Kikkongo Language
The Kikongo word nommo means word. It finds itself being so significant because it somewhat of a higher power in the eyes of the Congolese people. Nommo draws the line in the sand between what is considered to be alive and what is considered to be non-living. Nelson describes it as “the force that makes things live as what they are” (Kingsolver 209). By giving someone or something nommo it allows the it or them to pave its own path in life apart from all that may be. Nommo is what separates Leah and Adah, allowing each girl to be their own person and pursue their own interest.
The Price sisters’ Christian names and the ones obtain in the Congo differ in many ways. The Kikongo language seems to possess solitary words that would require entire …show more content…
It also gives living things the power to be what they are. Mantu is congolese for man or people. The word mantu seemingly puts all people on even playing ground. Whether they are dead, alive, children or gods they are all mantu. Nelson presents the idea that “a child is not alive until it is named”(Kingsolver 209). Though his idea is puzzling at first, after some time it began to make sense. Change child to dog or stuffed animals and then think about it. Nine times out of ten, someone walking down the street does not bat an eye at stray cats or dogs but as soon as you give that cat or dog a name they become a pet with feeling and a mind of their own. Same goes for a stuffed animal. A teddy bear has real no significance until it receives a name and then next thing you know it is your best friend and you can not sleep without it. Seeing a starving child on one of those commercials meant to guilt trip you into donating to a charity where most times that child will never see a dime of the donations is a prime example of what Nelson means. In that very moment your heart strings are pulled and you feel for the child but you make no real move help the child in any form, five minutes later you are laughing at the Geico lizard, eating a piece of pizza, guilt free. This happens because that child does not have a name to you and therefore their existence is kind of null and void once they are off your tv
The Price sisters’ Christian names and the ones obtain in the Congo differ in many ways. The Kikongo language seems to possess solitary words that would require entire …show more content…
It also gives living things the power to be what they are. Mantu is congolese for man or people. The word mantu seemingly puts all people on even playing ground. Whether they are dead, alive, children or gods they are all mantu. Nelson presents the idea that “a child is not alive until it is named”(Kingsolver 209). Though his idea is puzzling at first, after some time it began to make sense. Change child to dog or stuffed animals and then think about it. Nine times out of ten, someone walking down the street does not bat an eye at stray cats or dogs but as soon as you give that cat or dog a name they become a pet with feeling and a mind of their own. Same goes for a stuffed animal. A teddy bear has real no significance until it receives a name and then next thing you know it is your best friend and you can not sleep without it. Seeing a starving child on one of those commercials meant to guilt trip you into donating to a charity where most times that child will never see a dime of the donations is a prime example of what Nelson means. In that very moment your heart strings are pulled and you feel for the child but you make no real move help the child in any form, five minutes later you are laughing at the Geico lizard, eating a piece of pizza, guilt free. This happens because that child does not have a name to you and therefore their existence is kind of null and void once they are off your tv