Translation

The principles of translation

The first thing to remember is that translation is the transfer of meaning from one language to another. It is not the transfer of words from language to language. You must translate the meaning of what is being said, rather than do it word-for-word. This is because languages are not just different words. Different languages also have different grammar, different word orders, sometimes even words for which other languages do not have any equivalents. The English spoken by a scientist may have words that a simple farmer cannot even start to imagine. And the farmer is likely to have words for things the technologist never dreamed of.

Simple steps in translation

We will start by talking about the simplest form of translation - the one where you already have a story written down in one language (the source) and you want to translate it into another language (the target). The steps to follow are:

1. Read the whole of the original source story from beginning to end, to make sure that you can understand it. If you cannot understand everything that is said, you cannot translate it. If there are any words or phrases that you do not understand, you must clarify these first. You may decide that the ideas they express are too difficult to translate or not worth translating, but you need to know what they are before you can judge.
2. Do a first draft translation, trying to translate all the source material. But do not translate word-for-word. Remember that you are translating the meaning. When you have finished the first translation, you will now have a draft story in the target language.
3. Go back over the whole of your draft translation and polish it without looking at the source original. (You might even like to turn the source story face down on your desk so you cannot cheat.) Make sure that your translation reads well in the target language.
4.  Compare the final version of your translation with the source original to make sure that you have translated it accurately. This is when you can make any detailed adjustments in individual words or phrases.

False friends

Beware of words or phrases we call "false friends". These are words in the original source language which you retain in your translation, often because you cannot think of the correct translation. If you cannot think of the right word, how can you expect your reader or listener to? Of course, languages borrow from each other all the time. If a society comes across a new idea, it may simply use the foreign word without inventing a word of its own. Remember, however, that you are translating meaning, not words. If you come across a word in your original language which has no equivalent in the target language, perhaps you can use a phrase (i.e. several words) instead. For example, many languages do not have a word for "computer". Instead of retaining the English word "computer", can you translate it as "a machine which does brain work" or something similar? Be careful, though, that you do not try to re-invent the community's language to suit your own way of thinking.

 

Some other problem areas

The translation is a very big and complicated field. The following are some other problem areas you might want to keep in mind:

Understatements and euphemisms

Be aware of the cultural differences in languages. Some languages like to hide unpleasant facts beneath understatements or euphemism. Euphemisms are mild or inoffensive words which are used in the place of harsh or hurtful words.

 

Some speakers might use humour in one situation which another language would not permit. Again, you must understand the meaning in context.

 

Linking words

Words such as "although", "but", "from", "even" and a host of others are usually very important in English, as they are used to show the relationships between the words in your sentences. Getting these small words wrong can alter entirely the sense of the sentence.

Verbs

These can sometimes cause problems in their different forms. There are, for example, quite distinct meanings for the words "can", "may", "must" and "should". If you are not sure, it is best to avoid the construction altogether and say it a different way.

Accuracy

Some languages are more accurate than others in certain areas. For example, we can say "Doctor Smith" in English, whereas in Chinese we have to know the gender of the doctor to translate the word "doctor".

Names and titles

There is still a debate about the need or otherwise of translating names from one language into another. For example, would you retain the English title "Education Department" or translate it into something like "office for schools"? Of course, a lot depends on how the rest of your community uses the term, especially those people who are most closely involved, such as the Education Department itself.

There are two ways people use names (or titles). The first is to identify the place or person, the second is to describe their function. It is usual to leave untranslated names which act as signposts for people but translate those names which describe a function. For example, you would not translate the word "Baker" in the name "Baker Street", because it acts as a signpost, but you would probably translate the name "Police Station".

If a language used by your community is also used elsewhere in the world, you should remain aware of how it is spoken in other countries. For example, French may be commonly used in your society, so you need to keep up-to-date with how French is used in other French-speaking countries. Remember that all languages change, especially in their motherland. Constantly refresh your understanding of the way the language is developing both in your own society and elsewhere.

