Wander Woman

I have a group of friends here who have been most instrumental in introducing me to the Malayali culture. It is to them that I turn when I need to learn the meaning of a word or when I need some Malayalam lessons. Words that I have picked up are edathu (left), Vallathu (right) and nirthu (stop) which are enough to direct my auto to the office everyday.So, I was just talking to one of them today and telling her that how Malayalis cant say 'sir' but instead pronounce it as 'saaaaar' when she told me that it is the custom here in govt offices to address everybody, including ladies, as 'saaaar'. I was in splits when I heard that. She told me that her mother works in a govt office and they often receive calls asking if 'Lakshmi saaaar' is available. Also, I got to know that a very arrogant, proud person is labelled 'decent' condescendingly. I think the meaning must have gotten subverted over the years and people of proud bearing are called 'decen...