Hobson-Jobson: The Anglo-Indian Dictionary (Wordsworth Reference)

Author: Henry Yule, A. C. Burnell

Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd (1999)

Binding: Paperback, 472 pages

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The indispensable guide to Hindi English words, to the influence of Indian languages, and a most entertaining read. A book as unique and multi-leveled as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan today.

Product Description

Bungalow, pyjamas, tiffin, rickshaw, veranda, curry, cheroot, chintz, calico, gingham, mango, junk and catamaran are all words which have crept into the English language from the days of Britain's colonial rule of the Indian sub-continent and the Malaysian Peninsular. Hobson-Jobson (derived from the Islamic cry at the celebration of Muhurram 'Ya Hasan, ya Hosain' is shorthand for the assimilation of foreign words to the sound pattern of the adopting language. This dictionary, compiled in the late-19th century, is an invaluable source which has never been superseded. It is an essential book for all who are interested in English etymology and the development of the language.