My sister Shirley went over to the Khasi Hills where we grew up, to visit my brother Jim and was invited to sing in a folk festival. She hasn't been there for 33 years but tried her best to speak entirely in Khasi while she was there. Wow. I am impressed! I know I couldn't do it. Here she is giving a tv interview in the local language. My brother was born and lived there still so he had no trouble. Apparently Shirley was a big hit!
That is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteTotally awesome!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do it. I had a hard time understanding them and I spoke it as a kid as well.
ReplyDeleteWow! Impressive! What an amazing childhood that must have been!
ReplyDeleteShe must have stolen the hearts of even those who never saw her during her stay in Shillong .I hope she keeps visiting Ri Khasi whenever she can.
ReplyDeleteMy mother passed this link on to me..What a lovely piece..I feel ashamed that I don't speak Khasi as well as your sister does!
ReplyDeleteI felt bad too - the first time I couldn't understand it at all but each time I watch it I can understand more of it. Jim is too fast but I can make out most of Shirley's. Still quite amazing after that long absence.
ReplyDeleteI shared this link with Derek Perry (now in Australia ) whose father's maternal granmother onwards were based in Shillong since 1885 and he said that he had heard about the Perry family of Mawlai, but never had a clue till he got the link.Derek's father's maternal ancestors are of French origin who came to India in the 18th century and moved eastwards till they came to Guwahati in 1848 & finally to Shillong fifteen years before the close of the 19th century.
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