English: A funny language

Gaston Bachelard once said, “ A special kind of beauty exists which is born in a language, of a language, and for language." 

When I was young, I had an amazing English teacher with great pronunciation. Listening to her pronunciation, I come home and correct my family members' pronunciation. They retaliated at me and said "Kai hodna English ak Kai aan amma naanchi.”(Konkani. Meaning: It's okay. English doesn't have a parent. )

I ignored them back then, but now I’ve realized how true it is. For instance, think about what comes after the letter 'Y'. If I go to different parts of the world and ask this question I'd get a mixture of zeds and zees. But we don't do that with other languages, do we? In Kannada(an Indian language) the letter ಕ is the same in the whole of  Karnataka. 

Funnily, we pronounce P-U-T as put and C-U-T as cut. Why? Why do we have to say those words differently? If you ask a 2nd-grade kid to spell Enough he’d definitely end up spelling it as E-N-O-F. Wait, that too sounds enough right?

Q-U-A-Y is a word pronounced as 'ki'. If asked randomly, 90% of people would pronounce/spell it wrong(Except for spell bee champs). Why is it so?

For all these questions English has an answer. And that’s Phonetics. But wait; This language has something called Vowels which states A, E, I, O, and U are the sounds produced by our vocal tract.  Apart from these basic sounds, we have 44 other sounds in phonetics where all mathematical tools are used for this 26 lettered language. They join a and e to get æ which sounds like ‘a’ like in have/cat/and 

This is the reason why we spell queue as queue and not Q/Que/Queueueueueueueueueue…..

 

I’m not done yet. This language gets funnier the deeper you go. There are these oxymorons and repetitive words which makes it funnier. I once heard someone say “I’m a deeply superficial guy.” That’s nearly far from making sense. Isn’t it?:P 

‘The bandage was wound around the wound.” It’s crazy that two words which spell the same have two meanings.

What makes it even funnier is the punctuation. Let me give you an example.

Once, a teacher wrote “ A woman without her man is nothing.” and asked her students to correct the statement.

All the males in the class wrote;  “A woman, without her man, is nothing.”

On the other hand, all the females wrote; “A woman: without her, man is nothing.”

A smart student would have written, “ A woman without man is wo.” Free from controversies :P 

 

There are other things that make no sense at all. Like, Where’s egg in an eggplant? Why is a boxing ring square? Why is it called a pineapple when it’s neither pine nor apple? If the plural of tooth is teeth and the goose is geese why isn’t the plural of booth beeth? 

 

The Funniest part is that I had to do all this in English. 

 

To end with, I've got a translation to do. "Uska vishwas jitna bhi raha ho, jeevan ke parinaamon ke upar uska koi asar nahi pada." This in English is "All the faith he had had, had had no effect on the outcome of his life."

 

No offense.

Thank you.

Read more at https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com

Ashville- 7

*Spoiler Alert*

If you haven't read the previous part, read it at: https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com/2020/07/ashville-6.html

Happy reading.

Chapter 8:

The phone started ringing at Clyde’s mansion. Ronnie picked the call. “Hello….” “Don’t tell this to anyone. I know who the killer is. Come to the park near the Mayor’s office alone at 6 in the evening.” The call ended. Ronnie was shocked. He kept quiet for a while and started thinking. After half an hour he decided to go alone as asked. 

Stars were shining bright and the crescent moon was giving out dim light. Darkness had come even before expected. Ronnie entered the park. He saw a man standing near a big tree facing away from him. He walked towards the man but his pace reduced with every step he took. He stood behind the man for ten minutes without uttering a word. “We both know what happened that night. I don’t wanna know-how. I wanna know why?” said the man and turned back. It was Mac Meyer. Ronnie went cold for a few minutes. “Take your own time kid. But I need an answer.” Said Mac. The silence continued for a quarter of an hour. “I’m sorry.” Said Ronnie. “I want why kid. I’m not the person to whom you need to apologize.” “It all started a couple of weeks ago.” Said Ronnie. “My father started to look suspicious of something. I started observing him closely to realize that he was secretly in an agreement with the mayor of Ballegro city. I thought of talking out about that with him but I didn’t understand how. It all happened. I didn’t kill him.” “You didn’t kill him?” asked Mac. “No. He couldn’t condone his own behavior. He made me swear not to ask his further action and also not to talk about this with anyone. It all happened in front of me and I could do nothing.” “And you didn’t tell anyone?” “Every time I saw either Zoey or Uncle John, I felt like saying. But under no circumstance my heart let me do that. They both respected him so much. Even the people of this town believed him to the core. So, I decided not to tell anyone. His last words still ring in my ears. He said ‘I made a mistake son. I tried betraying my people. God will not forgive me for this sin.’ But how did you figure this out?” asked Ronnie. “Well, your tranquilizer left its trail. After looking at the medical report and call history it didn’t take much time for me to understand you called him and tranqed him. But I wanted to know why before reporting this to the police.” Said Mac. “Does that mean I’ll be arrested for making him commit suicide?” “That’s left for the police. My job is to report what happened to the police.” Mac walked out of the park leaving Ronnie alone. 

