Edited by Nick Carbó
A major collection of contemporary poetry, Returning a Borrowed Tongue brings Filipino/Filipino American poets from both sides of the Pacific Ocean together for the first time, in a single anthology of poetry. Ranging from celebrated poets such as Jessice Hagedorn and N.V.M. Gonzalez to writers whose work is not readily available elsewhere, this engaging collection represents a poetic tradition that is uniquely Filipino/Filipino American. Written in English, the poems of Returning a Borrowed Tongue reflect a relationship with the English language that spans almost a century. In the early years of U.S. colonization, Filipino poets were forced to “borrow” a foreign tongue; today, fifty years after independence, they return the borrowed tongue with lyrical poems about migration, immigration, exile, nostalgia, desire, poverty, exploitation, racism, American culture, love, and invisibility.’
Reviews
“Returning a Borrowed Tongue is a necessary addition to our rich Asian American cannon. It is an exciting tapestry of Filipino American poets from all walks of life—from the urban centers to lush rural settings; from the veteran activist generation to fresh young poets now blossoming from universities. . . . This volume should be an inspiring read for both poetry students and ethnic students alike.” —Marilyn Chin, author of The Phoenix Game, The Terrace Empty
