Dr. Jaiteh:
   
  For the sake of posterity and possibly in the interest of social research, I think it would be important to state in your introduction that the names listed here are ‘Names of People in The Gambia’ and not exclusively ‘Gambian Names’.
   
  I cannot understand how Elizabeth or Francis, Ismaila or Alieu, Aisha or Habibatou, etc. can be considered Gambian names. It is obvious that these names are of Western or Middle Eastern origin, and did not exist in our society before the advent of Christianity and Islam in Africa. I find it incomprehensible when - each time we baptize a child - we insist on giving him or her a name pulled out from the Bible or the Qur’an as if on the day of reckoning our names are what will determine our fate.
   
  It is such relentless aping of other societies that has left an indelible stain on our culture today; to a point where we sometimes consider it an effrontery to speak our own languages or use our own names.
   
  It was in reaction to such cultural affront that African novelists Ngugi and Achebe decided to drop their Western names.  Here is what Achebe had to say regarding his name change, “I was baptized Albert Chinualumogu. I dropped the tribute to Victorian England when I went to the university…” (Hopes and Impediments: 1990).
   
  I hope the Back to Roots movement initiated here and there by African intellectuals will take momentum and arrest the further despoliation of our cultures.
   
  Keep up the good work!
   
  Momodou.


Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:  Years ago brother Saiks Samateh with the help of many Gambia-lers 
compiled a list of Gambian names. In the process we have over 200 
female- and 300 male names . You can find the list at 
http://www.columbia.edu/~msj42/Common%20Gambian%20First%20Names.htm

this evening I got a call from a young Gambian student working on a 
school project asking for the name of a mandinka musical instrument- one 
used by female Jalolu accompanying the male Kora Jalo or sometimes as 
solo instrument. A kind of a metal pipe (no more 6 to 8 inches long) 
and a long needle (8 to 12 inches). The pipe is held in one and the 
needle is used to sound it. If you know what is called please help me out.

By the same token I am suggesting that we compiled a list of traditional 
instruments of sound and music. If you know one, tell us how it is 
called by the ethnic group who use it and a little description if you 
can. If you have any picture that you would want to share please send it 
to me and I will put it up on the webpage next to the traditional names.

Malanding Jaiteh 

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