A Tale of Two Tongues is a poem written by Earl McKenie about the use of language.

Miss Ida is the main character and the poem not only displays differences in language but attitudes toward Creole and English as well. The poems message however, could possibly be enhanced by the use of technology to further its impact. Stanzas one and two vary in terms of the language used. Stanza one utilizes what is classified as Standard English while Stanza two makes use of Creole. This is evident by the vocabulary and semantics found within the stanzas. Calques in stanza two such as hard-ears and hot-words are semantic features unique to Creole. In addition, the vocabulary in stanza two included words such as su-su, preckeh, labrish and pickney which are all of Creole nature. The phrasing of the words and the rhythmic patterns also differ between the two stanzas. The second stanza which is based off of Creole has a more musical and melodious tempo in comparison to the English in the first stanza. The vocabulary in stanza one is strictly English with no use of slangs and despite lacking much of a rhythmic flow, literary devices are used. For example lines 6 to 8 : ..a grammar of respectability as firm and as polished as his tablets of stone. is a simile comparing language with the Ten Commandments. Hyperbole is also used in line 2 : Scholars cannot fault her diction. The varying attitudes towards English and Creole are revealed in the poem through the main character, Miss Ida. From the first line : Miss Ida only speaks English to God one is able to identify a correlation between English and religion. The phrase in line 6 : grammar of respectability means that she not only associates English with religion but anyone of a respectable social status. Miss Idas outlook upon English is therefore one of higher status and intelligence as well as respect. It is clearly stated however in stanza two, line 9 : but to fellow mortals she speaks Creole. This means Miss Ida views Creole as a language to satisfy mainly phatic functions i.e. to maintain contact amongst people in her similar class. To Miss Ida, Creole is to be used for gossiping and telling stories. It is also utilized for scolding children and warding off vulgar men. Hence, Creole is used for an affective/ expressive function by Miss Ida for conveying an opinion, sharing a joke and for intimacy. Technology could be manipulated in several ways to enhance the meaning of this poem. A televised reading would help to captivate the attention of the viewer. By establishing a context and a setting, the viewer would be able to relate more and clearly identify with the poems message. The use of dress and props and varying them in between scenes of the stanza could create an almost real atmosphere. Hearing the voice of the persona may possibly aid in stimulating the viewers mind with regards to articulation and voice control used for emphasis. It can therefore be concluded that A Tale of Two Tongues is a brilliantly written poem depicting the differences in English and Creole and the attitudes towards them. Technology could be used to improve the poems significance to an audience.