Congolese

Hello Bantu-“Hujambo”

Historical Background

-1884 to 1960; -Belgian control -Many atrocities committed by King Leopold during early stages of colonization (bullet for a hand) -Belgian government leaves country in 1960 with little infrastructure and stability

-1960 to present day; -In 1990s Tutsi rebels throw coup d’etat of Mobutu-led government -Rwandan (Hutu) and Ugandan forces enter Congo to combat Tutsi uprising -Dubbed “First Congo War”, ending in 1997 -“Second Congo War” has been ongoing since 1998 -Both wars have lead to large amounts of displaced people, and a great deal of instability

Washington Post Article about the Congo - "Trapped in Violence and Forgotten" http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/world/2014/09/27/in-congo-trapped-in-violence-and-forgotten/

Religion

-As a result of colonization, the majority of Congolese people practice various sects of Christianity (estimates range from 70-80%) -Other religions include Islam and Kimbanguist

Language

-French is the official language and is taught in formal schooling -However, over 200 languages/tribes spoken throughout Congo -Group of “tribal” languages spoken are called Bantu, which make up 80% of spoken language

Music

-Traditional music likened to troubadour music, with singer/songwriters -Very popular style of music/dance called “Congolese Rumba” -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rotc8IyJvwI

Cultural considerations;

-Ongoing conflict(s) have created circumstances where many Congolese born people have been displaced. -Figuring out where a Congolese student is from can be quite difficult. -Many have been taken in by non-profit organizations like World Relief and placed in refuge camps throughout Africa. -In circumstances with refuge students, it is extremely difficult to find out how much schooling the student has received, and in what language that instruction was given in. Multimedia

Music; -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqtC3hxVLMo

Documentary on conflict; -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYqrflGpTRE

Refugees; -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEe_yWDsQoQ Resources

-www.friendsofthecongo.org -https://gordanondera.wikispaces.com/Kinyarwanda+phrases -http://famdliflc.lingnet.org/products/swahili/sw_bc_LSK/module1.html -https://worldrelief.org/standforcongo/friends