I was absolutely amazed by the research discussed in this article. First, I had no idea that there were more than 17,000 Sudan refugees living in the US in 2003. I was blown away that I had not heard more about their asylum in our country and that at that point our society, myself included, knew much more about celebrities and their person lives than the heart-wrenching stories of these young boys. Once I was able to recover from my astonishment, I truly enjoyed the article’s research on storytelling as part of the Sudanese culture, and how these refugees were able to transform that part of their culture and assimilate it into their new lives.
I was struck by the fact that, even these refugees saw literacy as a symbol of power, and the effort they put into their education here and in schools at refugee camps they had lived in. There are many aspects of literacy, and I think storytelling is a part of literacy that is often overlooked. It was, and is, so ingrained in the Sudanese culture that I don’t know they could be separated. One of the refugees interviewed stated that even though they told stories here, they didn’t learn. I think by this Ezra meant that they were losing their culture, their history, and their identity. Because of this lack of learning and storytelling, they had to adapt their traditions to their new surroundings. They did this through transforming their storytelling. It was now done for new purposes and more written than oral.
Ezra’s comments express to us that literacy may be part of the solution to the saving the culture of the people of Sudan. He acknowledges that if the history and the stories were written down, the stories (history, culture, knowledge) would survive even if younger generations were cut off from their elders. This also demonstrates a shift, or transformation in thinking as well.
I couldn’t help but think about the Sudanese people sitting around a fire at night exchanging stories. This got me thinking about storytelling as part of our culture. I was reminded of all the nights when I was young that my daddy spent at the little country store down the road, exchanging stories with neighbors over a Pepsi. I also thought about the Sunday afternoons at my grandparents’ house when we sat around and just talked. Actually the grown-ups talked and the kids listened. How similar this seems to the storytelling of the elders in the villages of Sudan. Like the refugees, this custom and part of my culture has been transformed, though not as drastically I suppose.
I think this research makes a good point that applies to all students, not just refugees. That point is that educators need to give their students authentic opportunities to share their stories. Everyone has a story that tells who they are and where they come from. They all need the opportunity to share that in a meaningful way, such as for real audiences and purposes.
Marcia Smith
Comments (4)
I agree with you to where we as educators need to allow our students to share more stories. I admit, I have only allowed a few students share their story when discussing a topic because we didn't have time for everyone to share. Wow- I know that was how they were making connections from the story to their life, and I was cutting them off! But then I look at when I give them time to tell stories, and it's in their writing. So why are they so eager to verbally tell their story, instead of writing it? The answer is laziness, and these Sudanese people are not lazy. These refugees worked so hard to get their education and even to get to the U.S. that they deserve all they have earned. I never knew myself how many refugees there were, and I'm sure there are many more. I could also relate to the elders telling stories, as my grandparents and even parents used to tell us stories. The ones I remember most were from my father telling us what he had to go through(kid appropriate of cours) when he was in Vietnam. His stories have never left my mind and were so vivid that I felt like I was there. If you asked me to tell you a story today, I think I wouldn't be any good, because I don't do it anymore. If I struggle with it, then I know for sure my students do. Something that I need to do more of...listen and tell stories!
Posted by Abby Boughton | June 17, 2010 7:54 PM
Posted on June 17, 2010 19:54
I agree that we should give our students authentic opportunities to share stories. In the article the stories were described as badges at one point. A sense of pride can be taken from the sharing of a moment in one's life. It is a way for students to determine what in their life is of the most worth. I am hoping that with all of the new technology available to classroom teachers we can begin recording oral stories that can be shared with the masses.
Posted by Candy Mooney | June 17, 2010 11:50 PM
Posted on June 17, 2010 23:50
Marcia,
Like you, I was startled by the number of Sudanese refugees! They have been through such tragedies. Knowing a little about their lives makes me think of how important oral and written literacies are for them. By telling others inside and outside of the culture, the Sudanese refugees will continue their oral storytelling tradition. They will be able to share their experiences with a somewhat small audience. By writing their stories, however, the Sudanese refugees will be able to share their experiences with a much larger audience. Regardless of oral or written literacy, the refugees' stories are crucial for others to know so that history will not repeat itself.
Laura Corbello
Posted by Laura Corbello | June 18, 2010 1:43 PM
Posted on June 18, 2010 13:43
Marcia,
I as well cannot believe that we were not aware of all these immigrants. It realy makes you wonder what is going on in the world that we are not made aware of.
Storytelling is such a huge part of every culture, I think it is a very reasonable step in the writing process. These poor refugees can keep their history alive by retelling the story to those around them and to their decendents. I hope for them that the art of storytelling is never lost. But look at the number of people who can know of their histories if they write it down. In a lot of ways is that not as equally important? I think so!
Posted by sarah hutson | June 21, 2010 10:28 AM
Posted on June 21, 2010 10:28