Haroun by Salman Rushdie
Terms
Panjan Drums - a pompous self-important official or person of rank
Politico – seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
Pomfret – a type of fish
Glumfish – a made up word for a type of fish
Pussy-collar-jee – Psychology
Hoope birds - a colourful bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive 'crown' of feathers
Terrifico - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
Maynifique - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
scrum - an abbreviated form of scrummage, rugby term, also a song by SLAYER
finito - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
khattam-shad – silence, the end, its finished
kosh-mar – nightmare
kache – mer, place that hides the sea (myth)
buttoo – derived from the word butt, a silly word used as a name
Grandee - analogy to refer to other people of a somewhat comparable, exalted position, roughly synonymous with magnate, and in particular by analogy to a formal upper level of the nobility, such as peerage
gloompuss – another rather silly word of Rushdie’s creation
Roc – mythical bird of large size
super marvelloso - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian, super
Fantastick - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
aubersines - Eggplant
Bulbul – type of bird
Mynah – type of bird
Kite – type of bird
hoopoe - a colourful bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia
presto - seems to be a parody of Latin languages, most likely Italian
chattergy – Play on the name chatterjee, member of the Indian communist party
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Duty continued
puttees - a covering for the lower part of the leg from the ankle to the knee
actori - actor
neem trees - a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae
Grass-cutter wife – wife of a man who cuts lawns for a living
madar chod – mother fucker
bahin chod – sister fucker
helter-skelter – British term for falling or moving without control
puttees - a covering for the lower part of the leg from the ankle to the knee
actori - actor
neem trees - a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae
Grass-cutter wife – wife of a man who cuts lawns for a living
madar chod – mother fucker
bahin chod – sister fucker
helter-skelter – British term for falling or moving without control
Friday, November 27, 2009
11/9/09
Honesty, as in the Day by Ven Begamudre
As far as Hinglish literature goes, this story seems to be more inclined to explain the various Hindi words it uses within the story. For example the characters Sharada, Vasanta, Iraue, and Nona are all described by the namesake and it is treated like a nickname. Iraue is a hard worker, and Vasanta is carefree. Much more clearly intended to be read by non-Indian readers than some other pieces.
List of terms
Grannyflat – outhouse
Appa – father
Cur – dog
Sharada – autumn
Vasanta – spring
Iraue – Ant
Nona – Fly
Lokh Sabha – Commons, government building
Rajya Sabba – Senate, government building
Sari – Traditional form of clothing for Indian women
Posh – British slang or expensive or fancy
Honesty, as in the Day by Ven Begamudre
As far as Hinglish literature goes, this story seems to be more inclined to explain the various Hindi words it uses within the story. For example the characters Sharada, Vasanta, Iraue, and Nona are all described by the namesake and it is treated like a nickname. Iraue is a hard worker, and Vasanta is carefree. Much more clearly intended to be read by non-Indian readers than some other pieces.
List of terms
Grannyflat – outhouse
Appa – father
Cur – dog
Sharada – autumn
Vasanta – spring
Iraue – Ant
Nona – Fly
Lokh Sabha – Commons, government building
Rajya Sabba – Senate, government building
Sari – Traditional form of clothing for Indian women
Posh – British slang or expensive or fancy
In the novel Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie has made use of Hinglish in a rather interesting way. Rather than use Hindi words conversationally as it were, he is using them for names, and as a result telling a little bit more about the character right off the bat. Very much so a way of making the writing more readable to an Indian reader.
List of names from Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
Abhinaya – Language of gesture used in Indian classical dance
Alifbay – Hindustani word for alphabet
Batcheat – chit-chat
Bat-Mat-Karo – Do-Not-Speak
Bezaban – Without a tongue
Bolna – to speak
Bolo – Imperative, speak!
Chup – quiet
Chupwala – quiet fellow
Gup – Gossip, nonsense, or fib
Kahani – sorry
Khamosh – silent
Khattam-Shud –completely finished, over and done with
Kitab – book
Mail – Gardener
Mudra – Anyone of the gestures used in Abhinaya
List of names from Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
Abhinaya – Language of gesture used in Indian classical dance
Alifbay – Hindustani word for alphabet
Batcheat – chit-chat
Bat-Mat-Karo – Do-Not-Speak
Bezaban – Without a tongue
Bolna – to speak
Bolo – Imperative, speak!
Chup – quiet
Chupwala – quiet fellow
Gup – Gossip, nonsense, or fib
Kahani – sorry
Khamosh – silent
Khattam-Shud –completely finished, over and done with
Kitab – book
Mail – Gardener
Mudra – Anyone of the gestures used in Abhinaya
11/8/09
Interview in Stardust Magazine
This is interesting from a cultural standpoint. An interview with a minor celebrity actress and it is just as meaningless as a gossip mag in the US. I find it amazing, it is as if fluff is universal, or they took the Hollywood system that seriously. They even talked about her going from “glam” to “sexy”.
