My Recommended Posts for W/E 16th Feb 2013: Sun Tzu’s Art of War for Business Executives | Stopping Web Content Theft | Winning A Fight By Walking Away | African Moms vs Their Unmarried Daughters | Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s Valentine Message to Wives of African Leaders

Below are brief previews and links to the full text of the above mentioned blog posts/articles I read online this week. Remember to apply due diligence before putting any ideas to use for yourself

1. A Summary and Review of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War for Thinking Executives – and Those Who Want To Be One – By William C. Bradley

(NB: When he wrote this piece in 2011, William Bradley, was a Business Administration student in Southeastern Louisiana University, USA.)

This is not the first time Sun Tzu’s ideas will be applied to business. Corporate executives have been doing it for decades. Entire books have been written on the subject. The popularity of Sun Tzu’s Art of War attests to the fact that it works.

Where I Disagreed With Him

There was one thing this author said in his review that I don’t agree with:

He opined that Sun Tzu would have done better NOT to have used so many proverbs in his book.

I’m African. In many ways we’re like Asians. Our language and culture have deep meanings to our everyday lives. And we know that many times the English language does not have the words to convey the full contextual meaning of all that we say in our languages.

In my language for instance (i.e. Yoruba) we have a saying that goes as follows:

“Owe l’esin oro. Oro l’esin owe.”

Literal translation: Proverbs are the vehicles through which words are communicated. And words equally act as the medium through which proverbs are communicated.

Contextual translation: One cannot exist without the other. To speak and be properly understood, proverbs must play an integeral part of the communication process. Otherwise there would be a lot of lost meaning!

Therefore when a book not originally written in English is to be translated, those involved must keep this in mind. Especally if such text is in an African or Asian language. This is why it is always advisable to secure the services of a native speaker of the language in which a book is written.

Languages evolve over time. Therefore the person chosen to translate, must have a deep understanding of the language as it was used during the period the book’s author must have lived. Only that way are you sure of getting the most accurate interpretation of the text as the author really intended to communicate it.

The late Afrobeat music legend – Fela Anikulapo Kuti – once told an interviewer (regarding his preference for communicating in his native tongue):

“English is not expression. Expression is in all other languages all over Nigeria.”

And to illustrate, he reportedly said:

“If you don’t believe me, translate ‘Eku ile‘ to English.”

That Yoruba phrase “Eku ile” is used by household members who have been out, to greet others – especially older persons – they meet in the home when they arrive.

There is no word or phrase in English that can accurately convey the same contextual meaning to a native speaker. Not one.

And that’s why only a native speaker (or a fluent, and culturally assimilated non-native) can help a foreigner/non-native speaker fully capture the intended meaning of text written in an African or Asian language.

Having said the above, Bradley’s review remains an interesting and compelling read, that I recommend you make out time for. Click here to begin.

2. Copying Web Content Isn’t Flattery – It’s Plagiarism – By Debra Gould

Also read an interesting piece on one of my pet peeves: Web Content Theft. So much of it is happening online these days, so it’s always great to see people speaking out against it like this author does. Click here to read the full article.

3. 6 Badass Ways to Walk Away from a Fight– By Steve Silverman

On Friday, I wrote a post in the “Parenting” category titled “I Fought ‘Iron Mike Tyson’ in School – And Paid the Price!“. To end it, I felt it would be good to provide a reference or two that reinforced the point I was making. Especially for the benefit of impressionable kids. An excerpt from Steve Silverman’s “6 Badass Ways to Walk Away from a Fight” proved to be just perfect).

4. A St. Valentine’s Day Card on the Occasion of Women’s March Against Connubial Corruption – By Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka wrote a “First Ever” Valentine Message to the wife of Nigeria’s President i.e. Patience Jonathan. In it, he added his voice to those of the women condemning the proposed outrageous use of public funds for functions by a president’s spouse, not covered in the nation’s constitution.

Especially in these austere times, when millions can barely get food to eat! Soyinka called on wives of the leaders of all African nations not to entertain attempts to involve them in any such projects. Very powerful message, delivered in his usual articulate and straight-to-the-point manner. Click here to read Soyinka’s full message.

5. African Moms: Be Patient With Your Unmarried Daughters – By China Okasi (founder of Daily Mocha, and director of Women of Media)

And on a lighter, yet serious note, I read a seeming appeal by a high flying career woman of African descent for “African Moms” to be patient with their unmarried daughters.

Her core message is that African mothers, after having pushed their daughters to excel in their vocations, cannot now ask them to “pretend” to be less “smart”, in order to attract husbands. It’s an irony of life that presents a real dilemma for many successful African women today. Thought provoking piece! Click here to read the full article.