There are a couple of arresting metaphors in Manto's stories specifically within Bismillah and Toba Tek Singh that ring synonymously with some metaphors used within the English Language. On the last page of Toba Tek Singh, we see the use of "falak shagaaf cheekh"-- translated literally into English, this means "a piercing shriek" or "a shriek that pierced the air". Similarly, in Bismillah page 51, "Saeed ke badan mei barqi lehar dauri"-- again translated literally it means "an electric current ran down his body". I found the use of metaphors by Manto which are so commonplace within the English language very striking-- are some feelings so universally expressed or are these expressions blatant proof of the seeping effects of colonialism within the Urdu language in the 20th century?
Sultana's attempt at English in Kali Shalwar seems to point towards the latter; "This life very bad.." is an endearing example of how the tables turned as the natives try to adopt the foreign rather than the initial foreign adjusting to the native. Manto scatters such instances throughout his texts-- the western commode in Kali Shalwar, Saughandi's 'Master Weiss Portable Gramophone' are all subtle indicators of the colonial impact into everyday lives. The fact that such metaphors and words are now so innocently a part of the vernacular even today makes for an interesting study.
Sultana's attempt at English in Kali Shalwar seems to point towards the latter; "This life very bad.." is an endearing example of how the tables turned as the natives try to adopt the foreign rather than the initial foreign adjusting to the native. Manto scatters such instances throughout his texts-- the western commode in Kali Shalwar, Saughandi's 'Master Weiss Portable Gramophone' are all subtle indicators of the colonial impact into everyday lives. The fact that such metaphors and words are now so innocently a part of the vernacular even today makes for an interesting study.
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