Life in a Tumble Dryer

Overview

Leoma Gilley's Journey in Khartoum

How Did Janice and I Survive and Thrive for Seven Years in the World's Hottest Capital?

In 1989, linguist Leoma Gilley and her colleague Janice moved to Khartoum – the world's hottest capital – to improve the Shilluk writing system. Linguists have struggled since 1912 to develop an adequate writing system for the Shilluk people of southern Sudan. This language issue contributed to a 21-year civil war, driving many Shilluks to seek refuge in Khartoum, Sudan's capital.

Moving on from her first adventure in Launching into the Unknown, Leoma continues her journey in Sudan's capital, where each day brings a new challenge or celebration, including:

• Bureaucratic red tape
• Successful workshops
• Cultural misunderstandings
• Enjoying unexpected friendships over plates of fuul
• Swirling dust storms
• Finding humor in the challenge of keeping electronics sand-free
• Blistering heat

Will they convince the Shilluk people to embrace a new spelling system? Can they overcome government restrictions to continue their vital work?

Join Leoma on this captivating journey as she discovers that home truly is a state of mind, even when life feels like a tumble dryer. Her story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of language to bridge divides.

As Leoma says, "Sudan is fuller, richer, more changeable, unpredictable, and fascinating than I expected."

Author Biography