In Short

• You must keep your language clear and simple so that your readers or listeners can understand.
• Sentences should be short - no longer than 20 words or three concepts (ideas). Sentence structure should be simple; it is best to write in the active voice.
• Explain any new words whenever you use them.
• Avoid jargon, unnecessary words, and clichés.
• Check all your work to make sure that everything you write obeys the rules of grammar and punctuation.
• When translating, translate the meaning of sentences, not the individual words.
• Always keep your readers or listeners in mind whatever you write.

The Envoy- Summary and Question-Answers

 

“The Envoy” Summary

 

“The Envoy” is one of the thirteen plays of Bhasa discovered by T. Ganpati Shastri during the early decades of the twentieth century. The original Sanskrit name of this play was DuteVakya. It is based on a momentous episode from the Mahabharata. It presents an important moment in the progress of the epic. The warring factions of Kauravas and Pandavas are getting ready to fight each other at Kurukshetra. However, the Pandavas decide to make a last bid for peace. They send Krishna as their envoy to the Kanrava camp. They want Krishna to plead on their behalf and convince the Kauravas that war can be avoided if the Kauravas agree to give the Pandavas their inheritance. The play depicts Krishna's dignified entry into the Court and his graceful advice to Duryodhana. But the villainous Kaurva King behaves very insolently and insulting while talking to Krishna. Enraged at this, Krishna at once calls for Sudarshana who at once appears with his deadly disc. Duryodhana would have been pilled there and then had it not been for the softening words of Sudarshana to Krishna. Krishna sends away Sudarshana and himself leaves for the Pandavas Camp. However, before he leaves Dhritrashtra comes there and begs Krishna to be forgiven for the offensive behaviour of his son.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Who convenes the meeting of princes?

Ans Duryodhana was a Kaurava. He convenes the meeting of the princes to discuss the impending war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

 

Q2. How does Duryodhana busy himself during the entrance of the envoy?

Ans Duryodhana keeps himself busy by gazing at a painting in which Draupadi is being dragged by her hair in the Kaurava court.

Q3. Why are Duryodhana’s warriors confused at the entrance of Krishna?

Ans Duryodhana ordered his warriors not to get up in the honour of Krishna. But the warriors want to show their respect for Krishna. So they are confused at the entrance of Krishna.

Q4. What is the purpose of the meeting?

Ans The Kauravas are going to have a war with the Pandavas. So Duryodhana calls the meeting to decide who the commander–in–chief of his eleven armies would be.

Q5. What is Duryodhana’s response to the Pandava plea for the division of inheritance?

Ans Krishna comes with a peace proposal. He tells Duryodhana that the Pandavas want the division of inheritance. But, Duryodhana rejects the proposal sent by the Pandavas.

Q6. What do the Pandava brothers seek from the Kuru clan?

Ans The Pandavas do not want to fight against the Kauravas brothers. They want to make reconciliation with them. So they want their due share in the inheritance of the Kuru clan.

 

Q7. Why does Duryodhana call Krishna a cowherd?

Ans There are two reasons for it. Firstly, Krishna loved cows and took them for grazing. Secondly, he was brought up by Nanda who belonged to a tribe of cowherds.

Q8. According to Duryodhana, Krishna had no pity for whom?

Ans According to Duryodhana, Krishna had no pity for king Kansa, his material uncle and the brother-in-law of his father.

Essay Type Questions

Q1. How does Bhasa personify Sudharshana?

Ans Sudharshan chakra was the divine discus that had been given to Lord Vishnu by Lord Shiva. Krishna was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So he too had this weapon. The Puranas state that the Sudharshan chakra is the most powerful weapon that can annihilate the strongest enemy. The divine chakra ends sins, practitioners of evil and sorrows of all sorts and dimensions. Being a divine weapon it could assume human form also. When Krishna become angry with Duryodhana at his insult. He wants to kill him. So, Krishna orders Sudharshan Chakra to destroy Duryodhana. But Sudharshan requests Lord Krishna to show mercy on wretched Duryodhana. At this Krishna controls his anger. He tells Sudharshan to go back to his abode.

Q2. Why does Dhritarashtra apologise to Krishna?

