     Salma | Unrecorded Date
The large majority of the somali population, now more than ever, was born outside of somalia. I would like to get everyones thoughts in respect to language barriers, cultural differences, preconceived notions etc.... just to name a few. This is an issue that should be addressed as it affects many of us. I would really appreciate everyones input, any personal anicdotes might also help. please be very forthcoming. thank you in advance |
| AMAL SOMALI | Unrecorded Date
HI;SALMA
IT IS A GOOD IDIA TO TALK ABOUT THE SOMALIES WHO ARE BORN OUTSIDE OF SOMALI AND HOW IT AFFECTS US.
AS A SOMALIAN,YESS IT AFFECT US IN MANY WAYS,GOOD AND BAD.
SALMA WICH ONE WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW? |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
hi amal somali!
Let's start by discussing the good aspects of that matter, to start on a good foot. Maybe you can also talk about how the somali society as a whole preceives those who are born outside of it. Thank you for your comment, and i'm looking forward to a healthy discussion. bye |
| Hira | Unrecorded Date
its difficult to bring them together in futer. |
| Zulaka | Unrecorded Date
I have friend and family ralatives who weren't born in somali...most of them live in North America...The one barrier they all have in common with is that they don't see alot of somalians and they simply don't practice the language and the culture But ever since 1991 when they saw alot of somalians caming to this country they tried to learn the language and we've helped them learn...so as far as i know they are improving..at the same time the once that do know the language have to help...It's all about helping one another. |
| Noora | Unrecorded Date
I've never been to somalia, I was born in the UAE and i've spent the large majority of my life in Canada; this is also the case with all of my siblings and my father too. The only person who was born in somalia is mother, she tried her best to teach us the language. As a child i never had any somali friends there simply weren't any where I used to live, but when i got older and started to see more somalis, i tried my best to befriend them. That didn't work. They made fun of the way i speak (poor grammar), they took it upon themselves to tell that i wasn't somali and they were better than me. This is one thing i knew many somalis who weren't born in somalia must'ver encountred at least once in their life. peace |
| KHALID | Unrecorded Date
MAXAAD KAHAD LAYSAAN WAXAADTIHIIN CIYAAL AAN AQLI LAHAYN WAXAAD RABTAAN IN AAD XALGAARTAAN LAAKIIN IDANKADHEER INTAAD LUUQADKALE KUWADA HADLAYSAAN WIXIINA MEESHA KAHADLAYOOW LUUQADA SOOBARTA INTAA KAGADAALE .
SALMA I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOU....... IF YOU DON,T MIND CHEARSMACAAN |
| Didiid | Unrecorded Date
Noora:
Sorry, that you encountered some mean Somalis, but I think you are smarter than to assume all Somalis are Like that. Every society has ignorant people including UAE ( I could give you a long list of incidents). The Main point is no body is any more somali than you. I hope we don't fall into the trap as some of my fellow Black Americans, where there is always the debate of who is more truer Black therefore could represent Black America. You have to understand, there are all kind of Somali's , some were born overseas i.e kenya, uganda, tanzania, canada, usa, Great Britain e.t.c , and it's a growing population too, so please Keep your head up and be a proud Somali
Peace |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
Dear Disscuseurs!
Thank you for your input, espcially to Noora who has enlightened us with her personal experience. I agree with Didiid to say that you shouldn't fall victim to that type of unfounded criticism. Noora you seem like a very intellegent and well grounded young lady, don't mind the ignorant, surround yourself with positive people and you'll do great things. Make us proud.
Didiid, I can see your point and I can also appreciate it, however, how do you expect such an obviously young person to take all this ignorance and unfounded criticism and still be light hearted and be proud of a country who they don't know and the only outside representation they have(the people Noora met at school)are hatefull and ill mannered. Didiid, I think you should give Noora the benefit of the doubt and maybe a little more to hold on too. thank you
Khalid, I would love to get to know you too (lol). Sadly, I didn't understand a word you wrote. This is not something that I'm proud of. Could you please write it down in english. thank you kindly |
| Didiid | Unrecorded Date
Salma:
Thank you for your input, I also left Somalia at a young age "my moons ago" and came across some of those types of critism that she went thru. How ever it will be unwise for me to assume every Somali is like that. I have met very supportive & positive Somalis, so one has to balance and as you grew-up, you put these things in perspective.
