English Language

The Liberian President Joseph Boakai visited President Trump in the White House. After they spoke. President Boakai said: 

"Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” 

Trump replied: "Well, thank you, and such good English,” "That's beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?" 

That shows Trump's knowledge of world affairs and countries and leaders

Liberia’s national language is English since 1847. 

A few world leaders speak in their country’s popular language when speaking with Trump even though they know English. (I would cite Mr. Modi for example. He can speak fluent English but spoke in Hindi. In my opinion that shows his arrogance. I would have appreciated and applauded him if he spoke in Gujrati, his mother tongue. (Trump does not know either Hindi or Gujrati.) 

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having a translator. 

Advantages: Accurate Communication. Inclusivity and Respect. Time to Think and Strategize 

Disadvantages: Loss of Nuance and tone. Reduced personal connection. Slower communication. 

Long time ago, Dr. M. S. Venkataramani, who was a Professor at Jawarharlal Nehru University and established American studies department said: 

“Americans hate Indian leaders because when they (the Americans) say something the Indian leaders immediately reply in English. There was no waiting period like the leader waiting and smiling till the translator translate and he replies in his native langue and the translator translates in English and the leader is still smiling (instead of immediately getting angry and retorting). There is no body language of  retaliation when you have a translator".

Untold Story

Flight Lieutenant James Carter was in the Britain’s Royal Airforce. He generally flew the F-35 stealth plane. He was young, sharp and quiet. He had an ordinary uncomplicated life. But everything changed when he met Anjali, a Nurse from Kerala, at a small hospital in Norfolk where he had gone for a minor injury. 

Anjali was calm with a soft smile and warm eyes. Carter found more comfort in her presence than he had in the skies. They grew close. He realized he is falling in love with her. Anjali told him she is going to Kerala on vacation to see her mother. 

He missed her a lot. One morning he made a decision that was not in a training manual. He took off his F-35 on a routine mission. Half way through he reported a “technical issue” and asked for permission to make an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram Airport. 

Immediately, the Indian Air Force and the British High Commission were involved. But Lt. Carter slipped away from the airport with the help of a local police officer. 

He found Anjali in her neighborhood. Anjali was pleasantly surprised. She whispered “what are you doing here honey" 

They sat under the mango tree all night. No longer needed any word.

PS: This post is to make lite of British Royal Airforce's F.35 Stealth Fighter landing in Thiruvananthapuram due to some technical problem.

English Style

I am writing this post with a “tongue-in-cheek” frame of mind. This is meant to be more on the humorous side and not to hurt anyone. 

I took the idea of writing this post from a comment made by Mr. Kirtivasan Ganesan in my latest post. Therefore, I have dedicated this post to Kirtivasan. 

Following are the Indian English and their meaning: 

What is your good name please? (What is your name) 

Where are you basically from? (Where are you originally from?) 

I passed out from Delhi University in 2018. (I graduated from Delhi University in 2018)

Please revert back to me at the earliest. (Please reply to me as soon as possible) 

He is like that only. (That is just the way he is) 

Do one thing – call him and then go. (Here is what you should do. Call him and then go) 

Sir is out of station today. (He is out of town today) 

Kindly do the needful. (Please take the necessary steps) 

He made some passing remarks. (He made some offhand comments) 

I’ll come on time—mother promise (I swear on my mother, I’ll be on time) 

We are just doing timepass (We are just hanging out)