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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 19:29:54
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Hi Gambianbev there is no need for segregating ethnic groups in Gambia. There is a need for conserving and perserving culture in order for it to thrieve. Therefore it is better to provide children with appropriate education in other words transcultural language books and syallabus which are inclusive of mother tongue languages. After all many children in Gambia speak more than one or two languages. So there is no impediment for them capitalising on this gift, and be facilitated to nurture it all the way to adolescence. The North Ireland sectarianism, segregation,racism etc are European concepts of divide and rule.
What we are advocating is unification amongst Africans by celebrating our rich cultural diversity under a salad bowl concept rather than a melting pot common imperialistic whitewash brain -draining model,which depletes African culture rather than enriches it.
Don't worry gambianbev Africans are more than capable of developing an education system we managed to do it long before we encountered Europeans therefore we are quite capable of progressing an appropriate education system for ourselves without our former masters approval.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 22:25:49
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The Gambias present education system relies on teachers from other African countries. It doesnt produce enough teachers of its own. Furthermore the nursery sector is barely funded at all and relies on good natured volunteers throughout the villages.
Good quality teachers and plentiful resources are two essentials of education. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 22:27:53
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| Which Gambian language would you say should be dominant in schools? The majority one? The presidents one? How would you decide? How would you stop this causing problems between different groups? |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 22:51:07
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Gambianbev, What do you mean by the President's language is Jammeh the only Jola speaking Gambian in the country? Quit your imperialist bull****! Wolof, Mandinka and Pulaar is spoken in different area and are all literal languages or are you under the false permise that only Europeans can write? And yes there are books that have been published in these languages, and there is no reason why they can't be practically used in tranlingual books across curriclum along side European texts. So even other speakers can pick them up. As for nursery children when they are at home what language do they speak? I'm sure in the majority of homes they speak one of the above indigenous languages so continuing to develop their mother tongue through instruction won't be that difficult with some imagination. What is needed is a more opened mindness not a condescending European closed minded attitude. So what are you advocating recolonising the African mind we need liberation not mental slavery.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 23:20:32
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| You ar very offensive. I mean that there are many languages not one. Who decides which is used in schools? If it is Mandinka what about the Jola children? If each village educates in a different language then the country will segment. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2006 : 23:48:57
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Why gambianbev I probably shocked you because I don't fit into the stereotype of the docile African grateful for what missy has to say. I suppose you don't go into the Urban centers and mingle with us British African Diaspora people because you might get too much of a cultural shock never mind. I'm sure you'll get over it. Because you know that the missionary position doesn't cut no ice with us anymore we are deprogramming ourselves.
At present education resources are limited this will change in the future so the aim would be for all children to have access to translingual education resources. Gambianbev let's be real when I went to school in Britain there were no Black books in school, fortunately however in inner city schools children do have access to African and Ethnic Minority books. Why because their communities had to self- publish them in many instances. It is important that children have a cultural reference to assist in their learning and to see positive images of themselves and people of other races. That's how we help to breakdown stereotypes of how different cultures see each other. I'm not saying to banish European languages from African schools. What I'm saying is that Mother tongue languages need investment to perserve, and conserve culture for future generations to come, and not be made obselete by globalisation.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 10:38:42
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Globalisation these days is by USA NOT England. That is the influence through music, fashion, sky tv coke gangs gun crime. These negative influences come from Usa to England and are a bad force. I hope Gambia holds on to its African traditions and culture.......but americanisation is a powerful force.
Also I agree completely with you about valuing mother tongue and home culture. 100%. My concern is with so many different languages the country will be divided and become less peaceful. Gambia is a success in being peaceful and united.....it would be a shame to throw that away. I DO still think that English in school is a leveling factor that helps different groups be side by side.
Your judgement of who I am and what i am about is VERY wrong...... You have SO much anger, that frightens me. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 15:28:39
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Hi Gambiabev, my objective is not to frighten you. There is no profit in that for me, fear breeds on ignorance. As already cited by of members here the bantaba is a place of debates, and we agree to disagree sometimes but either way we learn from others points of view.
I think it's important that Gambian children have a holistic education where their culture is reinforced and its important that their mother tongue languages are utilized. There are numerous examples in everyday life in Gambia where indigenous languages are used and therefore I see no reason for them not be utilized within the education system. Afrter all when a child lessons to the radio they here programmes in Mother tongue languages, if they go to the market or shops they may speak another local language. They go to the mosque or say their prayers at home they speak in Arabic or English in the church. When anyone phones the Gambia and hears the operator she'll speak in local and international languages. So in reality Gambian people use their indegenious langages a lot so why can't they be instructed in them at school to support them in their learning as well as getting a qualification in their local languages as while. This is all a part of nation building .
peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 15:36:09
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Hi Twinkly thank you for your comments.
peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 16:53:44
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I must say that I am very impressed by all your knowledge Sister Omega, during my time here on this board I have learned so much just by reading your (+Amna´s and others) postings. You have got to be one of the most intelligent women on this earth and you are really admireable with all your words of wisdom. A great rolemodel for many young women of today, especially black women. Thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts. You are needed here! |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 18:18:55
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Hi Babylon,thanks for your comments. It's good hearing from you. Did your children enjoy their books wolof books?
I was wondering if anyone could inform me where I could obtain any Wolof or Pulaar children's with English, French or German translations in them either on the net or bookshop in the UK or Gambia.
Peace
Sister Omega. |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 20:42:03
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| Yes, especially my eldest daughter who is 9 enjoys reading the book, my youngest girl is more into Playstation than books tho. Sometimes I seem more enthusiastic over Wolof and the importance for them to learn it than they are, they rather speak Swedish even with their father. But they do understand the language. By the way, the book that I bought for them is also written in Swedish, I would have been very happy to find a book in Wolof. |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2006 : 22:00:25
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| Greetings, I see that this posting has brought some newcomers together, although many subjects will repeat themselves here from the old forum. I thought you may like to know that at the beginning of last April many interesting postings were made on the subject, 'Test your knowledge in our vernacular languages' and that the websites of Unesco & African language in the classroom you may find interesting. peace & freedom |
The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2006 : 01:46:19
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| Sister Omega, I found a very interesting London bookstore that may have what you´re looking for, try: www.africabookcentre.com I already found some good books there that I´m going to order. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2006 : 02:23:43
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Hi Babylon, thanks for the link I'll be popping down the Africa centre to see if I can get some bargain books. I had no idea that their bookshop was relocating to Brighton because it's been there for such a long time ! The business rates, controlled parking, red route and congestion charge must of finally took their tool on the Africa Centre. I'll see whether or not they have any translingual books once again thanks for the link.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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