As usual, I find Rudy Otter’s letters interesting and thought provoking. He accommodates young, active mind in a matured body unlike most of us in similar age group! His letters are short, sharp and to the point, pleasure to read.
Although Hi, Bye, Hello is in common use amongst youngsters, it seems we are too old, set in our ways to change in our twilight years. Moreover my old fashioned letter writing, beginning with apology and ending with sincere thanks, has worked wonders, received immediate, positive replies whether dealing with NHS, Councils, Utilities, shops or MPs. But I admit it is dying art in the fast changing world. Then at one time “Esperanto” language was God send gift to humanity that would unite the world! Now dead and buried without trace!
Like Gujarati, Spanish language has two forms, Usted, a polite form when addressing elders and Tu for everyday use. While visiting Spain three decades ago, children would always use polite form when talking to elders. But now it is indeed rare to hear this erstwhile style, Tu is the common, dominant way of speaking and no one seems to mind.
But it seems some old ways and products are creeping back into our lives. More and more children are turning their backs on social media, preferring to talk rather than send text, sales of old style vinyl records is at record level, so is letter writing. I am sure GS/AV is receiving letters at record level as well!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
