bakedbean

A friend pointed out this "news story" in the Star online recently. I just wonder where do they find these people? Maybe it's these inquisitive folks that TeeJayDee runs into. You wanna watch out next time someone is asking questions.... might find yourself in the Star newspaper.

Anyway the news story is that this guy, a Singapore born Brit, got his MM2H back in 2006 and really loves Penang and the beautiful greenery (obviously doesn't live near me then).

You can read more here:
MM2H participant raves about friendly locals and tasty food - Focus | The Star Online

teejaydee

This article is all well and good, and although they asked him how old he was and if he was married, they failed to ask him how much he paid for his house, and how much he used to earn .

Also, they appear to have asked him what he liked about Penang (to which he duly trotted out the standard answers of "the locals" and "the food"), but not what he disliked. I am sure if they had, he would have said "Nothing", as no doubt he would not wish to jeopardise his prospects for getting his mm2h visa renewed 12 months from now.

Davita

The story said he goes hiking 'THRICE' a week....jeeez, how old is this reporter?

I haven't heard that word since I turned 75...a few years ago...

teejaydee

In my experience, it is a very commonly-used word amongst Indians, who often use a form of English which to many of us would appear quaint. I suspect the interviewee used the word and the reporter just included it in the article.

bakedbean

Yes I've noticed that too TeeJayDee.

teejaydee

I suppose it's not surprising that British English and Indian English should differ, in the same way that British English and American English do.

While working in India, I came across another example of the use of archaic words still being used in Indian English. I was often referred to as a "Britisher", which is a term I had never before heard. For anyone interested, the internet tells me:

Britisher is mainly used in the Indian subcontinent, having originated there during the British Raj. Its use was once considered pejorative, but is now mostly considered jocular.

InVinoVeritas

It's also what the Bosch called us - Britischer - not that I was alive then!