The next morning, Thomas Prentice along with his officer arrived at The Williams mansion. John was in the living room along with Zoey. Looking at Prentice arriving, he asked “Have you got any news about the killer?” “Call the boy. We’ll let you know everything.” Ronnie heard this from his room. His heartbeat doubled automatically. But without delaying he rushed towards the living room to face it. Thomas started talking “I’m sorry to say this Mr. Williams, your brother committed suicide. Our detective couldn’t figure out the reason behind his act but he has declared it as a suicide.”  Ronnie didn’t understand what was happening. Thomas continued “Detective Meyer has sent two letters for the kids. He said this will make them feel better.” And handed them their letters. 

Ronnie went to his room along with the letter. It read “Ronald Williams; You might be shocked with the report, but that’s what it is. The report doesn’t mean you’re innocent. But at the same time, you’re not guilty either. You didn’t kill your father. But you sedated him and spoke things which made him commit suicide. You didn’t stop him too. That’s a crime from my point of view. But since your action of sedating was for the benefit of thousands of people I decided not to report that. Next time something like this happens, Talk to the elders. Don’t take decisions all by yourself.  You’re a good and well-cultured man. I hope this doesn’t happen again. Mac Meyer.” Ronnie closed the letter and decided to burn it. He also decided to lead his life in a better way and not to do the same again.

The end.

Thank you for reading.

This is my first attempt in story writing. Please drop a review in the comment section.

Read other articles at: https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com

Ashville-6

*Spoiler Alert*

If you've forgot the previous part or if you haven't read it yet please read it at: https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com/2020/07/ashville-5.html

Happy Reading.

Chapter 7:

Blue sky, no wind and almost beautiful sunshine. One of the most exquisite view for human eyes. But the humans didn’t look happy. Mac Meyer had arrived at Ashville. The whole city was mourning for their beloved leader. The kids of the city weren’t in a joyous mood either. Despite of knowing everything Mac asked “What happened here? Why does everyone look downcast?” to a passerby. “You don’t sound like you are from Ashville. Our Mayor passed away yesterday. He was a good man.” he replied. “Oh! I presume he was a great man.” said Mac. “Yes, he was. He worked only for the citizens of his land. Never did he take any decisions without his people’s opinion about it. Just a week before he left us, he stood against the mayor of Ballegro city who wanted both cities to be merged. He always stood by us. But he probably had few problems which he didn’t share with anyone.” “I see. May his soul rest in peace.” said Mac and headed towards the Mayor’s mansion.

There was a knock on the door. Freddie went towards the door to attend it. He opened the door and asked “May I know why you’re here?” It was Mac Meyer on the other end. “Do you work for the Williams?” he asked in return. “Yes.” He replied. “I’d like to talk to you for few minutes in private.” Said Mac. Freddie who didn’t know Mac declined to move. “I’m the detective Mr. Johnathan Williams hired.” After listening to that Freddie agreed to talk in Private. “So, how long have you known the Williams for? You look like you’ve worked here for long time.” Asked Mac. “Yes sir. I know the Williams family from past 40 years. I know the brothers since their childhood. They were so close back then.” “Back then?” asked Mac. “I mean to say they’re too busy these days. Not as close as those days.” “Was there any fight between those two recently?” asked Mac. “Nothing like that sir. But John didn’t like the recent behavior of Clyde as he was less attentive towards his kids.” “Oh Freddie! Here you are. I was looking for you everywhere. And you must be Mac Meyer! Uncle John told me about you.” “Ronald Williams ain’t you? What are you doing here?” “I came here to ask Freddie to go and check Zoey’s room as she was complaining about some water leakage.” Said Ronnie. “Did she ask you to come and inform?” “You’re a true detective. Yes, she did.” said Ronnie with a smile on his face. “I’ll go check it master.” Said Freddie and went inside the mansion. “Where were you on the day of the incident?” asked Mac to Ronnie. “I was at the state-wide Science fest in Rketnoa. My father had dropped me there. I know you’ll ask if I have any proof.” “Indeed, I will. Just to know its fact and not fiction. That’s my job.” Replied Mac. Ronnie directed Mac to his room. He showed him the certificate of participation. “You really are a genius. What was your project about?” asked Mac. “It was about a plant tranquilizer to reduce stress in plants and boost its growth rate.” Replied Ronnie. “Do you trust uncle John?” asked Mac. “Sorry What?” asked Ronnie in return. Mac asked the same question again. Ronnie said “Uncle John is really good guy. I doubt the mayor of Ballegro. He had called my dad the day before the fest.” Answered Ronnie. “Any close friends of your father?” asked Mac. “Mr. Raymond is his friend since childhood.” replied Ronnie. “Give me his address.” Said Mac. Ronnie gave him the address.

To be continued...

