Dilemma of a Young Mind

by Hiranya Borah

One of my friends from Assam(India), while on a visit to Delhi commented on my Hindi that I am still speaking Hindi in Assamese ascent. Earlier, another friend commented on my English that I am still speaking like a Gaoburha(village headman).

  I am slow learner of any language. I was told that, I am not very proficient even in my mother tongue Assamese. Still, at this age, I barely can read, write and speak in English, Assamese, Hindi, Sanskrit and Bengali. I barely can read and understand German, Nepali, Gujarati and Marathi. I barely can speak Nagamese. My knowledge limits to ‘understanding only’ in Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Dehati version of Jharkhandi, Barpetia and Nalbadia.

  Many of friends complain that they do not understand what I say. But I am happy that I understand what they say, what they intend say and most importantly, I can also read between the lines!

  I still have a childhood dream that one day, I shall also be able to speak fluent English like my friends!

  Chapter 10: Sleeping with some unknown persons