|
Education
Butler English
THE TERM Babu was used derogatorily by the British to refer to obsequious subordinates or clerks. The British applied the term generally to Indians who were familiar with the English language, irrespective of their command of it. A Babu tries to impress his British master with his command of the English language and to him, how he conveys his message is more important than what he says. The emphasis is on verbosity rather than the content, the characteristic feature of Babu English being its stylistic ornamentation. Here is an example: "The extreme stimulus of professional and friendly solicitations has led me to the journey of accomplished advantages to proceed elucidatory and critical comments: wherein no brisking has been thrown apart to introduce prima facie and useful matters to facilitate literary pursuits . If the aimed point be embraced favourably by the public, all in all grateful acknowledgement will ride on the jumping border from the very bottom of my heart". Babu English can often produce amusing results. A book of ready-made letters for all occasions, recommending an ideal letter to a newly married girl says: "You adjusted yourself in the family of your in-laws. Always give good impression and impact to them by your every action".
The relationship between a Babu and his wife is like that of "Simpson and Delilah". When invited to go for a stroll by his friend, the Babu politely declines, as his house is "walkable" distance from his office. A Babu requesting a favour from his employer is "hoping to have the honour of throwing myself at your goodness's philanthropic feet". A Babu uses the English language as putty. He can mould it adding his own ingredients. It has a piquant flavour and offers innocent enjoyment. The British in India employed valets, butlers, and other menial staff. These servants picked up some words and managed to communicate with their masters. It is the broken English generally spoken by native servants that is referred as butler English. The features of Butler English are the absence of the copula and the tense usage, which is different from Standard English. The language is reduced to its bare essentials, with the emphasis on the content. Here is an example of a conversation between Mrs. Smalley, the Memsahib, with Ibrahim, the servant.
Ibrahim: "I book a seat at the movie?"
Mrs. Smalley: "No I don't know. I'm busy at the moment."
Ibrahim: Bhoolabhoy Sahib not coming this evening?"
Mrs. Smalley: "I have no idea."
Ibrahim: Memsahib ordering trays for lunch or going to the dining room".
The British masters were amused by Butler English as it had its own charm. They were sometimes annoyed when a Butler's English was faultless. For example, Ellis in George Orwell's "Burmese Days" is in conversation with his butler.
Ellis: "How much ice you got left?"
Butler: "Bout twenty pounds, master. Will only last today, I think. I find it very difficult to keep ice cool now."
Ellis: "Don't talk like that, damin you — I find it very difficult! Have you swallowed a dictionary?' Please, master can't keep ice cool! That's how you ought to talk, we shall have to sack this fellow if he gets to talk English too well. I can't stand servants who talk English. D'you hear, butler?"
"Yes master" said the butler, and retired."
However, the British had fond memories of Butlers and Ayahs who faithfully served them.
S. IMTIAZ ALI
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education
|