Ans There is every possibility of war between Kauravas and Pandavas. Krishna comes to the Kaurava camp as an envoy. He wants to make reconciliation between them. He does not want that the brothers should fight against one another. He conveys the message of Pandavas that they should be given their due share in the inheritance of Kuru clan. But Duryodhana starts insulting him by calling him a cow herd. At this, Krishna decides to leave his comp but Duryodhana tries to arrest him. He even mocks at Krishna when he assumes his universal form. At this, Krishna becomes angry and wants to kill him. Dhritarasthra comes to know that his son has behaved him badly. He knows that Krishna’s anger can bring destruction to the whole kingdom. So he apologizes to Krishna. Krishna forgives him.

Q3. Krishna’s visit as an envoy stands for peace and reconciliation between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Explain.

Ans There is every possibility of war between the Pandavas and Kauravas as Pandavas seek the inheritance from the Kuru clan. But Duryodhana was adamant not to give them their due share. Krishna does not want that the brothers should kill one another. He wants to avoid war as it can bring death and destruction from the both sides. He wants reconciliation between them. So he visits to the court of Duryodhana as a messenger on the behalf of Pandavas. He conveys the message of Pandavas should be given their due share in the inheritance of the kuru clan. At this, Duryodhana says that he is not ready to give anything to the Pandavas. In this way, he rejects the peace proposal of the Pandavas.

Q4. Who is referred to as the” Lotus- eyed- Lord”? Why is he angry?

Ans Lord Krishna is reffered to as the” Lotus- eyed- Lord”. He is angry because Duryodhana has insulted him. Firstly of all Duryodhana warns all the princes not to get up from their seats in the honour of Krishna. Secondly, he rejects his proposal of peace. Krishna does not want that the brothers should fight against one another. He tells Duryodhana that the Pandavas want their due share in the inheritance of the Kuru clan. At this, Duryodhana tells him that he will not give them even a blade of grass. So Krishna becomes angry and decides to use his Sudharshan Chakra to kill Duryodhana. But he changes his mind at Sudharshan’s suggestion. Then Dhritarashtra comes there and apologises to forgive him.

Passages and Explanation of the play ‘The Envoy’

         1.      Don’t speak like that, Badarayana! Is that servant of your Kansa your best of men? Is that herder of cows your best of men? Is that your best of men who was deprived by Jarasandha of his lands and reputation? Is this the way the King’s servant should behave? With such insolent words? You-------------

Reference to the context:- These lines are taken from the play ”The Envoy” written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are uttered by Duryodhana who chides his servant for speaking noble words about Krishna who has come in his court as a messenger.

Explanation:- Duryodhana rebukes Badarayana who is his servant. In an authoritative tone, Duryodhana reprimands his servant for his way of speaking. The passage reveals that the Duryodhana’s servant must have used ‘Best of men’ or’’ the best men for Krishna. Adjectives such as” the best of men” infuriate Duryodhana. The degree of Duryodhana’s anguish for Krishna becomes auto-reflexive in the following rhetorical questions that the scoldingly poses to Chamberlain: 1. Is that servant of Kansa your best of men? 2. Is that herder of cows your best of men?

 

2.      Worthily spoken. A son of Gandhari, indeed they are all well. And they have also required about your welfare and that of your kingdom. Yudhisthira and his brothers also want to inform you that they have suffered many sorrows. The time has now come. So let the inheritative be divided, and the due share given to them.

Reference to the Context:- These lines have been taken from the play” The Envoy” written by Bhasa. The Pandavas and Kauravas are ready to fight for the Kurukshetra war. Lord Krishna visits Kuru camp with a peace proposal. But Duryodhana has made up his mind for the war.

Explanation:- In these lines, Duryodhana asks about the welfare of pandavas. Krishna tells him that they are alright and praises him for asking well-being of the pandavas. He tells Duryodhana that they, too , have asked about the welfare of the kauravas and their kingdom. He also informed him that they also want to convey the message that they have suffered a lot. So they want the inheritance to be divided.

