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
10 Replies
The discount is for helping the employee who does not know English. The customers have to be given incentive for speaking in kannada. They would speak in English naturally without any discount. This shows the significance of English.
Would it not be better that the employee be offered incentive if he learns English rather than giving incentive to customers. The instance clearly demonstrates that English is not foreign.
Would it not be better that the employee be offered incentive if he learns English rather than giving incentive to customers. The instance clearly demonstrates that English is not foreign.
I agree with Sajeetharan.The chemist is really constructive. He threatens no one. He promotes Kannada for ease of his employee. Instead of appointing another employee who could deal with English speaking customers, he is encouraging customers to speak in Kannada. The Chemist is probably the best employer in the world.
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sajeetharan
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Saturday, 07 August 2010 07:22
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