I would say patiance is the key, and I do understand where she is coming from, you have to only look at some of postings in this forums for those ill-mannered people.
However it's your obligation and mine and ever other Somali to support each other, lift those
who need support, strenghen those who are already strong, encourage those who need it and above keep positive outlook. The Bigger picture is offcourse a very healthy and strong society better that our parents generations after all if a society doesn't investment prudently in their young they are doomed to fail.
Peace |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
Didiid! Very strong words. Impressive indeed.
Maybe now, Noora might look at what we have to say in regards to this issue and sigh in relief that all somalis are not doomed to be ignorant and verbally abusive. I say that because, as a yougin' I had the same exact thing happen to me, so I can empathize with Noora's problem without a doubt. Didiid, again thank you for your positive and encouraging words. I look forward to more intellegent discussion with you. Good day! |
| Mona | Unrecorded Date
Hello everyone!
I wasn't born in somalia, and i agree with salma and noora in regards to their claim that we as non-somali born are treated different-in a sense ostaracized. I can understand where Didiid is coming from, but keep in mind that only those who are 100% involved can truly empathize. Having voiced my opinion, would anyone be kind enough to tell me if there are somali classes offered anywhere in Toronto, Canada? Regards |
| Mr nice. | Unrecorded Date
To Noora:
Hi sis. Second,don't worry about somalis they always like to talk about sameone,I guest it's one of our bad behaviors.Finally,Fuck them who cares about what they think,my advice to you are:
1-ignore them,2-be patient.Sorry about my language
I get upset when I see people treating each other
like that.
To Didiid.
your the man bro! good advice. |
| Abdul | Unrecorded Date
hello everyone,
hey guys don't u talk about something else rather than arguing about who speaks somali and who doesn't. anyway who cares as long u are proud of your culture and your people.secondly , salma don't u know that this is a somali website and many people wanna write in their mother tongue (somali) and u can't force someone else to write in english. by the way i wasn't born in somali and i'm proud to be a somalian and hopefully , one day i will go back somalia. last but not least , u can learn somali language if u really wanna learn like any other languages.so people don't ignore your language and your culture while u try to assimilate the western style. which one day u will regret and see what was like to have your own mother's language.those of u who were not born in somalia, all u have to do is get closer to your families and try to learn the language for th sake of your children and the your ethnicity |
| Hayat | Unrecorded Date
We get critisized all the time for our language by the so called smart ppl. Who will critisize them??
I was born in E. Afica and very proud.
I am proud of my self being a somali.
Keep going do not look back.
I am very smart and these things do not put me down.
You have to be strong to mingle with these ppl of ours.
We also encounter alot of problems marrying them.
Hayat |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
Hey guys!
Abdul, I am not forcing anyone to do anything that they do not wish to do. I simply wish for anyone who wants to communicate with me to write their comments in english. If you can and want to write your comments in somali, brother, more power to you. But that will put me off, since I'll probably sit there for 20mins trying to fumble through what you wrote. I'm trying to learn, but it's hard when you don't have anyone to teach you. I'm not attempting to be bougois, trust me if I could I will. It is not a demand, just a simple, form-fitting request. So, don't get all bent outta shape and attack when you don't know the facts. Regards. |
| Saharla | Unrecorded Date
Hi to all the bro's and sis First I would like to say to all of you that I was born in central africa. And that when i talk in somali i alway have some body telling me I am a " sichuwi" and they always correct me. They say saharla this is not like this say like this and I am doing much better than before. My point is that don't let the ignorant people do that. To salma I think you are a very intelligent person. Keep it up sista. |
| Didiid | Unrecorded Date
Saharla:
Thanks! |
| Kameel | Unrecorded Date
I was born in the UK. Some 28yrs ago, i do not read or write somali, but i do speak it(not per
-fectly). thanks to my parents who tried at every
chance to speak to me in Somali.
I've had my share of cruel jokes. i was never off
-ended, i was proud of my heritage, i was determin
-ed to learn and i'm still learning.
As a lot of our children grow up abroad, Somali
will be a second language to many of them. I think
everyone should help them to know their language
and heritage and not make fun, when they speak.
For those who have a difficult communicating in
somali, don't give up and don't let anyone tell
you otherwise.
