Learning about the Languages and Culture of South Africa

THIS POST IS FROM LORI MILLER:

There are 11 official languages in South Africa.  This makes for a very diverse society in which cultures mix freely – it’s not uncommon to hear multiple languages used in the same conversation.  I’ve been trying to catch as much South African television as I can between outings, and the day of our arrival I watched a soccer match that was announced seamlessly in English, Zulu, and French!  This was not a matter of “translating”, just each announcer adding comments as needed.

We visited Lisedi Cultural Village on Wednesday, and while it was definitely geared toward visitors it offered a wealth of knowledge on some of the backgrounds that merged to form South Africa.  The village displays reconstructed living quarters and villages of the Zulu, Xhosa, Lesotho, and Ndebele sects among others and the designs are ingenious in their use of the materials available.

Zulu homes have very low entries, both to deter enemies and so that those entering must bow in respect; their food is kept in miniature raised huts to prevent animal an invasion.  The Xhosa dwellings are made of 9” thick walls of cow dung that create a comfortable interior that is around 20 degrees cooler than the outside air – it also uses a high roof and cross ventilation to regulate temperature when building an interior fire. They always enter the home with women on the right and men on the left because when enemies enter they will encounter the men first, and men give their lives to protect the women – chivalry lives!  (Xhosa is also Nelson Mandela’s heritage.)  The Ndebele exteriors are covered in geometric patterns and are instantly recognizable…the interieors are just as gorgeous with every fixture carefully decorated in beautiful patterns.

Earlier in the week we attended a cultures class at Tshwaragano Primary School.  Discovery Channel has provided TVs, VCRs, a programming library specifically designed for students here, and teacher training on how to use video to make lessons more effective.  In this specific case, the video screened for the lesson was not one provided by us but the same teaching methods were applied including repetition, class discussion, and breaking into smaller groups for creative analysis and later, class presentation.

The series of performances shown were derived from many of the students’ backgrounds – we watched dances and musical performances from Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Gospel, Gumboots, Ndebele, and classical African origins.  The students were asked to determine which performances were from which heritage and analyzed them according to costumes, props, instruments used, movement, pace, rhythms and tapping.  It’s clear that they’re all well-versed in the specifics of each and the traditions of their own families and those of their neighbors are ingrained in them from birth.

We were lucky enough to receive live demonstrations of dance and music from several groups of students within the school to reinforce what was just discussed!  It was clear from the dozens of faces pressed against the window outside the classroom that these kids enjoy each other’s talents and customs and they will continue to thrive.