Before we continue any further, it would be good to become familiar with some Goan words, terms and understand goenkarponn (being Goan). Pl...
Before we continue any further, it would be good to become familiar with some Goan words, terms and understand goenkarponn (being Goan). Plus, some of these words and phrases will help you sound like a local, men!
Goa, over the centuries, has been home to Maratha kings, Portuguese colonisers and Muslim sultans. Now, of course, it is home to independent citizens of India.
The roots of its name come from an interesting mythological tale. The Hindu god Parashurama (the sixth avatar of Vishnu) shot his arrow into the sea and commanded the sea to recede. The corner (kona) and piece (kana) that receded came to be called Konkan.
The official language of Goa is Konkani, which is spoken in a particular dialect depending on where in this tiny state you are, with more than a smattering of Portuguese. The word “konkan” comes from the Kukkana tribe, who originally inhabited this coastal region of India.
Goans are proud of their mother tongue and many movements exist to keep it alive and kicking. The language borrows words freely from English, Marathi and Portuguese. Here are a few words that can be useful to you if you are ever in Goa. And if you’re not in Goa, then...
