Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Swahili Proverbs/Kanga Sayings in East Africa -- Columbus Students Write Their Own Sayings!

In East Africa, the kanga cloth dominates the fashion landscape. These brightly pattenered textiles all feature a poetic phrase/proverb printed at the bottom of the cloth, and often use metaphor and colorful language to express abstract meanings and interpretations of social reality. Kanga cloths are often traded or purchased for friends and family both for the sheer beauty of the cloth, but also to communicate messages embedded or implied by the poetic phrase on the cloth. In this way, the kanga is used as a poetic note silently passed between two people, a form of potent, indirect communication between two people having an on-going conversation. In this way, poetry and poetics plays a major role in the daily conversation of East Africa. Columbus students studied Swahili proverbs found on Kanga cloths, and then we took a turn at creating our own phrases.

Here are a few by 3rd graders:

If money falls from the sky, then help the homeless.

If you see a robber, use god's power to stop him.

If you had no mother, you would not be alive.

If your blood is hot, then you will fade.

If you play the piano, then angels will sing.

If you got hit by a car, you will turn to metal.

If you touch a thorn, you will run out of blood.

If you had no heart, then you have nothing but hatred.

When you are injured, you will heal.

When an elephant is running toward you, you will die.

If you ever find your dog, then you should live with him.

If all the clouds fall down, we will all blow up.

A small fear turns into a nightmare.

A small world can be bigger than you think.

If you don't listen, your ears will turn very big.

If people had magic, noone would have to work.

If you ran really fast, you'd travel all around.

If my mother was down, then I would have to be up.

If thunder is following you, grab the thunder and throw it back to the sky.

When you stomp your feet, you'll find a dollar.

If my brain was red, then my world would be red.

Without bones, you are made of jello.

Without your brain, you would just be dead.

If the earth was just water, we would all drown.

If you read "yam" backwards, you would know it was made in May.

With no mother, I would not live at all.

If friendship does not work, I will find a new friend.

When our teachers leave us, we will cry a pool of water.

Without the sun, there is not life.

Without gravity, we go to the moon.

A little is enough to be whatever you want.

If I see god, then I would die to live with him.

Singing too loud breaks glass.

If our grandfathers lived again, we would protect them so they wouldn't die.

If I look long enough at the star, I would become the star.

If we change the date, we get to eat the cake.

If you don't have a plan, you don't have a train.

If our grannies come back to life, let's take care of them.

If you really love your favorite color, then be your favorite color.

If you run really fast, you will turn very old.

If I die, then I will continue in my dead mansion.

If I have love, I will keep it a secret.

If the Sears Tower tilts, I will leave Chicago.

Even if we get into a scramble here, you will still be my sweet love.

If you wonder too hard, you won't find your way.

If you fly, you can touch the sky.

Clever people have brains.

Being lucky is like singing the song of your life.

Don't set sail when I say to set sail.

You build someone else's place, you feel greatness in your heart.

Me and you find great happiness.

If someone shouts, then noone dies.

If life dies, then god will die.

If there was no moon, there would be no beauty.

Earth will die when time stops.

If fire hits you, you will become it.

If you get born the love will stay.

If you point at the rainbow, the love will come true.

If you make a bird, you will never forget.

You should pick life over death.

If I had a sword, I'd use it for justice.

When you read, spells will come out of the book.

If you stare at a bee, you might get eye contact.

If you have the might, you might get the fight.

If you are a nice person, I will love you.

If your dad is sick, what will you do?And a few by 2nd graders:

If you see a bug, you should be brave.

If you love someone, keep it to yourself.

If you stop talking, you will become a king or queen.

If you dream of a spider, you should make it real.

Even if you fly away, you will come back.

If you really learn something, you will never forget it.

If you can love, then you can help.

If you see a bird, you should sing to it.

If I count to ten, I will get sophistication.

If you disobey the law, admit it to make justice.

If I get wasted in the USA, I would be reborn in Canada.

If you claim a rainbow, you'll find gold.

If you buy a present for your mom, she will never forget that.

If your parents point at the rainbow, you will see the future.

If my mom and dad grow, I will grow.

If I swim with the shark, I will turn into a shark.

I if I love, then I will get love back.

If I die, then I would come back to earth so I can relive my life again.

If I kill a bear, then I will turn into it.

People push people – all people – every day – until they push.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

stanzabreak.blogspot.com; You saved my day again.

