The Tamizh Talk with Tharani

I am a Tambram, by birth, but like RD puts it, I am more of a Gujarati. So much so that R often tells folks that her dad is a Tambram married to a Gujarati and hence she is half Gujarati. RD has just stopped correcting her.

I speak Tamizh, and I understand Tamizh, but to write Tamizh in English is something I cant do. And then Tharani and I had this conversation on her blog. I have attached print screens since I dont know how to get it here otherwise.

Anyways the point is between venam (want) and vendaam (dont want).

Tharani believes venam which said was ‘I dont want’ But I actually meant ‘I want’

And then she came up with some obscure explanation about my accent using some scary words like venom as if I asked her for venom instead of chocolates *rolls eyes*.

But when I think of it, Tharani is not incorrect you know.

I sang a Tamizh song (Aariy paadi maligayil – for those interested!)  one day at a cradle ceremony and the Tamizh mami complimented RD on how wonderfully I sing, but next time perhaps instead of a Gujarati song, I should sing a Tamizh song *rolls eyes* RD was laughing so loudly and now this is his favorite joke to tell people who say I speak Tamizh.

And then when I go to Madras, most people look at me as if I am speaking Persian when I ask something Tamizh to them. It may be my accent or the way I speak words. I dont know.

I dont watch Tamizh movies or the Sun TV news, mainly because I dont understand that Tamizh. They speak in a very very different way than what I have heard. (Just for records, I doubt even RD understands that Tamizh *winks*)

I remember one song which my parents used to listen to when we were kids.

It goes like this ‘Oru Kaath vaange ponenen, oru Kavidayi vaangi vanden’ (Since I cant write Tamizh clearly, it basically translates as ‘I went to take a breeze and came back with a song/poem’)

I used to hear this song since I was a kid and keep wondering whats so great about it!

One day when I was in college, I asked Appa

RM: Appa you really find this song very nice kya?

Appa: of course, what lyrics, RM, what lyrics!

RM: oh really?

Appa: look at the way the song goes, he goes for a breeze and comes back with a poem..how lovely..what thoughts

RM: WHAT?

Appa: What?

RM: What Appa, What?

Appa: Perplexed : what are you what whating?

RM: you mean the lyrics are not ‘Oru cart vaange ponenen, oru kaidai vaangi vandeen’ (I went to get a cart, but got a donkey instead!)

*Appa just stared at me as if I was the alien from Mars he was searching for*

I rest my case, Tharani, I just rest my case. No more Tamizh from me eh?