What are your deductions? Drop in the comment section.

Read other articles at: https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com

Thank you.

बातें

अगर किसी बात का अंजाम बुरा हो, तो वह बात गलत है।

कुछ गलत, कुछ सही,

कई होंगी अनकही,

बहुत सी कही-सुनी,

अन्य बिन ध्वनि।

उपयोग करके आंखो की दृष्टि,

और कान के सुनने की शक्ति,

बिना सच्चाई जाने,

मनुष्य इन सबको माने।

अवस्था पर ध्यान दो,

कहीं आपसे कुछ गलत ना हो,

समझकर समझाओ,

हवा में बातें मत फैलाओ।

कहने की शैली,

हर किसी की होती है निराली,

हर कोई सुनेगा आपकी जो भी बातें हो,

केवल वे विचारपूर्ण हो।

प्रत्येक शब्द,

अवश्य है खास,

किन्तु सब नहीं कहते,

भिन्न भांति की बातें।

केहने को तो बहुत कुछ है। अहमियत इसी में है कि वास्तविकता और तथ्यों के दायरे में रहकर ज्ञान बांटो क्योंकि आज-कल अवांछित बातों का वेग बढ़ चुका है।

Ashville-5

*Spoiler Alert*

If you haven't come across the previous chapter read it at: https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com/2020/06/ashville-4.html

Happy reading. 

Chapter 6:

“It was your sister-in-law who killed your wife. She was jealous of your wife’s fame.” said the man. It was detective Mac Meyer's office. Mac was a famous detective in the state. There was no single case he failed to solve. The client left. Mac started to look at his laptop. There was a knock on the door. “Come in.” he said. The door opened and Thomas Prentice entered with John Williams. “ Please have your seats gentlemen.” said Mac. They both made themselves comfortable. “ So, what brought you to me Thomas? Most of the times you let your own men to do the work.”  asked Mac closing his laptop. “ Meet Johnathan Williams. He’s the brother of Clyde Williams, The Mayor of Ashville.” “ Brother of today’s victim, isn’t he?” asked Mac. “Yes.” said Thomas adjusting his collar. “So, what do you think Mr. Williams?” asked Mac. “My brother is a man of high profession. I don’t think this was a suicide. I want you to investigate this case.” said John. Mac rose up from his seat. He looked out of the window. After a minute he replied “ I don’t think this is a suicide too. I’m ready to investigate this case but the cost is expensive.” “ I’m ready to pay. Please solve this case.” John said. They agreed upon the cost of investigation. Mac said “Worry not Mr. Williams. I’ll find the culprit.” 

That afternoon Mac arrived at the crime scene. He observed the scene carefully. The river was quite deep. There was no chance for someone to go from the bottom to tie the rope since the case was death by hanging. Mac took the road to the bridge. On reaching the bridge he observed that there was two feet wide long path throughout the bridge on both the sides which was left out after construction. “ Ah! Poor construction.”  said mac to himself. He hopped on to that path and observed that there was footprints of only one person. He was surprised to see that. He called Thomas at once and said “ I want to know where  Clyde was  in the city before his death.” Sometime later Mac received a message from Thomas stating “ He was in Spandex Paradise , Brixton hill street.” “ Brixton Hill! That’s four miles away from the river.” said Mac. “ Why would someone come four miles away just to commit suicide?” he asked himself. He went to the police headquarters to meet Thomas. “ I need to examine the body.” said Mac. “My experts already did that. They declared it a suicide.” “ I said I need to examine the body.” yelled Mac. “Alright, Follow me.” They both headed towards  the morgue. Mac started to examine the body. He could see multiple scratches behind the leg just above the ankle. “ Do you see these scratches here?” asked Mac to Thomas. “ Yeah, I can. But it can be from anything.” he replied. “ It cannot be anything. It looks like someone was dragging him for a long time. Moreover, He was in Brixton hill. Why would he come all way from Ashville to Brixton hill and from there to that bridge miles away just to commit suicide when Ashville has more rivers and bridges than Townportdes.” said Mac. “Clyde was the Mayor of Ashville and there was no way he could have done this in his own city.” replied Thomas. “ Why not in Spandex? Why that particular bridge?” asked Mac. “I want all the reports by tomorrow morning.” Thomas kept quite for a while and said “ I still think it’s a suicide.”  

To be continued.......

Whom do you agree with? Mac Meyer or Thomas Prentice?

Comment your views in the comment section.

Thank You.

Read other articles at : https://bloomingthoughts221.blogspot.com

The Pandemic Song 🎶

Hola amigos
From head to toes..
Life is so boring
My throat is soaring..

Somebody go get me a drink
I expected that girl to gimme a wink..
Why on earth is this pandemic not ending
Top to bottom my body started bending..

Even though I tried
My brain got fried..
My friend said she was well responding
Then where on earth did she go absconding.

Lock down lockdown everywhere.
Grows long grows long my every hair.
Sanitizer and mask is compulsory
For your safety it is necessary.