I agree with the wider principle of promoting regional languages (never mind
that this currently means more Marathi than Konkani in today's Goa). But this
cannot be done under compulsion, and with a lack of choice. It will be -- and
has been -- very counter productive. FN
PS: I've also seen the setback my daughter had to face for studying in a
Devanagari Konkani school, which is a challenge to learn -- forget about
learning other subjects in! -- both due to script and dialect.
FN +91-832-2409490 or +91-9822122436 (after 2pm)
#784 Nr Lourdes Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India
Well put Rico! Most of us can read & write Konkani in the Roman Script but not
the Devanagari Script ....so the History, Science, Computer studies, etc. one
has to cope with in the higher classes (in English) is a strain on the student
once he/she reaches that level if their medium of instruction has been Konkani
or any other mother tongue. Of course if one was taking up French in Std. 4 or
5, or earlier, one would have to buy the books Konkani into French wouldnt one?
And whilst I am on this subject I could tack on a few more of "my thoughts &
opinions" couldnt I?.... leaving out the predictions of course
>It is merely a specific response to the quoted post. Just a few random and
>rambling thoughts! M&M
Seems so - random, rambling else from where did >Awesomely correct prediction!
> and
> Not to worry. There is also an *awe-fully* predictable result... materialise?
> I have never been a soothsayer so definitely havent started in my old age,
> please note. ah oh huh!
>Since the predicted exodus of the 371 will cause a vacuum, ...sorry,
>prediction of exodus of 371 was not mine - 371 parents? & their children?
>opting for English as MoI ...or not opting for Konkani as MoI ....there would
>not necessarily be an exodus - presumption again??? I still have my peers &
>friends (English MoI) & my relatives (English MoI) living in Saligao & in Goa,
>& I am sure there are many more there, & many of us who made a temporary exit
>for valid reasons but will be returning to Goa if not to Saligao. Now I cant
>vouch for all of these & us being "Wise & Smart" of course!! uh oh! But what
>about the children of parents other than the 371 & 4? Arent they in Saligao
>but attending other schools?
Only 4 out of 375 is the above indication for Saligao :-( The question or
statement doesnt arise then does it?
> These immigrant multitudes will join the "Foolish & Dumb 4" who
> will stay back in Goa, to be our 'shetkars', 'renders', 'padais',
> 'poders', 'ramponkars', maids, daily labourers, mobile fish
> vendors, masons, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, mechanics,
> motorcycle pilots, rickshaw and bus drivers/cleaners, cooks,
> waiters, room boys/girls, watchmen and factory hands up in the
> Industrial Estate on our hill.
Well, the last time I was in Saligao, I wasnt able to get the children of our
regular & awefully competent & awesome ... "late" carpenter, mason, plumber,
painter, cook because though their MoI when in School was their mothertongue,
they didnt want to follow in the footsteps of their parents & took care & pain
to learn English so as to get better opportunities in Goa, India & around the
world. Of course havent kept track of the grandchildren to date...
> > Having said that, it is to be hoped that Konkani is one of the
> > compulsory languages in the school syllabus right from the Prep. Class
> > (or whatever it is called nowadays!!)
> > as one should know one's mothertongue.
>
> This is one huge hope...
Heard that one? Hope springs eternal in every ... & where there is
life...there is hope!
that a solitary language class, will
> strengthen and deepen the roots of our children's mother tongue.
Why shouldnt it? Take the comparison of Hindi made compulsory (solitary
language class even way back during the 1970's) & Goans were forced to learn it
as the national language Devanagari script and all.....when they didnt know it
before.
> And for what *practical* purpose, if one is going to
> eventually settle down in "the rest of India" and "around the
> world"? Mere sentimental and nostalgic attachment? Is it not
> better to concentrate on the local language of *that* part of the
> world or India?
Well what is better & best? - I read somewhere that according to our Indian
Constitution every citizen child or adult - has the right to choose their
language from amongst those mentioned in said Constitution. Perhaps those in
the know could check it out eh?
I havent forced anybody to say or do anything......yet....hey hey!
Mog asum
Annette
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