Keep smiling
What kind of English is this? Kuwait, RI ink tax accord -- your Business Section of April 25, 1997 carried this heading for a news item. For a second, it gives the idea that someone had deliberately poured ink over a tax agreement and spoiled it beyond recognition. You do have a knack of captivating the readers with funny titles even to some simple signing ceremonies.
Your other usual notorious heading for any inaugural function is "so-and-so kicks off..." Poor guys! They can't commence any project without kicking off someone else.
The other day, while entering the toll-way at the Slipi Gate, I saw in a fleeting glance, near the ticket booth, a board inscribed with the words uang sampah di sini (trash money here). I was startled to know that people in Indonesia have become so rich that they can now treat their money as mere sampah (trash). Of course, in a moment, I realized that the letter "B" must have fallen off the board turning Buang (throw) into uang (money) so Buang sampah di sini (throw away your garbage here) became uang sampah di sini (trash money here).
In my career, I've come across many interesting and hilarious situations. The most recent was a conversation between a textile factory general manager and his weaving manager. The anecdote relates to finding out about the construction (yarn count, warp, weft and weigh) of an imported fabric. On seeing the details, the general manager asked in English, "Who checked the fabric construction?" The weaving manager replied, "My under".
Watching this exchange I was confused as to what the latter meant. But the general manager was kind enough to clarify quickly that the weaving manager was talking about his subordinate. I could never imagine someone using the expression "My under" to denote a subordinate. Well, that was English, at its best or worst, whichever way you wish to look at. The point to be noted is that the general manager understood perfectly.
Byron Black says ("The Listening Post" of April 25, 1997) that the students should be kept smiling in English classes to keep their interest alive. I agree. His humorous approach is surely a better way to highlight the pitfalls in handling English.
A former Indian Prime Minister, defending his reputation for indecisiveness, once said: "When I don't make a decision, it's not that I don't think about it. I think about it and make a decision not to make a decision!" How do you like this? Who says politicians don't have a humorous streak in them? And see how English also comes to their rescue when facing embarrassing questions from the Press.
The Jakarta Post has entered its 15th year of publication. I am sure many readers would join me in wishing the Post many more happy returns and good luck for continued success and prosperity. Happy Birthday!
D. CHANDRAMOULI
Jakarta