Language

Style of language

The language used by Numair A. Choudhury in “Chokra” is neutral and easy to understand, mainly because the events are narrated by a child. Therefore, sentences are short and easy to follow: “Munmun is already awake. She has that blank look on her face. Together, the woman and I dress her.” (p. 306, ll. 40-41)

When it comes to the choice of words, the author uses Hindi words such as “chokidar” (p. 305, l. 16) “lungi” (p. 305, l. 32), and “chapati” (p. 305, l. 37), which give the story more authenticity. In the first part of the story, when the narrator accompanies his mother to the hut with the kerosene drums, the author introduces words and expressions with negative meanings: “putrid smell” (p. 304, l. 11), “rotting dampness” (p. 304, l. 15), “spoiling meat” (p. 305, l. 1). These words and expressions hint at the terrible ...