SOME NOT-SO- FAMILIAR TERMS

 SOME NOT-SO- FAMILIAR TERMS

There is a general detachment from learning languages even in levels of higher study.  Leaving aside the current situation in our country, even persons with substantial grip over their ‘vocabulary’ particularly in English/ French/ Spanish would find some terms quite ‘unheard of’. From what I understand, some of them, per se, may not be English or at least the words appear to be social coinages reflecting some preference in portrayal of an idea. There is reason to believe so, since those terms do not figure elsewhere in general practice of using the language.   If you find them irritating, please pardon me.

CATTYWAMPUS

Cattywampus is a term to suggest ‘things moving in wrong direction or progressing awkwardly’.  It is also a reference to ‘ill-kept place’ or a place of poorly organized state. A reference is drawn to the wide difference between how things are [strewn] in a post-office, as against what is generally known of ‘organized’ arrangement in a library.  In this case, such a post office represents ‘CATTYWAMPUS’.

BUMFUZZLE

It is another American usage ‘referring’ to the ‘confused’ or ‘perplexed’ state of the mind. It attempts to show the situation where the person is unable to perceive anything clear due to a burdened opinion. The word seems to have been derived from the old English expression ‘DUMFOOZLE’.

GARDYLOO

Gardyloo  means ‘a warning cry’. An expression ‘imported’ to English from Scottish usage. By its sheer funny ‘sound’ it should have drawn attention of ‘passers-by’. In parts of England, the inmates from upper floor used dump off ‘unwanted’ buckets cautioning ‘GARDYLOO’ , so that the ‘unsuspecting’ pedestrian could move to safety from being hit by the ‘dropped object’. Though not the sound, the caution sounded reflects culture of concern for others.

ABIBLIOPHOBIA

A careful scrutiny of the word reveals a minimum of three components like ‘A’, ‘BIBLIO’ and ‘PHOBIA’. Phobia generally means fear of something. ‘BIBLIO’ refers to citation/ reference / book; while ‘ABIBLIO’ suggests ‘WITHOUT book’ or ’ABSENCE’ of book. Any voracious reader, who finds self ‘left with no book to read’ gets to have a fear or worry from ‘nothing on hand to read‘, expressed as ‘ABIBLIOPHOBIA’. It also applies to the state of uncalled for fear or anxiety from ‘no work to do’ as during a long flight.

COLLYWOBBLES

 Collywobbles refers to a sense of discomfort [like butterflies in stomach] from some fear like of success in an examination or an interview for a job. It is an expression to refer to discomfort or disturbed state or ‘wobble’, in the belly or stomach area of a person. During the outbreak of Cholera, many people felt disturbance [wobble] from infection [hence ‘colly’ a reference to ‘cholera’. Very few words lend themselves to be deciphered while several do not offer clues.

Prof. K. Raman

TUITION

 TUITION

From one of contemptuous status, if an act has assumed significance of contemporary value, it is Tuition. It is an elegant game of playing on the nerves of the ‘consumer’ to his or her ultimate tolerance by mind and money.  I am reminded of our days in school. It was the ‘surest Sin’ to undertake or undergo tuition. Any boy or girl who had real cognitive inadequacy alone was deemed eligible to receive coaching – more as an exercise of systematizing the learner by devoting time to learn under the immediate supervision of a teacher. Those days teachers were not too inclined to undertake such work and generally used to ‘discourage’ the parents from trying to put the ward on coaching. Also, they would readily offer to help the boy/ girl for any clarification in the lunch hour, instead of ‘reading’ an opportunity to make an income. Certainly, the then teachers were in financial penury, but rich in abilities to teach. Honestly, they would take it an insult if his /her ward were to be given ‘extra-coaching’ implying that the teacher was not effective in his/her classroom effort.   

There is a huge shift in trends. Is it a paradigm shift? Really, I find it hard to decipher as to what drives the teacher-taught ensemble to readily settle for ‘tuitions’ right from second standard onwards. None feels it shameful to be under a round the clock vigil of some teacher or the other. Many people are driven by mass-psychology and fear that my child would be left alone, unless put through the same exercise of being at school or tuition except for hours of sleep. Tuition teachers are very smart. They make the student attend to all home work in tuition teacher’s home, with no complaints from school of the student’s default to such assignments. Parents are effectively silenced and the teacher profitably engages self. What an arrangement is this?  Parents tell their neighbours, ”after putting him/her to tuition, [s]he has become systematic and has no time to TV or friends”. They seldom realize that  all his mates are in the same place most of the time continuing with their schedules as ever except that they do not carry ‘dues’ on home work.

