1. Metaphor and Symbolism: Dharker often employs metaphors and symbols to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and evocative manner. For example, in the poem "Purdah," she uses the metaphor of a "veil" to represent both physical and societal restrictions placed on women.
2. Sensory Imagery: Dharker's poetry is rich in sensory imagery, appealing to the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This creates a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the world of the poem.
3. Juxtaposition: She frequently juxtaposes contrasting images, ideas, or experiences to highlight tensions, conflicts, or ironies. This technique adds depth and complexity to her poetry, inviting readers to explore multiple layers of meaning.
4. Wordplay and Punctuation: Dharker also uses wordplay, puns, and unconventional punctuation to create rhythmic and musical effects in her poetry. This attention to the sonic qualities of language enhances the overall aesthetic experience of her work.
5. Cultural and Historical Context: Dharker's poems often draw on her experiences as an Indian woman living in a multicultural society. She incorporates cultural and historical references to explore themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging.
6. Political and Social Commentary: Dharker's poetry also addresses political and social issues, such as gender inequality, religious fundamentalism, and the impact of globalization. She uses her poetic voice to raise awareness and provoke thought on these important topics.
7. Personal and Universal Themes: Dharker explores both personal and universal themes in her poetry, ranging from love, loss, and family relationships to broader existential questions about life, death, and the human condition.
8. Code-switching and Multilingualism: Dharker occasionally incorporates different languages or code-switches within her poems, reflecting the multilingual nature of her upbringing and the cultural diversity of contemporary societies.
9. Fragmentation and Ellipsis: She sometimes uses fragmentation and ellipsis to create a sense of incompleteness or ambiguity, inviting readers to fill in the gaps and engage with the poem on a deeper level.
10. Experimentation and Innovation: Dharker is not afraid to experiment with poetic form, structure, and language. She combines traditional forms with contemporary styles, pushing the boundaries of poetic expression.
Overall, Imtiaz Dharker's use of language is characterized by its richness, complexity, and ability to evoke powerful emotions and provoke thought in readers.