Different Languages, Water Chemistry and Environment

Different languages, water chemistry and Environment

I had heard (in India – in 1940’s) from elders that spoken language changes after every 10 miles! I was in school at that time and did not feel change in speech of different school-mates. However, some basic words differed. Hindus and Muslims used different words in greetings; Muslims used to greet with word “salaam or assalamu-laikam – (peace be upon you)” and depart by saying “khuda hafiz – God’s protection”. Other students greeted with words “Parnam, namaste, sat-siri-akal”. Muslims used to use another common word “Adaab meaning respects” – give or pay my respects to your uncle. This word was well understood in hindi and urdu. Urdu looks like a mixed dialect of various languages spoken in India at that time.

However, when I grew up and came in contact with other people visiting villages and town with my parents, out of area 10-18 miles away, I felt the difference. More of this when I moved to other cities; I noticed difference in local spoken languages, the structure and looks of people and the animals. Very strange!

Water chemistry

I did not understand the philosophy of taking some water with us when visiting a relative 18 miles away where we had to stay for few days. Saving some of it for a day, rest of that water was then poured in water-jar (pitcher) of the host. If we had not done so, we could face some stomach upset. In our own neighborhood, there were spots of sweet as well as saline water. It takes time for stomach to adjust to a strange intakes. It is true when we are in light and enter a dark room; we are in dark and someone puts on light, or we look out from a dark room to light outside, our eyes take some time to adjust.

Food (vegetables, meat and fruit) and spices were almost identical and made no significant problem. Stomach temperature is different from the outside body temperature. Nature produces fruit and vegetables in summer which can cool down our stomach temperature; while in winter fruit and vegetable are such that they can increase the stomach temperature; - to keep both inside and outside temperature amicable.

Change of climate - customization

Just per chance I remember an instance when East Pakistan members of Pakistan national assembly came to attend session at Islamabad. It was normal in East Pakistan but whether was cold at Islamabad. Those members came in light dress. Blankets requisitioned and they had to stay back in the aircraft for some time. Travelers usually find out weather conditions at the destination. Although there were 24-hour communication between East and West Pakistan, the mercury was ignored. We should obey the nature; keep warm in winter and light dress in summer, umbrella or a hooded jacket for rain.

My parents told us how to compromise difference between Inside and Outside temperature effects on our persons; like, wipe/rub hand on feet immediately after taking off socks, and on head after taking off hat/cap, and face when stepping out in the open.

All this was to make a possible safer transition from one temperature environment to the other. For example, if someone fainted; by any reason; people used to sprinkle some water on his/her face and the fainted person would open eyes and come to senses.

Suggestions are welcome!
Article by: Sheikh Sarwar - sheikhmsarwar@gmail.com