10 April, 2009

Valuing your tradition, culture and language.

I am a Zulu woman. I have the body of the body of a Zulu woman. Umhlanga was something I went to before I did the sin in the Bible and what is wrong in my culture (losing my virginity.) The first words I learnt to say were mama, baba meaning mommy and daddy in my Zulu language. Because my parents wanted us to go to schools that they thought were schools of better education I was sent to a private Afrikaans English school. This did not change the fact that I was a Zulu girl who did her rituals. A girl who knew her language very well. I learnt the Boers and the English way of living, I was forced to forget my language and learn theirs. But one thing I never forgot was, I’m still a Zulu girl. My dad always told us that as soon as we leave the school gates we tune into what him and my mother taught us. That is what has made me value my culture and language till this day. Go on as much as you like that times have changed, but as far as I’m concerned your identity is formed by these aspects of your life. Knowing your roots, your family history is a very important thing. I have nothing against English, my point is that, speak the language threw your noise but don’t forget your language. Don’t forget who you are, where you from. This is to young people who want to forget that they have they own culture, language and traditions. But are quick in following and telling you more about other people’s cultures.

10 comments:

SimCard said...

Zulu woman...
I am glad you feel that way about your heritage.
I wonder however, how do you figure the Zulu culture will be in 2030?

Nadi-09 said...

you're a woman now, when virginity no longer rules your life but the importance of being the true you... it is then that you start to understand that there are more valuale things in life then just being a virgin.....

i wouldn't know.

Samu-09 said...

I truly get what you are saying. It is important for one to know their roots and who or what they are. It is quite sad if a person does not know much about themselves and their traditions, as one has to be proud of who they are and where they come from, because if you know who you are you can identify what your beliefs and values are.

Amanda-09 said...

Its understanding your traditions and culture beliefs that one can actually find the essence of what it means to have a purpose in their lives without wandering away from the people close to them.

Ongezwa-09 said...

I hear your point. In life theres nothing more important than knowing who you are and where you come from. And I think that its also very important to know where you are going and how to keep yourself grounded

Bongani-09 said...

I am glad you think that way.Since our culture is look like its going down we need people like you.

Masebe-09 said...

Proud of you my sister and keep it that way your ancestors are keeping a close eye on you.Please respect your elders.

anele said...

Honey

I truly understand where you're coming from. You shouldn't have to drop off everything empilweni yakho just so that you can accomodate what the world thinks of you. You give Zulu girls a new sence of pride!

anele said...

yes Lady!

I completly agree. Nothing about you has to change simply because a couple of things have changed. Your tradition os yours and if you want to keep it nearby, you should do so.

Lwando-09 said...

u've touched my heart...(crying)...knowing where you come from allows you to have a piece of mind and to know where your going.