My Mother, My Teacher: A Memoir from Western Sahara

Bahia Mahmud Awah's memoir of traditional and postcolonial life in North Africa, "The Woman Who Taught Me on a Wooden Slate," explores the loss and displacement of his family and the role of language in shaping identity and resisting colonialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Modern Language Association of America

Bahia Mahmud Awah's memoir, "Separated from his family in the aftermath of the failed decolonization process in Western Sahara," is a poignant exploration of traditional and postcolonial life in North Africa. Born in a small village in Western Sahara, Awah was separated from his family during the decolonization process and was sustained by recollections of his mother. In this memoir, he describes her sacrifices, optimism, and deep love. His family's experiences exemplify the larger story of loss and displacement in the region, but his story also shows how shared memories can nourish community and culture across generations, even in exile.

One of the key themes of the memoir is the role of language in shaping identity and resisting colonialism. Awah incorporates poetry in Hassaniya, the traditional Saharawi language, to highlight the importance of language in preserving cultural heritage and resisting the forces of colonization. The memoir includes the first complete English translation, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Published in 2011 as "La maestra que me enseñó en una tabla de madera" (The Woman Who Taught Me on a Wooden Slate), this edition includes a new epilogue by the author featuring further remembrances of his mother and examples of her poetry. The epilogue provides a deeper insight into Awah's relationship with his mother and the impact she had on his life.

Overall, "Separated from his family in the aftermath of the failed decolonization process in Western Sahara" is a powerful and moving memoir that sheds light on the experiences of a family and the role of language in shaping identity and resisting colonialism. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Saharawi people and their culture.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603296458
Edition number: Critical Edition