Interview in Stardust Magazine
This is interesting from a cultural standpoint. An interview with a minor celebrity actress and it is just as meaningless as a gossip mag in the US. I find it amazing, it is as if fluff is universal, or they took the Hollywood system that seriously. They even talked about her going from “glam” to “sexy”.
11/1/09
“First ever Hinglish Song” on youtube
In this video the English seemed to be used more as a call and response. Isolated to the chorus, it provided a hook, where as the verses were in Hindi
“Did you say money, no no, it’s not good
Did you say evening, no no, it’s too bad
Did you say no, no no, it’s not time”
“First ever Hinglish Song” on youtube
In this video the English seemed to be used more as a call and response. Isolated to the chorus, it provided a hook, where as the verses were in Hindi
“Did you say money, no no, it’s not good
Did you say evening, no no, it’s too bad
Did you say no, no no, it’s not time”
10/27/09
Another commercial, for a cell phone this time
In this commercial, all of the “adult” characters speak Hindi. Teachers and parents speak Hindi, but the daughter, who is young and hip, speaks English. The phone is clearly marketed at younger people and it shows English as a language of young people.
Another commercial, for a cell phone this time
In this commercial, all of the “adult” characters speak Hindi. Teachers and parents speak Hindi, but the daughter, who is young and hip, speaks English. The phone is clearly marketed at younger people and it shows English as a language of young people.
10/26/09
TV Commercial for a scooter
This commercial starts in Hindi, with a girl picking up a man on her scooter, and taking him for a ride. The only dialogue in English was the man calling her a “silly village girl”. When she stops he is back where he started and in English she points out his train. The impression that she was playing a trick on him for thinking of her as a “silly village girl” and for implying she wasn’t as smart as a city girl. This implied English was used by “brighter” people.
TV Commercial for a scooter
This commercial starts in Hindi, with a girl picking up a man on her scooter, and taking him for a ride. The only dialogue in English was the man calling her a “silly village girl”. When she stops he is back where he started and in English she points out his train. The impression that she was playing a trick on him for thinking of her as a “silly village girl” and for implying she wasn’t as smart as a city girl. This implied English was used by “brighter” people.
10/24/09
Youtube video
I found the comments more interesting than the video.
“ahhh i hate da movies these days their so hollywoodish... nd ANOYING... i dont understand y they would waste their money in bollywood movies showing american culture nd clothes... like seriously wht da hell is rong with all da directirs new a days!!!!! ppl will appriciare more desi culture movies =)”
First off I have to point out that they were on an American website complaing about a film industry that named its self after the American film industry. Second the form the English took got the, why, and wrong all wrong, but somehow they knew how to shorten people to ppl. The internet is strange.
Youtube video
I found the comments more interesting than the video.
“ahhh i hate da movies these days their so hollywoodish... nd ANOYING... i dont understand y they would waste their money in bollywood movies showing american culture nd clothes... like seriously wht da hell is rong with all da directirs new a days!!!!! ppl will appriciare more desi culture movies =)”
First off I have to point out that they were on an American website complaing about a film industry that named its self after the American film industry. Second the form the English took got the, why, and wrong all wrong, but somehow they knew how to shorten people to ppl. The internet is strange.
10/23/09
Youtube Video on Bollywood News
The presenter started talking about English titles in Bollywood films, speaking English. Most obvious accent issue was “Jule Thief” instead of jewel thief. Several times switched to Hindi, with some English words included in still. Action films shoot out, titles, gangster, comedy, recently released and thriller were all used during the Hindi section.
Youtube Video on Bollywood News
The presenter started talking about English titles in Bollywood films, speaking English. Most obvious accent issue was “Jule Thief” instead of jewel thief. Several times switched to Hindi, with some English words included in still. Action films shoot out, titles, gangster, comedy, recently released and thriller were all used during the Hindi section.
10/19/09
www.asaintriune.com online newspaper
The best written newspaper so far. Full sentences and actual paragraphs, the interesting thing with this paper seems to be the use of words that are less common state side. The word “spurt” s used in place of rise, and “self help group” in place of a word which I can’t even figure out.
ex: It will also be able to do away with the middleman in the business, said the chief minister.
www.asaintriune.com online newspaper
The best written newspaper so far. Full sentences and actual paragraphs, the interesting thing with this paper seems to be the use of words that are less common state side. The word “spurt” s used in place of rise, and “self help group” in place of a word which I can’t even figure out.
ex: It will also be able to do away with the middleman in the business, said the chief minister.
