RISSEA PARTICIPATE IN BRIDAL EXPO, MAMBASA

A model wearing a Groom's gown ''Joho"

RISSEA took part in an exhibition by EVE magazine organized for the purpose of showcasing bridal designs and products. The Expo held for three days during EID, from the 10th to 12th September , 2010 at the Jubilee/Aga Khan hall, involved display of bridal designs and products by several participants from Mambasa city.

RISSEA displayed a range of products including Swahili bridal gown, the groom's Joho, bed-covers, cushions, and other bridal accessories. Other products displayed by the institute were bags, dresses, shirts. The response was overwhelming though it was the first time for RISSEA to participate in such exhibition; it was able to sell its products and attract quite a number of interests. RISSEA hopes to participate and /or organize similar exhibitions in future

CALLS FOR ABSTRACTS CLOSED

RISSEA complex

The Calls for Abstracts exercise for the RISSEA International Scientific Conference to be held in November, 2010 came to a close last week and the successful paper presenters have already been notified. A total of 25 abstracts were approved by the Reviewing Committee and their submitters have been given a nod to start writing their full papers. The abstracts came from a cross section of scientists in various fields in accordance with the outlined sub themes. The abstracts delved on topics on anthropology, linguistics, history, land economics, literature and religion. The full papers together with the registration form are expected in November 8th, 2010.

RISSEA INSTITUTE, MOMBASA AND LAMU

RISSEA training is designed as a single part-time or full time course, consisting of four modules . Modules last a  maximum of ten weeks. A formal certificate will be issued to each participant on completion of the full course or module. During this time, they are taught Swahili history and development, grammar, literature and culture. They are also exposed to first hand experience of Swahili environment. Excursions are organized for the students to visit old Swahili settlements like Jumba la Mtwana Ruins, Shimoni caves. Wasini Island, Gede ruins, Takwa ruins among others. The RISSEA teaching staff is made up of qualified Swahili native speakers of the language.

The four modules to be covered include:

• Swahil language
• Swahili culture
• Swahili literature
• Swahili history and identity

SOAS students at Lamu Campus

The institutes also strives to form collaboration with other institutes or Universities to enhance its mandate of training and research. Research affiliations and private tuition to researchers and students respectively has put RISSEA into the world map of academics. The University of London, through the School of Oriental and Africa Studies(SOAS) signed a memorandum of understanding with RISSEA, where the SOAS students come to RISSEA for their "Year Abroad Programme" to learn Swahili. The first batch of students came to RISSEA in 2005 consisting of 9 students and 2010 is the sixth year SOAS is sending students to RISSEA.

Jumba la Mtwana ruins

A GLOSSARY OF SWAHILI TERMINOLOGIES

TERM       EQUIVALENT IN      EXPLANATION
                   KISWAHILI 

Global       Zingiro           Global = Zingiro because of circular or round shape.

Scanner    Tambazo        Scanner = Tambazao Due to its spreading effect.

Internet     Ungamano      Internet = ungamano because its connects people to 

                                      communicate.

Office      Ukurungwani    Office = Ukurungwani it is derived from mkurungwa

                                       meaning office from archiac.

Radio      Mwengoya       Mwengoya means radio from the word mwengo meaning 

                                      echo from its function an echo coming from far 

                                      mwengo wa kuya = mwengoya.

Computer  Ngamizi        Computer is represented by ngamizi from its function of 

                                    swallowing 'Miza' everything that its fed.

Mouse     Kitauzi          Mouse is represented from by kitauzi a tool that you use to 

                                   choose.

Fax        Pepesi           Fax is represented by pepesi from pepesa which means 

                                   'to blink'.

E-mail   Baruwa pepe    E-mail represented by baruwa pepe which means baruwa
                                     'a letter' coming like a lightning pepe in Kiamu is lightning.


Ray     Uka                  Ray represents uka in expression kumepambauka in Kiamu
                                     which means sun rays are out.


Picture Uyoo               Picture is represented by uyoo.


Science Ulimbe           Science is represented by ulimbe derived from the knowledge
                                  of ulimwengu 'world' and viumbe 'creatures'.


Psychology Ushunuzi  Psychology is represented by ushunuzi meaning to open up 

                                  or expose things inside.

By: Prof. Ahmed Sheikh Nabahany

Swahili consultant

RISSEA