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A
conversation with a coolie
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A CONVERSATION WITH A COOLIE (PORTER)
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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:
Ashok:
Yes, but how much will you charge?
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.
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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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Chapter
1
