George Files

Palse Report!

Today, when we were at the Connemara Public Library, Pipe encountered a family from Jharkhand. They’d come to see the Museum, which is closed on Fridays. The following conversation ensued: (in Hindi, unless otherwise specified)

Dad: Why is the Museum closed?
Pipe: *shrugs, shows hands with palms out*
Dad: What is this? (pointing to pumpkin broken on the road inside the Museum campus for festival)
Pipe: That’s a pumpkin. In Tamil Nadu, they sometimes break pumpkins to celebrate festivals.
Dad: (obviously, very puzzled) [en anglais] Why are they wasting begetables? *shakes head*
Pipe: *shrugs*
*conversation in Hindi*
The family now wants a photograph in front of the Museum Theatre. Pipe is going to take the photograph.

Following conversation in English unless otherwise specified.
Kid: [in Hindi] Film over! Camera full!
Dad: How many photos?
Kid: Thutty-six!
Dad: (to Pipe, obviously trying hard to speak English) How many?
Pipe: Sometimes you can get 37.
Dad: (whacks kid on head) Palse Report! How many photo?
Pipe: There’s 35. (shows monitor showing 35)
Dad: (whacks kid on head) He alway give Palse Report!

*later*
Dad: Where are places to see in Madras?
Pipe: Uhh, beach?
Dad: Already seen. Next?
Pipe: Umm, Valluvar Kottam?
Dad: Flower pot, eh?

Palse is pronounced between Palse and Balse. Photo is pronounced nearly Bhoto. Nice bunch, that pumpkin question is good. Also, I hope they managed to get to see something in Madras. And no offence, but they’re crazy funny, you know?

Posted by roshan.george under College, Madras, Musings |