Language Bombers

One day, the 7-year-olds Milind and Praveen picked up a fight. Milind said, “Don’t talk in a mixed language. Either talk in Hindi or English. Otherwise, I will not remain friends with you.”

During the next week, Praveen spoke in either of the languages, since he did not want to give up Milind’s friendship.

After one week, both needed to buy a new shirt. They talked about it.

The next day, Praveen said, “Mere pitaji ka udhar card aaya.”

Milind said in Hindi, “That is not udhar card, but Adhar Card.”

Praveen did not bother with what his friend said and continued that he went with his father to buy a shirt with his udhar card.

Milind insisted, “Adhar card ek identity card hai aur usse kuch kharida nahin ja sakta.”

Praveen said, “I translated the word credit to udhar. You have been translating every word into a single language. But, you could not translate the words card and identity. Language is a way to communicate. As long as we communicate well, any language works.”