Jhumpa Lahiri expresses a complex relationship with her mother tongue, Bengali. She reveals a sense of distance from the language due to her inability to read or write it fluently. This limitation creates an internal schism, as she feels a lack of authority when she speaks, leading her to perceive Bengali as foreign. Despite her cultural connection, her struggle with the language fosters a sense of disconnection from her heritage.

This paradox of viewing her mother tongue as both familiar and foreign highlights the challenges many individuals face in navigating their cultural identities. Lahiri's reflections in "In Other Words" underscore the intricate dynamics between language and self, illustrating how language can simultaneously ground us in our roots while also alienating us from them. Through her journey, she calls attention to the emotional weight and personal implications of linguistic identity.