It is a marginal gain for the ward to have picked the habit of doing assignment work in time. But, does the cost input over a tuition justify the returns thereof? Beside the inadequate or disproportionate input to output equation, a psychological uncertainty gets unleashed in the minds of learners. They get to develop a fear that “unless tutored, I may not be able to learn anything on my own”. Undoubtedly, it is the most undesirable state of mind for youth; inadvertently, the boy/girl assume that they must receive’ personal guidance’ from teachers. The basic ability to distinguish right from wrong and other approaches of ‘associational learning’ and the strategies of using those skills get weakened and murky as age advances. Never for a moment imagine that ‘the merit’ of a person is related to the sore[s]he achieves in examinations. Many students who were ‘less promising’ in early part of life reach the zenith of skill –as most of them  are late bloomers. Have you heard of ‘gold medalists’ making a mark in their life in office or family? They score high in examinations but not in life. Provide for child’s all round development instead of ‘targeting the child’ to what you consider supreme. World is a huge stage full of opportunity for those who play their game by instinct and do not look around for instructions from coach or tutor.

Prof. K. Raman

 

TINKER

 TINKER

‘Tinker’ is a commonly used term in reference to a worker who mends kinks, shallow cavities, blemishes from physical impact / abrasion especially in Cars or similar vehicles.  In the Indian context, visiting a tinker is common as vehicles get into abrasive proximity under the compulsion of voluminous traffic. At the same time, we view tinkers as ‘god-sent’ men as they do a reasonably good job at a really competitive pricing.

Authorized service stations make a fortune out of every unfortunate vehicle that has had an unpleasant impact. Such stations take advantage of the car owners’ desire for ‘blemish-less looks’ of the vehicle. Even for small setbacks of approximate 3- 5 square inch area, the service station may demand 7000 to 8000Rs in the pretext of ‘working’ finely to restore the surface and secondarily paint the ‘affected’ zone to restore its pristine  looks. To keep a car with dents and damages is unpleasant even by a liberal consideration. In all such situations, people necessarily look for a good craftsman to set the metal right and keep its ‘new look’ with the most appropriate restoration of paint and sheen. It is quite interesting that such works of caliber are handled by un-lettered workers who do a meticulous job of restoring the looks of the car and the prestige of the owner. It is no mean feat considering the intricacies of work, in finely restoring the surface for its uniform contour is by careful dent removal using the ‘right pressure’; any extra pressure may cause new dents.

Many techniques are employed to ‘restore’ surface contour to the most natural looks. Some dents are ‘pressed out’ using muscular push to ‘dome out’ the material. A shallow dent can be removed by application of pressure from underneath. The work may involve dismantling the metal shield from the place and correcting the defect. Some dents are corrected by specially designed dent removers with spider-like legs and a central shaft carrying a disc with a vacuum grip; the shaft is gently screwed down to sit over the ‘dented area’. By further inward slow thrust the vacuum head fixes itself to the metal. By gently pulling the shaft with the vacuum head, the ‘caved in’ metal is brought to its old shape.

Some dented metals are thin to take vacuum pressure of high order. In such cases the vacuum head is gently fixed to avoid shearing the metal. Hot water is poured over the affected part; it makes the metal more flexible by temperature ; at that stage ‘outward pull by vacuum head ‘ restores the metal shape. Dent- removal is an art and any material like wood, rubber or globe-like metal ball can be used to deliver the needed thrust to restore shape. Our tinkers are highly dexterous in application of right pressure to ‘relieve’ dent. If need be the surface may be suitably painted for sheen / fresh look. But, dictionaries for English language describe the ‘Tinker’ –unskilled / non-technical worker without right training. When certified ‘skilled’, the same persons would join ‘’authorized service stations’’ as skilled technician and a customer would only be handled by the ‘front office Engineer –Maintenance’ on specific terms of billing /payment. Never can  we meet the actual worker –the man to restore the looks.

Prof. K. Raman

TIMBRE

 TIMBRE

Having touched the item ‘cine songs, it struck me as to why not on ‘TIMBRE’. Not many have the occasion to notice the term ‘timbre’. It is something that relates to the quality of ‘sound’ typical to a person [singer] or a musical instrument. Obviously, musical instruments stand out by virtue of their ‘tone’ continuous or discrete in flow. For instance, flute or Shenoy or Nagaswaram can be used to make a continuous stretch of tone though variable by amplitude. On the contrary, strumming instruments [string instruments] can be used to make discrete notes though the time lag between successive notes could be compressed to the minimum; yet they cannot deliver ‘continuous note’ in the true sense of the term.

