The Irony of it all

"Isn't it ironic... don't you think? A little too ironic, and I really do think. It's like rain on your wedding day, it's a free ride when you've already paid. It's the good advice that you just didn't take, who would have thought... it figures. It's a traffic jam, when you're already late. A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break, it's like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife. It's meeting the man of your dreams and then meeting his beautiful wife. Isn't it Ironic..." ~ Alanis Morissette

As I sit here alone in Mathews' apartment scratching at least 25 mosquito bites and singing off key to the 90's femme rocker Alanis Morissette I can clearly identify how something thought to be a fault in one country can really be a blessing in another. Did I forget to mention thus far that I am grammatically challenged. I have a known history to make up words and substitute words that I think sound great with ones that really make sense. (If you haven't read the first blog, now would be a good time to reference it). It seems though, ironically, in India that I have become a grammar and spoken English expert. I have been teaching English classes to students in 4th standard through 12th standard and have been making up entertaining exercises for the students to practice basic conversation, especially in Tamil Medium schools. Even on occasion I have corrected an English teacher or two.
For years I have struggled to "sound smart" and I have fond memories of my mother laughing when I make up some new word, joking about how we should start using it instead. Or, on the other hand her forlorn and saddened face when I speak improperly. How have my random explosions of words in these blogs become so inspiring for so many people. I have a couple theories which I'm sure could instigate some intellectual discussion. When you have an extreme language barrier your choice words and multiple explanations of the same subject are extremely important to clarify any point. I have been in long discussions with broken English and Tamil fragments and I have needed to employ this speaking tactic often. Even if I make up a word here for some reason it is usually understood. Maybe that is because everyone is making up words or putting their accent on the wrong syllable. Other times I need to explain something for comprehensions sake. Maybe to a group of students that I am reading an English story to, maybe to a shop keeper to specify the type of pen I want. I not only need to depend on my words in these situations, but also my actions. I may twist my arm around a chair to demonstrate a vine, or have everyone pick up their backpacks in a 2nd standard class so they are sure what the item I am referring to is. These new actions and ways of expression are surely having some impact on my English skills or lack of. My new favorite Indian English word is fully. I have been noticing myself saying "In order for them to understand fully", which I would have never said before arriving in Chennai after that 5 hour delay on Dec 31, 2008. There are many phrases that Indian English uses as a standard that are incorrect, and I still try to correct people when they want my help for improvement in their English skills. Maybe this is the karmic experience that will make or break my future career. Remember the days when I wanted to be a fashion journalist! National Geographic if you're reading let's set up an interview. The new growth and understanding I have about religion and practice in India is developing into its own paradox. Maybe I'll keep away from the Karma that conversations and National Geographic television specials on Hindu religious history are schooling me on and just let my path take a more holistic approach in congruence with the Dalit herbal medicines that the Brahmins stole and proclaimed as Ayurveda. Did I mention that the Hindu religion is also a one of many reasons that caste system has extended such deep roots in India. I guess in the next week or two we'll see where my English skills lead me to next!
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