very enlightening. thank you.

I definately agree with you about re-inventing ourselves. I believe the primary step is revolution of the Somali mentality/ psyche to a different set of ideals that transcend self/ clan- interest....so education is a solution but we need to work on how we can establish and let the new ideals to flourish.

Blessed thanks- sounds interesting- particularly that last one..I know about certain somali lit. being intractable and Somalis are far from being efficient writers. Chimera- Im asuming your a sis, interesting..Not much into such but would probably take interest in scifi written by a Somali person..can we expect some from you in future? Looks like others dont want encourage my nosiness.

Qodax- thanks I really appreciate the cut and paste job.. ( you saw that poem and you thought of me huh?..how nice) but lets give credit to the poet too.. Kulmiye- if only we could get a lump sum ( or even a letter of thanks) for our enduring loyalty and love

thank , quite funny...goats being hurled under airoplanes..what some writers would think of!

oh..thats a disturbing story..but it's interesting because it brings together a whole set of ideas and experiences of "another world"..its seems too real to be just pure fiction thought up in America or wherever you are.

I think in general we need to preserve our culture for the sake of preservation, for posterity's need but we do need to practice only that of it which is helpful for our future and definately we must discard the useless aspects which are a hindrance to our progress. I dont see how a piece of traditional cloth can make us have pride.

dear Taleexi, other methods waxaan ula jeeda kuwa aan hadal badan iyo sheeko iyo been been u baahneyn- the more modern methods where you just fill in forms: find some who is looking to get married and see them ( over a cup of cofee in silence) check if that person meets your requirement and you meet theirs get a personality/ compatibility check for good measure marry the next day bal isku day ee war bixin nasii haday kuu shaqeyso iyo hadii kaleba.

Welcome Sum1notSomali, I'm surprised by response nomads! you seem quite hostile to be honest...if this kind of query is not worth your time just ignore it...I didnt see anything particularly offensive in the question and neither would I jump to conclusions about the poster's culture... Dear poster, We dont discriminate against or segregate those women you call "pariah" in our society and no Somali women are not known to talk about their intimate relations with men...they are every bit as decent as other muslim women. hope that helps

lol i knew someone would take that interpretation...

JazakaAllah sis..its a good reminder..and one would have to be reward oriented and akhira focused to benefit...without that it wont matter if it is 6 seconds or 60 seconds. but I like it ..thanks..off on a 60 sec break.

Salaam citizens, If you dont mind me being nosey..what are you reading currently? Also give us interesting quote or two if you want. Hope there will be some Somali tiltles too. Thanks.

Thanks Paragon..good article...I'm definately with you on these points..marka hadii inta badan af-macaanidii hore ay dhamaato guurka kadib waxaa is weydiin leh -ma dhab bay aheeyd mise shukaansiga/ hasaawiga wuxuu ku dhisanyahay been iyo xero galin ( dhanka ragga markii laga eego)? Aniga waxaan qabaa jaceeylka saldhigiisuba inuu yahay ayadoo la is xurmeyo - taasna waxaa kordhin kara adoo si fiican u ogaato qofka aa nolosha la wadaageysid qiimuhuu leeyahay. Gooni - you raised some interesting points...funny too. Hunguri- I think your last point is spot on.

Kool Kat - lol@ seef seefeey ..before i get caried away with the animations ...abaayo waa iska kaftan laakiin wiilasha qaarkood xad ma laha oo way dhaafsiiyaan 10ka sano...I'm just being sarcastic with the indecisive lot. Taleexi- I'm sure you Knew all this. Let me also remind you it's Humming bird! ..Not here to hammer anything. As for your question - I wouldn't advocate shukaansi ( the somali version ) as a general rule..I'm sure there are more successful methods... Ms-MoOns - true but let them aim for the best I say.

Thanks ..interesting article but it isn't surprising since more exposure would lead to conversions.