10/18/09
www.asainage.com Multi country news paper, including India
This story is about pirates in Somalia who have taken a ship from Singapore. Longer sentences this time, with some word drop age, and again paragraphs so short as to be non-existent.
ex: The shipping company is also touch with Singapore government and efforts are being made to secure ships release along with those onboard.
www.asainage.com Multi country news paper, including India
This story is about pirates in Somalia who have taken a ship from Singapore. Longer sentences this time, with some word drop age, and again paragraphs so short as to be non-existent.
ex: The shipping company is also touch with Singapore government and efforts are being made to secure ships release along with those onboard.
10/17/09
www.asiannews.com An Indian and Pakistan English newspaper
This was an old article about swine flu. The language and grammar was pretty good, but the interesting thing in this paper was that the longest paragraph was three sentences, with the norm being just one.
ex: In Shillong, the 17 year old male patient had traveled to the UK.
www.asiannews.com An Indian and Pakistan English newspaper
This was an old article about swine flu. The language and grammar was pretty good, but the interesting thing in this paper was that the longest paragraph was three sentences, with the norm being just one.
ex: In Shillong, the 17 year old male patient had traveled to the UK.
10/16/09
www.agranews.com Indian news paper for expatriates
Not quite so good of English this time. Clearly written by someone with a command of English, but not an understanding of all the rules.
ex: On of the leading low cost carrier in Asia, Ain Asia will start it direct flight to Calcutta from Kuala Lampur beginning next month.
www.agranews.com Indian news paper for expatriates
Not quite so good of English this time. Clearly written by someone with a command of English, but not an understanding of all the rules.
ex: On of the leading low cost carrier in Asia, Ain Asia will start it direct flight to Calcutta from Kuala Lampur beginning next month.
10/15/09
www.indianews.com Indian world news paper
The article was written in perfect, if overly simple English. Mostly it was composed of short single statement sentences strung together into a basic biography of the subject. What is more interesting is that the subject is American pop star Mandy Moore. In fact it is titled “Mandy Moore Hot Pics”. An example of the writing is “Two of Moore’s later films, American Dreamz, and Saved!, were satires.”
www.indianews.com Indian world news paper
The article was written in perfect, if overly simple English. Mostly it was composed of short single statement sentences strung together into a basic biography of the subject. What is more interesting is that the subject is American pop star Mandy Moore. In fact it is titled “Mandy Moore Hot Pics”. An example of the writing is “Two of Moore’s later films, American Dreamz, and Saved!, were satires.”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Duty by Mulk Raj Anand
I found this first story to be very interesting, mostly because the amount of non-english words was rather high. Where as most of the time with the hinglish literature, I can work out a word based on the context of the words around it, there were sections that were so heavy I was unable to, to the point that the story was falling apart for me. For example: he felt it a pity that he had not become a real sepoy; for there was more pay in the paltan and there were better uniforms, also free mufti and free rations. I guessed that mufti was something that you consume, like a drink, given the context, but in that part of a sentence, the amount of hindi words was too high for me to be able to guess that mufti is clothes.
List of vocab
Kikar Tree - Kikar is the small thorny tree.
Sepoy - a native of India, a soldier allied to a European power, usually the United Kingdom
pice - a former monetary unit of India, equal to of a rupee
palanquin - A covered litter carried on poles on the shoulders of four or more bearers, formerly used in eastern Asia
Paltan - a Thana (precinct) of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh
Mufti - slang for "civilian attire"
Munshi - the Urdu name of a writer or secretary, used in British India of the native language teachers or secretaries employed by Europeans
babu - South Asian term of respect (meaning 'boss' or 'father')
Octroi - a local tax collected on various articles brought into a district for consumption, used in only one state of India, (Maharashtra)
nazar - ?
Tehsildar - revenue administrative officer in Pakistan and India in-charge of obtaining taxation from a tehsil
sarkar - An historic administrative unit, used mostly in the Muslim states of the Indian subcontinent
izzat - word used by South Asian individuals to denote their social standing in a community, it is translated to mean respect
alamgir - ?
List of vocab
Kikar Tree - Kikar is the small thorny tree.
Sepoy - a native of India, a soldier allied to a European power, usually the United Kingdom
pice - a former monetary unit of India, equal to of a rupee
palanquin - A covered litter carried on poles on the shoulders of four or more bearers, formerly used in eastern Asia
Paltan - a Thana (precinct) of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh
Mufti - slang for "civilian attire"
Munshi - the Urdu name of a writer or secretary, used in British India of the native language teachers or secretaries employed by Europeans
babu - South Asian term of respect (meaning 'boss' or 'father')
Octroi - a local tax collected on various articles brought into a district for consumption, used in only one state of India, (Maharashtra)
nazar - ?
Tehsildar - revenue administrative officer in Pakistan and India in-charge of obtaining taxation from a tehsil
sarkar - An historic administrative unit, used mostly in the Muslim states of the Indian subcontinent
izzat - word used by South Asian individuals to denote their social standing in a community, it is translated to mean respect
alamgir - ?
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