linguistically blending with the locals

For most of my life, I have relied on my knowledge of three languages to communicate with others: Panjabi, which is spoken by my family since before my birth; Hindi, which is one of the primarily spoken languages of the land where I was born, Delhi; and English, which I learned in my school and gradually enhanced through my passional and professional engagements.

Some time ago, I moved to Kerala, the southernmost state of India on the western side, where Malayalam is the primary language. Naturally inclined to learn about new languages wherever I go, I have been picking up Malayalam phrases for basic things like asking how someone is doing or how much is this et cetera. One special phrase I decided to learn is “Did you eat?” in Malayalam.

I try to use these phrases here and there, mostly with friends and colleagues, even though they know I am not a Malayalee. However, the day before yesterday, I had a full-on conversation with an elderly woman who was sweeping outside a department building on my campus, and it was entirely in Malayalam. I mean, it only lasted a few seconds but I bet she couldn’t tell that I am not a Malayalee, and that, dear you, was such a wonderful moment for I felt a very strong sense of personal achievement.

The most amazing feeling, overall, was not giving away that ‘that’ is pretty much all the Malayalam I know.

Nihal Kaur