Dr. Talawa Adodo On Why Reclaiming Our Language Is Key to Reclaiming Our Identity

BlackPowerful points all around. Language isn’t just words—it’s reality. It’s how we shape thought, structure time, define self, and interact with the seen and unseen. When we speak Abibifoɔ languages—Twi, Yorùbá, Wolof, mdw nTr, Kiswahili—we are operating from a foundation of Black thought, Black logic, and Black identity.

The imposition of isftyw languages by the aAmw wasn’t just about communication—it was psychological warfare. When they forced us to abandon our own tongues and take on theirs, they weren’t just attacking our mouths—they were attacking our minds. That’s why I don’t talk about “decolonizing.” I talk about de-aAmw-ization—removing the invader and his influence completely. The expulsion of isft.

You spoke on visibility and language in public space—critical. I remember when I flew to Kenya and landed in Nairobi. The moment I stepped into the airport, Kiswahili was everywhere—on the signs, announcements, posters. Then I popped in the local SIM card and my entire phone UI switched to Kiswahili automatically. That’s what it looks like when a people take their own language seriously. That’s what it looks like when you value yourself.

Compare that to so many other places across Abibiman and the so-called Caribbean where our languages are treated like shameful secrets. Meanwhile, isftyw languages—stinklish, stench, vermin—get all the institutional backing, the formal schooling, the airplane interfaces. That’s disorder (isft) by design.

And the way you broke down how our expressions—like “siddown” being a single concept rather than just "sit"—carry a visual, metaphorical, interconnected worldview? That’s what I teach in sbAyt n Kmt(yw) in the body part expressions article. That’s what Abibitumi is built on. Our languages reflect Ma’at and fundamental interrelation like you mentioned. isftyw languages reflect axiological oppositionality and fundamental alienation.

At the end of the day, it’s simple:
If your language is Black, your mind can be Black.
If your language is aAmw, your mind will serve them.

The goal is to return to ourselves—through our own languages, our own logic, our own liberation in the interest of solving the #1 problem on the planet earth.

Abibitumi. Abibifahodie.