Arun Kamble’s poem “Which Language should I Speak?” delves into the struggle of finding one’s voice amidst conflicting cultural and linguistic expectations. The poem reflects the experiences of Dalits in India, who often face pressure from both their own communities and the dominant societal structures.

The poem begins with a vivid image of the speaker’s grandfather, who is described as a “permanent resident” of the speaker’s body. This suggests that the traditions and expectations of the speaker’s family are deeply ingrained in him. The grandfather, burdened with the weight of tradition, angrily demands that the speaker “talk like we do.” This represents the pressure to conform to the cultural and linguistic norms of his own community.

Next, the poem shifts to the speaker’s Brahmin teacher, who is portrayed as someone deeply rooted in traditional Hindu practices. The teacher, with his “top-knot well-oiled with ghee,” represents the dominant Brahminical culture. He scolds the speaker for not using the language correctly, emphasizing the expectation to conform to the standardized language and norms of the broader society.

The speaker is caught between these two powerful influences: the traditional expectations of his own community and the rigid standards of the dominant culture. This internal conflict leads to the central question of the poem: “which language should I speak?” The speaker is torn between the language of his heritage and the language imposed by societal structures, each carrying its own weight of identity and acceptance.

The poem highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits, in navigating their identities. The pressure to conform to traditional norms can be suffocating, while the demand to fit into the dominant culture can feel alienating. The speaker’s question reflects a broader struggle for self-expression and the right to define one’s own identity without being forced into a single, limiting framework.

Kamble’s poem underscores the importance of language as a tool of identity and resistance. For marginalized communities, finding one’s voice is not just about choosing words but about asserting their existence and rejecting the imposed narratives. The poem calls attention to the need for a space where individuals can speak their truth, free from the constraints of both internal and external pressures.

In simple terms, “Which Language should I Speak?” is about a person trying to figure out how to express himself when different parts of his life demand different things from him. His family wants him to stick to their traditional ways, while his teacher wants him to speak the way the dominant culture does. This leaves him confused and questioning how he should talk and who he should be. The poem shows how difficult it can be for people from marginalized communities to find their own voice and identity in a world that often tries to silence or change them. It’s a powerful message about the importance of being true to oneself and finding a way to speak that feels right and authentic.