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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Janko |
Posted - 04 Sep 2013 : 18:30:18
Fulbe Africa clocks 1
Tuesday, September 03, 2013
Fulas in The Gambia on Saturday celebrated Fulbe Africa first anniversary at a ceremony held at the Father Farel hall at West Field. FULBE is a general name for the Fula ethnic group and the celebration brought together Fulas in The Gambia to discuss and share ideas about Fula origin and culture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maitre Adama Baldeh, the Fula International Ambassador from Kolda in Casamance, Senegal thanked the organizers of the programme for the initiative, while describing it a very important not only for the present generation but also generations to come.
Baldeh whose knowledge on Fula culture and history enable him to travel far and wide to address Fula gatherings, said it is their responsibility to preserve their rich culture as it has so many things that they can benefit from.
For his part, Samba Bah, an assistant lecturer at the University of the Gambia, revealed that FULBE AFRICA is an online organization formed by a Gambian-British soldier through Facebook. According to him, Fulbe Africa joined people from ten different countries and they are the Fulbe Africa Gambia chapter, adding that the main aim of organising this group on Facebook is to bring Fulanis together to share ideas.
He affirmed that members of the Fulbe Africa research their culture and share it with others in the group. “So we think it is wise to organize this programme to celebrate our culture and keep it for other generations to come,” he said.
Lamin Saidyba, a veteran Fula language broadcaster at GRTS said it is their collective responsibility to preserve their culture and language. He described the initiative as very important because it reminds the youth, of their past and lays a foundation for generations to come. He further advised the youths to be disciplined, hardworking and dutiful to their country.
Author: Samba Jawo |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Janko |
Posted - 21 May 2014 : 13:37:24
Thanks, Sister, your points are well noted.
As we all know there is a thinline between FaceBook and Reality, I mean, the Arab-Spring. |
| Sister Omega |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 23:31:26
Pulaar ties the Fulbe together although there are various strands of the language. As a traditionally nomadic group with the continent being divided. The Fulbe have organised events to unit them in celebrating their language and culture. What's wrong with that likewise any other group celebrating and strengthening their diversity.Whether they be Mandinka, Jola, Serehauli etc. Yes we have Berlin Conference boundaries. But as the whole of Africa knows there are the National boundaries, and the indigenous ones i.e. Fulas living in Gambia have families in Senegal, Mauritania Guinea Conkray etc. With the Mandinka coming originally from the Bantu from DRC and Zimbabwe. There are similarities and differences within languages. Indigenous languages need to continue to progress or they will become obsolete. One of Africa's many gifts is its people being to pick and converse in many languages. Now how many first language speakers can say that. I am not going down the negative route of tribalism that is one divide and rule tactic. That has disenfranchised Africans from their natural resources and impoverished us all. |
| kobo |
Posted - 16 May 2014 : 20:50:25
Janko True HARD TALK AND REALITY CHECKS DONE! |
| Janko |
Posted - 16 May 2014 : 08:38:36
Thanks Sister, you are right in all you said.
Colonialism has affected all Africa and Africans, in one way or the other.
But since 50-60 years Africa is composed of independent "Nation-states".
These nation-states are not inhabited by a single languagegroup but by many.
This is the narrative of Africa today, for better or for worse.
I grew up in a bilingual village, where we converse in two languages, in the conversation some points are better expressed in one language and others in the other language, so we keep sifting between two languages. It’s a wonderful feeling.
Never has there been an activity exclusively for one languagegroup. Reasonably, all activities are collective, mentally and physically. I am proud to speak fluent Poular.
No languagegroup is stagnant; that it has been the same since time began. So, to imply that a particular languagegroup is stagnant and frozen in time is problematic in many ways. The idea goes against all laws of nature. And by claiming purity, one is excluding others based on a false claim. To propagate or advocate for an idea that is not reflecting everyday reality, but purely ideological is not only illusive but risky. History has lots of such examples.
So, the point in focus is who is included and who is excluded in such a transnational network and what are the consequences of such differentiation, in the long run? To be able to make such distinction one needs to describe the requirements, criteria. It is this defining moment that breeds prejudice, which in turn puts the identity of existing nation states in jeopardy. This is my fear, not a question of wrong or right, if you get my drift.