It would be sad, if we couldn't communicate when we return home. |
| Saharla | Unrecorded Date
To Kameel thank bro you could said it better. |
| Summer | Unrecorded Date
I was born and raised most of my childhood in the middle east. I came to canada couple of years ago. My father was born in Somalia but raised in Yemen and my mom was born and raised in Somalia. My father knew little somali until he met my mother in Saudia Arabia. Then they got married, but the only way that my father and my mother would communicate was through Arabic but my mom wasn't fluent in arabic but they tried so hard to do their best to teach me and my sister somali..which they did an excellent job. Since we came to Canada our Somali had advanced...Now me and my sister know more Somali than the rest of our friends(who were born and raised in Somalia). I am one hundred precent proud of my culture and hartige. Now I valunteer at a Somali Youth Community to do siminars and shows in the greater Toronto area to help somali's youth to respct people's diversity and culutral differences..which have been so far successfull.
P.S. I've never experienced Nooras situation before but I understand where she is coming from.
P.S.S. I've been truly blessed to meed wonderfull somali people who were very helpfull to me through the years.
Have a good day!! |
| Fatiha | Unrecorded Date
I was born in Kenya and moved to Europe at an early age. I can speak and read somali but can't write it. I couldn't do any of the above mentioned things before I met my husband. He took the time to teach me the somalian language and was patient with me. Thanks to him, am able to communicate with the somalian community without any difficulties. Of course, I make mistakes when talking and I don't get angry when they make fun of how I talk. It's true that some of the people can be so rude when talking with someone who was not raised in Somalia. But luckly they don't represent the majority of the somalians. I am proud to say that my young children are able to speak fluent somali and they will eventually be able to write it too!! Besides, not all somalis can read or write. Some of them are learning to be literate now. So, my sisters, try to learn as much as you can and don't be discouraged by the those rude people. I know what you are going through but cheer up and hold your head high!! Good luck with your efforts. |
| Didiid | Unrecorded Date
fatiha:
More power to you sister, my heart glows when I see people like you overcoming the slights and name calling visited upon you by ignorant people, I am also glad that you found a good soulmate for a husband.
Take Care.
p.s.
What's the trick for good marriage, I am still wandering in the Wildress and it's cold & lonley !!! LOL - no need that answer that. |
| AISHA | Unrecorded Date
I was born and raised in Tanzania, currently i live in the States. Both of my parents are from Somalia. Growing up we spoke nothing but somali. At the moment i still speak the language eventhough not as much as i should. It is true, some Somalis can be cruel. When they need you they try telling you that you are somali and should be proud of it, but when they are done using you, they remaind you that you are "sijui". Every time i'm around them, they give me the impression that no matter what i do or say, i'm not Somali enough.
Don't get me wrong, i luv my ppl very much but becouse of past misunderstandings, i prefer to stay away from them. when i'm with my friends from Tanzania they put them down calling them all kind of names. They contactly telling me to stay away from the ppl that i knew since my childhood.
give me peace or give me death.....with some Somalis, you don't get none.
ps: for all the Sijuis out there: POLENI NDUGU ZANGU, I SHARE YOUR PAIN |
| Ayan | Unrecorded Date
hello everybody! to begin with, i can understand where your pains coming from, but can i really tell you something? i have met two twin girls that were not born in somali and i felt sorry for them for non knowing their native laguege, but as i was training for them and trying to translate somali to english when people say something they don't understand i got the impression that they don't really want to learn. I have been in this country for only 5 years and when i came here i didn't speak a word of english. Before the Canadian people made fun of me the somalian people started making fun of me and thinking that i would so called "embressed them" if the other people see me with them. Now alhamdulilah I met a girl that was born in Canada but her parents are from Egypt and speaks both english and arabic fluently. thnx to her she help me with my english and now i will start york university next year majoring science and math. Now what iam trying to say is that not only knowing the somalian languege is not the only problem,but also not knowing the english. To go back to my point the the two girls came back to me with apology and asking me if i can teach them now and the girls that made fun of me are still in high school some drop and the rest still in grade 10 doing poor in school.
ps: sorry i talk too much. |
| Amal | Unrecorded Date
You go Aisha, representing huh?
Girl i feel your pain. I am in the same shit too. As far as I know, we will never be apart of them so you might as well deal with it. They ain't all that anyhow. You feel me?
