This course actively engages this quote about language and culture by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: “Culture embodies those moral, ethical, and aesthetic values, the set of spiritual eyeglasses, through which they come to view themselves and their place in the universe.” It centers processes used by the leaders, parents, grandparents, educators, college lecturers, researchers, artists, and community members of the Kromanti Language Conference to engage in discussions and sharing about Kromanti (and Twi), Taino, Garifuna, and Jamaican Creole (Patois) languages. The focus is on strengthening the Kromanti language (and preventing any further language loss), revitalizing the Taino language, celebrating the Garifuna language, and validating the Jamaican Creole language. Students will learn about and participate in some of the strategies used: The TPR (Total Physical Response) Method, Song, Dance, Drumming, Food Preparation, and Plant Knowledge. The course will also cover Yenkunkun (Maroon), Garifuna, and Taino history and include artistic cultural exchanges with the Mooretown Yenkunkun (Maroons) of Jamaica and the Bomba drumming, singing, and dancing traditions of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
2 Ethnic Studies
3 Languages and Linguistics
3 Music and Performing Arts
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Academic Details
cultural studies, area studies, languages and linguistics