 

3.      This is a picture worth seeing there is Dukshasana, holding Draupadi by the hair. Here is Draupadi , seized by Duhshasana and wide-eyed with terror, she looks like a digit of the moon in eclipse. And here is that wrethched Bhima, sizing up the pillars of the hall as he angrily watches Draupadi being humiliated before all the princes. Here is Yudhisthira quietening Bhima with sidelong looks. Here is the righteous and truthful one, stupefied by the game of dice. And here now is Arjuna, eyes filled with rage, lips trembling. He has such contempt for his enemies. He slowly draws the string of his bow, as if he would destroy them all, but Yudhisthira stops him. And here are Nakula, Sahadev, faces flushed, swords in hand, ready to fight. Recklessly they attack my brother, like two calves against a tiger.

Reference to the Context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled : The Envoy written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are uttered by Duryodhana who is commenting on the pathetic picture of Draupadi as a part of his strategy to tease Krishna.

Explanation:- Before Krishna’s entry into the council chamber, Duryodhana commands chamberlain to bring the “paining which shows Draupadi being dragged by hair”. Taking an aside Duryodhana speaks that he will look at the painting at the time when Krishna enters and will not get up for keshava. Duryodhana commands chamberlain to unfold the painting before him. Mockingly he comments on the painting and compares helpless and hopeless Draupadi with “ a digit of the moon in eclipse”. He also ridicules the pandavas. He calls Bhima a” wretched” and compares Nakula and Sahadev with “ claves” in comparison to his brother whom Duryodhana calls “ lion”.

 

4.      Moreover, if anyone gets upto receive Keshava, he will be fined twelve gold coins by me. So, don’t forget that gentlemen. Now, what should be the reason for my not getting up? Ah, that it Badarayana! Bring me that painting which shows Draupadi being dragged by her hair and her garments. I will look as it and not get up for Keshava,

 

Reference to the Context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled: The Envoy written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are uttered by Duryodhana who warns the present gathering not to stand up in honour of Krishna.

Explanation:- Duryodhana plans to arrest Krishna instead of welcoming him in his court. Duryodhana says to the princes that the idea of receiving Keshava with honour does not appeal to him. He plans to arrest Krishna because his arrest will result in deprivation of direction and advice for Pandavas. This way Duryodhana gloats the idea of being the owner of ‘ the whole earth’! He warns the present gathering not to stand honour of Keshava. He also declares that the violation of the warning will result in the penalty of twelve gold coins. Before Krishna’s entry into the council chamber Duryodhana commands the chamberlain to bring the “painting “which shows Draupadi being dragged by the hair. Taking an aside Duryodhana speaks that he will look at the painting at the time when Krishna enters and will not get up for Keshava.

 

5.      When did you say? The Pandavas will seize it? Let the wind- god in the shape of Bhima attacks us in battle. Let the king of gods himself strike us in the person of Arjuna. Not a blade of grass will I give of this kingdom, held and protected by my forefathers, not for all your harsh words, ambassador.

Reference to the context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled.” The Envoy” is written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are uttered by Duryodhana who fundamentally denies the very proposal to divide the inheritance.

Explanation:- Duryodhana in a deficient manner asks Krishna whether the Pandus will grab his kingdom. Giving an open challenge to Krishna, Duryodhana asks Krishna that let the ‘The Wind god’ Bhima attack Kurus in battle. Duryodhana is not fearful of Arjuna too. He says that let the king of gods himself attack Kurus. Duryodhana bluntly states that he will not give even a “ Blade of grass” out of his kingdom.

 

6.      Since, you know History, Sir let me also ask you. Vichitravirya was addicted to pleasures and died of wasting sickness. Your father Dhritarashtra was born to Ambika from Vyas. Then how did he succeed to the kingdom? No, no sir. By this way of mutual confrontation, the Kuru clan may soon become just a name. It is better to give up anger and accept that Yudhisthira and the others have lovingly requested.

Reference to the context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled. The Envoy written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa . These words are spoken by Krishna. Here he uses the shared family history of both the kurus and Pandus as the basis of his argument.

