Salutation, intonation rude, the very language is impolite

By O.J.George

At least at times one has to ponder over the peremptory manner in which we articulate messages, convey ideas and interact with each other or the public.

A lot of people do not show poise when they disseminate information, address issues and react to situations, even when they are happy.

Some linguists had observed that Malayalam is probably the rudest language in terms of intonation, saluation and addressing.

People who have travelled to other parts of the country where different tongues stand out would come to notice the humble languages of Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and the like. Even Hindiwalahs add “Sirji”, “Bhai Sab”, “Behenji” etc when they address others.When it comes to Telugu, it is “Emandi”, Prabhakara Garu” etc and that “Garu” is an affectionate form of addressing.

Even when Malayalis address people like “Sahodaree Sahodaranmare” (Sisters and Brothers), it is not like Swami Vivekananda addressed the same words in the US at the parliament of religions. His address had captivated the hardest cynics among the audience.

However, our “Sahodaree Sahodaranmare”in its ambience of pronunciation, salutation, and intonation does not smack of any amount of humility. It is commanded like “Parade, Saavadhaan” ( I was in the NCC during college days).

“Gruhani pidicha payyan”( boy with worm infection) reference about Rahul Gandhi was a little too much. No doubt, I have heard some political leaders speaking about Mahatma Gandhi as which Kaanthi What Kaanthi like that when they waxed eloquent on the futility of his peaceful means, through the public address system, erupting goose pimples for the rugged.

These days, when the by-elections are round the corner, the people of Kerala should be prepared to listen to unhygienic verbiage, foul and filthy.

The question is, would there be any necessity for such onslaughts when the people, even the lowest of the lowly, are aware of the melody of salubrious salutations, except drunkards, drug addicts and the deviants?

Address the issues, argue out the points, vet the goings-on, but remain poised.

I believe the national capital is full of political leaders who are aware of blemishless conduct in addressing rivals. Vajpayee, Advani( he faltered once when he called Manmohan Singh a weak PM), Sonia Gandhi, Prakash Karat, Sitaram Yechuri and the like remain towering personalities because of their poise. Nobody can prick Manmohan Singh, who is low profile while speaking(once he had crossed the lines when he spoke his mind out to Asif Ali Zardari in the presence of the Press).Mind you, Advani and Manmohan Singh had apologised on both instances.

Let our Malayali leaders also learn to be humble even when they “speak daggers but use none”.