What is Heritage?
Written by: Tyler de Sousa, Hyde Park High School
What is a Heritage?
A plain English definition for the word would be:
“Heritage features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings that were created in the past and still have historical importance.”
I know what my heritage is;
When they ask me “Why I speak like that?”
My response:
It is my Heritage
When they ask me “Why do you behave like that?”
My response:
It is my Heritage
But what happens when they ask
“What traditions do you practice?”
Do I tell them
That I’m supposed to be seen in Lusito Land each year
Dancing Bailinho da Madeira with the family
To the sound of a brinquinho
In my traditional bolero, cloak and botachas
Is it my heritage?
When they ask
“What is this word in your language?”
Do l lie
Saying that I greet all with a friendly “Bom dia”
And a simple “boa noite” to my little brother?
Do I show a gesture of gratitude saying “Obrigado?”
Is it my heritage?
What is Heritage?
What am I without Heritage?
My Heritage
Is my knowledge enough to compare to that of a simple dictionary;
Even without practising it?
Do I even know what Heritage is to me?
Khaloza Books Feedback on Submission:
An informative writing style that manages well to provide you with an insightful glimpse into the writers culture, whilst also revealing the expectations that exist versus the reality of not practising them. In that moment of what should be and what is, you see a young person that is conscious of their heritage, yet questioning and still discovering what it means to their identity. A lovely well-written piece that uses language and grammar beautifully to capture the writers everyday cultural challenges. Congratulations Tyler, you win a book by African author Ngugi wa Thiong’o – Birth of a Dream Weaver.
