Monthly Archives: April 2017

Unity in Numbers

Nationality: American
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: 04/26/17
Primary Language: English

Subject: Proverb

Informant: Nnamdi was born in San Francisco. His parents are originally from Nigeria and came to the United states after getting married. Although living abroad, his parents maintain their customs and traditions prevalent within the family. Nnamdi currently studies Business in Los Angeles.

Original Script: Igwe bu ike / There’s unity in numbers

Background information by informant: The proverb is one of many from the lgbo tribe in Nigeria. In Nigerian culture, teamwork is very important. Family is pretty much the biggest value besides religion.

Thoughts: Interestingly, the theme of strength and unity when in numbers is a very prevalent one within the folklore of many different cultures.

Bok chun

Nationality: Chinese
Age: 27
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: 03/28/17
Primary Language: Chinese
Language: English

Subject: Folk Speech

Informant: Lo was born in Honk Kong in a Chinese family. She graduated in journalism from the University of Hong Kong and proceeded to work in the industry. After working for a few years in media related fields, Lo decided to specialize her education and came to Los Angeles to pursue a masters in film production. She is currently finishing her first year of the degree program.
Original Script: 搏 盡 / Bok chun

Background information by informant: The term “Bok chun” emerged within the University of Hong Kong and was emphasized by the school as a term to signify fighting and pushing the limit. The University believes that you can only know if something is not possible if you try it. Eventually, the term changed and began to be used as a term to mock those that had gone “too extreme”.

 

Thoughts: After a term has been present in a certain community for a while, it naturally gets attributed with new and different meanings based on present circumstances.

Wat gai

Nationality: Chinese
Age: 27
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: 03/28/17
Primary Language: Chinese
Language: English

Subject: Folk Speech

Informant: Lo was born in Honk Kong in a Chinese family. She graduated in journalism from the University of Hong Kong and proceeded to work in the industry. After working for a few years in media related fields, Lo decided to specialize her education and came to Los Angeles to pursue a masters in film production. She is currently finishing her first year of the degree program.
Original Script: 屈 機 / Wat gai
Background information by informant: Wat gai originated in Hong Kong to describe somebody that was so skilled at videogames that he could beat anyone. Through online forums and social media, the term eventually evolved to describe any legendary feat someone was known for.

Thoughts: Certain slangs or terms emerge especially between younger generations. Before, some of these pieces of folk speech would be limited to the particular regions where they begin. However, the internet has made it possible for this information to be shared and consequently gain attention not only locally, but internationally as well.

King Arthur

Nationality: British
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: 04/23/17
Primary Language: English

Subject: Legend

Informant: Michael was born and raised in London. His father is British and his mother is American, hence he was exposed to both cultures growing up. He currently studies Health Promotion in Los Angeles and is the captain of the universities’ rugby team. Michael is also the president of his fraternity at the university.

Original Script: King Arthur was a legendary leader in Britain. He built his powerful sword – Excalibur – from stone and became the chosen king. He surrounded himself with great leaders such as Merlin the magician and Sir Lancelot. He was most famous for his round table, which was considered very anti-religious at the time. He had the round table because he always thought that he was an equal to his advisors. Therefore, he did not want to rule from the top, and instead opted to be a king that listened to those he ruled and cooperated with everyone to become a powerful leader.

Background information by informant: King Arthur was probably one of the most legendary figures in British history and became a prominent part of British culture.

Thoughts: Folklore legends can establish positive ideas into a community and bring them closer to their history and roots.

The Cross of Saint George

Nationality: British
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: 04/23/17
Primary Language: English

Subject: Myth

Informant: Michael was born and raised in London. His father is British and his mother is American, hence he was exposed to both cultures growing up. He currently studies Health Promotion in Los Angeles and is the captain of the universities’ rugby team. Michael is also the president of his fraternity at the university.

Original Script: The red cross on the British flag comes from the cross of Saint George. Saint George was a crusader during the middle ages that slayed dragons and his main symbol was a white flag with a red cross on it. This red cross became so prominent in the U.K. that it eventually became incorporated into the countries flag.

Background information by informant: You learn the story of Saint George’s cross not only at home, but also in school when learning about the countries history.

Thoughts: It is interesting to see how folklore can even be embedded within the symbolic emblem of a country.