While the basic features of different musical instruments help us to discern differences among them from their timbre, some instruments may camouflage each other unless the listener has a very clear perception of their differences. For instance, the tones from the strings of ‘VEENA’ and ‘SITAR’ may seem to resemble each other for many; those well-trained in recognizing their timbre can readily pinpoint as to when and where a particular instrument is played.  A similar confusion is likely between the tones of ‘Mridangam’ and ‘Dolak’ or between ‘BONGO’ and ‘Congo’. But all these examples are valid only for persons not familiar with the tonal qualities of instruments in each pair. While varied instruments differ by their tonal output, some human voices seem to resemble closely. Say for instance, the South Indian singers KJ Yesudas and P Jeyachandran share close resemblance, though discernible at certain critical junctures.                  Likewise some strong resemblance prevails between the voices of Mr. Mano and that of Shri. S P Balasubramaniam. There are some stage singers who manage to reproduce tonal quality near that of the original singer by apt modulation.

There are some voices that can never be ‘imitated’. Take the cases of playback singers –S.Janaki and Mrs. Vani Jayaram, their voices cannot be ‘reproduced’ by others. Some voices are unique by their high resonance timbre as those of Shri. M K Thiagaraja bhagavathar, Shri. PU Chinnappa. We have had the fortune of listening to some high resonance singers Shri. TM Soundararajan and Shri. Seerkazhi Govindarajan and quite a soft voice of PB Sreenivos. We can ill afford to forget the indomitable Shri. T.R Mahalingam or his high pitch delivery of songs. The moment the name is mentioned, we mentally recall the voice readily due to their distinct ‘timbre’. From those of typical timbre we appear to have slipped into a zone of TIMBER in voice. Yes, the current scenario is replete with rough and crude voices being fielded in the garb of reflecting ‘native style’. Several spheres including even the domain of higher education witnessing a decline by dilution, stringent selection of voices are items of by-gone history. No wonder Timber [in place of timbre] makes headway in recording of voice.

Prof. K. Raman

CINE SONGS

 CINE SONGS

Why this topic on all on a sudden- could be a natural response from any reader. As, my predicament would have it, daily I need to make some topic for blog posting. With other priorities looming large, I am caught between quality and urgency. So, it is just an ‘off the cuff’ choice as the day’s topic.              If there is something which is simultaneously appealing and appalling, clearly, it is the cine song. Consider this; a person born in 1940s has a certain preference for voice, song structure, content and relevance. The one born in 2000 or so has a totally different outlook to the idea of a ‘cine song’. The later born seeks to have a bewildering cluster of instruments -all playing different notes simultaneously. The final output of ‘sound’ passes for music for a youngster. The same ‘music’ causes anger to the old man for its ‘robust raw nature’. Who among them is right? The other is obviously NOT RIGHT in the perception of each other. It is the survival element important for making cine songs in whatever era one may evaluate them!

In my understanding the item called ‘cine song’ needs a sympathetic evaluation if we intend recognizing the intricate limitations that govern a song ‘creation’. Yes, all said and done, every song carved out for movie has to have contemporary appeal [however temporary the appeal is] for its marketability. Unless the stuff ‘looks’ fresh, the participants therein –the lyricist, the composer, the singers and the movie maker all head to a nosedive of ‘personal popularity’. They are perpetually under pressure to ‘give’ something enjoyably different. Despite ‘taste’ –a variable has to be catered to - a median line of common appeal has to be struck to stay in the lime light. Perhaps the closest parallel to such a demanding situation prevails in making tasty dishes to consumers who have varied tastes and preferences. Still, the culinary experts stand up to the challenge and win admiration of consumers. But, in food it is a ‘one-time’ test; but cine songs face repeat trials  from listeners over and over again.

Certainly, there are tools and techniques that ensure the ‘success’ of cine songs. Two of the components of value for success of songs relate to either melody or rhythm. Occasionally, the two elements may themselves register a dominant presence, making the song ‘reach’ glory in short time. Within the structure of a song, the rhythm component is manipulable, through  a combination of strings/ percussion. However, a lot has to go by way of planning for the most dexterous play of instruments to cause a ‘telling’ effect.

Such demanding execution of novel planning and assembly of instruments are not required for the traditional or classical music. Concerts of classical type are more respected for their keen adherence to prescribed pattern of reproduction for ages. Such simplistic ‘repeats’ are just ‘out of place’ in cine music. So, to keep making songs day in and day out highly imaginative ‘creators’ are sought after and it is no joke to keep delivering for decades.

