In addition, the dogmatism among the dominant section of Konkani protagonists -- in accepting some dialects and not accepting others -- complicates the problem further.
I disagree with Nasci's statement below:
Comparatively, and for historical and cultural reasons, all Indian languages are under developed; as compared to Chinese, Japanese, English and a host of European languages.
Konkani may not be a great language when it comes to discussing computer or Internet concepts. But surely it's the best when it pertains to discussing the agricultural practices and culture and devotional beliefs of the Konkan. Each language has its role, as Santosh points out.
I am only half fluent in konkani and colloqually only; I will not have any one take away the"Goanness" from me; Its is the red soil of Goa and my genes bred from it, which decides it; and not any language fanatics.
Okay, so in a computer age, how does one go about encouraging the spread of Konkani learning, possibly through the uses of media like audio and video too, through the Internet? Language fanatics or no language fanatics, we perhaps all need to agree that it would be sad if Konkani turned into one of those languages that simply faded away, died or became endangered ... as many smaller languages are expected to do.
Santosh Helecar wrote:
I can say with confidence that there are domains of human experience in which Konkani is much richer than English.
I agree with this. It might be interesting to list these domains, so that everyone -- whether familiar with the nuances of Konkani or not -- could have a better appreciation of the strengths of the language.
Gabriel de Figueiredo wrote:
However, he was quite critical of the World Goa Day - his complaint was that World Goa Day does absolutely nothing for Konkani or Goa.
Isn't the World Goa Day something very loosely organised, where each community can decide exactly what it wants to do? If you or the priest mentioned would like to organise the event entirely in Konkani, what stops you? It's better to light the candle...
Though grown up, I try to teach them a few sentences in both languages now and then, but this is not true imparting of knowledge as they would not be able to converse or joke in either.
I felt quite embarassed by his views, as I myself am guilty of not having passed on the languages I learnt when I was a kid to my progeny - Konkani and Portuguese.
Could you share with Goanet what are the tools you find useful in doing this? For my part, a couple of suggestions -- which might not work in all cases through:
Try Prof Edward De Lima's (of Porvorim's) book called 'Teach Yourself Konkani', if one recalls the name right. It's available at Hotel Mandovi and elsewhere. While Prof Lima taught English at the DMC College in Mapusa/Assagao, his book is simple enough to teach one some conversational basics. It's in the Roman script too.
Then, there's the Oxford picture dictionary (done with the Thomas Stevens' Konknni Kendr) that looks at Konkani words used in different contexts. Both may not be adequate to attain any great level of competence in the language, but they're sufficient for beginners.
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