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What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 24 Feb 2024, 02:24
by Melisa Jane
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?
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 24 Feb 2024, 14:26
by Cristina-Ioana Toader
"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.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 27 Feb 2024, 18:15
by Carol McCoy Phelps
"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.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 25 Apr 2024, 06:26
by Ika Apo
I hadn't remembered any of them, but now that I read the comments, Isa Masih really soothed my heart.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 26 Apr 2024, 05:10
by Miriam Ratemo
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.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 27 Apr 2024, 06:34
by Daberechi Precious
Isa Masih words really melted my heart.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 03 May 2024, 16:19
by R Chinaza Onwuka
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.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 04 May 2024, 13:42
by Smrithi Arun
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.
Re: What is your favorite Urdu word from this book?
Posted: 14 Jun 2024, 01:08
by Samina Moiyadi
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.