The Pygmies Reading text Outlook student's Book Tronc Commun

 This beautiful text will reveal in true language the inhabitants of the forest, where they live from hunting thanks to their short residency, making them not afraid to live in the forest and relate to it with indescribable happiness.

The Pygmies Reading text Outlook student's Book Tronc Commun

Read the text, extract its main thoughts and explain its difficult vocabulary.

Reading

The forest in the centre of Africa is a dangerous place, but the Pygmies are happy there. They move easily in the forest because they are very small. A big Pygmy is only 1 metre 40 centimetres tall. 

Pygmies know the forest well and they are not afraid of it.

The Pygmies are not farmers. They get their food from the plants an animals in the forest. They are great hunters. They usually hunt birds an small animals.

The Pygmies love the forest and their way of life.

They are not rich. but they are happy.

The forest gives them everything they need. Songs, dances and stories are very important

for the Pygmies.

They help them to live happily together.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2005.

Look at the pictures and answer these questions.

1. Who are the people in the pictures ?
2. Where can you find these people ?

Answer

1. The people in the pictures are the Pygmies.
2. These people can be found in the forest in central Africa.

Read the encyclopedia entry and answer these questions

1. Where do the Pygmies live ?

2. Are they afraid of the forest ? Why ?

3. Where do the Pygmies get their food from ?

4. Why do they love the forest ?

Answer

1. The Pygmies live in central Africa, particularly in the forests of the region.

2. The Pygmies are not afraid of the forest. They know it well and move easily because of their small size. Familiarity with this environment contributes to their absence of fear.

3. Pygmies obtain their food from forest plants and animals. They are mainly hunters and gatherers, dependent on the natural resources of their environment.

4. Pygmies love the forest because of its generosity. It provides everything they need, including food. In addition, the forest is the setting of their lifestyle, traditions, songs, dances and stories, which reinforces their attachment and love for this natural environment.

Discussion

Tick the true statements about the Pygmies and check your answers in a small group.

• The Pygmies' original country is the Congo.
• The Pygmies stay in one place for a long time.
• Pygmy groups speak one language.
• Pygmy songs describe life, hunting, and survival.

Answer

1. True - The Pygmies' original country is the Congo.

2. False - The Pygmies are known for their nomadic lifestyle, and they do not stay in one place for a long time.

3. False - Pygmy groups often speak multiple languages, as there are different Pygmy ethnic groups with distinct languages.

4. True - Pygmy songs often describe various aspects of their life, including hunting and survival.

Discuss with your partners why the Pygmies' life is difficult.

The Pygmies face several challenges that make their lives difficult, such as:

difficult environnement, limited ressources, nomadic lifestyle, limited access to modern conveniences, societal challenges.

Despite these difficulties, it is essential to note that the Pygmies have developed unique skills and knowledge that allow them to thrive in their environment. Their deep connection to the forest and rich cultural practices contribute to their resilience and ability to find happiness in their way of life.