Two members of the Zoroastrian community have taken the initiative to preserve the community’s oral history by compiling a book on Parsi-Gujarati idioms. You can contribute too
Meher Marfatia and Sooni Taraporevala are compiling a book on Parsi-Gujarati idioms to preserve the oral history of the Zoroastrian community. "We are always saying that someone should compile these phrases before they get lost," says co-compiler Marfatia, referring to the common refrain among the older generation of Parsis. "Sooni and I thought, why not make a start," she adds, elaborating on how the idea to compile a book on the subject evolved.
Marfatia, who has in the past authored a coffee-table book on Parsi theatre in the 20th century, hopes that the book will serve as more than just a nostalgic look at the community known for its unique sense of humour.
"The present generation is really at a disadvantage as they can follow, but hesitate to use these lovely expressions," she says. Language shapes us, agrees Marfatia. "It provides a sense of who you are," she says.
The book will include "fun, wild, wacky" idiomatic phrases like, for example, ‘Tumboo ma soldier’. "Tumboo is a tent," explains co-compiler and acclaimed screenwriter Taraporevala. "It’s likening the foetus in the stomach to a soldier in his tent. It’s the Bawa version of ‘bun in the oven’."
If the language of a community paints a picture of the people who speak it, Taraporevala says that the picture that emerges from the Paris-Gujarati language is of a people who "are wonderfully inventive with the language, combining wildly opposite things with a great sense of humour."
To be part of the project, send them an email. "Contributions used will be credited" guarantees Marfatia.
Email: parsibol@gmail.com
i have already sent no. of phrases & idioms but no reply from parsibol@gmail.com
i have already sent no. of phrases & idioms but no reply from parsibol@gmail.com
i have already sent no. of phrases & idioms but no reply from parsibol@gmail.com
Yes my mom sent many too…no reply…
Ferooza and Beji….my mom sent them on the day this article was printed and got a reply yesterday. So I guess they are going through the list and responding in the order they received the inputs.
Yes my mom sent many too…no reply…
Yes my mom sent many too…no reply…
Ferooza and Beji….my mom sent them on the day this article was printed and got a reply yesterday. So I guess they are going through the list and responding in the order they received the inputs.
Ferooza and Beji….my mom sent them on the day this article was printed and got a reply yesterday. So I guess they are going through the list and responding in the order they received the inputs.