Ayayayayaaaaa! :eek: Waxaas baa la yidhaahdaa OTT! I thought it was a boat at first glance...

I have read some African women's academic literature, but thats about it. Maybe I'll check out some of the more popular African writers soon. Thanx for the link Lakk.

Gediid, So you want a gourmet chef as a wife huh? Waan ku gartay. To cook or not to cook? I actually used to enjoy cooking once...u know, being creative, trying out new recipes, getting great feedback (empty digsiyaal within 15mins ). Then I took a year out b4 starting university, and as I had more time on my hands, I was expected to take over cooking duties for the whole family. Lets just say I lost both my passion and enthusiasm for cooking after making dinner day-in day-out, week after week, month after month for a family of 7! And don't mention bariis or baasto. My father refuses to eat anything else along with his hilib. Some variation, please! :mad:

LoL @ STHLM_Lady... Sophist, Glad to know you had a nice Eid. I spent the day with relatives too, but I can't say I enjoyed it that much. Caruurbaa dhagaha igaga qaylinayey maalintii oo dhan. Originally posted by Sophist: barwaaqo! why the gloom and despondency? Contemplating issues best left to manic-depressives is what has got me feeling so dejected. Thanx for the offer of help, but I am hoping it's only a phase too. Otherwise it might prove tragic to someone of my naturally sunny disposition.

Originally posted by Rainbow: ^^^Tell me which road you will be driving on so i can avoid you Oh...its going to be like that miyaa? OK, wey inoo tahay I'A. :mad:

Originally posted by Sophist: Waxaa lasheegey in markii creamkan uu soo gaarey Djabouti, ayaa gabar aabaheed u imaatey; uu kudhahdey; aabe saaxibadey oo idil waxay marsadeen cream cadeeya, marka hee aniga inaan iscadeeyo waaye maxaa yeeley DOQON IYO HABEEN BAA MADOOW. Odeygii inta uugabdhiisa firiisiyey ayuu wuxuu dhahay, maandheey DH@LO IYO DHARAAR BAA CAD (sorry guys about the potentially vile word there) Barwaaqo, macaantey, it was good to seeing you yesterday; my deep apologies for rushing without spending more time with you guys! had to do something IMPORTANTE!. Sophist, "DH@LO IYO DHARAAR BAA CAD" LoL...odeygu cruel-buu ahaa ma istidhi? I gather inantii ineyna is cadeyn? It was good to see you too walaalo...even if only for five seconds. Thanx for letting me know about the talk. Hope u had a lovely ciid.

Nice article. Fantastic to see such progress being made in the campaign against female circumcision.

Kaafi, Good luck to your mate. I'm sure he'll find someone worthy of him soon Insha'Allah.

That's an interesting way of looking at it shaabella. The question is, won't the apples at the top eventually fall from the tree and rot too?

Inaa lilaahi wa inaa ileyhi raajicuun. May Allah have mercy on their souls.

American football aa? Hmmm...don't kno why I thought the superbowl had something to do with baseball, especially since I saw that Pacino/Foxx/Diaz film Any Given Sunday.

Let me get this straight...you are all complaining about driving your cars in these weather conditions, where you are all warm, dry and unmolested inside your vehicles? If thats all, then I would rather take my chances with driving in hazardous conditions than using public transport any day. Both last wednesday's evening rush-hour and morning rush-hour on Thursday were a FRIGGING NIGHTMARE! Not only did my usual 1-hour journey take four times as long, but you should have seen the pushing and shoving taking place on the platforms. Add to that completely packed-out trains, the usual smell of bad-breath and nauseatingly-strong perfumes and I'm sure you'ld all be willing to take ur own lives or vomiting like a sick cat at the very least. Not to worry tho, I shall be joining the driving masses soon Insha'Allah. I'm starting my lessons next week I'A.

^^ lol Superbowl = baseball = cricket (altho slightly different version I'm told)...innit? I can't think of anything more tedious to watch!

Ciid wanaagsan everyone.

I agree with Lucky...very INTERESTING indeed. I can't say I have ever pondered the idea that there may, in fact, be two of me ....a split personality maybe?

LoL @ Yuus lot... Faanta iyo cooke? Hehehehehe... Sophist, Ceergaabo ayaad sheegeysaaye, tuulooyinka yar yar ee miyi xitaa waa laga helaa bahashaa. Hadii kalena hargeisa ayaa monthly shopping laga sameystaa. Funniest thing has to be, I have been told, the name of the company that imports those bleaching creams in Hargeisa >>>> Doqon iyo habeen baa madow....I dont kno how true it is, but its classic all the same. Also, its not just dark-skinned ladies who use it. A lot of fair women do too. I dont kno why coz most of them dont need it. I suppose its because waa la isku wada deydaa.

