What your native language says about who you are | Ruvarashe Sadya | TEDxAshesiUniversity

TL;DR

Losing connection to indigenous language and wisdom leads to cultural loss and missed opportunities for personal growth.

Transcript

three days after I was born still in shock at the new world all around me I heard my mother speak to the nurse and say how is my child and the nurse she said I was the happiest baby she had ever seen and I I cried I cried that's not true mama my bed is hard the milk is bitter and the odor of your breast is foul I am miserable but Mama didn't unders... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Indigenous languages preserve cultural heritage and wisdom through proverbs like Tumo.
• 🎓 Academic approaches to language education may hinder cultural exploration and understanding.
• ❓ Personal philosophies are influenced by cultural teachings and experiences.
• 🥺 Embracing new experiences leads to personal growth and understanding.
• 🛟 Preserving indigenous languages is crucial for maintaining cultural identity.
• 👪 Family teachings and childhood experiences shape individual philosophies.
• 🥺 The abandonment of indigenous languages may lead to a loss of community values.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker first encounter Tumo Proverbs, and what impact did they have?

The speaker learned Tumo Proverbs from their mother, who used them to impart wisdom and life lessons. The proverbs served as a guide in embracing new experiences and judging them fairly.

Q: Why did the speaker regret dropping the study of Shauna language in school?

The academic approach to learning Shauna language became overwhelming for the speaker, causing them to miss out on exploring their cultural heritage and the philosophies embedded in the language.

Q: What is the significance of embracing new experiences in the speaker's philosophy?

The speaker's philosophy of embracing new experiences before passing judgment stems from their mother's teachings and the importance of understanding different perspectives and opportunities for personal growth.

Q: How does the speaker relate their changing career interests to their philosophy of redirection?

The speaker's shifting career interests from literature to zoology and finally to management information systems reflect their philosophy of embracing new interests before making judgments, influenced by their mother's guidance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker recalls a time when as a baby, they misunderstood their mother's praise due to language and cultural barriers.

• Growing up, the speaker learned valuable Tumo Proverbs from their mother but regretted dropping the study of Shauna language in school.

• The importance of embracing new experiences and personal philosophies rooted in cultural heritage is emphasized, highlighting the need to preserve indigenous languages.