Unspoken Conversations in Maharashtra: A Cultural Insight

Living in a diverse society like Maharashtra, it is not uncommon to overhear conversations that reveal a lot about the social dynamics and cultural misunderstandings that exist. This article explores some of these instances, where unintentional or intentional misunderstandings have played a role in shaping relationships and self-perceptions. The focus is on a personal encounter, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and understanding.

Unforeseen Conversations

One such instance occurred during my college days when I was a youngster with a proper headscarf. Though a few of my college mates were unaware of my Marathi language proficiency, in truth, I had a fair grasp of the language due to my schooling in a Marathi medium. My ability was neither widely known nor utilized. Hence, an unlikely dialogue was about to unravel.

One of the girls, who did not know of my language skills, came to a friend who was aware of it, exclaiming, 'she doesn’t know Marathi, we could mock her in front of her and she can’t do anything about it.' When I overheard this conversation and stated that I too knew very little about Marathi, one of the listeners suddenly interjected, 'Naushin knows Marathi! She must be listening, so don’t talk like that.' The person immediately apologized for her unintended disrespect.

During this awkward moment, I kindly addressed them, saying it was fine and that it happened to me too. While they continued to laugh, I calmly suggested that I might leave or they could continue the conversation, adding humor to the situation. This encounter, although tense, resulted in a positive outcome. This incident paved the way for a new friendship, as the girl eventually became a very good friend to me. Despite her previous behavior, she showed a significant personal transformation, which was quite an eye-opener.

Overheard Conversations in My Husbands' House

Another instance of such cultural misunderstanding occurred at my husband's house during our early stages of married life. Sensing that the maids did not know I understood and spoke Marathi fluently, they began discussing me in the language. Their conversation went something like, 'Bhabhi is so nice, but she won't last long in this house because good people don't stay here.' Although I was not present, I distinctly heard and understood one sentence that could be interpreted as a negative prediction about my prospects as a member of the household.

Unfortunately, my stay at my husband's house was short-lived as I left due to various reasons pending a divorce. However, these conversations highlight the disparity in the way people perceive and treat individuals based on language and preconceived notions.

Peculiar Conversation with Friends

A peculiar conversation with my friends also caught my attention during a time when we were still acquaintances and had little exposure to each other's language skills. Our communication was primarily in English and Hindi, but as time passed, I overheard a conversation that revealed their limited understanding of Marathi.

The conversation went as follows: 'B1: Have you heard, Dada got married to a 16-year-old wife. B2: Holy heck! Really? B1: Don't joke about it! B2: Moreover, he must be a pedophile.'

Entertainingly, when my good friend noticed a pimple on his chin and became worried about his appearance, the conversation shifted unexpectedly. B2: 'Look at this giant pimple on my face, I look so weird.' His friend dismissively commented, 'Focus on your studies. You look weird anyways.' I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of their exchange, leading my friend to question my understanding of Marathi.

With a laugh, I explained that I did not understand Marathi, but they didn't understand Avadhi or my Shudh Hindi, and the situation turned into a lighthearted moment. This interaction not only reinforced the importance of understanding and miscommunication but also led to a humorous and memorable moment.

Conclusion

Overheard conversations in Maharashtra, especially those involving language and culture, provide vivid insights into the daily dynamics of social interactions. While they can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations, they also offer opportunities for personal growth, friendship, and a deeper understanding of one's own and others' perspectives. Understanding cultural nuances is not just crucial for smooth communication but also for building harmonious relationships in a diverse society.