Keep your head up. |
| FISH AND CHIPS | Unrecorded Date
SALAM SALMA SIS
I AM REALLY PLEASED THAT YOU HAVE PICKED A TOPIC VERY CLOSE TO MY HEART.
I WAS BORN AND BROUGHT UP IN ENGLAND UK. I AM NOW IN MY EARLY 20'S AND FEEL MUCH STRONGER EMOTIONALY AND MENTALLY TO DEAL WITH ALOT OF OF THINGS THAT COME MY WAY IN LIFE(PRAISE BE TO ALLAH). BUT IN MY GROWING UP YEARS I ENCOUNTED ALOT OF CRITICISM IN REGARDS TO MANY ASPECTS OF MY PERSON. I WAS OFTEN ACCUSED OF SUFFERING FROM IDENTITY CRISIS JUDGED BY MY LACK OF SOMALIA LANGUAGE OR DAILY PRACTICES (PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME I AM ABLE TO HOLD MY OWN SIDE OF A CONVERSATION IN SOMALI BE IT HIGHLY ACCENTED).
I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN UNJUSTLY TREATED BUT WHAT I HAVE QUICKLY LEARNT IS THAT WHAT PEOPLE SAY DO NOT MATTER AS LONG AS U ARE TRYING YOUR BEST TO IMPROVE YOUSELF AFTER ALL NON OF US WERE BORN WITH A READY CULTURE(EXCLUDING THAT OF PURITY) AND A LANGUAGE. LIFE IS A LEARNING PROCESS AND THESE FACTORS ARE LEARNED MATTERS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN ASHAMED OF MY ORIGINS INFACT THE OPPOSITE BUT IT DOES NOT RULE MY LIFE. I MUST ADMIT THAT MY WAY OF THINKING DIFFERS TO THAT OF SOMEONE FROM SOMALIA TODAY BUT THEN THATS IS ONLY EXPECTED AS WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT SOCIETY. THE ONE ASPECT IN MY LIFE THAT I FIND MATTERS TO ME MORE THAN BEING A SOMALI OR ANY OTHER NATIONALITY IS THAT OF BEING A GOOD GOD CONCIOUS PERSON.
I DO BELIEVE KNOWING THE CULTURE OF YOUR PEOPLE AND YOUR MOTHER TONGUE IS IMPORTANT BUT THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS IN LIFE. SO PEOPLE LETS NOT DWELL ON THAT WHICH WE CANNOT CHANGE BUT MOVE AHEAD AND IMPROVE OURSELVES IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIFES FOR OURSELVES AND NOT OTHERS. OK
SALMA WRITE TO ME SIS I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER. E-MAIL ME SIS
WASALAAM. |
| Somali | Unrecorded Date
PLEASE
Our country is Somalia
Our people are Somalis
Our language is Somali
No more SomaliANS it is not right. |
| FISH AND CHIPS | Unrecorded Date
SALAM
TO SOMALI
I AGREE AND FOR MOST US IT IS JUST A FIGURE OF SPEECH BRO/SIS SO CHILL OUT.
WE ARE NOT IN DENIAL. |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
Hi Guys!
I have been away for a while, but I'm glad to say that I'm back to continue my discussion. I read all of your comments since the last time I was here. All I can say is "pretty interesting!!!!". To tell you the absolute raw truth, I always thought of myself as a victim, brutulized and made fun of by my people, I am glad to say that I know better now, as many of you have commented it's not about where you've been or how you've been It's truely about where you're going. Our upbringing is somewhat extinuating, however, our goals and achievements are what make us different or better. I never chose the country of my birth, my first language, which school I went to, what my parents looked like, but I can tell you that my future, my goals, my achievements, my will are totally up to me and of that you could judge me. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you guys have to say. So, keep on writing for the written word is the only mean to one's soul. Later. |
| Somali Victim | Unrecorded Date
I say Hello to all of u.
