Comments on: The Key

By: Niyantha (author)

Niyantha (author) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:53:54 +0000

@Kumar,

I’ve heard so much about Kalki’s works (especially Ponniyin Selvan). I’ve got to one day get to reading them.

Thanks for commenting

By: Kumar Appaiah

Kumar Appaiah — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:55:40 +0000

Late to see the article, but I have also seen myself in this situation several times. Whenever I have learnt Hindi, it was to score well in exams; but it is only after the exams that when I read some prose and poetry, even those which I had already studied, they seemed to show new beauty and meaning.

On the other hand, I learnt Tamil (my mother tongue) myself, through reading good books and trash magazines alike. It is after I read great works, like those of Kalki’s (Parthiban Kanavu in particular), I often feel sad that I couldn’t study Tamil as a language in school. Of course, it’s not too late; but given the choice between a Tamil novel and a treatise on Tamil grammar, I bet the choice is clear! Let’s see how it goes though…

Nice post!

By: Niyantha

Niyantha — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:08:51 +0000

@Mohit,

Thanks!

@Simrat,

Thanks! But see I wish I could speak three different languages

@Anand,

Thanks Anand, and yep my mom is awesome

@amas,

Haha, it’s true that you miss something the most when it’s away from you

By: Niyantha

Niyantha — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:05:23 +0000

@Smita,

Haha, the silver lining with Thirukkural was that it wasn’t too hard to memorize.

@Ravages,

Really? I had no idea Kattabomman was Telugu. Thanks for commenting.

@what,

I would like to think it is.

@Sumita,

“but I always thought of language and culture as anchors that reminded me of where I’m ultimately from.”

True.

By: amas

amas — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:22:41 +0000

Tamil language being a part of you has enriched you in many ways . Iam glad that you are beginning to discover its impact in a foreign country. Tamizh vaazhga!

By: Anand

Anand — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:54:41 +0000

Man this is so good. I often do exactly this when I think back to my home in Hyderabad. Telugu is truly my key to that world that I left 13 years ago.

Your mom seems great too. : ]

By: Simrat

Simrat — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:59:25 +0000

Well written Niyantha! I’m envious, the only language I can ever feel like this for is plain, old English.

By: Mohit

Mohit — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:45:07 +0000

Waah! Very well-written and involved piece!

By: Sumita

Sumita — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:40 +0000

I really related to this article! Being away from home for practically a year, it’s simultaneously a shock and a pleasure to hear Tamil being spoken around me. Daudet’s comparison is interesting, but I always thought of language and culture as anchors that reminded me of where I’m ultimately from.

By: what

what — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:40:04 +0000

what in the hell is this…it doesnt make any sense to me…is this an article??