What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 24 Feb 2024, 02:24

This is a discussion topic for the February 2024 Book of the Month, "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes" by Ali Master.

What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?

Cristina-Ioana Toader · Post by **Cristina-Ioana Toader** » 24 Feb 2024, 14:26

"Isa Masih" which is the Urdu term for Jesus Christ.
"Isa" is the name used for Jesus in Islamic texts, including the Quran, and "Masih" is the Arabic word for "Messiah," a title denoting the anointed one. In the context of Islam, Jesus (Isa Masih) is considered one of the prophets, highly respected and honored for his teachings. The term reflects the reverence for Jesus within the Islamic tradition, while also highlighting the cultural and religious intersections in regions where Urdu is spoken.

Post by **Carol McCoy Phelps** » 27 Feb 2024, 18:15

"Na-hi bhai," means "No, brother. " This phrase stands out because it comes from a little story that the author relates about his mother. She would haggle with merchants to get her desired price. In one shop, the owner seems determined not to budge. The mom coolly walks to the door and uttered the deal-breaker.

The shopkeeper ran after her. She won. The child, Ali, was in awe of his mother's resolve, her strength, and her willingness to take a chance. He learned that skill from her and it served him well in America.

Ika Apo · Post by **Ika Apo** » 25 Apr 2024, 06:26

I hadn't remembered any of them, but now that I read the comments, Isa Masih really soothed my heart.

Miriam Ratemo · Post by **Miriam Ratemo** » 26 Apr 2024, 05:10

In the context of Islam, Jesus (Isa Masih) is considered one of the prophets, highly respected and honored for his teachings. The term reflects the reverence for Jesus within the Islamic tradition, while also highlighting the cultural and religious intersections in regions where Urdu is spoken.

Daberechi Precious · Post by **Daberechi Precious** » 27 Apr 2024, 06:34

Isa Masih words really melted my heart.

Post by **R Chinaza Onwuka** » 03 May 2024, 16:19

While I didn't really pick out any as my favourite before now, I am officially adopting "Isa Masih" . I love the meaning and I love the way it feels on my tongue when I pronounce it.

Post by **Smrithi Arun** » 04 May 2024, 13:42

Carol McCoy Phelps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2024, 18:15 "Na-hi bhai," means "No, brother. " This phrase stands out because it comes from a little story that the author relates about his mother. She would haggle with merchants to get her desired price. In one shop, the owner seems determined not to budge. The mom coolly walks to the door and uttered the deal-breaker.

The shopkeeper ran after her. She won. The child, Ali, was in awe of his mother's resolve, her strength, and her willingness to take a chance. He learned that skill from her and it served him well in America.

Oh, yes! South Asian women have some mad bargaining skills. I've seen memes where the shopkeeper would probably quote 1500 rupees and women would counter it with "250 rupees or I'm walking away" and they would end up getting some great discounts after negotiating and finding a mid-ground. This is only possible with street vendors, though.

Samina Moiyadi · Post by **Samina Moiyadi** » 14 Jun 2024, 01:08

Smrithi Arun wrote: ↑04 May 2024, 13:42
Carol McCoy Phelps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2024, 18:15 "Na-hi bhai," means "No, brother. " This phrase stands out because it comes from a little story that the author relates about his mother. She would haggle with merchants to get her desired price. In one shop, the owner seems determined not to budge. The mom coolly walks to the door and uttered the deal-breaker.

The shopkeeper ran after her. She won. The child, Ali, was in awe of his mother's resolve, her strength, and her willingness to take a chance. He learned that skill from her and it served him well in America.
Oh, yes! South Asian women have some mad bargaining skills. I've seen memes where the shopkeeper would probably quote 1500 rupees and women would counter it with "250 rupees or I'm walking away" and they would end up getting some great discounts after negotiating and finding a mid-ground. This is only possible with street vendors, though.

I am from this part of the world and I totally agree. Although I have seen a lot of men too bargain like a pro, women are much more successful. I wish the women of my generation could harness that skill. I think it is falling apart with the mall culture.