I myself wasn't born in Somalia and its a known fact that those who know the Somali language better than the ones who don't, alwayz think they r better. Inorder for us to have a poor gramar of the somali language or got an accent doesn't mean that we can't speak at all, but they'll let u feel that way i don't know what they benefit out of. |
| Mullah | Unrecorded Date
Somali Victim:
Hope you don't let few ignorant fellows dictate your identity of being Somali |
| Anonymous | Unrecorded Date
Why is it that somalian women born abroad seem to be doing better than their sisters born in somalia? Especially women born in East Africa. They are more active than their counterparts in every sense. They are good wives, workers and intelligent. They don't complain and whine about buying clothes for the next wedding or party. I am a somalian male born in Xamar and my point is not to put the sisters down but to assert the point that the ladies born in East Africa are better than the sisters born in somalia. |
| Abdi | Unrecorded Date
I was born and still live in Kenya. Both my parents were born in Somali(land). I do get along well with somalis because I speak the language well but I know that somalis are obsessed with categorizing people. I wonder what name the children born in europe/n.america are called - gaal-Somaali or something?
For those of us who were born and raised outside the sense of community and belongig is very important and we tend to be naive (and considered foolish) on many occtions. Please do the what you can for our brothers and sisters and overlook thier pettyness whenever you can. And consider yourself lucky for both who you are and who you aren´t. |
| The Judge | Unrecorded Date
To anonymous,
Pick up a map and you'll find out that somalia IS east africa. Therefore, your point is invalid, useless, and many ways especially geographically void. Keep on contradicting yourself and insulting the only women who'll ever marry you. |
| Samawade | Unrecorded Date
Hi you people.
Being Somalian doesnot mean you should speak Somali since there are a numbere of people who are born outside the country. But the reality is it is easier for you to learn somali than any other language since you have your parents who may speak the language and the somalians who might give you a hard time from time to time. But don't give up cuz you will ger no ware if u give up so easily.
We all went a western world without knowing the culture nor the language. We succeded in live and even make it to universities( thanks to allah) even though we had some problems along the way.
My point is who ever puts you down while trying to learn your own mother tongeu is an ignorant and you should ignore him/her comments.
To whose of you who speak the language better than the others, please help these bro/sis to learn the language and encourage them. Let us be more tolerant to each other.
Until next time peace u all |
| Salma | Unrecorded Date
Hi all,
This is for Fish and Chips:
Unsual name; intersting ideas. You seem to have a lot of passion for someone your age. I would love to get to know you too. So, give me your
e-mail address as I don't have one- didn't catch up to the 90's yet.
Talk to you soon. |
| Amina | Unrecorded Date
I just want to say that this is a very interesting topic. I was born in Somalia; so, I can't completely understand.
Salma,
I think that you're very intelegent and interesting. We have a discussion group for women only and we need a spokeswomen. You seem like the ideal candidate. Sister, please get back to me and we'll talk.
Thank you. |
| Mohamed | Unrecorded Date
this is an intiristing subject to talk about since im a somali whos born and bread outside somalia Ialso encountered the difficalties of being a non perfect somali (doesn't speak the laungege fluantley like my father and mother do Ihave being teased with some words like arab and what does he know about somalia?but the worset one was when someone acuesed me of being a shamed of my poeple and not wanting to speak the somali laungege at a time all I knew of the somali laungege was iskawaran and nabad Ididn't know the diffrence naya which is for females and warya which is for males,it realy hurted me and thats when I decided to learn and speak agood somali which ido now thank to allah.
your somali brother mohamed |
| Suleekha | Unrecorded Date
hi to every 1
i wanna say i was born and brougth up in north somalia(Buroa)and when i came to england at the age of 13, (i'm now 19), i had faced alot of critism from british somalians cause i couldn't speak english and at that time i was really hurt so my point is isn't only the people who were born outside somalia who had to face hard time.
i also wanna say i have met people who were born outside sommalia who don't know anyhting about somalia and who thinks somalia is just one place for war and triblism.
i just wanna say i've got news for u, we have better and bigger land okay? and one day i hope u guys get to see for your self and know what i'm talking about.
oh and i've got something to say to those who were born in Somalia but think being in a western countries now is wonderfull, come on guys, u've had the chance to learn your language, learn about that incredable somalian culture so don't throw that away.
all my love
suleehka |
| salma | Unrecorded Date
HI all,
More power to Mohamed & Suleekha. I'm truely glad to see that you've both turned your misfortune into fortune.
to Amina, Thanx for invite sis, but I'm not sure as to where I can get in contact with you.
Bye all |
| lila | Unrecorded Date
hi every one i born in UAE and what make me upset about somalian people because they think who born in UAE are fool and they laugh from as the way we think not just us but all the other who not born in somalia |
