Understanding the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Dharker presents ideas of cultural identity and belonging associated with youth.
Key learning points
- Dharker was born in Lahore, Pakistan before moving to Glasgow, Scotland before her first birthday.
- Dharker's poems are testaments to her experience: intercultural identities and global living.
- Dharker's poetry explores the longing of youth - when you desire to be anyone more exciting than who you currently are.
- Dharker's poetry reminds the reader that people often look elsewhere to create a sense of belonging.
Keywords
Yearn - an intense longing or desire for something
Belonging - feeling accepted and comfortable in a particular group or place
Calvinist - a person who follows Calvinism, a type of Christianity that believes God controls everything
Cultural identity - a feeling of belonging to a particular culture or group
Intercultural identity - feeling like you belong to more than one culture; mixing different traditions and experiences
Common misconception
Dharker grew up in Wales.
Although Wales features in the title of this poem, Dharker moved to Scotland just before her first birthday. She references Glasgow (where she grew up) in the second stanza of the poem.
Teacher tip
Consider showing students pictures of the places mentioned in the poem so they can begin to contrast how people may feel about growing up in each of the places (Glasgow, Bombay and Wales vs. France, Zanzibar and Italy).
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian' by Imtiaz Dharker (found in the Edexcel GCSE Poetry anthology - 'Belonging' cluster).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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