BBC NEWS: The US ambassador to Paraguay has become a music sensation in the country after recording an album of folk songs in the indigenous Guarani language.
"What I've been trying to do is show respect for Paraguay and for its culture," James Cason told the BBC.
Proceeds from the album sales are going to fund English-language grants for poor Paraguayan students.
Mr Cason's efforts have been well received, although one politician grumbled about his pronunciation.
"The polls show that Paraguayans thought we didn't respect their culture. I said, that's not true and so that's why before I even came to the country, I learned Guarani and I've been studying since then," Mr Cason said.
There's a song on the BBC site, and it sounds fine to me! Pronouncing the Guarani language ? Ask any American what "Guarani" is and youd get one of two answers:
- Is that like guarana ?
- Wasn't he the runner up on the first season of American Idol ?
