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The tribes of Central Africa are rich in folk and song-lore. This
wealth as yet lies almost untouched, but with the great changes taking
place, civilization sweeping over the country, it is likely to be
overwhelmed, the native even now being slow to open his stores to you.
These few tales, with and without music, were gathered for practice
in translating, afterwards it was thought that as a small book it might
prove a wee bit bait to bring brown bairns to school."
The Songs have meantime been omitted owing to unavoidable
difficulties connected with the printing.
The temptation to make the English more readable has had to be
resisted as it would have defeated the end in view.
In digging for songs, stories, riddles and customs, increased delight
is found in the language, besides, a knowledge of native character and
thought is gained which is invaluable in work amongst the people.
Livingstonia Mission,
Mwenzo, B. 0. Africa.
November, 1899.
E. H. D. |
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