Mirinda, Oh Mirinda

Sinjoro Eng helps us identify brands familiar to Malaysians that are actually named in Esperanto.

Most people in the world can speak a word or two of Esperanto although they may not be aware of it. And this includes Malaysians.

You see, when Pepsi-Cola acquired the soft drink, Mirinda, Malaysians learnt to say a word of Esperanto. They may actually know two or three words in fact; it depends on what social level they are at or how well-informed they are about products in this country that are named in Esperanto.

For middle-aged Malaysians, especially those who are now in their 40s or 50s, Mirinda has been a part of their life.  For some of the fashion conscious youth among us, Baleno is a must-buy brand. Meanwhile, those who consider themselves to be in the upper-class, might have Movado watches on their wrists, if not kept in their safe-deposit boxes.

Of late, the new web experience revealed at Google I/O 2012, Movi,Kanti,Revo, is also Esperanto-based.

Some of the products, unlike the above-mentioned ones, are not directly in Esperanto. But they are certainly derived from the language. For example, that well-known fermented milk drink, Yakult.

The frequent Malaysian traveller abroad may know even more words in Esperanto. If you are one, just take a look at the picture compiled by Esperantists to see how many Esperanto words you know.

Here, I present a glossary of products currently named in Esperanto along with their translations:

1. Mirinda = Wonderful

2. Baleno = Whale

3. Movado = Movement

4. Movi = Move (infinitive)

5. Kanti = Sing (infinitive)

6. Revo = Daydream

If some of you remember other products named in Esperanto, you are most welcome to share them in the comments column provided. But for now, take a break and have a taste of Movi.Kanti.Revo., the sensory Chrome Experiment uniquely crafted by Cirque du Soleil. Enjoy!

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