Konkani - Bambino Martins



The tragedy of Third Millennium may be that humanity is entering the Tower
of Babel. This was expressed succinctly by the Mad Hatter in " Alice in the
Wonderland"”  When he said that his words mean exactly what he wants them
to mean, no more, no less. The communication skill of most concern is the
ability to transmit clear precise messages. 

On a serious note, I do not think that Goans, particularly young students should be burdened with having to learn Konkani. It honestly hurts me to say this but Konkani
is not the best language for communicating advanced thoughts. Konkani should be
put in a museum or in an Ivory tower, where some 'devotee' of Konkani can perfect it. 

Not till then, should young Goans be required to drag this millstone around their neck.  I don’t think Goans at any social or economic strata will have too much o a
problem to shine in English,  just as our generation did. 

As best as I can tell, the only reason, people object to English as the medium of instruction, is that English is a foreign language.  Applying the logical principle of 'Reductio ad Absurdum ' to this type of thinking I would suggest that Goans be 
taught nothing in Math because “zero” is claimed to be an Indian concept, but even that is being challenged by revisionists-historians. 

Lest I am misunderstood, let me state that children are capable of learning several different languages simultaneously without getting confused. English should be the primary language. And while Konkani may satisfy some politicians, that satisfaction should not be derived by sacrificing the academic future of Goa’s youth. 

Bambino  May 2000

PS: I say that even though Goans won the Plebiscite, Goa really lost the war earlier in 1961 in a crushing "intrusion?".

 Even though Hope springs eternally in the heart of (wo)men and the Pope says we are not to be afraid, I don't think Goans should shed any more blood in what I feel is ultimately a futile effort. 

When one brings a tiger into the house one should not assume one can order the tiger around, even if the tiger is our guest and supposed benefactor 

Bambino June 2000