It's not the type of thing Bengali wives do. Like a kiss or caress in a Hindi movie, a husband's name is something intimate and therefore unspoken, cleverly patched over. And so, instead of saying Ashoke's name, she utters the interrogative that has come to replace it, which translates roughly as "Are you listening to me?"
The excerpt from Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake" explores the cultural nuances of intimacy in Bengali relationships, particularly emphasizing the unspoken nature of affection between spouses. In this context, naming becomes a symbol of intimacy that Bengali wives traditionally avoid, akin to public displays of affection seen in Hindi cinema. Instead of directly using her husband's name, the wife resorts to a more subtle expression that conveys her feelings while adhering to cultural conventions.
This passage illustrates the complexities of communication within the framework of cultural expectations. By replacing a direct reference to Ashoke with an indirect question, the wife maintains a level of emotional connection while navigating societal norms. This dynamic highlights the intricate balance between personal feelings and cultural tradition, reflecting the often unexpressed depth of relationships in Bengali culture.
