Understanding verbal art

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This work applies linguistic analysis to the poetry of Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo, a prominent Singaporean poet in Commonwealth literature. It examines how Thumboo skillfully combines grammar and metaphor to create meaning, highlighting the linguistic resources that underpin his unique technique. The author employs a functional linguistic perspective, delving into the multiple layers of meaning and metaphor that characterize Thumboo's intricate and textured verbal art. Utilizing Systematic Functional Theory, the study reveals how the poet's playful use of language reflects his love for it. Thumboo's multilingual and multicultural background significantly influences his creative language use. This analysis illustrates how Systematic Functional Theory, which emphasizes the semogenic power of language, enhances our understanding of poetry as intentional meaning-making. Thumboo's work exemplifies Barthes' notion that various linguistic elements are woven into the text, demonstrating the pervasive influence of language. By focusing on meaning, this functional analysis provides valuable insights into the linguistic foundations of Thumboo's poetic technique. The study will attract scholars interested in linguistic analysis and Commonwealth poetry, and it is well-suited for courses on literary stylistics or text linguistics.