Damaras get their click back

DAMARA people are being encouraged to maintain their traditional identity by correctly using the phonetic click in their names – be it spoken or in writing.

Elifas //Khoaseb, Chairman of the Damara Festival Committee, says many Damaras have simplified their names by omitting the click sounds because they are difficult for other language groups to pronounce or spell. “When one would declare one’s name through introduction, or when applying for a national document, the receiver would say ‘Ag, let’s just say Khoaseb’ for instance, wanting to eliminate the traditional pronunciation of a Damara surname just for convenience sake,” according to //Khoaseb.He said the Namibian Government has shown its support for a multi-cultural society and that this support was also manifested by the addition of the click phonetic symbols on identity cards and other personal documents.”I want to encourage my people to take back their click and keep their traditional identity because we are proud to be Damaras and should remain united, right up to the click,” he said.”When one would declare one’s name through introduction, or when applying for a national document, the receiver would say ‘Ag, let’s just say Khoaseb’ for instance, wanting to eliminate the traditional pronunciation of a Damara surname just for convenience sake,” according to //Khoaseb. He said the Namibian Government has shown its support for a multi-cultural society and that this support was also manifested by the addition of the click phonetic symbols on identity cards and other personal documents.”I want to encourage my people to take back their click and keep their traditional identity because we are proud to be Damaras and should remain united, right up to the click,” he said.