| Anansesem Kyiri Kasa! is... |
| Pronounced ah-NAHn-say-SEHm CHEEdee KAHsah... Anansesem Kyiri Kasa! in the Twi language of Ghana, West Africa, is an expression that means: storytelling does not like idle talk--talk or chatter that has nothing to do with the story being told and is distracting to the audience and storyteller. It is often said when someone is rudely talking during a storytelling performance. Taking that into consideration it is also one of the Programs title and banner under which J'miah Nabawi presents his multifaceted presentations, adding a spin to the meaning that his storytelling are words filled with action and movement. Nabawi has also utilized this useful expression in his revised book, Anansesem Kyiri Kasa: Storytelling Does not Like Idle Talk! A "Teachers/Family Guide" filled with related storytelling activities, folk-tale songs (mmoguo) and movement games. You are either clapping, singing, drumming or dancing, acting and moving or doing all of the above, once you have attened one of Mr. Nabawi'sAnansesem Kyiri Kasa "aerobic type" storytelling programs, you will have experienced the meaning of this expression. Look at the word Anansesem by itself and you will see the name Ananse. Anansesem is the "telling" of Ananse-stories (or storytelling). Ananse is the name of the very popular Spider and folktale character whose antics of tricks and wit are known throughout the world. In fact, Ananse is so-o clever at times that not even "King Lion" (yes, that one right there to the right and cutting his eyes over to see what's being stated here) has been fast or clever enough to catch ol' Kwaku the Spider-Man Ananse! Born in Ghana, West Africa, many, many moons ago, Ananse's name and legend continue to ring out in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, Latin-America and Europe. They say he's also been seen in Japan and China! To find more on Anansesem, telling Ananse stories, you may search the web by typing in keywords: ananse (also spelled anansi); anansesem; spider stories; ghanaian folktales; and jamaican folktales. You may also order copies of Anansesem Kyiri Kasa: Storytelling Does Not Like Idle Talk! and ANANSE Makes It So! - a read-aloud coloring book for "family Anansesem." |
 |
| BOOKS FOR GROWING MINDS PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 13946 Savannah, GA 31416 (912) 927-1871 Email: speakersgroup@bellsouth.net |