Table of Contents 

 

Introduction

Statistics

Journey of a Refugee

Population

Culture

Print Resources

Audio-Visual Resources

Audiobooks

Online Resources

Conclusion

 

 

Introduction

 

The intended audience of this pathfinder are public librarians in Kansas towns that have become a resettlement for Somali refugees.  Most of the Somali refugees in Kansas are from the Bantu tribe.  These refugees and new settlers face barriers when they use their public library, including language, social, and cultural barriers, as well as access to books on mathematics, science, etc.  that are written with simpler vocabulary and are at middle school/high school level.  They face many misconceptions about their culture and beliefs which makes their assimilation into their community more difficult.  With this pathfinder, public librarians will have resources that will not only help the refugees with their information needs, but answer the community's questions about this special population.

 

 

Statistics

 

According to a report done by Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov) the amount of refugees that came to this country from Somali in 2006, totaled 10,357.  

 

Journey of a Refugee

 

Map from:http://www.reisenett.no/map_collection/africa/somalia.jpg).

 

 

• The beige colored country is Somalia, most of the people fleeing either risked their lives to make it to Yemen, the country across the Gulf of Aden or to Djibouti, which is the small country next to Ethiopia.  Most of the people that were given refugee status were moved to Kenya and Ethiopia to reside in refugee camps. Somalis have been fleeing Somali and coming to the United States since 1991. Currently, Ethiopia hosts 115, 000 Somali refugees and Kenya hosts 129,000 Somali refugees (http://tinyurl.com/2ceu4r). Within the refugee camps, many people must reside on the outskirts of the camp and must worry about bandit attacks.  Every family or group of refugees receives a large canvas tent, basic cooking utensils, and a jerry can to collect water.  The refugees stay in the camp until they past medical testing etc, to be sent to the United States.  The refugees are mostly concentrated in the Midwest and Minnesota.

 

• Immigration offices in Kansas are located at the following addresses:

  • Kansas City Field Office- 9747 NW Conant Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153

  • Wichita Field Office- 271 West 3rd Street North, Suite 1050, Wichita, KS 67202

  • Locations of field offices in the United States can found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

 

 

Population

 

The population of Somalia is estimated at 8.5 million. Somalia is a clan based society and most belong to two main groups, the Samale and the Sab.  Somalia has two categories of minorities, the "ethnic" Somali (the Boni, Gaheyle, Galgale, Midgan, Tumal and the Yibir).  The members of the other group are considered foreigners or non-Somali (the Bantu, Eyele, and the Benadiri) http://tinyurl.com/2ceu4r.

 

 

 

Culture

 

 Many different tribes are represented in the refugees that are coming to the camps in Kenya, but a big part of those coming are Somali Bantu.  Unlike other Somalis who are very tribal oriented or lead a nomadic life, Bantu typically identify themselves with their place of residence.  The Bantu are not allowed to marry into other tribes and face not only discrimination there, but in other aspects of their life as well, they often hold the lowest and most undignified jobs in Somalia. Their religion is Islam or Christianity, some still believe in the use of animist beliefs, including the use of magic, curses, and possession dances.  Many of the Bantu converted to Islam because Muslims are prohibited from owning Muslim slaves.

 

 

Somali Dress

 

 

Picture from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights http://www.humanrights.state.mn.us/somali_culture.html.

 

Men wear western pants or a flowing plaid ma'awis(like a kilt), western shirts and shawls.  On their heads they may wrap a colorful turban or a embroidered cap called a koofiyad.

 

 

 

Picture from the BBC news website. www.news.bbc.co.uk

 

Women usually wear one of the following dress:

 

Direh-a long, billowing dress worn over petticoats

Coantino, a four yard cloth tied over shoulder and draped around the waist

Toob commonly worn around Africa

Hijab, and head scarfs are very common

 

 

Family Life and Marriage

 

There are two types of marriages in Somali society, the first is called aroos fadhi, which is consensual and arranged by the parents. The second is msafa, where the couple runs away to the local sheikh to be married.  The sheikh calls the parents and asks for their blessing, and they usually never disagree because they do not want to displease the sheikh.  The father of the bride pays a dowry, most women marry before the age of 16 and many marry between the ages of 16-18, they also practice polygamy.  Most Somali families consists of four to eight children and are a nuclear family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.  The father passses his name on to the children, but the wife keeps her father's name.  The children are named on the third day of their birth.  Most men are the provider for their family working on a farm or a wage paying job, and the women are the head of the household.

 

Festivites and Ceremonies

 

Dancing is a big part of Bantu ceremonies and festivites.  Not only is it used for religious purposes, but for marriages, births, circumsions, and commemoration of saints.  Most of the ceremonies are held at night to allow participants to connect spiritually to their ancestors.  The names of a few ceremonies are, Deb-Shid, people sing and dance around a big bonfire to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Another is Masawey, in which men and women wear dried banana leaves at their waists, metal anklets and bracelets to make synchronized rhythmic noises. Lastly, Shulay, is a dance competition between Bantu villages that is performed by the best boy and girl dancers from each village, in all the ceremonies performers play different drums and other instruments.

