SWAHILI FOLKLORE
Sometimes old memories come flooding back into one’s mind with nostalgic effect. One day my brain felt like a giant elephant as I hummed old songs and rhymes that dated as far back as my days in nursery school. My native country Tanzania was intensively on my mind. I felt I had to share these memories or else they will go to waste when I am no more. It was time to show my gratitude to all my teachers who made my school days a joy to remember and also to share the gift of memory with all the children in this universe.
This book consists of nursery rhymes, songs and 20 Swahili folk tales translated into English. The stories were written and submitted by school children from Manundu Primary School in my hometown Korogwe, Tanzania. In Tanzania, oral lore is a common tradition of transmitting stories from one generation to another. I did not wish to see this knowledge get lost but get preserved in a form of written book. The nursery rhymes, songs and animal facts were contributed by me. These were inspired by memories from my school time experiences and also a wish to instill children with an appreciation for the wild animals, especially those belonging to the List of Threatened Animals.
For every child who wishes to explore their wild and fun side, just flick through the pages and get acquainted with the Swahili folklore and Tanzanian wildlife. Tanzania warmly welcomes you. “Karibu sana!”
Hi aunt Glo!
I just saw your LinkedIn invite. Aksante sana and it is such a pleasure knowing you – and your work!
Please let us keep in touch na hongera sana!
Blessings.
This is an excellent book for Tanzanian parents living abroad who wishes to share stories and some of our childhood experiences with our kids. It’s nice to have a book that tells swahili tales vs the never ending disney stories. Asante dada Gloria.
Hi Gloria,for me i really like this book,and i will love to have a copy for my kids,so they can bring to their School.Ireland every year Irish Aid they have Exhibition for kids Story books for Different African Country,i will love to introduce this to them also.Keep up Good work,i like.I will send you link you ca have a look.
I am on research whilst also asking the page visitors to tip me on any info they have. Siku njema!
I would advice youtro research a bookshops by urself. There are bookshops out there and ask them to sell for u, or sell to them at reasonable wholesale price. but if u wait for a seller to come to you, my sis thats not Bongo ur talking about!
The book has both languages (English and Swahili) and is not aimed for Tanzanian children only but also to introduce the country to other children worldwide. I do understand that not everyone can buy on-line. Can anyone suggest a bookshop in Tanzania that is willing to stock these books for wider distribution over there. If yes, I would be glad to keep in touch to facilitate this. Swahili is our mother tongue but we should also not forget that English is used as a teaching language in higher instituions and therefore an early introduction to a child can be useful.
Who is your target reader? Do you think the students from Manundu and others alike will be able to read and enjoy your book? Unless you had in the back of your mind the idea of exploring western market, I found this book of no use to Tanzania. Let me remind you, Tanzania’s native language is Swahili, so I would argue you to consider translating the book in Swahili. Nevertheless, I like your idea… brilliant but please consider using Swahili to communicate those precious songs and ideas to the vast majority.
Gloria! Hongera sana.
Tufikirie nasi tulio nyumbani njia rahisi ya kupata vitabu vyako. Hizi njia za Amazon ni wachache walio na uwezo nazo jitahidi kutambulisha bookshop ya hapa nyumbani sehemu ambayo tunaweza tukachangia maendeleo ya kwetu.
Manundu school in Korogwe where some students contributed will get their copies. As for donating to other schools, please keep in mind that my literary efforts are past time self run projects where I incur publishing and purchasing costs. Nevertheless I welcome anyone who wishes to join the efforts of buying and donating any of my books directly from my publisher. I am ready to facilitate those efforts.
Gloria.. is there a Swahilki version? i think those children who provided their stories and others in Tanzania and swahili speaking countries will benefit… I also suggest that you should donate some few books to the school where the children wrote thier stories for you..