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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 20:38:40
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When I was sitting around at the hotel with Gambians from lots of different tribes, they said to me that Fula like to be disappointed in life! They were all laughing at the Fula expense. Can anyone explain that saying to me more? i thought they meant they were serious and a bit miserable???!!!  
The only Fula I have met seemd to be very thoughtful and gentle people. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 21:13:24
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It just depends on which tribe is picking on which. There are cousin kind of relationship among tribes and they tease each other. Thats just for fun. Well atleast from what i know. The Serer will pick on a Fula or a Fula will pick on a Mandinka or a Jola will pick on a Serer. etc.
These days with many people not versed in our local culture and traditions, such can be easily mistaken for arrogance.
If you notice dalton told me he was going to shave my hair. I see nothing wrong in that. Traditionallly when someone says he was going to shave your hair it means he is your master and by saving you submit to his grand status. That is normal joke between a sarahule and a Fula or amndinka and Fula.
Such jokes have their roots in war or sometimes having stood by each other in very difficult times. The elders would dcree a bond relation and as a result they can tease each other. Tradition has it that if you abuse the bond or make the other unhappy, some kind of misfortune will befall the agressor.
These days we are more western that the West itself and i such i would rathter you dont try to play the jokes. |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 22:14:32
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
.........they said to me that Fula like to be disappointed in life!
gambiabev i think you got it the wrong way round.
you are giving Konodonrong an opportunity fight back since he ran away from the Fula and came to The Gambia for his own safety |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 22:18:32
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Well the Fulani will agree that Kaabu people are very brave people.That is why they are all over west Africa. The name Mama Jankay is a taboo in Fula society.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 22:54:12
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| It is so complex to me! How am I going to understand you all, what is serious and what is a joke?! Perhaps if I stay for a year I will understand the subtle signals? |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2006 : 22:56:12
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| Kondorong you are right, there is no arrogance involved, it is just teasing, like amongst family. I think it is fun and nice. No bad feeling at all. |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 11:20:46
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I like the fula, tribe,  calm people, lots of tradition |
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Alhassan
Sweden
813 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 12:33:52
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
It is so complex to me! How am I going to understand you all, what is serious and what is a joke?! Perhaps if I stay for a year I will understand the subtle signals?
gambiabev,
There are many ways of joking among us that the Europeans do not have. the Mandinka call it"SANAW or SANAKU" the Wollof say "KHAAL"
This is between some of the language groups or some certail surnames like between Njie and Jobe or Tarawally, Drammeh and Touré and many others. These are just mare jokes and not so serious.
Mya be the person was a Sererr, or Jola, or between the Jola and Fullahand so on . You have a lot to learn about our customs. There is a book written by a french author on such customs. I have forgottened the title, but shall find out. |
Edited by - Alhassan on 14 Aug 2006 12:34:27 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 12:43:49
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| Yes I like this 'banter' between people when it is good natured. In England this is part of pub culture, people tease and joke with each other, but it is usually good natured. |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 15:02:00
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quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
These days we are more western that the West itself and i such i would rathter you dont try to play the jokes.
Kondorong, as an 'adopted' badibunka, even today I have many 'sons' and 'daughters'... |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2006 : 21:28:47
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| especially those from Kiang. |
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