this duality, where Eliza is caught between her original identity and the voice imposed upon her, illustrating the emotional and societal challenges that come with voice adaptation.