Disclaimer: the
content of this website is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the
views of the U.S. government, the Peace Corps, or the South African Government.
I find the evolution of language and culture quite
fascinating. Perhaps it is my love for
history the need to categorize things in my OCD mind that make me look for
patterns in the world, but I just love to see how different factors fit
together like a puzzle. I had observed
recently to my supervisor at the organization with which I am working with that
I thought I heard the influence of the Portuguese language in xiTsonga. He informed me that I am not incorrect, and told
me a most fascinating story about his people.
According to my supervisor the Tsonga lived among the Zulu under the
reign of Shaka. After Shaka was killed
by his half-brother, Dingane, the Tsonga decided to high-tail it out of what is
now South Africa, taking their cattle with them. A village was even named for the cloud of
dust made as the Tsonga and their cattle ran toward Mozambique. Mozambique was a Portuguese colony, which is
where the Portuguese influence on xiTsonga likely came in, most notably in the
pronunciation of the letter X. The Nguni
influence can definitely be seen in the language as well, with many words
having just one letter difference between siSwati and xiTsonga. For example, the word for “go” in siSwati is “hamba”
and in xiTsonga is “famba.” I am excited
to see how the cultures have influenced one another over the next year. The music alone could make for a great study!
I am still finding my niche in the village. Some days are fabulous, and some are
not. The children are definitely
enjoying having me around. Who knew that teaching red rover and duck, duck,
goose would be such a hit?! I am having
a blast playing games with the children, but am definitely forced to establish
boundaries. The children come over every
day and want to play, and sometimes I am just exhausted after working all day
and living in heat and humidity. We have
received a few teaser rain drops, but we are still waiting for the rains to
come. Hopefully we will get a good
rainfall soon.
While there are many challenges during service, there is
occasionally the amazing experience that one would never dream of having. One such experience took place recently when
I was at a workshop with other volunteers.
The leader of our workshop surprised us with a trip to a predator park
where we were able to enter the enclosures of lions. It was amazing. I was able to see a misogynist capuchin monkey
freak out at the idea that his male caretaker would even put his hand near a
woman, which was so entertaining I secretly wanted to taunt him more. I was able to play with baby lions and bigger
lions, which was incredibly fun and terrifying at the same time. Never in my life did I dream that I would be
able to say that I pet a lion!
This experience is quite often emotional roller
coaster. There are times when being so
far from home can be difficult, but I think for now I will fasten my seatbelt
and stay on the ride.