Anonymous said...

philippine dating service [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]dating transexuals[/url] dating http://loveepicentre.com/ bisexual personals

Anonymous said...

Хорошая статья. Действительно было интересно почитать. Не часто такое и встречается та.Наверное стоит подписаться на ваше RSS

Anonymous said...

mental health services hendon uk [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/oxytrol.htm]oxytrol[/url] generic drug chart http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/women-s-health.htm dog ate pack of gum http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cleocin-gel.htm
prostate cancer yellow finger nails [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/schlafen-hilfe.htm]schlafen hilfe[/url] reiki health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/celexa.htm]physicians at duke medical center[/url]

Anonymous said...

advanced health care directive ontario canada [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/sante-generale.htm]sante generale[/url] does keeping your blood sugar help you loose weight http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/digoxin.htm prescription glasses white http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/k.htm
staffing medical [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/dramamine.htm]dramamine[/url] mineral wool insulation baord [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-pilz.htm]kate winslet holy smoke[/url]

Anonymous said...

brca1 and brca2 genes for breast cancer [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/dostinex.htm]dostinex[/url] two three four change in your heart lyrics http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/uroxatral.htm bacteria human anus http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/rogaine-5-.htm
bellview pharmacy [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/v.htm]Order Cheap Generic Drugs[/url] blood clots vicoden [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/a.htm]post traumatic stress disorder and cultural factors[/url]

Anonymous said...

french diet book [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/amaryl.htm]amaryl[/url] mineral makeu http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/cardiovascolari.htm medical research on sea animals http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/differin.htm
sacred heart griffin apparel [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lanoxin.htm]lanoxin[/url] im barely breathing with a broken heart lifehouse lyrics [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cefadroxil.htm]enhancement pill for making love[/url]

Anonymous said...

automobile depreciation concern http://latestcarnews.in/rover/paul-safari-land-rover automobile posters by anderson
[url=http://latestcarnews.in/romeo/alfa-romeo-service]importer of wiper blade company of automobile[/url] where to get volkswagen keys copied [url=http://latestcarnews.in/audi/audi-tt-2002-front-bumper]audi tt 2002 front bumper[/url]
california state automobile title insurance http://latestcarnews.in/volkswagen/volkswagen-polo
[url=http://latestcarnews.in/volkswagen/make-volkswagen-oil]fairbanks dodge sawgrass[/url] auto updates file location windows xp [url=http://latestcarnews.in/rally/subaru-rally-car]subaru rally car[/url]
express auto warranty http://latestcarnews.in/peugeot/peugeot-triathalon-for-sale
[url=http://latestcarnews.in/scion/custom-scion-xb]mercedes e430 2007 new[/url] mercedes b200 [url=http://latestcarnews.in/romeo/alfa-romeo-performance-parts]alfa romeo performance parts[/url]

Anonymous said...

irish designer henena ruuth http://topcitystyle.com/top-gun-men-brand64.html newborn clothes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/vae-victis-pullover-brand47.html]designer replica handbags[/url] new shoes
http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=1411 famous designers [url=http://topcitystyle.com/xxl-hoodies-size8.html]fashion runway[/url]

Anonymous said...

calvin klein bedding collection http://topcitystyle.com/celyn-b--jeans-brand123.html designer consignment online [url=http://topcitystyle.com/black-red-leather-shoes-color15.html]marty shoes[/url] design your own clothes online
http://topcitystyle.com/54-dress-shirts-size9.html keen sonoms shoes peat [url=http://topcitystyle.com/dark-brown-leather-big-bags-color29.html]top fashion design school[/url]

Anonymous said...

sexy hardcore fuck leeeeeeesbo http://theporncollection.in/porn-dvd/gay-porn-com
[url=http://theporncollection.in/porn-girl/women-in-leather-porn]hentai hell[/url] sexy model denise from the heavy show [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-male/gay-fotos]gay fotos[/url]
top adult trailer site http://theporncollection.in/gay-xxx/mature-free-gay-videos
[url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-man/finding-a-gay-sex-partner-in-amsterdam]free adult chat and dating[/url] gaia npc moira hentai [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-video/real-lesbian-erotica-stories]real lesbian erotica stories[/url]
free teens dildo porn http://theporncollection.in/free-hentai/nami-hentai-comic
[url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-love/gay-boys-free-vids]juicy ass porn[/url] adult recreation [url=http://theporncollection.in/orgy/girl-orgy-photos]girl orgy photos[/url]
sexy naked teens strip poker http://theporncollection.in/mature-woman/mature-english-cunt
[url=http://theporncollection.in/porn-girl/free-porn-passwords-torrent]hentai 4 free[/url] everything adult capalaba [url=http://theporncollection.in/free-hentai/one-piece-hentai-comic]one piece hentai comic[/url]

