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Concept of Blackness in Songhay
https://www.abibitumi.com/community/postid/145013/
abibitumi.com
The Meaning of Black in the Songhay Language
Songhoy Language Course Online A Research Demonstration Case Study Instructor Professor Hassimi Maiga, Ph.D. University of Mali Research Design Dr. J...
Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé, Kwaku and Kwabena6 Comments 1 Share-
“From these examples in the Sožay language, we can observe and conclude that black (bibi) symbolizes the:
a) beauty and totality (i.e., the fullest expression of the sun);
b) purity and reliability (i.e., fresh, clear water);
c) fertility and productivity (i.e., the richest soil; and
d) quality and durability (i.e., lasting color).
That “black” or “blackness” has represented such positive meanings in African societies (e.g., Kemet–the Black Land–and Sudan) has been a fact of African civilization since ancient times.”
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“In the Songhoy language the concept of “Black” (bibi) or “Blackness” (borobibi or kuurubibi) identifies the color and refers to people of African descent as well. This concept is never used to designate anything negative. In fact, bibi and its extended meanings represent positive valuations in the Songhoy—Senni language.”
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Gives a richer meaning to the term “Ɔbibini.”
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Blacksolutely.
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171,518
Abibisika (Black Gold) Points
Ampa! @black-talawah
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Nana Kambon posted this folktale in the thread.
THE HYENA’S TALE
Once upon a time, Hyena went to see the village shoemaker to ask him to
make a leather box for her gris-gris (amulet).
However, Hyena was very concerned about what color the shoemaker would use to finish the job. So she asked the shoemaker:
“Which color do you think I need, because I want the brightest color but also, I
don’t want a color that fades?”
Without waiting for the shoemaker’s answer, Hyena started choosing colors for
herself.
“What about red?” she asked excitedly.
“Later on,” replied the shoemaker, “it will turn dark”.
Then, Hyena asked,”Well, what about green?”
“It will change, too,” the shoemaker responded.
“Then what about white?” asked Hyena.
“If it gets wet-and you know how you always like to run through water,
especially when someone is chasing you-it will be worse. The leather will get
dirty and stained with dark spots,” the shoemaker explained.
“Well, yellow is very bright. What about yellow?” Hyena insisted.
“In the long run,” the shoemaker told Hyena, “all these colors will just turn
black.”
Upon hearing this, Hyena, who had become rather exasperated, sniffed. “Well, why didn’t you just tell me I needed to choose Black in the first place?”
The shoemaker said,
I couldn’t tell you anything because you started out being too choosy and so concerned about colors. That’s why I did not have a chance to tell you that Black (bibi) is the only everlasting color.”
So, in the end. Hyena chose Black for her gris-gris box.
“Aha,”sighed the shoemaker. “At last, this is a wise choice.”
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