I’ve being thinking about this post for a long time but my
belief in the urgency of the matter made me wait for I think this should
be discussed at a higher level or by a much more influential media than myself.
I thought someone would pick up the torch and I could follow him. But it
didn’t happen. Everybody just go around like there is nothing missing. So again
it is up to the Regular Joe to deal with what really matters to us.
Although I’m not a native English speaker (as some of you
saw fit to point out to me), English is still a language used by many. Any
time a German, a French and a Zulu will sit down for lunch most likely they will
talk in English. I love English and the decision to write in English was not
just for popularity reasons. I find it easier sometimes to express myself in
English thanks to its rich vocabulary (171,460 words more or less).
Also you can say the American culture, although some might
say absent, has a great influence on all of us like it or not.
So how does a rich culture with such a beautiful language
lack one important thing?
I’ll use an example: recently I had the pleasure to spend a
few months in NYC. During that short time I went out to countless dinners
sucking the city of its food supply. Every time I encountered with the problem
of greeting my company before we start with all the eating.
May You Have a Delicious Meal
How the hell am I supposed to wish “Bon Appétit” to the
English speaking people in the table??!! I don’t know of any other language in
the world missing that part. Do you?
When searching “bon appétit” in English you get the
following results: Tuck in, Get stuck in, Eat already, Enjoy, Enjoy your meal,
Happy eating, Get your laughing gear round this, Down the hatch, This looks
nice…
Really?? Are you happy with THAT?
Really?? Are you happy with THAT?
You have 50 words for hotdogs and not one for that?
Here is where I can start a long discussion about the social
meanings it points out to but why waste time on passing judgment on hungry
people who just want to eat peacefully.
You want to control the world but you don’t have a decent
word for it? Is democracy and freedom got in the way? Or was it the
Kardashians?
Are you going to let the French win this one?!?
Yes We Can Greet!
I’ve being following the presidential race taking place in
the US and all candidates promise this and that but no one of them wish to
solve that awkward moment before eating.
So when the government fails the people should take matters
to their own hands.
I here declare the initiative to find the English food
greeting!
Submit your suggestions and there will be a vote (you love
those right?) in a few weeks.
By then I wish you all Thokoleza ukudla (that’s in Zulu)
I thought of a few just to kick start it: Good Munch, Chews,
Rub a Dub Dub, Digest-well (contributed by a lovely group of teachers on a
bachelorette party so they know what they’re talking about)
Here is your chance to contribute.
Forward this to any person, copywriter, congressman and good eater you think will have an interest
in this grave matter.
