the rest. Sowell-versed is he with the Indian ethos that when the need arises, he even learns to "think" [let alone speak] in the vernacular. Kim's knowledge of the various Indian dialects is particularly useful. It provides him with the ability to translate and overcome the tremendous handicap that colonialrulers felt in their inability to translate for which they had to depend on the "unreliable" natives. In this way, Kim's ability to translate represents the colonizer's acquisition of a highly useful device for the Empire. Although Kim's knowledge and understanding of the native culture is Kipling's strategy toposition Kim's superiority, he makes it seem like a "natural" acquisition for a precocious boy whose spirit for adventure motivates him in the pursuit of knowledge. Hence, Kim's ability to understand the natives and assimilate with them endears him to one and all who call him "little friend of the world."...
