Chapter Text
Hi everyone! I’m super excited and nervous to post on here. I’ve been an AO3 lurker for several years now and finally worked up the courage to create an account a few weeks ago. I was planning on continuing to read and bookmark stories but decided I was ready to take a stab at writing again. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve written anything not academic-related, so I’m feeling really rusty. I’m open to feedback – both positive and constructive so please, feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts 😊 As a biracial South Asian girl, I’ve never seen my culture or Desi characters really shared in fanfiction. My goal is to change this by writing stories with South Asian characters! I hope people who are underrepresented feel they can see themselves in my writing. For others who may not see themselves physically or culturally represented in my original characters, my hope is they can still enjoy the story and get lost in its magic. This story centers around a female first generation Pakistani-Canadian character and while some of the cultural components may feel stereotypical (i.e. an arranged marriage, gender role expectations, etc), this is necessary for plot development. I can’t say more because I don’t want to ruin it! Just know I’ve got some surprises and tricks up my sleeve 😊 This first “chapter” will be a running list of Urdu/Hindi word translations along with images links to help others who are unfamiliar with South Asian culture (or those who are just curious to see what things look like in my mind). I hope you guys enjoy this story and thanks for taking the time to read this giant disclaimer!
- Cardamom_Queen
Name Pronunciation Resources
Anjali name pronunciation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG4yRaTo5Ew
Nazia name pronunciation guide: There was no great video for this :/ I will say Nazia sounds like the name Nadia. Just replace the “d” sound with a “z” sound!
Salma name pronunciation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_re9d6jw-s
Vocabulary Guide
Ammi - Mom
Abu - Dad
Dadi - paternal grandmother
Tikka – Head jewelry traditionally worn by brides at weddings
Lehenga – Traditional South Asian dress that consists of a blouse, skirt, and scarf
Shalwar kameez – Traditional South Asian dress that consist of a longer dress, pants, and scarf
Mehndi – Henna in traditional designs typically placed on hands and feet
Nath – Large hoop nose ring typically worn by brides at weddings
Salaam – Hello
Beti – Daughter/child (female), used as a term of endearment
Jumka – A specific style of earrings
Meri jaan – a term of endearment said to loved ones similar to “my dear”; literally translates to “my life”
Bohat garam hai – “it’s very hot.”
Biryani – A multicolored rice dish that has meat or vegetables (or sometimes both – different regions use different spices and ingredients)
Chappals – house shoes/house slippers
Dua(s) – prayers from the Qur’an