Here at the Indore airport, three girls on foriegn exchange sit behind me talking about the beauty of the various places they had seen in Bhopal while backpacking. A trio of old Indian ladies draped in sarees sit towards them and are trying to strike up a conversation out of curiosity. One of them a 50 something old lady goes on to ask If they know Hindi. One of them nods slightly to indicate not much. This lady takes a slightly sterner tone and says M.P me aaye HO toh Hindi toh aani ...." I turn back suddenly hearing that and the old lady smiles at me expecting me to nod in agreement. I did smile, more at the lady than with her. The backpacking girls just start conversing amongst themselves again.
While it is totally right to be proud of one's language, one must not under any condition try to impose it on others, they will learn if they feel the need for it or like it. Little did the old lady realise how simple notions such as hers might make people vary of interaction and contribute to a drop in her state's tourism revenue.
While it is totally right to be proud of one's language, one must not under any condition try to impose it on others, they will learn if they feel the need for it or like it. Little did the old lady realise how simple notions such as hers might make people vary of interaction and contribute to a drop in her state's tourism revenue.
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