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Thread: English words for Indian concepts

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber podalangai's Avatar
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    English words for Indian concepts

    OK, I've been wondering about this for a long time. Why have certain words been chosen and gotten stuck in English to describe Indian ideas? For example, why do they use "seer" when they're talking about Hindu religious leaders? What are they supposed to be able to "see"? They don't claim to be clairvoyent. Or, even worse, "pontiff" as if we have anything like a pope.
    ni enna periya podalangai-nu ennama?

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber podalangai's Avatar
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    For that matter, why is a koil called a "temple" when a mosque isn't? Why is "priest" used for "archagar", "odhuvar" and "brahmin"?

    "Idol"?

    "Demon"?
    ni enna periya podalangai-nu ennama?

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber nirosha sen's Avatar
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    Hmm....one word that I don't quite get is, "issue"!! Exactly what does it mean to the Indian???? We don't use this word elsewhere except to mean, matters arising. But does it mean anything else in India????

    I have come across Indian matrimonial columns, with the words, "divorced without issue"!! Exactly what does it mean??

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    it means that the divorce was not issued

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    Senior Member Veteran Hubber rajraj's Avatar
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    Nirosha: Indian English has a lot of archaic words. 'issue' is one meaning 'offspring' ! It is simpler to use child or children. 'Divorced without children' is easily understood! In reading 'The Hindu' I came across some words that were amusing. One such word is 'decamped' !
    " I think there is a world market for may be five computers". IBM Chairman Thomas Watson in 1943.

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    decamped is funny

    I have also seen "without unencumbrances" - what does it mean?

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber nirosha sen's Avatar
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    The other one uninquely Indian, is time pass!! I never hear it used in M'sia, Pa!! The other common one is knowing!!

    Eg; : "You must be knowing him, huh?" or "You must be knowing his address, etc!!"

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    Oh! there are lots of Indianised words.
    Prepone, cousin brother, co brother, today night, etc.

    But what is worng with them. They communicate well and enrich the language?!!

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber podalangai's Avatar
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    If we're going to talk about Indian English, don't forget the timeless classic: "just like that".

    This is a hi-funda discussion! I'm trying like anything to remember more such expressions but they're not coming only. If anyone else can remember then please do the needful and send them.
    ni enna periya podalangai-nu ennama?

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    Senior Member Senior Hubber Idiappam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nirosha sen
    I have come across Indian matrimonial columns, with the words, "divorced without issue"!! Exactly what does it mean??
    What you doing down there at matrimonials, ma'am?? Looking for Mr Right eh?? Wish you the best! Hehehehe!

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