Language and Culture Power: Mɛ vs Gbɛtɔ́
In the Ajã language of southern Benin Republic, the word used to refer to a “person” is “mɛ“. However, the word used for “human” is “gbɛtɔ́“. There is a philosophical reasoning behind this. In English, the words person and human are used interchangeably. Not so from an authentic Afrikan perspective.
The word mɛ is used for an animated person – one who exists, alive. However, a gbɛtɔ́ is an authentic human being – one who is or has evolved into a being who taps into their higher self and good character. This word is composed of “gbɛ” – life, and “tɔ́” – one who is an agent of.
Thus, though everyone is a person from the animated being being alive perspective, not everyone is human according to Ajã thought. This philosophy is weaved intricately throughout Vodún culture.
Additionally, the word “gbɛ” also means language and universe. A true human is the agent, transmitter of life/language. From the language perspective, this is not just outer speech. It includes even having inner chatter from your own cultural worldview.
Thus, it is taught in Vodún that to be considered a true human one must overstand their responsibility to be caretakers of the earth. Of course that starts with self, extends to family and community and then to nation. The latter being said, from a Maroon perspective the authentic human is expected to be a nation builder.
Ayìnɔ̀n Àgɛ̀lɔ̀gbàgàn Jǐsovì Azàsinkpontín Àgbɔ̀vì I
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