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| Sister Omega |
Posted - 11 May 2014 : 19:57:32
What's the big deal about African Fulbe, Fulas are one of the biggest Ethnic Groups in Africa, traditionally residing in 17 African Countries. The UNESCO in the 1970's supported Fulbe to translate Pulaar language from Egyptian Hieroglyphics. The Fulbe have a narrative as they have been displaced through colonialism as a nomadic group then coming together has been problematic for centuries. However today African Fulbe on Facebook is a positive idea. To conserve cultural heritage it doesn't take anything away from their Nationality it will just enhance their ethnicity. |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 26 Oct 2013 : 16:53:41
It would certainly be a very limited world if there were not divergent opinions on all subjects.  |
| Janko |
Posted - 26 Oct 2013 : 11:10:48
THE DEBATE ON TRIBE AND POLITICAL OUTCOMES IN THE GAMBIA
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Thursday, 24 October 2013
THE FETISHISM OF ETHNO-LINGISTIC ORIGIN
It is strange that after five decades of Nationhood, Africans in their various countries are still making reference to tribe in determining National political outcomes. The Office of the President is occupied by one person who does not share his or her income with members of his ethno- linguistic origin. In the Gambia, the offices of Ministers are 18 in number. Those who occupy it do not share their income with members of their ethno-linguistic origin. The position of Permanent Secretaries and Directors could be counted. Hence the top bureaucrats constitute a miniscule of the population. The vast Majority of people, irrespective of ethno-linguistic origins, depend not on Government posts to survive. ..................... |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 07 Oct 2013 : 16:37:53
"Culture is a distinct way in which people can live differently; it is a way of life for a people. It embodies their norms, their values, their customs and their traditions."
"Politics is both an art and a science. It is an art of persuasion; to win the hearts and minds of a people. It is a science of organization; to exert control over a community of people particularly a state."
I agree with the first quote,the second Nahhhh............ it'a all about power and money and being a good salesman ! (IN MOST CASES. !!)
I agree with this bit though" "to exert control over a community of people"
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| sankalanka |
Posted - 06 Oct 2013 : 18:19:37
sankalanka,
"the interesting thing is where do we draw the line between Culture and Politics: what is Culture? What is the difference between Culture and Politics? What I find fascinating is, the article was published by Daily Observer of all media outlets."
Where do we draw the line between culture and politics? I believe they are two different phenomenon that could affect the same people but differently.
Culture is a distinct way in which people can live differently; it is a way of life for a people. It embodies their norms, their values, their customs and their traditions.
Take for instance the way Gambians celebrate the birth of a child in any of our cultures; it could be the same everywhere regardless of whether those Gambian live in the Gambia, the United States, the United Kingdom or elsewhere.
Secondly, the artifacts and the outward symbols of any given culture are the concrete manifestations of an experience in the past whether for good or ill.
There are patterns of social behavior in people which are characteristic of members who belong to certain cultures. Thus we have language, customs, traditions etc.
Politics is both an art and a science. It is an art of persuasion; to win the hearts and minds of a people. It is a science of organization; to exert control over a community of people particularly a state.
Thus there is a framework that defines acceptable political methods within a given society. Within these acceptable methods are political systems, political parties etc. Politics, therefore, is more encompassing.
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| toubab1020 |
Posted - 05 Oct 2013 : 17:10:33
Don't do politics but let me just observe ,changes are afoot, what I have no idea, but for the D.O. to publish articles of a type a few weeks ago would have led to "action being taken" is surprising.
The usual cry "racial slurs against the West and so on." If that is so then why on earth would so many from foreign lands risk DEATH to go to these western Raciest countries to live a better life?,talking for talking sake get noticed politics, Agghhhh....
OK I know it's the Daily mail, Guardian readers will be chocking on their tea if they are reading this posting on Bantaba in cyberspace 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2444747/Syrians-desperate-reach-Britain-flocking-Calais-threatening-kill-unless-allowed-in.html
I long for a truthful,hunger free, non greedy, non selfish,honest,loving,peaceful world.NO HOPE AT ALL OF THAT HAPPENING!!!!
Written my piece ,I am gone from this topic, carry on discussing,sorry to disturb you folks.
quote:
Originally posted by Janko
sankalanka,
the interesting thing is where do we draw the line between Culture and Politics: what is Culture? What is the difference between Culture and Politics? What I find fascinating is, the article was published by Daily Observer of all media outlets.
There is a new development in Gambia as we speak.
SG Momodou Sabally has just finished reading a strongly worded statement charged with tribal undertones; racial slurs against the West and so on....
