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A conversation with a coolie |
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| A
conversation between a mozu:r
'laborer, coolie' and a tourist. The fixed collocations which may be used
in bargaining for a price from shawls to sheep are:
Once a price is quoted by the seller, one habitually responds, 
Ashok: No, that is too much. In Kashmir, as in other parts of India, a mozu:r is ubiquitous and carries anything from firewood to fruit. |
Porter: Do you have any luggage, sir? 
Ashok: Yes, two cases and one bed-roll. 
Porter: Shall I carry the luggage? 
Ashok: Yes, but how much will you charge? 
Porter: Where do you have to go? (Where are you going?) 
Ashok: I have to go to Dal Gate. 
Porter: Only ten rupees.
Ashok: No, that is too much. 
Porter: No, sir, this luggage is heavy. It will require two coolies. 
Ashok: Can we get another coolie? 
Porter: Yes, sir, we are two. 
Ashok: All right, say how much you will charge. 
Porter: Just ten rupees, sir. 
Ashok: No, eight rupees. 
Porter: All right, sir, let us go. 
Ashok: This is (my) luggage. |
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