"Why not let me speak in any language I like? The language I speak becomes mine, its distortions, its queerness All mine, mine alone ..."
The question asks to identify the Indian poet credited with the quote: "Why not let me speak in any language I like? The language I speak becomes mine, its distortions, its queerness All mine, mine alone ..."
This quote, expressing a personal and assertive relationship with language, was written by Kamala Das.
Kamala Das was a prominent Indian poet and writer, known for her fearless exploration of themes including female identity, sexuality, and the complexities of language in post-colonial India. The quote highlights her view that the language she uses, regardless of its origin, becomes intrinsically hers through her expression and experience. This reflects her unique contribution to Indian English literature, challenging conventional boundaries.