Not absurd , just different reality

 

Not absurd ,  just different reality

Preface: This post is dedicated to “inspiring” Whats-app posts by the more Sociable members of “OUR” family & some  random (time pass) conversations . I find the  subject  intriguing , so deserved a place here on my blog

 

The dialect spoken by the ordinary people particularly in the southern Karnataka region ( Bangalore,Mandya,Mysore areas ) generally permits one to express his views in a most pithy manner particularly when tempers are frayed and things move towards a physical scuffle ( or sudden capitulation to the other person’s dominance).

 Hogooou (or hogaaayee) is an unique lyrical expression used frequently by the locals which gives an impact far in excess of  a hundred    f #&^@$……..yous . And it requires  very little effort to say it.

Here’s a sample:

Prospective commuter, Waving down an Auto   “ Guru “How much for Devaraja         Market Oo?

Auto Driver (Smoking Chimney):  nonchalantly smoking beedi,shows index finger (Universal sign denoting Rs.100/-)

Prospective commuter  : “aarrrgh” ! “ VOOOooaa” Flexes  palm with five stretched          out fingers (Universal sign denoting Rs,50/- only)

Smoking Chimney: blows  beedi smoke in the face of person ,

“aarrrgh” ! “ “ooon” Vigoursly shakes  stretched fingers &palm in Quick alternating clock wise-anti clockwise motion( universal sign signifying  “no”)

Person: lets out a piercing “Hogooou”

Smoking chimney scoots, shaking his head & hand vigoursly  uttering explectives              * % && # ….. (drowned in the engine noise).

Prospective commuter’s  “Hogooou” wins him the point

Me: Should I try this sometime? Hmmm.

The use of English words in casual conversations in  Kannada is a common phenomenon among all classes of people .The resilience of  the dialect is astonishing. A conversation can happen using  short words, monosyllables or  just  Syllables ..

 

Sample this:

Dude walking past ( with flowing hair, dark glasses, dressed in Tee shirt,Levi Jeans,        with vermilion mark on forehead ………& Hawaii Chappals.) approaches shopkeeper       for Directions: 

“Swami…Palace Oo”  ? Waving upturned palm side to side (universal sign for seeking information)

Shopkeeper ( paan juice dripping from edges of mouth): “Left ,  Straight Oo”, 

Flowing Hair,….,….,…Hawaai chappals( perplexed )  “ Left O ? ,   Straight O?”

Shopkeeper (wiping betel juice with back of palm), impatiently with a dismissive      wave of his hand : “Left Oo,  Straaaaight Ooooo”, 

 

 An additional vowel “a” “e”, or  “o”  added on at the end of  the same word  accurately changes the answer to a question. Incredible isn’t it?

It is common knowledge that squabbles break out regularly on streets       providing moments of great (free) entertainment /excitement to onlookers. It is proved that certain noises (vowels only) when delivered at the right volume & modulation   can generate the same effect as delivering a K,O punch .

The skirmishes normally begin with a few choice epithets, progresses to collar holding ritual and ultimately to screaming  “LaAeee or Ooyeee” by the contending combatants ( &  a few excited onlookers too). It is also generally agreed that the one who roars the loudest LaAeee or  Ooyeee as the case may be, Is the winner. Lethal , yet non-violent. (Psst.Must confess that I rather enjoy  watching these duels.)

There are more hidden aspects in  the dialect spoken in ಹಳ ಮೈಸೂರು (HalaeMysooru)    I now intend   visiting  roadside vegetable markets set up mostly by people from nearby villages to discover  unique  nuggets from their conversations & attempt to  write more.  Suggestions are  welcome Oo