Journo recalls ‘Sammer’ Jam shows; ‘honourable’ House passes new Bill
This gem was captured somewhere near Mnazi Mmoja in Dar by one of our most faithful readers and contributors to ‘Our Kind of English’ column, one Joe M. He’s certain the signwriter was commissioned to paint ADVERTISE (not advatise) Here. PHOTO | Joe M
When we criticised those who went ballistic against a sports reporter who “murdered” English crudely in the course of interviewing Yanga’s coach Manqoba Mnggithi, we appealed for empathy.
What we need is to push for all of us in the media industry to improve our linguistic competence—in both Kiswahili and English. That’s the reason we write this column.
We need to bear with those who goof after being “forced” to use English to get a story from sources who aren’t conversant with Kiswahili.
However, when you choose to use English, ostensibly to prove that you’re “also educated,” then you’re setting yourself up for deserved bashing!
Like this entertainment scribbler with a Saturday column in Bongo’s Number One Kiswahili tabloid. In his August 29 piece, he writes “Sammer” Jam at least four times. That, instead of “Summer” Jam! Tamasha la Msimu wa Kiangazi.
Having said that, let’s now take a look at linguistic gems picked up from Bongo’s English press over the week. Here we go...
The Friday, August 28 edition of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet had a Page 1-2 story with the headline, ‘MPs welcome Ndejembi for VP, as Samia reshuffles RCs.’
In Para 2 of Page2 where the story continues from Page 1, the scribbler reports:
“The newly appointed VP possesses the qualities necessary to undertake the responsibilities associated with the office, as he is HIGHLY CAPABLE, DILIGENT and HARDWORKING leader who works TIRELESSLY for the benefit of Tanzanians.”
Note this isn’t an opinion piece. It’s a news story, and as we repeatedly caution in this space, as journos, we’re supposed to be objective in our reportage.
It’s not upon us to use praiseful words in our reportage. If you’re penning an opinion piece, that would be okay. Or, when you’re quoting a source uttering extravagant praises.
Page 7 of this broadsheet has a story entitled, ‘Religious leaders urge stronger efforts to protect moral values.’
Therein, a “Man of God” is reported thus: “Addressing ethics in relationships, Pastor DM urged MEN to remain faithful to ONE wife, saying dissatisfaction and pursuit of extra-marital relationships were among factors contributing to family breakdown (sic!).”
Hello! Men to remain faithful to ONE wife? Nope, if you ask us. We aver the pastor actually counselled, “...men to remain faithful to THEIR wives.”
And now, a look at Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of Saturday, August 29, whose Page 3 has a story entitled, ‘Ndejembi gets hero’s reception.’
Towards the end of the story, the scribbler writes: “Mr Ndejembi was yesterday morning unanimously approved by Parliament, clearing his way for taking AN OFFICE OF OFFICE (sic!) TO OFFICIALLY ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES (sic!).”
Could this be a case of some gatekeeper dosing off while cleaning up a scribbler’s story? We’ll limit ourselves to the part we’ve capped: “...clearing his way for taking ‘THE’ oath OF OFFICE and OFFICIALLY assuming RESPONSIBILITIES of Vice President.”
A Page 1 story entitled, ‘House approves VP-designate as MPs pay glowing tribute’ continues on Page 2 where Nzega MP Hussein Bashe as giving kudos to the brand new VP. His sentiments are thus reported:
“Mr Bashe...recalled that Mr Ndejembi contested for Parliament in 2015 but lost, YET he accepted the outcome without bitterness.”
We disapprove the use of the conjunction “yet,” for it gives the notion that, not accepting unfavourble election outcome would have been obviously expected! Why so? We’d advocate the use of the conjunction “and.”
In another story, also continued from Page 1 and entitled, ‘Why Ndejembi is the right choice,’ someone is quoted as saying: “I have no doubt that this ‘Honourable’ House will agree with me that the position has been given to the right person...”
This Honourable House to mean the Parliament? Nope! We say, “This ‘august’ House...”
