So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to
Showing posts with label French. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French. Show all posts
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Wait, Why Are You Going To West Africa?
Hiya,
So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to be forced to practice my elementary French. When I realized that the African Studies department at UMass Boston was hosting a two part conference in Cape Verde and Senegal, I knew that it was now or never. The conference in Senegal was on Leopold Senghor and his legacy. Senghor was the first president of Senegal and he was also a renowned poet. Cape Verde's conference would focus on Amilcar Cabral, a freedom fighter who led the fight to liberate his African country people from the clutches of Portuguese imperialism. Today marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination. I didn't know a thing about either man prior to the trip and I was excited and eager to learn about these two great thinkers who sacrificed so much for the betterment of their respective people and countries.
So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
*Updated---> Pale Franse pa di lespri pou sa
I'm part of several social networks, including Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, I'm a member of a Haitian Facebook group. A couple days ago, I suggested that if people are posting documents in French or Kreyol, that they should also provide an English translation or a link for people to translate it themselves. I surprisingly received mixed reactions. Below are screenshots of the convo. That post is what brought today's topic to mind.
French was the primary and only official language in Haiti for a very long time. However there was a movement to recognize Kreyol as an official language as well, partly because the majority of the population does not read, speak or write French. Kreyol was legally recognized as an official language in 1987. French is the language of instruction in Haitian schools however I think there is often a disconnect because most students are not using the language in their home lives.
French was the primary and only official language in Haiti for a very long time. However there was a movement to recognize Kreyol as an official language as well, partly because the majority of the population does not read, speak or write French. Kreyol was legally recognized as an official language in 1987. French is the language of instruction in Haitian schools however I think there is often a disconnect because most students are not using the language in their home lives.
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