Explanation:-  Pandu had no progeny. Keeping this family history in his mind, Duryodhana asks.” How can a patrimony go to the sons of others?” Making history itself as the base of his argument Krishna tells Duryodhana that his father Dhristarastra was born to Ambika Vyasa. Therefore, Krishna posits a counter-question:” Then how did he succeed to the kingdom? “ Krishna warns Duryodhana that the growing conflict will result in destruction of the Kuru clan. Therefore, Krishna advises Duryodhana to give up anger and to agree to what Pandus are lovingly requesting.

 

7.      How can Krishna leave? He has transgressed the proper conduct of envoys? Dushasana! Durmashana! Durmukha! Durbuddhe! Dushteshara! Arrest him! What? You cannot? Dushasana? You are not able! This Krishna has no strength or power. He is at fault by his own mouth in front of princes. He should be arrested immediately. But you cannot! Uncle, arrest Krishna! What? He turns his face and falls! Very well, I will arrest him myself.

Reference to the context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled: The Envoy written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are spoken by Duryodhana who gives his command to arrest Krishna.

Explanation: - In a taunting tone, Duryadhana utters that how Krishna can leave his court. He accuses of Krishna of disobeying the proper demeanor of a messenger. Duryodhana calls Duhshahsana ,Durmeshana, Durmukh, Durbuddhi and Dushteshvara to arrest Krishna. Motivating Dushasana, Duryodhana tells him that it is easy to arrest Krishna as Krishna has no power. Justifying his arrest, Duryodhana tells the gathering that Krishna has committed the mistake of going beyond the limits of a messenger in front of princes. Therefore, Duryodhana feels that Krishna should be immediately arrested. Surprisingly he tells that uncle you cannot arrest Krishna. Thus he makes a loud claim that he will himself arrest Krishna.

 

8.      You are not worthy of being spoken with. I bear the royal white umbrella. My head is anointed with water from the hands of high priests. You are no better than a follower of my vassal kings. I do not speak with the likes of you. I tell them.

Reference to the context:- These lines are taken from the play entitled: The Envoy written by a prominent classical Sanskrit literary figure Bhasa. These words are spoken by Duryodhana who stops his dialogue with Krishna.

Explanation- Duryodhana clinches the very possibility of dialogue by calling Krishna unworthy of being spoken to. He boasts of his royalty by mentioning that he bears the kingly white umbrella. Taking pride in himself, he tells that his head has been rubbed with water by the hands of priests of high rank. Duryodhana finds Krishna worse than his dependent kings. Making a statement full of arrogance, Duryodhana declares that he does not talk to the people of Krishna’s category.

The Envoy : An Introduction

 

Bhasa is known as the most prominent literary figure in classical Sanskrit literature. He is the earliest known dramatist of ancient India, most of the discovered plays of Bhasa deals with the original themes such as , “ Heroism “ & “ Romantic Love” . These themes appear to be borrowed from the Ingenious Indian texts such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata .From the technical view point, they provide valuable insights into the dramatic tradition that existed in Bhasa’s age . Plays employed various combinations of the eight basic emotions ( bhava) and flavours ( rasa) they were professionally written and performed and other aspects of stage crafts were well developed in terms of content, the most notable thing about the Bhasa’s Mahabharta plays is how he uses creative licence to extra polite dialogues and imagine scenes that were not in the original text of the epic but which are largely consistent with its tone.

“The Envoy” is one of the thirteen plays of Bhasa discovered by T. Ganpati Shastri during the early decades of the twentieth century. The original Sanskrit name of this play was DuteVakya. It is based on a momentous episode from the Mahabharata. It presents an important moment in the progress of the epic. The warring factions of Kauravas and Pandavas are getting ready to fight each other at Kurukshetra. However the Pandavas decide to make a last bid for peace. They send Krishna as their envoy to the Kanrava camp. They want Krishna to plead on their behalf and convince the Kauravas that war can be avoided of the Kauravas agree to give the Pandavas their inheritance. The play depicts Krishna's dignified entry into the Court and his graceful advice to Duryodhana. But the villainous Kaurva King behaves very insolently and insulting while talking Krishna. Enraged at this, Krishna at once calls for Sudarshana who at once appears with his deadly disc. Duryodhana would have been pilled there and then had it not been for the softening words of Sudarshana to Krishna. Krishna sends away Sudarshana and himself leaves for the Pandavas Camp. However before he leaves Dhritrashtra comes there and begs Krishna to be forgiven for the offensive behaviour of his son.

