Language

Style of language

Sarfraz Manzoor’s autobiography Greetings from Bury Park reflects the narrator’s background. Because Sarfraz was born in a Pakistani family, the language used in the memoir shows his Pakistani ancestry. 

When it comes to the choice of words, the narrator introduces several words and expressions connected to his background. For example, “shalwaar kameez” introduces readers to a typical South Asian type of dress, while words like “chapatti”, “dahl”, “tandoori”,  and “ludoos” help readers get familiar with South Asian cuisine. Through these words, the narrator portrays a colorful image of his Pakistani background, which makes it easier for readers to relate to. 

Dialogue mainly reflects characters’ attitudes and helps readers empathize with them. For example, the dialogue between Sarfraz and Amolak about supporting England in a soccer match reflects their attitudes towards Britain. As they consider other options, they agree that Britain is the only country that has supported them and given them a chance to prove themselves:

‘The thing is,’ (…) ‘you know how I’ve always supported any other team against England? I’ve started thinking it’s not like the Australians have done anything for me, have they?’

‘Damn right they haven’t,’ confirmed my friend. ‘Racist fuckers. Think about what they did to the Aborgines.’

(…)

‘I mean, you’ve got a fantastic job in the City earning a ton of money. Who gave you that job? It was an English person, yeah? And me, I’m doing all right and it’s only because a British person took a chance on me. Wasn’t anyone Pakistani.’ (Land of Hope and Dreams, 64%)

In this example, informal language and slang mirror highlight the casual relationship between the two. In other cases, slang is used when...