Analysing the poem 'Singh Song!' by Daljit Nagra
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Nagra conveys a joyful relationship which subverts expectations.
Key learning points
- Arguably, Nagra uses anaphora to depict the speaker's joyful and equitable relationship with his wife.
- Arguably, Nagra uses a simile to euphemistically convey the speaker's intimacy with his wife.
- Arguably, Nagra uses contrast to show how the couple find romance in the mundanity of their lives.
- Arguably, Nagra uses imagery to convey the conflict between the unconventional wife and more traditional parents.
Keywords
Equity - the quality of being fair
Anaphora - a device where the same word or phrase is repeated several times at the start of a sentence
Mundane - very ordinary and therefore not interesting
Punglish - a colloquial term for language that is a mixture of Punjabi and English
Playful - light-hearted; fond of games and amusement
Common misconception
The poem doesn't rhyme.
Although the poem doesn't follow a conventional and predictable rhyme scheme, it does have some irregular and half rhymes (e.g. "chapatti" and "chutney"). This structure imitates the playful and joyous content of the poem.
Teacher tip
The poem is written in 'Punglish' imitating a South Asian accent. The poem is written phonetically in this way - consider how you wish to read through the poem. There are recordings of Nagra himself reading the poem which may be useful.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Singh Song!' by Daljit Nagra which can be found in the AQA 'Love and Relationships' Anthology.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who wrote the poem 'Singh Song!'?
Q2.Which of the below statements about the author of 'Singh Song!' are true?
Q3.The poem 'Singh Song!' is framed as an extended speech given by Singh himself. As such it is a ...
Q4.'The title 'Singh Song!' is a on the phrase 'sing song', which refers to sound that is rhythmic and pleasing. This could indicate the poem is fun or light-hearted.'
Q5.Alex said: 'Conflict really comes across as a key theme of the poem 'Singh Song!'. What type of conflict is most pronounced in the poem?
Q6.In 'Singh Song!', Singh's wife can be described as unconventional and with an 'acrimonious' relationship with Singh's parents. What evidence from the poem supports this?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Nagra's poem 'Singh Song!' blends elements of English with elements of Punjabi. What is the colloquial term for this language?
Q2.In 'Singh Song!', Singh seems to relish in the simple act of sharing food with his wife. As such, this celebrates the side of their love.
Q3.In 'Singh Song!', Nagra begins several stanzas with the same word or phrase. What is the name for this language device?
Q4.Starting with the first, put these events from the poem 'Singh Song!' in chronological order.
Q5.'Singh Song!' alludes to some potential conflict between Singh's wife and his parents. What does the poem suggest may be the cause of this tension?
Q6.Which of the following would be reasonable ways in which we could develop our ideas in our writing?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Singh Song!' by Daljit Nagra, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Singh Song!' by Daljit Nagra, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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