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What Is The Message Of I Lost My Talk

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Recommended: Creation of residential schools and the impact they had on Aboriginal culture

The focus on the present and the future often takes precedence over the past, yet without an understanding of history, we are doomed to repeat it. Through this opportunity, I was able to take the time to congest the voices of the Indigenous people, the forgotten people of the past. Their voices vibrated with clarity, yet the world failed to truly listen to their words. As I examined the abundance of messages, each vying for attention, I discerned a common thread in their themes and messages. Although the poems all vary with distinct subject matters and concepts, a clear message resounds throughout each one: the misdeeds of the past were unjust, and a shift towards a more equitable future is necessary. To achieve this, present actions must be taken with an eye toward …show more content…

Through her poem “I Lost My Talk” she draws attention to the language taken away from her. "I lost my talk" (1 Joe) is a simple yet reminiscent metaphor that represents the loss of language, culture, and identity experienced by Indigenous children at residential schools. Not only did the repetition highlight its significance, but the choice of vocabulary also articulated her meanings. By using the word "talk", the phrase calls attention to the importance of language beyond communication, underscoring its fundamental aspect in shaping her cultural identity. Through the poem, Joe brings out the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. She points out their ongoing struggle for self-determination and cultural revitalization. It is also important to note that the 1980s were a time when Indigenous communities started voicing their opinions. During this time, Rita Joe's poem "I Lost My Talk" presented another perspective for others. Lastly, the final line of the poem, "So I can teach about me," emphasizes the power of education as a solution for a better

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The symbolism and imagery show throughout the poem that with each stanza being written in a visual manner. The audience can easily picture a theme and feel the author’s remarkable use of emotions in her piece written with an advanced sense of sensibility. Rita Joe’s point of view is narrated by the summary of her experiences put into her piece of writing that established and showcased her empowering and strong personality. It is a reflective piece of writing that was delivered using symbolism, imagery, and visual mental images used to illustrate the theme of “ I Lost My Talk”. Joe’s horrific history was filled with many hardships and obstacles in her life.

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