Salient features 1. Bhasa displays the emotions professionally and beautifully. 2. The playwright has shown the complexities very well.

Major Character

Chamberlain The play begins with the entry of the chracter

Duryodhana The eldest son of Dhritarastra and Ganddhari. Born in Kuru Dynasty.

Krishna A Relative and eternal upholder of religion.

Sudarshana The divine discuss ( non - human thing)

Dhritrashtra The elder brother of pandu who was born blind.

 

Aside- is a stage device in which a character expresses to the audience his ‘Soliloquy’ . By convention, it is inaudible to the other characters on the stage. Both devices, common in Elizabethan and later drama, the plays convey the illusion of real life.

Personification- It is a literary device through which human features are attributed to nonhuman things. For eg.Sudarshana the divine discuss is personified by the playwright as it is shown as a speaking character in the play.

Bellow for the Bullocks ( Essay Type Questions and Comprehension Passages)

 

Draw a character sketch of the peasant.

 The peasant in the story is very poor but a diligent worker. He is very wise too. With his hard work he saves fifty rupees to buy a bullock. He knows his limitations so he plans to join hands with another who also had one bullock. He is also a good judge of cattle. Rather than buying a young bullock with some deformity he buys an older bullock free from any blemish. He knows that good breed will be a compensation for the age. He perceives people to be simple, straight forward, innocent and well-meaning like him. He also keeps his word. So he is easily cheated by the thugs. When his wife enquires about his coming back without a bullock he reveals everything. Simple and innocent he may be, he wouldn’t take insult and cheating lying down. His nature is of a fighter. If he can successfully fight against social and natural forces as a farmer, he will also successfully fight against the thugs. The urge to teach a lesson to the thugs is also a reflection of his anger at his own foolishness and carelessness. He is able to have peace of mind only when a good plan comes to his mind. His resourcefulness and intelligence enable him to quickly think of suitable plans to suit the new situations which arise in quick succession and as natural consequences of his actions. In all the three instances of taking revenge in the guise of a woman, a Hakeem and by using the services of a cowherd he comes out as a great strategist. We only marvel at the ways he is able to get hold of the Sardar of thugs alone not once but thrice. Taking revenge was important for the peasant but reforming the thugs was equally important. That explains his insistence on extracting a promise from the old thug that they will give up thuggery. Moral disposition of the peasant is also beyond doubt. Had he made money for himself he would not have been different from the thugs. He spent all the extra money on public welfare.

 2 Bring out the element of humour in the story.

In this story both the dialogues and the actions are conceived in humour. The examination of the bullock by the old thug invokes humour in the sense that we know this counting of teeth or checking of the tension of the tail of the bullock by the old thug is fake. The price of the bullock –two and a half – itself is humorous. Not only the price without the word ‘rupees’ but the vocabulary also undergoes a change from bullock to dhaandhaa. The impersonal ‘Chhoryo’ in place of sons and the implied tonal effects expected in the oral form add humour to the narrative. The mockery of ‘swayamvar’ and the ‘avataar’ (incarnation), the way the old thug is taken to the barn both times and tied to the stake (making him the dhaandhaa) are humorous in themselves. The very act of beating also has an element of humour – the timing and rhyming of the blows and words. The words used in the description of the old man pleading guilty and seeking forgiveness also add to the humour. Since folk tales do not have fixed words the speaker may change it to suit the occasion.

