Finally, a box labeled “Kolokwa Wisdom” appears at the top right of this page. It features sayings or proverbs derived from Kolokwa, the language spoken by most Liberians.
The sayings featured here are comparable to the sayings of Confucius. They are often lessons derived from the Liberian experience specifically. They deserve to be transmitted from generation to generation.
Kolokwa is often called “Liberian English,” but that is misleading. In reality, the language is a hybrid, with words and rules derived from a variety of local languages. Its name is derived from “colloquial.”
Its widespread use notwithstanding, Kolokwa is often denigrated by Liberian policy-makers. Some regard it, erroneously, as a corrupt imitation of standard English. Others dismiss it as impure. But not the urban poor, some of whom now call themselves “Kolokwadians.”
Those hoping to ignore Kolokwa out of existence do so at their own peril. Like a child born out of wedlock, it is here to stay. It deserves to be legally recognized, sooner rather than latter.
In highlighting these resources, Patrick’s Place offers an alternative approach to national healing. Not peace-keeping based on foreign military forces alone. Not development policies imported from Washington, DC, or Brussels.
None of those will ensure a stable society, without a healing of hearts and spirits. That work can not be achieved by partner governments and foreign NGOs, no matter how well intentioned. At the end of the day, none but ourselves can heal our minds.
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