220 Deaf Epistemologies, Identity, and Learning
to tell you, brothers and sisters, please be strong and work hard to have the
fruit tree of Cameroon grow. We need to be strong and unite!- Before, Cameroon was asleep. We had a lot of conflict and so many things
that were problematic. But now our eyes are opened thanks to the WFD’s
training. I feel very happy! - you have come now, and you have planted a seed for a fruit tree. We now
have to pour water on the seed so that it can grow. We have to work very
hard, so that when you come again, the seed will have grown into a glorious
mango tree! - Before, we all slept, and now our eyes have opened. We have to work very
hard with our hands, our left hands and our right hands, all united. Let’s
now all shake hands and unite!
Such emotions about the move toward hope and unity were also expressed in a dra-
matic performance staged by two deaf leaders that ended with everyone dancing.
This performance is here described to convey how these leaders utilized indigenous
metaphors to depict the transition from disbelief and discouragement to optimism.
The performance started with a leader from Douala sharing a vision for the com-
munity using popular African metaphors, the “wealthy African mama” and rich
food (both signs of fertility), to represent a prosperous future. The other leader,
from the Extreme North of Cameroon (a culturally divergent and remote region
that is two travel days away from the capital), responded that he was all alone, but
the first man repeated his vision, indicating that there was no need to be lonely:
“I’m telling you, there is a curvy and shapely fat mama wiggling her hips over there!”
The “lonely one” widened his eyes in disbelief. “She’s there, I’m telling you!” He
rubbed his eyes. “yes, it is true!”
He was overwhelmed by the idea: “Big hips, round and fat ... oh, if that could be
true!” He gaped at the imaginary woman’s body and wiped his brow. No, he should
eat first to gain the energy and strength to approach her. In ExNorthCamSL, he
signed that it would be better for him to discuss this over a meal with his community
in the Extreme North: “There are many deaf people over there; they have French
bread, and there is roast beef, cut into lovely pieces.” Now the man from Douala
was surprised: “Is that true?” “yes, it’s a delicious meal! And there are chickens, too!
Come and see!”
The performers invited the audience to join in the play, which turned into a
signed song and dance celebrating the vision of a flourishing African and Cam-
eroonian community: “Oh, oh, Cameroon! Oh, oh, Africa!” All the participants
clapped their hands to the song, and a few minutes later almost the entire group
was in the arena to celebrate in the traditional dance, shaking their hips like the
imaginary “mama.” It was a unique moment of shared joy, connection, and hope
for the community.
CANAD had created this closing ceremony as a surprise for the WFD for being
one of the first bodies ever to provide information to deaf Cameroonians about sign