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Slangs and Colloquialisms (contd.) Posted by Nitya on Sep 2, 2017
In a previous blog we looked at some local lingo. Look back to refresh your memory. Today we will learn some more. The following Hindi slang phrases are typical in Mumbai. 1. आज मीटिंग में मैं । Aaj meeting mein main . Figurative: I was so completely bored in the meeting today. Literally, पक गयी…
The Total Solar Eclipse Posted by Nitya on Aug 23, 2017
On Monday, August 21 2017, scores of people across North America momentarily held their breath as they put on viewing goggles to witness the total solar eclipse संपूर्ण सूर्यग्रहण (sampoorna surya grahan). Those who were not lucky enough to live near the path of the total solar eclipse, traveled from near and far to witness the…
Mushrooming Neighborhoods Posted by Nitya on Jul 20, 2017
I’m currently traveling in India and my work brings me to a relatively newer sprawl of the Bengaluru city (shahar). This area , (yeh jagah) which has mushroomed (panapaa hai) as a response to the IT industry, is peppered with paying guest accommodations. Every morning (har subah) a veritable ocean of young professionals in the IT…
Veggies on the Road … Posted by Nitya on Jul 13, 2017
Vegetarianism is a new fad in the Western world. However, I’ve been a vegetarian (shakahari) all my life and I’ve never ever eaten even a sliver of meat (maans) or fish (macchi). Contrary to what many believe, it is not difficult to be a vegetarian , although it can sometimes get a little challenging when I’m traveling…
Trades and Crafts Posted by Nitya on Jul 5, 2017
As I was out taking a walk under a rain-cloud laden sky this morning in Mumbai, I passed a vibrant streetside display of garden planters for sale. There were terracotta planters of a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes from plain earthen to colorful patterns. The pots were handmade, probably by a local artisan or…
Professions Posted by Nitya on Jun 16, 2017
When you are in a new place, exchanging pleasantries and sharing a few things about yourself always serve as great ice-breakers. For example, when I was traveling in a colectivo in Mexico one summer, an elderly gentleman struck up a conversation with me. When he found out that I am a teacher, the conversation took…
Slangs and Colloquialisms Posted by Nitya on Jun 3, 2017
Language, life, and culture are inextricably entwined in a way that they can be exprienced in their richest forms when one is immersed in them, all at once. The point I’m trying to make is that learning a language is never as simple as grammar, syntax, vocabulary, or literature. The culture and locals often infuse…