An Introduction to Spoken Kashmiri (original) (raw)

GOING TO DAL LAKE
A conversation with a na:vivo:l(a boatman) about sight-seeing on and around Dal Lake. Brief references are made to the gardens on the banks of Dal Lake such as Nishat, Shalimar, Chashma Shahi.
Ashok: Hello there, boatman! Boatman: Yes, sir. Ashok: How far is Dal Lake from here? Boatman: This is Habba Kadal. Amira Kadal is one mile from here. It will take an hour from Amira Kadal (Note: Kadal means a bridge). Ashok: We do not have much time. How long will it take to see Dal Lake? Boatman: If we hurry, it will take us thre to four hours. Ashok: Can we return before it gets dark? Boatman: Yes, certainly. Ashok: All right, what are the things worth seeing at Dal Lake? Boatman: Dal Lake is very big. On the banks of Dal Lake there are three famous gardens. Ashok: What is on Dal Lake? Boatman: In Dal Lake, there are two islets: Golden Island and Silver Island. Ashok: What are the names of the gardens? Boatman: The three famous gardens are Nishat, Shalimar, and Chashman Shahi. Ashok: What is in the gardens? Boatman: In the gardens there are flower beds, fountains, and beautiful balconies. Ashok: Are there flowers in Dal Lake? Boatman: Yes, there are lotuses and vegetables in Dal Lake. There are aso many houseboats on Dal Lake. Ashok: Can we get something to eat there? Boatman: Yes, there are many hotels there. One can also get a (Sama:va:r and Kashmiri Cups) there. Ashok: All right, let us go then. Boatman: (Please) come into the boat. Ashok: How much do I have to pay? Boatman: Only fifteen rupees. Ashok: All right, let's go.