2013-08-09        John W                Tanzania File
  Letters from inmates in Hong Kong prison      
 (Comments welcome here)

Swahili:  

A reader, Chris, has brought to my attention that the above letter on left uses a politically incorrect term to refer to Asians (see Comments). In reply I have posted this comment:

Hello again Chris. I’ve checked re the inmate’s letter of August 8. No offence was intended. He said he used a generic term for Asians that is common in Swahili….a term you wouldn’t use directly with an Asian (except in jest with a good friend) but which Swahili speakers commonly use among themselves ….much the same as Chinese use “Foreign Devil” or “Black Devil” or “Big Nose” as generic terms to refer to foreigners …not intending to offend….and which they don’t use directly unless in jest with a good friend. But you are right: from the point of view of politically correct speech, none of the above terms should be used. Inmate will not use such a term in future. John W

Re the letter on right - to see more information about people named in this letter, inmate recommends putting names into search engines of:
- Mwanachi Newspaper, Tanzania
- The Citizen Newspaper, Tanzania
- The Guardian Newspaper, UK
- website of the leading political party of Tanzania, the CCM
- website of the President: State House
- website of Tanzania Police Force
and also put "Tanzania anti-drugs commission" into www.google.com 

If you find any interesting articles at these sites re the people named in inmate's letter, please send link to me and I'll put on this file.

(previous letter: Drug Mules)