Originally posted by Ameenah: I think , thats about enough for you .... LoL...More than enough. Thanks for the fab summary. Very educational...Do let me kno about any upcoming events, and I'll do the same I'A.

Sophist, Thanx for the info. Are you going to be there I'A? And what time is it at? Email me pls.

Originally posted by Baashi: Many thanks Barwaaqo that was very informative piece. Not to mention how you kept your promise...I like that sis...bravo! BTW, who is the author...u? Yeah, it's a paper I wrote a couple of yrs ago. I would have posted it earlier, but waxaan ka caajisayey editing it down to less than a 1000 words. The E-magazine sounds fab. Count me in Insha'Allah.

Types of Essays/Assessment Questions: “Account for…” Explain how a particular event or situation came about. “Analyse…” Break down an argument or information into component parts and identify ways in which these parts are related. Always refer to the underlying assumptions where relevant. “Analyse the extent to which…” Show judgement over the relevant importance of different arguments or events. “Assess the (relative) importance of X…” Make some kind of judgement on the relative importance of particular factors or arguments. Discuss factor X and assess importance in the light of the influence of other factors or events that influence the topic. “Critically analyse Y’s views on…” Clearly outline and explain Y’s views and assess the strengths and weaknesses of these views. Try and make an overall assessment of your own. N.B you don’t have to disagree with Y just because the question says critically analyse! “Compare…” Describe two or more situations and show the difference and similarities between them. “Define….” A simple statement is not usually enough. Use appropriate examples etc. to illustrate and elaborate on your precise definition of a concept. “Discuss…” Consider the arguments for and against the issue raised in the question. “Distinguish…” Students need to show that they understand the differences between two (possibly frequently confused) concepts. Similarities and differences need to be discussed and illustrated in distinguishing between the two concepts. “Evaluate…” Make reasoned judgements about the validity of a particular argument or statement, presenting evidence and reasoned argument regarding all relevant issues involved.

Types of Essays/Assessment Questions: “Account for…” Explain how a particular event or situation came about. “Analyse…” Break down an argument or information into component parts and identify ways in which these parts are related. Always refer to the underlying assumptions where relevant. “Analyse the extent to which…” Show judgement over the relevant importance of different arguments or events. “Assess the (relative) importance of X…” Make some kind of judgement on the relative importance of particular factors or arguments. Discuss factor X and assess importance in the light of the influence of other factors or events that influence the topic. “Critically analyse Y’s views on…” Clearly outline and explain Y’s views and assess the strengths and weaknesses of these views. Try and make an overall assessment of your own. N.B you don’t have to disagree with Y just because the question says critically analyse! “Compare…” Describe two or more situations and show the difference and similarities between them. “Define….” A simple statement is not usually enough. Use appropriate examples etc. to illustrate and elaborate on your precise definition of a concept. “Discuss…” Consider the arguments for and against the issue raised in the question. “Distinguish…” Students need to show that they understand the differences between two (possibly frequently confused) concepts. Similarities and differences need to be discussed and illustrated in distinguishing between the two concepts. “Evaluate…” Make reasoned judgements about the validity of a particular argument or statement, presenting evidence and reasoned argument regarding all relevant issues involved.