Prof. K.Raman

ADVANTAGES FROM ALOE VERA

 ADVANTAGES FROM ALOE VERA

Before proceeding further,  from what Prof. K.Venkataraman has opined, I deem it apt to clarify what Prof KV has suggested of Aloe vera. The weed along rail track is “RAIL KATRAAZHAI” with longer flat ribbon-like leaves more green in tint. It is not fleshy.. The one with medicinal value is a fleshy succulent , dwarfy and is named “SOTRUKKATRAAZHAI” due to the fleshy semisolid colloidal glass-like Mucilage within holding water and several other biochemical factors of medicinal value.

Contains

Biochemical factors like vitamins, minerals , polyphenolic anti-oxidants, minerals and Amino acids. Together these components in their respective proportions confer the typical ‘odor’ to the plant. Polyphenolic anti-oxidants can interfere with cells showing ‘cancer activity’.

Antimicrobial role [antibacterial] potential for Aloe vera  are also said to be due to some of the polyphenols. In Ale.

The colloidal gel rich in antimicrobial factors works to ‘heal wounds’ by the complex chemistry in the aloe gel.

Interestingly, Aloe gel is suggested to reduce dental plaque; it indicates some degree of ‘acid’-like activity in Aloe.

Studies have shown that Aloe vira preparations can effectively fight ‘mouth ulcers’.

Preparations of Aloe vera are found tobe effective against constipation. especially the latex that interfaces leaf skin and the gel.

Enhancing the looks

Aloe vera contains typical chemicals which promote collagen production in our body and we do not discourage the desire to look younger.

Aloe vera helps to maintain sugar level in blood by triggering pancreatic functions and can exercise control over glycemic  load.

Sometimes consumption of Aloe vera can trigger diarhoea because of its latex that works as a laxative,

So many utilities are know for Aloe vera.

Prof. K. Raman

ALOE VERA

 ALOE VERA

Aloe vera –a long ignored succulent weed has shot into global fame and respect in the last 20 years or so. It seems to hold a place of pride as a panacea for several human ailments and disorders. Interestingly, even the die-hard adherents to Western medical system concede    the value / significance of Aloe in medication.

Tamil= கற்றாழை, Hindi= MUSABBAR, Tel, Kan= = kalabanda, Mal= കറ്റവാഴ

As is the usual tendency in our country, only when the West began publishing the value of Aloe vera, did our society realize our ignorance for the ignored succulent. For quite a time lasting over decades, the plant was suspended in verandahs / corridors as a mosquito repellent. Its value as a medicine has assumed the value of industrial products for the range of human disorders that this plant can tackle effectively. Shamefully, we were too ignorant and equally shamelessly, we adore it as a ‘fair skin redeemer’. Industry is always smart to cash in on any finding and how can Aloe vera be any different? A variety of ‘beauty cream and conditioners of skin, based on Aloe are being sold like hot cakes. Not mere surface beautification, even internal disorders like digestion and related set backs are redressed by the potential of the complex chemistry of Aloe. Mind you, the plant is fighting for its living in dry land impoverished for water. Under the harsh state of living, the plant has acquired substantial adaptive methods of gel-like mucilage rich in biochemically active principles which drive off grazing cattle. The self defender comes to the rescue of humans facing health disorders. 

One important feature to take note of about plants in general  is that they arm themselves with defensive tools like latex, Gums, Resins, oils and Antioxidants –Polyphenols. Such compounds dissuade grazing animals through offensive taste and not-easy- to digest type of pungent smell etc., they defend themselves from being grazed, because the land does not provide ample water. Whatever quantum of water is gathered is under a potent threat by grazing; so, deterrent chemical assembly of bitter alkaloids, pungent fluids, sting hairs and coagulant matter like ‘gel’ are useful to store water even as grazing animals face harsh chemical defence from plant. 

Such finely formulated chemicals have anti-biotic potential besides different other molecules that serve as medicines against human disorders. That is why and how dry land species serve mankind in different ways. At least 9 different medicinal values are ascribed to Aloe vera products.   May be, later we can consider them in detail. As I had earlier contended, tropical climate makes the plants develop unique properties. None can ever assume that Humans are supreme. Painfully, they are supreme in assuming of possessing the power to subjugate others until something like CoVid- 19 strikes a blow. Then we run for life-saving medicines from the non-entities –plants, animals, bacteria or any other Nature’s Gift.

Prof. K.Raman