Purpletigron

I've been learning to write in Urdu, using the Arabic nastaliq script. This looks better written with an Italic nib than with a 'point-like' pencil or pen. However, it's written right-to-left, and so my nib scratches - very similar to the problems which my left-handed friends had in writing English!

A few months ago, I found a suggestion on the Web that using a left-handed nib to write Urdu (right-to-left) would cure right-handers of the scratching problem. Hmm! Sounds plausible.

Luckily, I still have the proper Osmiroid fountain pen that was presented to everyone leaving my primary school (which taught Italic hand to the older children). When I last had it serviced, I acquired a set of mixed width nibs, for left and right hands.

The medium left-hand nib is working a treat whilst I copy from 'Teach Yourself Urdu' :-)

My next Urdu (speaking and reading) lesson is at 18:00.

... amuse me extremely!

I've just realised that I finally have a use for my left-handed italic pen nibs: Urdu calligraphy :-)

Our LETS is having an Organic garden party this afternoon, and the forecast is warm with sunny intervals :-) I hope Mater will feel equal to joining me...

We finally and happily celebrated G's birthday last evening, at the best Indian restaurent in the region. Despite aches, Mater enjoyed the evening, as she and I walked outside and talked during the waiting parts of the meal.

My next Urdu lesson is this evening. I'm working with the KS3 textbook, learning to read and write Urdu at the level of an 11 year old who is fluent in spoken Urdu and English, and literate in English but not Urdu. Being me, I am teaching myself Hindi script at a parallel rate. Tip of the day: Hindi script is easier than Urdu script!

PS I'm not keeping up with LJ, so please email me with anything vital...