Anonymous said...

mobile home 55 east coast florida http://www.orderphonetoday.com/t2000-quad-band-dual-card-with-wifi-analog-tv--item71.html sumsung mobile phones [url=http://www.orderphonetoday.com/tv-w902-quad-band-dual-card-with-bluetooth--item111.html]grocery lists for windows mobile[/url] posse mobile router airborne data link

Anonymous said...

asian shemale anal http://xwe.in/orgy/orgy-in-crowd
[url=http://xwe.in/blowjob/free-hardcore-blowjob-movies]pharmaceutical multipurpose silicone lubricant[/url] meet sexy live [url=http://xwe.in/nylon/stylish-nylon-vests-in-junior-sizes]stylish nylon vests in junior sizes[/url]
young hentai wallpaper http://xwe.in/orgy/public-teen-orgy
[url=http://xwe.in/adult-xxx/analysis-of-adult-fairy-tales]porn star book[/url] zits hentai [url=http://xwe.in/blow/france-nice-blow-molding]france nice blow molding[/url]
anal fisting how to http://xwe.in/oral/april-oral-contraceptive
[url=http://xwe.in/girl-anal/julia-bond-anal-frat-fuckfest]joyce griffith jcps adult education louisville ky[/url] vannessa hudgens porn pics [url=http://xwe.in/shemales/french-shemales]french shemales[/url]
free ametuar porn http://xwe.in/orgasm/cut-chick-that-as-orgasm
[url=http://xwe.in/fetish/fetish-adult-hard-core-sex]cucumber anal[/url] amateur xxx free sites [url=http://xwe.in/condom/elmo-condoms]elmo condoms[/url]

viagra online said...

I really enjoyed reading about Swahili Proverbs/Kanga Sayings in East Africa -- Columbus Students Write Their Own Sayings! and I would like to have any update about it

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

lipotropic diet study [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/isoptin.htm]isoptin[/url] queen of heart hotel hanoi http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/colchicine.htm
cigar ad showing toothpicks and breast implants [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/la-presion-arterial.htm]la presion arterial[/url] journal writing for mental health recovery [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/disfunzione-erettile.htm ]department of health nyc [/url] guillain barre syndrome pathophysiology
about great depression [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/vitaliq.htm]vitaliq[/url] adductor muscle strain http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/proscar.htm
testing blood alcohol content [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-diabetico.htm]anti diabetico[/url] ambulation status post deep vein thrombosis [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-herpes.htm ]orgasm tips for guys [/url] doctor confirm medical emergency to keep power on

Anonymous said...

dian ferari shoes australia http://www.thefashionhouse.us/men-page5.html words used in fashion [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/dresses-page5.html]web site designer[/url] designer plumber outlet
http://www.thefashionhouse.us/women-page25.html gucci fabric [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/armani-dress-shirts-brand8.html]medieval doctor clothes[/url]

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

joker custom painter http://wqm.in/slots_play-free-slots-for-cash st lukes in brookfield bingo games
[url=http://wqm.in/baccarat_baccarat-crystal-wine-glass]casino waitress[/url] brunswick ga gambling cruise [url=http://wqm.in/jackpot_jackpot-app]jackpot app[/url]
cherokee hotel and casino cherokee nc http://wqm.in/casino-online_santa-ana-start-casino
[url=http://wqm.in/joker_joker-motorcycle]bingo at mohegan sun casinobingo[/url] mega millions california lottery [url=http://wqm.in/blackjack_adult-games-poker-blackjack]adult games poker blackjack[/url]
fantasy springs casino palm desert http://wqm.in/joker_pascal-picotte-joker-helmet casinos for free [url=http://wqm.in/jackpot_swine-jackpot-shows]swine jackpot shows[/url]

Anonymous said...

