BANGALORE: Speak in Kannada and avail 1% discount. This is the mantra which P Umashankar, a chemist, has come up with to encourage Kannada speaking in the IT city that has become a hub of various cultures.

Located in Koramangala, the banner outside Dr Medicals announces 10% discount to all customers, and an additional 1% if they speak in Kannada. Umashankar told TOI: "Nithin who works in my shop does not know English. Sometimes there's communication gap with customers. To encourage customers to speak in the local language that makes it easier for both, I thought of this.''

Over 100 customers have availed of this discount which he's been offering for 20 days. "I've given this discount even to those who just assure me they would speak in Kannada next time.'' And some of his customers have expressed willingness to speak in the language, with women being fast learners.

He's planning to put up a chart in his shop to guide customers on elementary Kannada. "Customers can look at the chart and phrase their questions to buy medicines.''

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Speak-in-Kannada-and-avail-1-discount/articleshow/6263317.cms#ixzz0vrH5imhB