My friend Nobby called me the other day and said 'I love this Konkani U-Pod, "Under My Mama"'.
I said, "What are you talking about? I know you don't even know a word of Konkani, even though your grand-parents came from Goa. What's this U-Pod? Is it like an I-Pod?" Nobby said his Dad told him it is a type of old folk song from Goa. Then I asked "Then why would a Konkani folk song be titled in English?" 'I don't know', Nobby said. Then it dawned on me. "Oh, now I get it", I said "Arre reddia.." Why do you call me 'Radio?' Nobby asked. "Ai Saiba! Reddia means English Buffalo. Never mind, You better learn at least some elementary Konkani to complement your wide knowledge of other languages such as English, French and Swahili. Then you can call yourself a Proud Goan." "I know, I know." Nobby interjected,"So tell me about the U-Pod "Under My Mamma". Besides I do know a word of Konkani "Forty three-Tea" "What? Forty-three Tea? What's that? I know 'Tea' means 'cha' but what is Forty Three got to do with Konkani? " I asked. "Ok. So it's not 'tea' but 'cha'. But that's what every Goan here calls the other Goan - "Hey 43-cha". "Ok, gotcha! Now I know you know only Konkani swear-words. What else do you know in Konkani?" I asked. "I know pulau, sorpatel, dukra mass, caju fenni, Viva Goa. Now you tell me about that U-pod, please." "Okay, Arre Baba, It's not U-pod. It's "Dulpod" I added. "And it's not 'Under My Mamma', It's Undir Mujea mama!' I said. "Oh I see and what does that mean?" Nobby questioned. It goes something like this, literally - "Oh Microsoft Mouse, My Uncle, and I am telling you . Don't you play-i with the kittie cat-u". "You mean Bill Gates wrote that song?" Nobby asked . "No, Tuj Pai-n. Arre Baba I strongly recommend to Goans like you, a new Konkani Song Book , "Greatest Konkani Song Hits" by Goanetter and author Francis Rodrigues. It has the real translation in English that rhymes, not like the one above. Besides musical notes, background, anecdotes, DVD, etc. And it is quite educational, well researched, entertaining and sure to be a part of our Goan culture, heritage and legacy." "U-pod Under My Mamma? Oh God!, She, loz Baba!Inglez Goenkar!" I whispered to myself and laughed. Silviano BarbosaToronto, Canada @ Copywright 2009-07-10 _________________________________________________________________ Internet explorer 8 lets you browse the web faster. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9655582
