Learning and Observation (Steeve)

Ever since I started freshman seminar, I've learned many new things about black scholars, culture and history. I've found it very interesting that many of the characteristics of black culture today stem from traditions and styles that our ancestors participated in. Using what I learned in class, I've observed many different forms of mbongi as well as many African characteristics that have transformed to adjust to modern society.

A great example of this transformation is speech and communication. Ms. Worthy, one of our guest speakers, spoke about one of her students who sucked their teeth (or did something with their mouth) and how she used to wonder why the student did that so often. Once she realized that it had African roots, Ms. Worthy became so enthralled by the act that she didn't mind it at all anymore. Though this may in fact be due to a tendency to like anything African, this revelation speaks to how our African past still affects us today. The way many African Americans talk, their lingo, is reminiscent of African languages and styles.

We frequently use these styles in communication with each other, especially when we're participating in an mbongi. We're our most comfortable and open and things flow more easily than when we're trying to strictly speak proper English. As we all know, rarely anyone speaks the way s/he writes. These mbongis happen so naturally I really didn't think of it as anything special until Dr. Carr pointed it out. Whether in church or in our dorms, we actively participate in mbongis and thus remain in touch with our African roots.