Konklish is a vernacularised form of English. Words and phrases are borrowed uninhibitedly from vernacular usage. In other words, it is a mish-mash of Konkani and English with a few Hindi words thrown in here and there. To put it in still other words, it is English spoken in Konkani accent and tone.

The basha or language is increasingly heard spoken in all circles, government or non-government. it is no longer the monopoly of the Westernised Goans.

Sweet, musical strains of Konklish, which used to be flouted in the lower classes in Bombay's Goan colonies are now heard in Goa's five-star hotels and posh circles. The language is spoken, even at the Goa University, where one expects English to hold sway over other languages. it's there where the bhasha derives its greatest vitality.

Even if you're a stickler for pure English, don't mistake Konklish for butler English. Your sense of Goan patriotism demands that you'd warm up to Konklish. if the educated Indians speak Indian English freely, why can't the Goans develop their own native brand of English?

Here is a typical example of Konklish. You will also get a fair idea of written Konklish. In this situation, the daughter is discussing her marriage with her mama. Listen on:

Daughter: Mama. I want U to meet my boiferen.

Mother: Kitem! (in a surprised tone). "My boiferen." Saiba bhogos!

Daughter: Oi mama, my good noxib I have at least found a sucegad nouro.

Mother: Hai Saiba! Sucegad nouro. Mojea bai! How will you survive? What kind of nouro? No job. Only staying home. Eating, deerinking and shleeping only.

Daughter (all worked up): Mama. Pliz not talk pochpochit. You no undoorstand, I talk. Sucegad meaning he is piss loving. No fighting...shouting. Listoon Mama. My fiance is studying becoming dotor at GMC Kollege.

Well, readers! How did it sound amigo? Bootiful bhasha! Izn't it? Only the example sounded pochpochit. Nevertheless it conveys the idea. English words are very much there but they are spelt differently. Portuguese words, which are part of everyday Konkani, are also used liberally in Konklish and are also spelt differently. But these are used for onamental purposes.

Eventually two things can happen for those who go the Konklish way. if they persevere, they would contribute to the growth of a modern bhasha. if they drop off half-way, they will at least get closer to the Konkani language which is often despised.

^gnValentino Fernandes