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The Basic Introduction to the Nama language Workshops |
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Written by Bradlox
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Monday, 18 May 2009 |
 2. NEWS AND VIEWS
The Basic Introduction to the Nama language WorkshopsThe Western Cape, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in collaboration with the Pan South African Language Board and the Western Cape Language Committee are offering the ‘Basic introduction to the Nama language workshops’ to interested communities in Western Cape.
These workshops which have been running for 8 years already are presented by Pedro Dausab from Namibia have gained more and more interest amongst people in their efforts to strengthen their cultural and historical background through the rediscovering of an almost lost linguistic heritage for people of Khoe Khoen and San decent living in the Western Cape. As a follow-up to workshops held in 2003, 2004 and 2005, which were concluded by a certificate ceremony held at the Piesangvallei Community Hall in Plettenberg Bay on 4 June 2005 and involved 320 people from 6 different regions in the Western Cape, Nama choral workshops was held in 6 regions in the Western Cape, namely Crags, Kranshoek, Hawston, Vredendal, Oudtshoorn and Great-Brak River. The phase of the campaign was concluded with a very successful Nama massed choir festival held in Plettenberg Bay on 1 September 2007. In 2008 the
Namagowab which is one of the oldest languages on the continent still in use today, had in 1997 an estimated 250 000 people speaking it. The special characteristic of the Khoesan language is the general use of click sounds. Click sounds involve the sucking action by the tongue, but the position of the tongue and the way in which air is released into the mouth vary, just as in the formation of the other sounds. Six types of clicks are known for the San languages while the Khoe Khoen languages have dental (|), palatal (!), retroflex (╪) and lateral (||) clicks. Some Bantu languages, notably Zulu and Xhosa which are spoken near Khoesan areas, have borrowed click sounds from the Khoesan languages.
The Namagowab project consists of a series of four-workshop on the introduction to the Nama language. Due to the intense nature of the material the workshops caters for a maximum of 35 people per community. As mentioned, the workshops will be presented by Mr Pedro Dausab who had designed and written the material for the workshops as well as produced a booklet and a CD for easy use.
Contact
Louis Nel 021 483 9681 (w) 021 483 9675 (f)
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Adres: Die Taaleenheid, Derde Vloer, Protea Assuransie Gebou, Groentemark Plein, Kaapstad 8000 |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 July 2009 )
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