Description

About The Book: “A Laskari Dictionary: Or Anglo-Indian Vocabulary of Nautical Terms and Phrases in English and Hindustani” by Thomas Roebuck, first published in 1882, is a comprehensive resource on 19th-century maritime language. The dictionary focuses on the terminology used by Laskaris, Indian sailors serving in the British Navy. It is organized into two sections: English nautical terms with Hindustani equivalents and Hindustani terms with English translations. Additionally, it offers a pronunciation guide for Hindustani words and a brief introduction to the language's grammar. The work captures the linguistic and cultural exchange between British and Indian sailors, documenting the "corrupt jargon" prevalent among Laskaris. This dictionary serves as a valuable tool for understanding the British Navy's history and the cultural interactions during colonial India, providing insights into how language facilitated collaboration in a multicultural maritime setting.