I am passionate about languages as much as I love reading and reviewing books with a multicultural, diverse topic. A book with the title How to Speak Punjabi in Brampton by polymath Nigerian author Onyeka Nwelue, whose books I had the chance to previously review, caught then automatically my attention. Because, even though I consider myself very versed in languages (some of them, at least) I have no clear idea about Punjabi.
However, this book is less about teaching and learning languages, but more about living in languages. Or rather what happened when your family is paying you a visit with your arranged wife in toe, but no English skills.
Balminder Jagvir Singh is a lecturer at a University in Canada, but his parents are not fully happy with his situation. He needs a wife, this bookish lad, therefore, they are coming to him, convinced the time has come to get married. As they arrive in Brampton, in the province of Ontario, they may not be completely lost, thanks to the numerous Punjabi community there. As they navigate the cultural differences and misunderstanding, they do offer a living example of what does it mean to live in between cultures and languages.
With a lot of humour and empathy, Nwelue challenges the reader to figure out the details and everyday challenges of multiculturalism. Also, the references to Punjabi culture and language are important for a better overview of this community.
I really enjoyed the book and I will add it to the collection of readings on relevant cultural and diversity-related topics.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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