TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Tourism Department has now introduced translations of frequently used Konkani words and numbers to help domestic and international tourists communicate with locals during their holiday in the State.
The department has translated English numbers from 1 to 20 and some English words and phrases in Konkani language, which are used in day-to-day conversation. This is also an attempt to promote the Goan mother tongue among tourists.
Officials say this will neither make any tourist experts in the local language nor it is in anyway a substitute for any formal language training, but it will certainly help them interact with locals during their trip. “Konkani is a beautiful language and we hope with this brief introduction you will be motivated to learn more and explore it beyond,” reads a message titled ‘A little bit of Konkani on your tongue.’
Words like ‘Borem’ for English word alright, ‘Matxem’ for excuse me, ‘Hanga’ for here, ‘Thoddem Kar’ for reduce it, ‘Rau’ for stop, ‘Ekdom Marog’ for too expensive and ‘Kiteak’ for why are among many daily used words highlighted by the department in its promotional materials.
Sources said the words/phrases in English and their Konkani translation be visible at several tourists locations across the State, this upcoming tourist season. “The idea behind using a Konkani word is also to reflect Goa’s rich culture. Besides all over the world, tourism boards and other brands use the local language in their tag lines,” said
an official.
