Say it as its not

Whether or not malapropisms enrich a language or a particular dialogic moment,what would the socio-political life of a nation be without gaffes? That gaffes are the mark of linguistic or communicative clumsiness is less pertinent than the fact that its not a gaffe without a public context. That context,depending on the substance and scope of the slip,can even make it look criminal. Moreover,gaffes end up embarrassing not just the individuals responsible but his object,audience and associates as well. When John Kerry,during the 2004 presidential campaign,blurted out that he did vote for Iraq-war funding before voting against it,that sound bite went on to play a part in irretrievably damaging his bid. And that still wasnt George W. Bush class. If ones forgotten George Bush Srs vice president,Dan Quayle,who never after all became president,heres a gem: The future will be better tomorrow.

Now that the redoubtable Suresh Kalmadi has entertained and embarrassed the nation,some might say? with a double gaffe referring to former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as Abul Kalam Azad at the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games and,later,calling Prince Charles by the name of his deceased former wife,Diana,and still pronouncing Prince,do we laugh and forget,calling it a case of weakening memory or poor GK 101? Or simple stage- cum royalty-fright?

The reason the memory of a gaffe lingers,rather warmly,is because of the truism that nothings more human. The bigger the public stature of the person with the slipping tongue,the more redeemed s/he is as a fallible mortal. To judge a gaffe is ultimately to accept human uselessness. Whats the point of our utterances after all? We know what we are. We dont dare know what we may be.