 

Information about Somali Bantu Culture is from http://www.cal.org/co/bantu/sblife.html#2.

 

 

Print Resources

 

Ali,B. (2007). Somali Cuisine. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.

     Synopsis: A book of recipies that features traditional Somali cuisine. This also conveys some history behind some of the recipies that have been passed down orally in the Somali culture.

 

Bixler, M. (2006). The lost boys of the Sudan.  Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.

     Synopsis: This book is not about refugees about Somalia, but the refugees from Sudan go through the same journey that the refugees from Somalia. This books follows the journey of four refugees as they sturggle to find jobs, run kitchen appliances, their struggles to overcome loneliness, and facing the growing suspicion of foreigners post 9-11.    

 

Danesi, M. (2006). Basic American grammar and usage: an ESL/EFL handbook.  Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series.

     Synopsis: The title says it all, the subject matter is centered toward ESL learners who want to learn about sentence structure.

 

Deng, A. (2006). They poured fire on us from the sky: the true story of three boys from Sudan. New York: PublicAffairs.

     Synopsis: A touching story of three boys all under the age of seven that are sent to the United States during the Sudanese Civil War.  This book would be good for a community bookcase about refugees so people can more readily relate to what refugees go through and the trials they faced to come to this country.

 

Johnson, J. (1996). Heeloy: Modern poetry and songs of Somalis. London: Haan Publishing.

     Synopsis: Poetry is a important part of Somali society.  Poetry contains the latest news, historical events, and is a revered form of enjoyment and an expression of deep feelings of love.  The book not only contains some poems but explains the social importance behind the poetry.

 

Maxamud, J.Q. (2007). English-Somali; Somali-English Dictionary. Simon Wallenburg Press.

     Synopsis: A revised edition of an older dictionary that translates English words into Somali and vice versa.

 

High Interest Low Vocabulary. 

      Synopsis: This is a series by different publishers that deal with math and science, but explain it in simple English.  They are helpful to people who are just learning English or have a low reading level.

 

Somali Non-Fiction by Somali authors:

 

Ahmed, A.J. (1995). The invention of Somalia. Trenton, NJ: Red Sea Press.

     Synoposis: Investigates the origins of Islam in Somalia and how that and clan loyalties still affect the country today.

 

Issa-Salwe, A. (1996). The collapse of the Somali state: The impact of the colonial legacy. London: Haan Publishing.

     Synopsis: Explores the political strife and upheaval that caused the civil war.

 

Lewis, I.M. (1994).  Blood and bone: The call of kinsip in Somali Society. Trenton, NJ: Red Sea Press.

     Synoposis: Explains how clan solidarity effects Somali polictical culture and why clan loyalties and ideas are so resilient and persistent.  The book also explores the affects clan loyalties in the crisis of 1990 with the United States.  The book also explores why the United Nations and the United States's attempts to stop fighting betweens clans has been unsuccessful.

 

Lewis, I.M. (1998). Saints and Somali: Popular Islam in a clan based society. Trenton, NJ: Red Sea Press.

     Synopsis: Introduces the reader to Somali holy men and saints and their reputation for mystical powers.  Explains the place and role of religion in Somali society and discusses popular practices outside the orthodox religion of Islam, such as spirit possession cults associated with Somali women.

 

Korn, F. (2006). Born in big rains: A memoir of Somalia and survival (women writing Africa). New York: Feminist Press.

     Synopsis: The life story of the author from when she was a child in an Islamic Somalian nomadic tribe in the 1960s. She tells the story of how she was forced to undergo female circumcision in a tribal ceremony, how she overcame it, and now is involved in the European campaign against FMG(female genital mutiliation).

 

Somali Fiction by Somali authors:

 

Farah, N. (2004). Links. New York: Riverhead Hardcover.

     Synopsis: The story is about Jeebleh, a middle-aged Somalian who leaves his family in New York to travel back to his birthplace for the first time in 20 years.  Having been a political prisoner when he left, Jeebleh does not want return, but needs to settle his mother's accounts and make peace with her spirit.  When he arrives in Mogadishu he discovers his oldest friend's niece and playmate have been kidnapped, and the clan leader in charge of the city is the one who had him thrown into prison.  The author, Nuruddin Farah, won the Nuestadt International Prize for Literature in 1998 and lives in exile in South Africa.  This is the author's ninth novel.  Other novels by this author include: Gifts; Knots; Secrets; Closed Sesame; From a Crooked Rib; Sweet & Sour Milk; Sardines; Dons; & Maps.

 

Mohamed, A-N.J. (2005). A cargo of guilt. Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse.

     Synopsis: The story is about two teenagers that are to unstable and restless to make the right decisions.  These two characters fall in love, but are worlds apart because of the tribal system in Somalia.  This is the story of what happens as a result of their love.  Other works by this author include, Of love and war in Somalia.

 

Sheik-Abdi, A.A. (1994). When a hyena laughs: A Somalian novel. Doctor Leisure.

     Synopsis: A tale of daily lfe in Somalia through the eyes of one young man. Olaad is the main character and must deal with self-indulgent priests, a passion for his stepmother and his inevitable flight from Somalia.  Other work from this author: Tales of Punt: Somali folktales.