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| Janko |
Posted - 05 Oct 2013 : 14:50:33
sankalanka,
the interesting thing is where do we draw the line between Culture and Politics: what is Culture? What is the difference between Culture and Politics? What I find fascinating is, the article was published by Daily Observer of all media outlets.
There is a new development in Gambia as we speak.
SG Momodou Sabally has just finished reading a strongly worded statement charged with tribal undertones; racial slurs against the West and so on.... |
| sankalanka |
Posted - 05 Oct 2013 : 06:45:46
sankalanka,
"my anecdote, if you like, is not a fiction but reality as reported by the Daily Observer, above."
Janko, I didn't realize that your reference to the professor in your narrative was to the report by the Daily Observer. I can understand why the misgiving.
Is this the first time that an initiative of this kind was organized on a higher level?
I am aware of smaller groups in local and community settings. Groups of this kind may have their motivations and that by itself does not pose any harm. Since their motivation is cultural then that is what it is. If it is political then it can become something else.
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| Janko |
Posted - 05 Oct 2013 : 00:45:59
quote:
For his part, Samba Bah, an assistant lecturer at the University of the Gambia, revealed that FULBE AFRICA is an online organization formed by a Gambian-British soldier through Facebook. According to him, Fulbe Africa joined people from ten different countries and they are the Fulbe Africa Gambia chapter, adding that the main aim of organising this group on Facebook is to bring Fulanis together to share ideas.
He affirmed that members of the Fulbe Africa research their culture and share it with others in the group. “So we think it is wise to organize this programme to celebrate our culture and keep it for other generations to come,” he said.
Lamin Saidyba, a veteran Fula language broadcaster at GRTS said it is their collective responsibility to preserve their culture and language. He described the initiative as very important because it reminds the youth, of their past and lays a foundation for generations to come. He further advised the youths to be disciplined, hardworking and dutiful to their country.
sankalanka,
my anecdote, if you like, is not a fiction but reality as reported by the Daily Observer, above. |
| sankalanka |
Posted - 04 Oct 2013 : 15:31:38
Thanks Sankalanka,
"I agree, it is a thin line and that we cannot get reed of group thinking, interest group, language group and so forth and as you said, we need strong institutions to be able to sideline the THEM and WE mindset."
Janko, the group thinking, interest groups, language groups and so forth will always be there. And within these groupings, there are always individuals who have a natural disposition to appeal, to arouse, to incite and to exhort other members of these groups into organized activities not so much as to advance the groups interest but to further their own selfish interest.
But if we have strong democratic institutions and constitutional arrangements, it will make it difficult even if such people were to assume political control and power, for them to be wholly responsive to these group interest tendencies.
"Nevertheless, it is our obligation to explore what we have in common, historical experience."
I agree. And this is where people of conscience who are motivated by a desire to end human suffering and exploitation, will transcend the barriers of tribe, group thinking, language grouping, religious bigotry etc to develop a systematic approach that would address and satisfy the needs and aspirations of the people.
"What I fear most, is the university lecturer being one of the spearheads in publicly manifesting allegiance with a specific language-group."
Your fears are totally legitimate. We saw what happened in Rwanda and other places, where people exploit these shared linkages to a language grouping or tribal grouping to appeal to these constituents base instincts to create mayhem. We should always guard against such eventualities.
But if we have laws that are constitutionally oriented to favor one interest group against another; if we have laws that allow one interest group to monopolize power and be able to manipulate and order the dynamic of our relations to each other, then we have created the possibilities for the university professor in your anecdote to publicly spearhead manifestations of allegiance to a specific language group.
"Would that lecturer treat all students alike?"
If that person is so misguided in his/her outlook and orientation to the whole question of tribal affinity and language-group mentality, most probably he/she will not treat all students alike. I agree with your observation.
"If not, what consequence would that have for education and by extension the development of Gambia?"
If this was the case severe. I hope the orientation that is there for the past several years will help us all to transcend our ethnic and tribal loyalties and pledge our firm allegiance to the Gambia. |
| Janko |
Posted - 04 Oct 2013 : 10:56:13
Thanks Sankalanka,
I agree, it is a thin line and that we cannot get reed of group thinking, interest group, language group and so forth and as you said, we need strong institutions to be able to sideline the THEM and WE mindset. Nevertheless, it is our obligation to explore what we have in common, historical experience.
What I fear most, is the university lecturer being one of the spearheads in publicly manifesting allegiance with a specific language-group. Would that lecturer treat all students alike?
If not, what consequence would that have for education and by extension the development of Gambia?
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