#3794: "Se bon Ki ra" is not a Creole Proverb (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Ednair Xavier <zantray@bellatlantic.net>

Hi! Francois,

I was going to begin with saying that "se bon ki ra" is not even Haitian
Creole at all, but I know all native Haitian Creole speakers, not
imitators, know that. That is why this expression is not translatable in
Haitian Creole. 

Yet the fact that the expression is used means that someone either
invented, or learned and taught it in turn to someone who uses it. And
for all of them, it means something. Whatever! The contract is between
them, and it does not matter to them that the saying makes no sense at
all to Haitians. It is not a language problem. 

Here comes the most important aspect of the question as I see it.
Haitian national character does not philosophically support such an
arrogant pronouncement. Except for the splendor of 1804 that showcased
the slaves, Haitians in general are basically unassuming, shy,
unpretentious at heart. Of course, there are exceptions. Outside these
exceptions, hundreds of Haitian proverbs seem to substantiate this
assertion, to wit: 1) gran banda fè krab pèdi twou li; 2) lè kribich
bezwen grandi sé nan twou li rété;3) gran banda zandolit fèl mouri
inosan. There is no bragging about Haitian goodness.

Finally, do you know Jean-Claude Canal? He and I attended Lycée Pétion,
and after the Baccalauréat II, we went our separate ways. When I saw
your name, I of course remembered Boisrond Canal, the president, first,
then the extremely smart (le bolide) in math, physics and chemistry. I
would be very happy and honored to reminisce those years with him.
Ednair