| During the British Raj, it was felt that bonding with the locals would be better if English officers could speak in Punjabi. Accordingly, a Punjabi tutor was arranged for a Gora Major Saab. After a month the tutor felt he had taught the British Major good Punjabi. The Major's commanding officer in Lahore, the British General, decided to personally test the Major. So, he threw some ink on the table and asked the Major to describe in Punjabi what happened. Major: Aithay ink Kinnay giraayi Hai? The tutor looked happy but the General was disappointed and asked them to further improve the Punjabi. Another month passed and it was time for another test. The General again threw ink on the table and asked the same question. Major replied in his improved style: Aitthay Siyahi Kinnay Doli Aa? The tutor was thrilled but the General was still not satisfied. So the tutor asked what the General was expecting. The General said he would demonstrate and called a desi Punjabi Sergeant to come into the office. The Sergeant walked in, saw the mess and immediately screamed: Oye Kanjaro ! Eh Maiz Di Maa Behan Kinne Kitti Aa? The old General stood up, applauded and announced: Now, that, gentleman is Punjabi. |