It was after many years that I had decided to continue my studies and after filling the admission form I was at the table who was getting the registrations done for a post graduation course particularly in English. As I waited for the documents to be filled, the gentleman in front of me asked “So you are working?” I said “Yes I am an independent writer.” Then came the next question “You are married?” I smiled and said yes. I was wondering if these questions had anything to do with my intention to do the course. It was the final question that made me think in general, how the so called English speaking population speak in India?

“Do you have any issue?” The question made me say to myself. I have several issues in life. But how would you really help me out if my maid has not turned up at the right time or I am stressing myself trying to multi task things. Suddenly it hit upon me he was asking if I had any child?

I reluctantly said yes, not sure if this was the answer to the question, “One”. He said “ha, you are sure you will be able to study further and work with a small child?” As I agreed in positive nod and got up from there the conversation set me thinking of specific Indian English terms which only we Indians can mange to understand. Like the usage of the word co–brother. I believe this is more often used in south India and has got the distinct ability to be referred one of the unique Indian words. It refers to one’s wife’s sister’s husband. Other words that can be categorized truly Indian are words like time pass or a word that had my boss at my first job when I was a twenty something fuming at me on her bad day at work. I even now remember her fuming and saying “Can’t you say eraser instead of rubber? That sounds so polished.” Eraser is something that will never erase from my memory.

For that matter words that have come of age are found in the books that you buy for your child or the recipes you read on blogs will make you learn that brinjal is no longer cool. It is after all called the eggplant.

As I made my way towards another office where I had some work I was called out “Aunty! the line starts here. Please come here.” I said why don’t you call me Ma’m instead of Aunty and she was in no mood to listen. With a sigh I did realize Uncle and Aunty were amongst hundreds of other words that will take a long time to be replaced by other words in this country. Until then we have to accept these words and phrases as uniquely Indian understood by Indians.