Evening friends meeting

It is true that I like lots of things right here, yet I miss one thing. That's my home. In my home country my friends and I usually gather in the evening after work. We usually have tea. That's strong tea! I miss it! Tea is served in three rounds .This evening club is what I miss so much!!!!!! This gathering has several advantages. First of all, it strengthens our relationship as members of the club. As such we share everything: ideas, sorrows, happiness. Second, while meeting in the club, we not only kill time together, but also shake away any kind of stress that we may have been feeling at the work place. We constanly encourage one another and give useful advice. One group member's problem is the problem of the group. In my culture individualism is strongly discouraged. That is to say, that one must always belong to a group. The trend is that people belonging to a group are much more valued than those who constantly act alone. The motto is "community first, never individualism". In other words there is no room for individualism.

Language immersion

Learning a language within its speakers is very improtant in many ways, but I am going to talk about two of its advantages. First of all, when you learn a language in its natural socio - cultural environment you are sure to acquire the cultural aspects needed for an efficient communication. In addition you learn certain expressions and phrases that you would never find elswhere. Secondly, when you learn a language in nthe commutnity where it is used as the only tool of communication you a hundred percent sure of learning it in a short span of time. Besides less effort or financial supprot is required to achieve your goal.

To end this article, let me tell you a funny story I witnessed the first week I arrived here. As you may know, I usually go shopping at Walmart. One day, when I finished picking up the items that I needed I came to the counter. Surprisingly what I saw intrigued me. At least on three or four counter it was written "Lane closed" As I did not understand what "Lane" was I approached a lady and asked:"Is everyone is this place named Lane?" The lady asked "why". I replied "because everywhere I can see "Lane closed" She laughed and asked where I was from. I relied "Mali" She said 'lane is not a person's name. It is the way or the aisle.

Giving a Name to Newly Born Baby in my Community

Giving a name is a very improtant ceremony in Mali. It is celebrated by both men and women, but in different groups and different ways.

The men's ceremony usually takes place on the dawn of the seventh day of the baby. Parents friends, and relatives gather early in the morning and find a name that best fits the baby. A preach (especially an iman) is invited. He leads the ceremony and performs all the rituals. Sometimes the baby may be named after someone in the family boundage(grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, uncle, or aunt). He may also receieve a name chosen at random by the preach. At the end of this ceremony the guests eat and drink. Kolanut is distributed to everyone. As a sacrifice the preach slaughters a ram (male sheep) which was bought before by the parents of the baby. Part of its meat is offered to the closest relatives, and part of it is cooked for lunch the same day. Most of the guests give a present (especially money) to the parents of the baby.

In the afternoon women (especially friends and relatives) gather in the family of the baby's parents. They sing, dance, eat, and drink. Around the dusk, each guest gives a present including clothes, soaps ... to the mother for the baby beofre going back to their houses.

Naming ceremonies are very important in my community. Not only they give the opprotunity friends and relatives to gather and discuss the daily issues, but also they contribute to strenghen and reinforce solidarity amomg people.

Come to Mali

Hello! I would like you to come to Mali. Although Mali is a hot desert country, it is worth visiting it. The people are very nice and very hospitable. The landscape is wonderful. From Kayes to Timbuktu, you will visit marvelous places. Moreover life in Mali is very cheap. With a hundred US dollars, you may get almost whatever you want. Come to M,ali, it is worth it. For more information visit www.malipages.com