Afro-Linguistics

Originally uploaded by mortsan

I have wanted to write this article about language for some time. It boggles the mind (or my mind at least) how ignorant some folks can be... I recalled telling someone about this girl on youtube.com.

Did I not mention this girl? Well, yes there is this girl on Youtube called Leyla (speaking Japanese)

Leyla is an Afro-French girl on Youtube who has a bunch of videos of herself learning/teaching new languages. One of the methods that Leyla uses to express her learning is through music. Although "not a singer" Leyla uses popular music to learn aspects of some languages.

The maddening ignorance that I ran into was from a colleague who when viewing Leyla singing Mandarin said 'it must be fake, right?..."

As if an African person could not speak Chinese. This ignorant concept, of course, is totally ridiculous. I have run into Africans in Hong Kong who speak perfect Chinese. I myself speak Cantonese fairly well (I am learning Mandarin), so naturally I was peeved.

Leyla also speaks Japanese, French, English and probably some others of which I have no knowledge... The point is that everyone can and should expand their vocabulary. Communication in a world where everyone needs to compete for business on a global scale will be the key to the future economies in every country.

Everyone needs to be prepared for this brave new world. In New York City some parents are sending their preschoolers to multi-cultural prekindergarten. Language indoctrination is now considered a key factor to mental and economic development.

To see more videos from Leyla please follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/leyla1

Who we be

I visited the King Center website recently after a discussion about the state of mind of Afro-Americans.

The conversation centered on a lack of understanding for who we are and how we came to be Afro-Americans. The drama that was unfolding revolved around how an oversight committed by a Black American was being investigated with impunity. Similar such cases involving different people might have been seen as a reasonable oversight.

How might such distinctions happen in today's America?

How could they not?

Our children become whom we teach them that they are. Hatred is a fine tool and very easily integrated into the make-up of a human being (for those parents who choose to propagate bigotry). That's the old "them versus us" syndrome.

Of equal harm is believing the myth - falling into the trap of despair and hopelessness. We must encourage our future to have a song in their hearts, faith in their ability, happiness in the labors and, love within their intent.

I talk about "our children" a great deal on this site. The simple truth is that these are the hope for the future. Without them the future would be hopeless. Patience, strength, prayer and, fortitude are needed to mold our future.

We have to teach them about the true legacy of Dr. King and his dream for our future. I would recommend a visit to the website for the King Center mentioned above at (http://www.thekingcenter.org/). There is a very interesting introduction when your web browser enters the site so turn on your computer's audio speakers.

The Lashes of Slavery in the U.S., 19th Century

(Vol.1, Issue 4.)

I think remembering our past helps us to better understand who we as a people are. The reflection of our inner selves through the eyes of a historical journey on slavery allow us to reconsider what matters to us in our daily activities.

These reflections of self can be useful in distinguishing who we are as Afro-Americans/ Brazilians / English / French / Dutch / Spaniards / Haitians - from whatever part of the African diaspora we currently call home.

Throughout the African journeys across the globe I have seen that Africans adjust to living conditions in every society. Everywhere I turn in societies I see the African people adding to the culture of these new homelands.

Nonetheless it is important to turn our attention to the motherland of mankind. Africa is still in need of its sons and daughters. Perhaps we too, are in need of Africa.

Knowing ones past can be a key ingredient towards bettering oneself. It is up to us parents to explain to our children, their heritage. Our ancestors were survivors of acts of hatred, insanity, murder, rape and inhumanity.

Understanding this past can and must lead to a more enlightened African youth. It is said that to avoid the repetition of history one must first acknowledge its existence. Only when we and our children are ignorant of the facts will hatred prevail.

One Love, One Heart, One.

Turmoil

Turmoil
Originally uploaded by Earl of Le Mancha

Global Warming
Wars and Rumors of War
Humanity turning in upon itself
Man killing in the cause of religion
The earth dying under the hand of man
Greed, anger, hatred
Its almost hard to believe that all of these problems can be repelled by Love

But its true

Take time to love yourself and open to the possibility of loving others

happiness

happiness
Originally uploaded by evilcabeza

Happiness is the first thing we all thirst for once free of the mundane chains of a life full of slavery.

in our doldrums, even whilst in bondage was this feeling borne on the hope of freedom - happiness.

We look for happiness in the smile of a little one full of glee
We seek happiness from flowers or butterflies in a willow tree
It might be found in so small a thing as a grain of sand
or maybe within a happiness rock
It could be that if you look long enough and hard enough it already exists in the palm of your hand

Life is what we make of it so lighten your load with a smile and remember that everyday brings a new way to enjoy happiness

It is at every stop, every scent, every crossroads that we meet
happily

Dr Louis T Wright Dies - Jet Mag Oct 23, 1952

Dr Louis T Wright Dies - Jet Mag Oct 23, 1952
Originally uploaded by vieilles_annonces

I believe it is important to remember those who have come before us. It is necessary to understand our history before we can chart our future. Please support the photographer who is hosting these memories which I now share with you.

Adding a comment of encouragement to her site will let her know how much you appreciate her effort.

Click the picture in order to view the photographer's website and to leave comments.

Freedom

Freedom
Originally uploaded by tonton yoyo

A constant concept is 'freedom'.

Everyone wants to be free to do whatever makes one happy.

Remember to consider others who may be less fortunate.

Voice is the absence of void and the byway to other peoples, other cultures, other worlds and, eventually the awakening of ourselves.

God Bless!