 

  Comprehension of a passage

 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

When he reached home Chowdharan asked, “Didn’t bring bullock?” “I did bring one but got cheated on the way. The Thugs swept clean the fruit of my sweat and labour,” Chowdhary said woebegone. “You are quite a wise person, how could you be cheated?” Chowdhary told her everything. The crude and crass cheating was too much to digest. In the night, still smarting and in deep turmoil he kept tossing around in the cot, not a wink for long. He ardently wanted to teach a lesson to those Thugs. Suddenly he hit upon a plan. And at once, he got into a blissful slumber. The next day he rolled some of the best dresses of his wife into a bundle and got ready to make it to the dhaani of the Thugs. “Whither to?” said Chowdharan. “To teach a lesson to the Sardaar of Thugs.” “What time will you be back?” “Soon.”

 How did Chowdhary lose his bullock?

· Answer: Chowdhary was cheated by the thugs on the way.

 

 Why was Chowdharan shocked?

· Answer: Chowdharan was shocked to know that the fruit of their labour was lost in such a crass manner in spite of the fact that her husband was quite wise.  

 

Why was Chowdhary unable to sleep?

· Answer: Chowdhary was still in anguish for having been cheated. His intention to take an appropriate action to avenge the wrong done on him did not let him sleep.  

 

What helped Chowdhary get into a blissful slumber?

· Answer: He was able to think of a good plan to teach the thugs a lesson and that got him into a blissful slumber.  

 

Who did Chowdhary want to teach a lesson?

· Answer: Chowdhary wanted to teach the Sardar of thugs a lesson.  

 

Who is referred to as a wise person in the passage?

· Answer: Chowdhary is referred to be a wise person in the passage.

Email Writing

 An email, short for electronic mail, is a store and forward method of composing, sending, storing, and receiving messages over electronic communication systems. It is the quickest way to communicate in writing.

Style
Just like letters, emails can be formal or informal.

Companies, organizations, government departments, and offices use formal emails, which are written like formal letters for official communication.

 Informal emails are personal emails between friends, relatives, and, sometimes, acquaintances and are written in a friendly and conversational style.

Language
You should avoid using any contractions, abbreviations, and slang expressions in formal, business, or official emails. In personal emails, however, feel free to use contracted words. Conventions like greetings, salutations, leave-taking and closing remain more or less the same as in letter writing except that most email message significantly reduce them or sometimes even leave them out, especially in messages that run into the chain.

Remember the following points for effective email message:

·        Have a clearly stated subject line

·        Place priority information in the beginning

·        Be brief without being rude

·        Use the right tone – formal/informal

·        Have simple vocabulary, uncomplicated sentences, and paragraphs

·        Use correct grammar and spelling to avoid confusion

·        Be courteous

·        End with thanks / a line saying, you look forward to hearing from the recipient

·        Have a signature which may include position held/address/ phone number etc.

An effective email message must not

·        Be too long

·        Be all in capital letters. This is considered as ‘shouting’. However, some words may be capitalized for emphasis

·        Have very confidential or personal information that may fall into wrong hands and cause problems

·        Be forwarded or circulated unsolicited.

Carry attachments with viruses or malicious software in them.

 

 

Solved Example with Answer for

Write an e-mail to your friend requesting him to lend you his camera.

Answer:

Unfortunately, I broke my camera yesterday. I have sent it to be repaired but it won’t be back in time. Can you do a favour and lend me your camera? I assure you that I will take great care of it and return it as soon as we go back from the trip.

Regards

Name ………..

Suppose we need to write the invitation to a birthday party in the mail to your friends, then the sample would be:

To: (Email of the recipient)

CC/BCC: (If you need to add more recipient)

Subject: Invitation to a birthday party

Hi,

I hope this mail finds you in considerable time. I am very happy to invite you to my birthday party on Jan 03 at XYZ Hotel from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The theme of the birthday party is ‘Cinderella”.

It would be excellent if you come and join us at the party. We will have a great time and fun together.

See You Soon

(Your Name)

Tips for Writing Email Letter Format

·         Stay up to date and do not use old letter writing formats. There is no need to mention a date when practicing electronic modes of communication. Put all your text left-aligned, rather than following older formats utilized for letters written on paper.

·         Always declare your request as clearly as possible, and supply it with a valid reason to make your case more powerful.

