kulture
8A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2005
World
Article by Shanxi Upsdell Illustrations by Andrew Hadle Edited by Jonathan Kealing
Languages
Ever wondered where Disney's "Hakuna matata" in "The Lion King" originated? Maybe wanted to say hello in Tibetan, learn the language of the Incas or just take a break from Spanish and French.
If any of this sounds appealing, "karibuni," or welcome to some of the less commonly taught languages at the University of Kansas.
Kiswahili
Kiswahili, spoken in eastern and central Africa, consists of rhythmic words and phrases that sound like soft, earthy drumbeats. Disney used Kiswahili phrases such as "Asante sana" and "Hakuna matata" in its 1994 animated film, "The Lion King."
The prefix Ki- translates to "language of," so Kiswahili means "the language of
Swahili." If a Swahili speaker wanted to talk about the Chinese language, he would call it "KiChina" or "the language of China."
Leonce Rushubirwa, professor of African-American studies, grew up in Tanzania, which lists Kiswhili as its national language. He's taught it for 22 years.
SEE KISWAHILI ON PAGE 6A
Tibetan
Champa Lhunpo, lecturer in the department of East Asian languages and cultures and a Tibetan Buddhist monk, has taught his native language in the United States since 1992.
The places that speak Tibetan — Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and some regions of north India — comprise an area larger than western Europe, Lhunpo said.
The University started Tibetan classes this year with five students. One of them, Rick Winfrey, Wichita senior, said he wanted to learn the language because he practiced Tibetan Buddhism.
"Whatever helps me learn Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism, it's just a bonus," he said.
SEE TIBETAN ON PAGE 6A
Kechwa (Runa Ximi)
When Skylar Frasier, Burr Oak senior, traveled to Salasaka, Ecuador, in the summer of 2002, his skills in Kechwa helped him in what he called an "amazing and eye-opening experience." He said he found himself in the minority as the only white man, or "gringo," for miles.
"It's a great opportunity to see something different from the U.S. in so many ways, finan-
cually, spiritually, everything," he said. "It makes you re-examine your culture and their culture, all at the same time."
Frasier said students learning Kechwa learned more about an invaluable culture and through it, part of the history of the Americas. He described the language as breezy and swift, like wind whipping through the trees.
SEE KECHWA ON PAGE 6A