In "In Other Words," Jhumpa Lahiri shares her experience of learning and writing in Italian, highlighting the profound challenges and feelings that arise when one’s own language is marginalized. She reflects on the sense of alienation that comes from living in a place where your native tongue is not valued, which can lead to a disconnection from identity and culture.

Lahiri's journey into a new language becomes a path of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of expression and communication. This exploration emphasizes the significance of language in shaping personal and social connections, illustrating both the struggles and the transformative power found in embracing a foreign tongue.