·         Formal emails frequently use indirect questions instead of direct ones

·         Formal complaints should be well worded, but without losing the nature of professionalism. While placing down your complaints, make sure your email does not end up looking tense or undignified. It is necessary to state the issues or events producing offense as clearly as possible, but also in brief.

·         Always hold your tone respectful and reassuring when dealing with complaints and grievances. At no point in your email, should you attack the sender with any counter-questions or lose the attitude of formality.

·         Convey happiness or excitement informal emails only with words and appropriate amounts of punctuation, like the occasional exclamation point.

Format of Email Writing

The email writing format is likewise for each of the categories. Though the selection of words and language varies depending upon the kind of email. One can employ friendly and casual writing in informal emails. The language utilized in formal emails should be professional, precise, and formal.

The Important steps for writing the email :

·         Subject Line

·         Salutation

·         Body of the mail

·         Signature

Email Writing Format Samples

The format is given here

From: Sender’s Mail id

To: Recipient’s Mail id

Cc: Other concerned person’s with visible email ids

Bcc: Other concerned person’s with invisible email ids

Subject: Reason for writing the mail

Greeting/Salutation: Display your respect (Such as Sir, Respected Sir)

Main Body: Content of the email

·         Introduction

·         Discuss the matter in detail

·         Conclusion

Closing line: Thank you for the consideration

Attachments: Attach reference files

Signature line: Name and contact details

 

       1          Email Writing Examples for Students

Writing an email to inform your classmates regarding the intra-college quiz competition.

To: (email id of recipient)

Cc:

Bcc:

Subject: Intra-college Quiz Competition.

Hello Everyone!

This is to notify you all that an intra-college quiz competition is going to be conducted in our college on Jan 25 from 11:00 am in Auditorium – 01.

Everyone is therefore invited to take part in the competition so that our department can win.

For further inquiries, feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

(Your name)

 

 

 

 

Bellows for the Bullock (Passages for Explanation)

 

Passage 1

 True to their trade, all of them instantly sensed that the peasant was a simpleton and could be conned easily. They said to the peasant, “Why don’t you sell the bullock?” The peasant thought that there was nothing wrong if he could make twenty or thirty odd rupees. Reflecting for a few moments on what should be a good bargain he said, “One hundred twenty five rupees!” The sons of the thug said that it was too inflated a price.

The reference and the context:

These lines have been taken from the Haryanavi folk tale “Bellows for the Bullock.” The passage shows the first stage in the duping and cheating of the peasant. It also shows the skill and proficiency of the thugs in their trade as they start on a course of cheating the simple peasant without any consultation among themselves. It also shows that human tendency of profit making may blind even a wise person.

Explanation:

All the thugs were well trained in their trade so they immediately understood that the peasant was a simple fellow. It is always easy to cheat such people. They started getting him into their trap by playing on the human tendency of the farmer of making a profit. They suggested him to sell the bullock. The peasant fell into the trap. He thought of a price which would be high enough to allow him to come down significantly in the usual bargain during business transactions and still make a profit. So he said that he would sell his bullock for one hundred twenty five rupees which was naturally considered to be highly inflated by the thugs.

 

 Passage  2

There was a small forest near Thugs’ dhaani. In the privacy of the forest, the peasant got into his wife’s dress and decked himself. The effects were so startling that anybody would take him to be a hoor. In this outfit he reached the courtyard of the Thugs. Finding a woman in their home the oldy and his sons became very happy. None of the sons was married. Who would consign their daughter to the home of Thugs?

The reference and the context:

This passage has been taken from the Haryanavi folk tale “Bellows for the Bullock.” In this passage is delineated the first disguise of the peasant in seeking his revenge. It shows the peasant’s resourcefulness and his correct understanding of the thug family’s mental condition. The peasant adopts a tit for tat policy: if he was deceived he would also deceive.

 Explanation:

The peasant uses the privacy offered by the forest to donning the dress of his wife. He knew his presence as a woman like a hoor will have the desired effect in thugs’ home. Finding a beautiful woman in their home they all become very happy as expected. None of the sons could get a wife because people were naturally averse to the idea of giving their daughters to a family of thugs.