Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Fire talk, games to teach language, culture 

Home National Fire talk, games to teach language, culture 

Paheja Siririka

WINDHOEK- How long can you speak your mother tongue without mixing it with English or Afrikaans? If you think you have what it takes to fluently and accurately speak Oshiwambo without mixing it with any other language, there is a challenge brewing. 

March 9 at 15:00 will be a fun-filled day where and when everyone may attend and test their knowledge of the Oshiwambo language at the Old Location, at the corner of Doctor Kuaima Riruako Street (formerly Bach Street) and Purcell Street. “You get a lot of people who cannot speak Oshiwambo properly,” says Helena Amweenye, organiser of the event. She notes that children go to the northern parts of the country to their grandparents but are unable to speak Oshiwambo fluently. “This event is open to everyone,” stresses Amweenye. 

“The money will be collected from the ticket sales and the fines for those who mix Oshiwambo with another language,” adds Amweenye, pointing out that the proceeds are for charitable causes within the community. This is the first time Oxungi is being hosted. Oxuingi means fire talk.  “We decided to continue hosting this event in the northern parts of Namibia and Walvis Bay because of the demand,” emphasises Amweenye. No one will be left out as non-Oshiwambo speakers can also attend and learn a thing or two about the Oshiwambo culture. 

The event requires participants to strictly speak Oshiwambo – if you mix it with another language, there will be a fine of N$1. It will defeat the purpose of the day if people don’t go all out. “Odelela and other traditional attire should be worn on the day,” adds Amweenye. The day will be packed with games such as Uma/Ewuma, Owela, Amagoes and Dotta.