Language, Identity, and Perception

In her poem “The right word,” Dharker demonstrates the power that language holds over identity and perception. The speaker expresses frustration as she struggles to find the right word to correctly relay what she sees, which essentially is a stranger standing outside her door. Each consecutive stanza brings a novel description. Ultimately, language becomes less important than action when the speaker extends an invitation to the unknown boy to enter her home and eat at her table.

Truth and meaning are obscured through the filters of certain words due to the connotations that these words carry. For example, the word “terrorist” is a loaded term that elicits fear and hatred. People associate others with this term based on a variety of factors, which can include unfounded prejudice. Othering is a process that involves aligning with a particular group and distinguishing oneself from others...