An autorickshaw driver in Bengaluru has come up with a creative solution to help his passengers communicate in Kannada. To bridge the gap between Kannada and non-Kannada speakers, the driver places a leaflet saying “Learn Kannada with Auto Kannadiga” in his car.
The leaflet contains everyday Kannada phrases translated into English, giving non-native speakers an easy way to communicate more effectively with locals. Some useful phrases include greetings such as 'Hello sir' and 'I am learning Kannada'. For navigation, he shows how passengers can now easily say, “Sir, drive a little faster,” “Go slow,” or “Go a little further and take a right/left turn.”
Other practical phrases in the brochure help with questions about the fare, such as: “How much?” and “Do you accept UPI or cash only?” Passengers can also ask if the driver has change for a certain amount or request the driver not to cancel the booking. There were also translations for phrases like “Just be patient, I'll be there in two minutes” and “I'm in a hurry, please come quickly.”
The creative poster was designed by “Auto Kannadiga”, a content creator. The initiative is widely appreciated online.
very convenient pic.twitter.com/RqC6lTpwuq
— Vatsalya (@vatsalyatandon) October 21, 2024
One user wrote on X: “Good way to politely ask people to learn a new language. Many will welcome this and have a curious approach to it. Don't force. Promote and create curiosity.”
Good way to politely ask people to learn a new language. Many will welcome this and have a curious approach to it.
Don't force ❌
Promote and create curiosity ✅— Shubham Kumar (@shubhamkr077) October 21, 2024
Another said, “It's a fun way to learn… I'm from UP but live in Karnataka. I usually only learn Kannada this way… and Kannada is a very beautiful and respectful language.”
It's a fun way to learn…I'm from UP but live in Karnataka…I usually learn Kannada this way only…and Kannada is a very beautiful and respectful language….????
– VIVEK YADAV ???????? (@vivekya69167683) October 21, 2024
Someone called it a “faster, cheaper way to learn Kannada.”
This seems like a faster, cheaper way to learn Kannada.
— Ajay AJ (@AjayTweets07) October 21, 2024
A photo of the leaflet was shared on LinkedIn by IIM Bangalore alumnus Manjeet Nalawade. “As a non-Kannadiga, I absolutely love this approach!” Mr Nalawade wrote, praising the driver's efforts. “A thoughtful way to help both non-Kannadigas and Kannada motorists navigate the city!” he said.
He also added a light-hearted comment: “This is yet another reminder of how drivers in Bangalore are so used to addressing everyone as 'sir' :).”