02 November 2006

Why a duck?

Why indeed! Over the past decade or so there has been an epidemic of Asian and African cities changing their names back from anglicised versions that they have been called since they were colonised back to more appropriate native language versions. It probably started when Peking was altered to Beijing and there have been innumerable other cases since. In most cases the old name rapidly withers away and is forgotten.

Except, for some reason, when an association with a duck keeps the old name alive. Ergo, even though Peking has been called Beijing for quite a number of years, Peking duck was never renamed keeps those memories alive. Likewise, even though it occurred more recently, Bombay would be forgotten and we would only think of Mumbai except for it's association with Bombay duck (actually a fish).

Pity poor Banglalore then for it is soon to be known asBengalooru and, as I know of no gastronomical delicacy named "Bangalore Duck", I imagine it will swiftly pass from our memories.

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