The Art of Teaching Tongues
Abstract
The poem describes the multifaceted role and experience of a language teacher through metaphors and imagery. The poem presents language instruction as both an art and a sacred duty, employing metaphors of a keeper of keys, shepherd, and smith to illustrate the teacher's diverse responsibilities. Through four-line stanzas with consistent rhyme schemes, the work progresses from describing the technical aspects of language instruction to revealing its deeper purpose of fostering cross-cultural understanding. An instructor's personal investment in teaching is portrayed through intimate first-person narration, while imagery of growth, construction, and transformation underscores the developmental nature of language acquisition. The poem is written to be the anthem of the language teacher.
Keywords:
- Keyword: Teaching
- Keyword: Language
- Keyword: Learning
- Keyword: Language Teacher
How to Cite:
Idowu, D., (2025) “The Art of Teaching Tongues”, Vernacular: New Connections in Language, Literature, & Culture 10(1).
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