Salaams, I know a lot of you students are underpressure and stressed, so I thought I would help. This is for first-year students as second/final-year ones should know by now how to write proper academic essays. The following piece has proven quite helpful for me and I hope it helps you too as a reference guide. ~~~~~~~ Writing, Style, and Reference Information by Maja Korac, Senior Lecturer Writing is Thinking Writing is a process, and good writers re-write. While people have different approaches to organizing their ideas, viewpoints, and conclusions, it is useful to prepare an outline of your essay before diving into a first draft. Since a good essay has to convince the reader of your argument, you will need to gather examples (perhaps from your own work/life) and references to other writers which support the points you are making. Group your examples and references into categories that you can draw on in an organized fashion when writing your essay. Structure You will know from your own reading that writers have myriad approaches to making an argument. While your tutors appreciate creative literary techniques and imaginative turns of phrase, we also appreciate being able to identify your argument quickly and easily. It is always a good idea to structure an essay, therefore, along the lines of A) Introduction; B) Essay body; and C) Conclusion. Stylistic flourishes are appreciated, but not necessary! The introduction, which gives readers a brief summary of the main points of your argument, is usually written last (ie, after you are clear as to the content and conclusions of your essay). The body is where you develop your argument; calling on the examples and references you have organized prior to sitting down to write. Of course, in the organic process of writing, you may think of new points or come across new evidence; it is fine to work those in as you go. In your conclusion, you reiterate the main points of your argument and sum up your point of view in a more elaborate way. Readers have short attention spans, and need to be reminded of why they should accept your argument on logical grounds. Your tutors do not have to agree with you to be convinced of the substance of your essay! As your essay as a whole has a logical structure, so too has the body of the essay. Start generally and move into specific examples as you continue. Each paragraph should have a ‘pyramid’ structure: the first sentence is a quick definition or identification of the main point and subsequent sentences elaborate upon it, fleshing it out with examples or references to other material that support the point. Paragraphs of one or two sentences are incomplete; make sure that each paragraph has a link (in the form of a sentence wrapping up the preceding point and directing the reader onward) to the next one. Paragraphs should have a logical progression, chronological or otherwise. Your readers will not be able to interpret your argument without plenty of ‘signposts’ guiding them through; these take the form of topic sentences (first sentences of paragraphs) that remind us where you’re going. In longer essays, sub-headings are a good way to organize your material logically so that readers can follow the progression of your ideas. References Your essays are like ‘children’ with lots of ‘relatives’—i.e., things that you have read which have influenced your essay. It is your job to show the reader your essay’s ‘ancestry’: What books/articles ‘gave birth’ to your essay? These references are the ‘parents’; you will cite them most often in your essay. Who are the ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ who sometimes come to visit? Make sure to include them in your bibliography. If your essay is especially complex, you can even mention its ‘grandmothers’ and ‘grandfathers’. We cannot overemphasize the importance of proper quotation, citation, and referencing in preparing your essay. Many students with otherwise terrific essays have lost a significant number of points by failing to follow scholarly convention in their use of quotation, in-text citation, and bibliography. Our suggestion, if you are less familiar with academic norms, is to choose a book or journal article and study the author’s citation and referencing style. You will notice that, regardless of the style chosen (and each discipline has its own conventions!!), the referencing will be consistent. Bibliographies are lists of the references you have used to make your argument, in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Each reference must include the date published, the title of the article or book, the name of the journal or edited collection (if it is an article or a chapter in an edited volume), and the publisher. If it is a journal article, you will also be expected to include the page numbers. The idea is to allow readers to refer to your sources should they want more information or verification of an idea. In terms of style, it is better to quote a variety of sources than to rely on one or two books/articles for your essay. This way, you avoid writing something that is largely derivative of another person’s work; it also shows your tutors that you have read widely on the topic and are prepared to defend your ideas by showing us how many writers agree with you! Don’t be shy about quoting authors who make especially useful points in support of your argument. However, please cite these authors properly—put their exact words in “quotation marks” followed by the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (it is not necessary to put the name of the article—the reader can look that up in your bibliography). If you are paraphrasing an author’s ideas, you must still tell us where the idea came from (Author’s Last Name, Year of Article’s Publication). A note about citing websites is in order, given the increasing availability of electronic materials on the worldwide web. Make sure that the site is credible before you use it in your essay: can you easily establish the credentials of the author/institution? Are the sources used in the webpage referenced? Does the site have a specific view or bias? Is the information current? Has the site received any awards? Style Presentation is very important! While we do not require students to present work in a particular format, we do look for organization, consistency, and attention to detail. You will get higher marks, and your tutors will not have to wade through formatting mistakes to get to your argument. Please spell-check your essay before handing it in, and pay attention to the following formatting points: • Headings and text should be consistent throughout. Don’t use different fonts, styles, or spacing for different parts of your essay • Make sure your headings follow your essay structure: Bold or Underline or Italicize headings consistently. Subheadings should have a different style than headings • Paragraphs should be differentiated from one another: either indent the first line of each paragraph or leave a blank line between each paragraph • Text should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins all around. Exceptions are long quotations, which should be INDENTED and single-spaced • Bibliography should also be single-spaced, with a space between each reference For all other aspects of style, please make use of a style guide (the Guardian newspaper has an excellent guide, available online and for downloading: www.guardian.co.uk/styleguide)