lana grossa bingo yarn http://lwv.in/online-casino/what-drives-a-casino-economic-engine what is the over under in sports betting
[url=http://lwv.in/casino-online/empire-city-casino-yonkers-ny]previous lottery winning numbers[/url] ecowas donation lottery [url=http://lwv.in/betting/vegas-betting-odds]vegas betting odds[/url]
online keno game casino http://lwv.in/online-casino/mystic-lake-casino-indian-checks
[url=http://lwv.in/bingo/army-navy-bingo-gaffney-sc]atlantic lounge onlinr casino bonus codes[/url] bingo cushions [url=http://lwv.in/jokers/auburn-mall-jokers]auburn mall jokers[/url]
free casino games blackjack system http://lwv.in/casino-online/casino-inspecters-courses-gold-coast-australia best online casinos blackjack game [url=http://lwv.in/jackpot/lawton-oklahoma-jackpot-livestock-show]lawton oklahoma jackpot livestock show[/url]

Anonymous said...

movie about women ugly big feet [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_powder_blue/]powder blue[/url] lesbians in movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_in_memory_of_my_father/ steeming the movie
my football diaries movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_book_of_shadows_blair_witch_2/]book of shadows blair witch 2[/url] the movie driven the characters http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_man_from_snowy_river_ii/ asswatcher movie clips
pay check movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_great_waldo_pepper/]the great waldo pepper[/url] who play in et the movie
legend movie download [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_conspiracy_70/]conspiracy 70[/url] lord of the g strings movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_ball_in_the_house/ bratz fashion pixies movie song downloads
movie lines from crash [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_marley_me/]marley me[/url] stupid movie physics http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbycountry/country_portugal/ the movie grease

Anonymous said...

snake eyes movie ii [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_con_air/]con air[/url] movie boy discovers box power http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_santa_claws/ eddie and the cruisers movie and sequel
popular movie quotes [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_driver/]the driver[/url] spice girls the movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_amusement/ pocahontas full movie
movie max cast [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_blood_simple_/]blood simple [/url] websites where i could watch movie videos
bridge to terabithia movie dvd cover [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_ben_10_alien_force/]ben 10 alien force[/url] transformers 2 movie info http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_far_north/ fucking machine movie clips
o movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_bordello_of_blood/]bordello of blood[/url] movie the great escape actors http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_dr_phibes_rises_again/ q the movie sex scene

Anonymous said...

number one hit movie in 1995 [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_just_friends/]just friends[/url] free celebtity nude movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_skulls_ii/ reviews for the movie the notebook
download free movie online [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_donald_s_diary/]donald s diary[/url] mortal kombat movie costumes http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_step_up_2_the_streets/ shannara movie news
malayalam movie websites [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_hazing/]the hazing[/url] movie review idiocracy
www milf porn movie com [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_lost_jungle/]the lost jungle[/url] movie mash songs from the pa http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_masquerade_70/ internation movie database
music from friday night lights movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_moonshot/]moonshot[/url] movie convoy red sovine http://moviestrawberry.com/easy-downloads/letter_O/?page=4 camp movie movie clips

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

escorts usa muslim dating http://loveepicentre.com/ who is heather locklear dating

Anonymous said...

[url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/cialis.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/11.jpg[/img][/url]
tarceva florida pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/catalogue/v.htm migraine feverfew pharmacy study [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/plan-b.htm]brookes pharmacy[/url]
academic integrity pharmacy speaker http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/catalogue/t.htm jefferson county academy of pharmacy [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/imodium.htm]imodium[/url]
walmart pharmacy in lockhart http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/protonix.htm online pharmacy technician modules [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/sinemet.htm]keyword canadian pharmacy[/url]
elderly health care pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/calan.htm braun pharmacy chicago [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/suhagra.htm]suhagra[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/catalogue/h.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/2.jpg[/img][/url]
tom thumb pharmacy justin road http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/clozaril.htm walmart pharmacy strongsville ohio [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/flonase.htm]best online pharmacy[/url]
kunkels pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/categories/cholesterol.htm pharmacy over doses [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/categories/gums.htm]gums[/url]
rite aid pharmacy complaints http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/cipro.htm ltc pharmacy services [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/lynoral.htm]brooks pharmacy portsmouth nh[/url]
prime mail pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/accupril.htm global pharmacy [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/sustiva.htm]sustiva[/url]

Anonymous said...

herpes vancouver dating http://loveepicentre.com/faq/ non-adult dating sim
young guy dating old chicks [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]sex dating in northlake illinois[/url] europeans dating reviews for singles
zim dating in zim [url=http://loveepicentre.com]dating antique mahogany tables[/url] cleveland tennessee dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/marvellous/]marvellous[/url] vancouver asian dating