 

 

Somali/English Language Children Books:

 

Hambelton, L. (2005). Chameleon races. Chicago, IL: Milet Publishing.

     Synopsis: A series of books about Chameleon and his reptilian friends. This book is about a race that Chameleon and his friends participate.  The translator is Mohd Worsamin Alim.

 

McKee, D. & Mo'Allim, N.M. (2004). Elmer's friends. Chiacago,IL: Milet Publishing.

     Synopsis: A story of Elmer the elephant and his many friends who are all different, but have one thing in common.  This book is a part of a series of Elmer books written by the same authors.

 

Moriarty, K. (2007). Wiil waal: A Somali folktale. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Humanities Center.

     Synopsis: A Somali-English bilingual children's picture book.  The plot is about a wise leader called, Wiil Waal who is trying to answer the riddle the sultan has asked him.  He tells the men of the province to help him figure out what is the answer, but no one can figure it out until a poor man's daughter presents her own ideas.  Illustrators are Amin Amir and Jamal Adam.

 

Moriarty, K. (2007). Four Somali folktales read in Somali and English. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Humanities Center.

     Synopsis: This is a book and audio CD that presents the stories in Somali and English, and a bonus track of traditional Somali music.  This book is one of several that were produced by the Minnesota Humanities Commission as part of their Somali Bilingual Book Project.  This project is a collaboration of Somali and non-Somali community leaders, educators, authors, and illustrators.

 

 

Audio-Visual Resources

 

P.O.V: Lost boys of the Sudan. (2003). PBS Home Video.

     Synopsis: Follows two young men from the Dinka tribe in Sudan.  It follows their journey from the refugee camp to Houston, Texas where they try to adjust to American society, but still retain their Dinka beliefs.  This is a production of PBS and is available in Arabic, English and Swahili.

 

English as a Second Language

 

Jex, W.(2006). Learning English: Steps 1-2-3.  Rosyln Heights, New York: Video Aided Instruction.

     Synoposis: For beginning ESL students, from middle school to adult learners.  Ideal for those who are new to English, this set of DVDs provides lots of practice in the basics of reading, listening, and writing.

 

Lentini, L.(2003). ESl easy English. Manasquan, New Jersey: Video Tutor.

     Synopsis: Contains four DVDs and the subjects discussed are: understanding basic conversation, meeting and greeting, using numbers and money, and asking and giving directions, addresses, and phone numbers.

 

 

Audiobooks

 

Unknown. (2006). Instant immersion ESL: English as a second language.  Renton, Washington: Topics Entertainment.

     Synopsis: This audiobook contains eight CDs that tackle the following subjects: Meeting new people, visting the supermarket, asking for bus information, finding a job, visiting the doctor, renting a apartment, communicating at work, and buying a car. 

 

Pineiro,C. (1999). English for new Americans: Health, home, and community.  New York: Living Language.

     Synopsis: This audiobook contains CDs, a DVD, and a workbook.  The subject matter deals with going to the doctor, going to the pharmacy, cleaning the home, alternative medicine, reporting a crime, getting things fixed, and social serivces.  The format is in converstional English and uses a variety of speaking styles and American accents to help the user better understand a variety of people.

 

Varra, R. (2006).  Easy American idioms.  New York:Living Language.

     Synopsis: Contins four CDs and one booklet that describe "Americanisms" and idioms that are part of American conversation.

 

 

Online Resources

 

Portland State University-National Somali Bantu Project. http://www.bantusupport.pdx.edu/.

     Overview: The website contains factual information about the Bantu tribe. The website contains not only cultural information, but resources for continuing education about the Bantu tribe.

 

 Cultural Orientation Resource Center. http://www.cal.org/co/publications/.

     Overview: Within this website is a section that is publications that the Cultural Orientation Resource Center have put together to help refugees.  A library may purchase them online.  Some of the publications listed are: Welcome to the U.S.: A Guidebook for Refugees, Welcome to the U.S.: Video/DVD for Refugee viewing, Refugee Families Refugee Youth Orientation Videos, and phrasebooks.  Unfortunately, the are not available to view online, but they are not overly expensive.  This website will always answer many questions the community may have about refugees and why they have refugee status.

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

     Overview: This government website has a variety of uses.  A librarian can use it to check immigration case numbers, print off forms, such as a change of address or replacing a lost green card, and schedule an appointment for a refugee with the immigration office.  The main drawback of checking the status of a immigration case is that the time schedule is difficult to read, so if your community has a increase in refugees it would be a good idea to educate staff about the schedule.  Under "Education & Resources," a immigrant will find study questions for the citizenship exam and civic flash cards.  The other drawback to this website is that the "new immigrant" resources only come in English and Spanish languages.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 The purpose of this pathfinder is to help public librarians build a collection for the refugess that arrive in their community, educate the community about the refugees, and to make the library a place that the refugees can find information to answer their questions.  The information in this pathfinder will be constantly changing as the political climate changes in Somali.. With the influx of refugees, hopefully more Somali authors will be published to help us all grow and learn together.