Salaams, I know a lot of you students are underpressure and stressed, so I thought I would help. This is for first-year students as second/final-year ones should know by now how to write proper academic essays. The following piece has proven quite helpful for me and I hope it helps you too as a reference guide. ~~~~~~~ Writing, Style, and Reference Information by Maja Korac, Senior Lecturer Writing is Thinking Writing is a process, and good writers re-write. While people have different approaches to organizing their ideas, viewpoints, and conclusions, it is useful to prepare an outline of your essay before diving into a first draft. Since a good essay has to convince the reader of your argument, you will need to gather examples (perhaps from your own work/life) and references to other writers which support the points you are making. Group your examples and references into categories that you can draw on in an organized fashion when writing your essay. Structure You will know from your own reading that writers have myriad approaches to making an argument. While your tutors appreciate creative literary techniques and imaginative turns of phrase, we also appreciate being able to identify your argument quickly and easily. It is always a good idea to structure an essay, therefore, along the lines of A) Introduction; B) Essay body; and C) Conclusion. Stylistic flourishes are appreciated, but not necessary! The introduction, which gives readers a brief summary of the main points of your argument, is usually written last (ie, after you are clear as to the content and conclusions of your essay). The body is where you develop your argument; calling on the examples and references you have organized prior to sitting down to write. Of course, in the organic process of writing, you may think of new points or come across new evidence; it is fine to work those in as you go. In your conclusion, you reiterate the main points of your argument and sum up your point of view in a more elaborate way. Readers have short attention spans, and need to be reminded of why they should accept your argument on logical grounds. Your tutors do not have to agree with you to be convinced of the substance of your essay! As your essay as a whole has a logical structure, so too has the body of the essay. Start generally and move into specific examples as you continue. Each paragraph should have a ‘pyramid’ structure: the first sentence is a quick definition or identification of the main point and subsequent sentences elaborate upon it, fleshing it out with examples or references to other material that support the point. Paragraphs of one or two sentences are incomplete; make sure that each paragraph has a link (in the form of a sentence wrapping up the preceding point and directing the reader onward) to the next one. Paragraphs should have a logical progression, chronological or otherwise. Your readers will not be able to interpret your argument without plenty of ‘signposts’ guiding them through; these take the form of topic sentences (first sentences of paragraphs) that remind us where you’re going. In longer essays, sub-headings are a good way to organize your material logically so that readers can follow the progression of your ideas. References Your essays are like ‘children’ with lots of ‘relatives’—i.e., things that you have read which have influenced your essay. It is your job to show the reader your essay’s ‘ancestry’: What books/articles ‘gave birth’ to your essay? These references are the ‘parents’; you will cite them most often in your essay. Who are the ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ who sometimes come to visit? Make sure to include them in your bibliography. If your essay is especially complex, you can even mention its ‘grandmothers’ and ‘grandfathers’. We cannot overemphasize the importance of proper quotation, citation, and referencing in preparing your essay. Many students with otherwise terrific essays have lost a significant number of points by failing to follow scholarly convention in their use of quotation, in-text citation, and bibliography. Our suggestion, if you are less familiar with academic norms, is to choose a book or journal article and study the author’s citation and referencing style. You will notice that, regardless of the style chosen (and each discipline has its own conventions!!), the referencing will be consistent. Bibliographies are lists of the references you have used to make your argument, in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Each reference must include the date published, the title of the article or book, the name of the journal or edited collection (if it is an article or a chapter in an edited volume), and the publisher. If it is a journal article, you will also be expected to include the page numbers. The idea is to allow readers to refer to your sources should they want more information or verification of an idea. In terms of style, it is better to quote a variety of sources than to rely on one or two books/articles for your essay. This way, you avoid writing something that is largely derivative of another person’s work; it also shows your tutors that you have read widely on the topic and are prepared to defend your ideas by showing us how many writers agree with you! Don’t be shy about quoting authors who make especially useful points in support of your argument. However, please cite these authors properly—put their exact words in “quotation marks” followed by the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (it is not necessary to put the name of the article—the reader can look that up in your bibliography). If you are paraphrasing an author’s ideas, you must still tell us where the idea came from (Author’s Last Name, Year of Article’s Publication). A note about citing websites is in order, given the increasing availability of electronic materials on the worldwide web. Make sure that the site is credible before you use it in your essay: can you easily establish the credentials of the author/institution? Are the sources used in the webpage referenced? Does the site have a specific view or bias? Is the information current? Has the site received any awards? Style Presentation is very important! While we do not require students to present work in a particular format, we do look for organization, consistency, and attention to detail. You will get higher marks, and your tutors will not have to wade through formatting mistakes to get to your argument. Please spell-check your essay before handing it in, and pay attention to the following formatting points: • Headings and text should be consistent throughout. Don’t use different fonts, styles, or spacing for different parts of your essay • Make sure your headings follow your essay structure: Bold or Underline or Italicize headings consistently. Subheadings should have a different style than headings • Paragraphs should be differentiated from one another: either indent the first line of each paragraph or leave a blank line between each paragraph • Text should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins all around. Exceptions are long quotations, which should be INDENTED and single-spaced • Bibliography should also be single-spaced, with a space between each reference For all other aspects of style, please make use of a style guide (the Guardian newspaper has an excellent guide, available online and for downloading: www.guardian.co.uk/styleguide)

Gediid...take her on. If she aint productive, she'll at least make tea for us or get the morning papers, noh?

Originally posted by Gediid: Wlc back Barwaaqo,I see you have recovered from the festivities of the new year,ismaan laheyn till February waa la arki Barwaaqo but the sooner the better walaalo ,you have been missed and I have been keeping the seat warm for your return @ af-cadceedis.com.Its been hard running the show without the YOU. Ah, bless. Nice to know I've been missed G. I assumed you would get another coach-potato to replace me! Huda, Of course I'll put in a good word for you. Just emphasise your laziness and utter contempt for authority on your CV and u'll be in like a shot.