Different Avtars of English.........

hi all,

Just as I strongly believe that the primary objective of any language is for communication, I also believe that the language should be given its legitimate due and mutilation in any form should be kept at minimum.

Before elaborating on the subject, I am reminded of the responses to my query during my training sessions to students, executives, teachers, and public...... 

When I ask the participants what are the various types of communications, they would come out with a long list - Spoken, Written, Instant Messaging, E-mail, Snail mail, SMS, Telegram, Telephone, Facsimile, etc., etc. However, according to me, there are ONLY two types of communication - 'VERBAL', AND 'NON - VERBAL'.

All the modes mentioned above fall under the former category, while the latter category, which is of paramount importance, constitutes just one vital format - BODY LANGUAGE. Probably, I will say more about that pet topic of mine through these columns at a later date.

Now, let us return to the subject without wasting much time.

English is spoken in different ways in various parts of India. Mallus, Tamilians, Telugu, Kannadigas, Gujjus, Punjabis, Bengalis and all others have their own typical formats, when it comes to speaking this videshi language. For example, 'Voice of America' becomes, "Vaays of Tamil', or 'Voooyees of Malls', or perhaps 'Bhoys of Bengal'. Listen to Kamalhassan in one of his avtars in Dashavtar to enjoy the way Telugu handle it, or some of our Ministers, to enjoy the way Mallus or Bengalis handle the poor language........ Unfortunately, unlike Chinese, Japanese or a host of other nations, we still entertain English as the link language. Having said that, let us try to do justice to the language. In fact, while preparing for exams for admission to Universities abroad, we were advised to listen to BBC, and refine our pronunciation. This applies equally to speaking their language when you are in a state other than your place of origin. Do not translate the sentences to your own mother tongue, and then talk. It would sound ridiculous. Each language like Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam etc., have their own peculiarities when it comes to grammer, ways of expression, short forms, verbal ticks etc....

Interestingly, within a state itself different dialects are followed. The way someone from a particular district talks might sound Latin and Hebrew to others from another district of the same state, and vice verse!!!!

More later..........

Enjoy......................

 

 

a n a n d . . . . .
for ever..........