Tanti at the Oval

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Tanti at the Oval

Throughout the years, the Caribbean countries have become known because of their major participation in cricket. In my opinion cricket in the Caribbean is not just seen as a sport but as a symbol of unification among Caribbean people. From this, there is also a lot of rivalry, in which people who favour a particular team often bet or argue about which team is better. From this Caribbean Patriotism arises. Also, dialectal language is widely used in the Caribbean and varies amongst Caribbean countries as well as stereotypical Caribbean behaviour. All of the above stated points are a major feature of the dialogue, “Tanti at De Oval”, by Paul Keens-Douglas, which is the dialogue this piece is based on. The importance of cricket, dialectal language and stereotypical behaviour, together with Caribbean patriotism are a major part of Caribbean society and will be further explained in this piece.

The dialogue is based on a 65 year old an aunt (Tanti Merle) who is going to the Queens Park Oval for the first time to watch a cricket match between Trinidad and The Combined Islands. Her nephew however is responsible for carrying her and is irritated and embarrassed by her scandalous behaviour as she prefers to have her “own way”, which basically means she likes things done her way regardless of anyone else’s opinion. This was shown by her means of stopping transport to get to the oval as well as her choice of seating and her demands towards the “Bad John”. Despite her argument with the “Bad John”, the unity of the game is shown as she puts aside her differences and still offers him food during the match, as well as the riot based on the umpire’s decision. Keens- Douglas writes, “Dat exact same Tanti Merle dat look as if butter can’t melt in she mout. It take me ‘bout two hours to get she out de Oval. She drop de basket an’ de Parasol mash-up. ”

With respect to Dialectal Language, Keens-Douglas uses it dominantly in the dialogue to promote...