LL-L "Literature" 2008.01.07 (10) [E]

[Lowlands-L List]

L O W L A N D S - L  -  07 January 2008 - Volume 10
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From: foga0301 at stcloudstate.edu
Subject: LL-L "Idiomatica"

 *Elsie wrote***

I've heard the 'hey, yo, whassup' in the US but am perturbed to read on the
SABC TV announcements the supposedly catchy line "Msanzi fo sho" (South for
sure) …Is this kind of shoddy language usage happening elsewhere in public
broadcasting?

*Reinhard wrote*:

Remember: all of the above is within the contexts of the United States of
America. In other words, standards are changing, and vulgarity gets washed
out of expression. I'm pretty sure that for instance "guy," "Bye!" and "Hi!"
were once considered vulgar and offensive.

A cordial welcome to all you all,
    It seems that African Muslims learning English are struggling with their
identity everywhere, not just in the US. I teach ESL to Somali grade school
boys, some of whom frequently get into fights over misplaced confusing
matters of honor. Their lives are scrambled, and it's hard to find stable
roots, reasons to be good. They for sure don't want to sound Christian, but
our language is saturated with it.  Sometimes the *rhythm* of speaking calms
them down, changes the channel.  It's a big part of *Hip-Hop culture* around
the world.

For example, try reading this rap text orally as a poem—listen to it. The
misspellings have a purpose here. Adapting English to convey Muslim
sentiments is not something that native English speakers could ever do with
authority. But do we have a right to interfere?  This poem comes from a UK
website. Other poems on this site call for chastity before marriage, respect
for women, etc. I use it to help teach English at my school because it helps
my students believe in their own dignity.

*2 u from me...**
*Submitted by seeker!!!

Open ur eyez, take a look @ our condition
We?ve lost sight of our goal,our purpose, our mission
We sin so much, itz becum a tradition
Werz our repentance, werz our submission?

Hey fellow muslimz, I no it getz tough
N u wanna giv up coz uv?e had enuf
But rememba ALLAH wen tymz r rough
U?ll gain strength, trus me, this aint no bluf

 Luego,

Gael
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