Learning Arawak-The Language of the Indigenous People of Puerto Rico
- Cacike AmaHura RiverWind
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Island Arawak was the vibrant indigenous language spoken by many tribes across the Caribbean and the mainland, stretching from Bimini (Florida) to Sabanna (Georgia), with trade villages sprinkled throughout Amikekia (America). Language is the heartbeat of a culture and shapes the worldview of its people. It brings to life ancient oral traditions and unveils the mysteries of the spiritual realm. This language beautifully illustrates the deep connection between the people and their ancestral land.
Remnant Words of the Boricua Indians is an incredible work by the esteemed Dr. Richard Morrow Porrata Ph.D.! Kacike Porrata is a Retired Associate Professor from The University of Puerto Rico, where he made a significant impact as a Multi-lingual & Cultural Division Language Instructor. Plus, he’s a Retired US Army Colonel! His impressive academic journey includes a Ph.D., along with an additional 120 hours of Native American linguistics from the University of Oregon. He has been a trailblazer as the former President of the Native American and Alaskan Native Association, and he’s the proud FamilyTreeDNA.com Administrator for Taino Descendants of Puerto Rico. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Principal Chief of The Arawak Taino Tribe of Puerto Rico.
Dr. Porrata is also the author of a few other books about Taino culture in English and Spanish including stories, genealogy, and a Taino recipe book that can be purchased on Amazon. Those books are:
2) Chin-korí: "A Taino fairytale written in the Taino language" 3) Taino Cookbook: A Native American Cuisine
An exhilarating wave of nostalgic sounds filled the air, bringing the cherished words of my ancestors and family back to my ears! As I read words in my people's language that I hadn't heard since childhood, it felt like sweet honey soothing a weary singer's throat. To my surprise, I discovered that a word I was called as a kid, which I thought meant one thing, actually meant quite the opposite. I'll keep that little secret to myself!
I burst into laughter, flooded with vibrant memories of swinging on behuco's, sweeping my grandmother's batey, and savoring fresh guaiaba from the lush rainforest while hearing everyone call my dad, and sometimes even me, Nino, a term I now cherish as it means Elder or Ancestors.
Just a few years before my father passed away, we sat down together, and he passionately recited every Arawak Taino word he could remember. I’m on a mission to find that notebook so we can contribute these cherished words that were spoken in our family. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to join in by jotting down words and sharing them as a wonderful gift to the collective effort of preserving and revitalizing our people's language!
In this exciting video, my dad enthusiastically shares his cherished memories of Arawak Taino culture and traditions from his childhood years spent in the vibrant mountains of Boriken during the 1950's!
Uncovering Unique Vocabulary
As we delved deeper into our discussions, I learned that many of the words he used were steeped in local history and culture, reflecting the unique experiences of our rural community. Each term seemed to carry a story, a memory, or a connection to the land that shaped our family's identity. I was captivated by how language could serve as a vessel for tradition, preserving the nuances of our heritage that might otherwise be lost in the more urbanized dialects of the cities.
In my young mind, I was beginning to realize there was something special about our family. One day, while fishing with my grandfather, I couldn't contain my curiosity and started asking him questions. I excitedly pointed at a turtle basking on a log and asked,
"How do you say this?" He instantly replied, "Hicotea." (Wait, isn't it tortuga?) Then I pointed at the sun and asked, "How about that?" "Guey," he said, (Not sol?) Next, I pointed at the moon. "Karaya," (Not luna?) Finally, I pointed at myself, "Guaili."
I peppered him with several more questions, and it suddenly dawned on me: my grandfather was speaking a blend of Spanish and something else. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to ask one more question, and his answer is something I'll cherish forever.
I asked him, "Abuelo, somos Indio's?" He looked at me and responded; "Hee, Arawaka, Taino. Somos Hibaros de las montanas de Hayuya. Boricua de sangre."
Those memories are incredibly precious to me, and I am so thrilled about the work Dr. Porrata has done in releasing this volume, with many more exciting ones on the way! When it comes to reviving a language, it's essential to consult a trained linguist or, if possible, a fluent speaker. That day is fast approaching as more and more of our people are enthusiastically relearning the language of our ancient homeland. The language persisted in isolated communities into the 20th century, and it is being revitalized thanks to the passionate efforts of many dedicated Boricua scholars.
With the inspiring testimonies of our elders, groundbreaking scholarly works like Remnant Words of the Boricua Indians, and the vibrant resurgence of our Arawak Taino heritage, we can eagerly look forward to uncovering more about our fascinating indigenous history from communities across the Caribbean! My family proudly carried the name Hibaro, meaning People of the Mountains/Forest, a term once used derogatorily, akin to being called a hillbilly or uneducated farm worker, but now embraced with pride!
Our language has thrived through the challenges of colonialism and its efforts to erase indigenous identity. We continue to walk along our cherished island beaches and mountain lagoons. We proudly recognize our identity as Arawak Taino people and as Boricua. Bomatum Yah Yah, guakia Taino Yahabo. (With immense gratitude to Yah Yah, our Taino people are still here).
ATTENTION BORICUA!! Puerto Rican is a nationality, not a race. If you are Puerto Rican it is highly likely that you have Taino Indian heritage. If you are an Arawak Taino descendant from Puerto Rico or Vieques Island and can prove it with DNA, Government Documentation or Church Records you might qualify to join our Yucayeke.
The Arawak Taino Tribe of Puerto Rico is the only authentic Arawak Taino Tribal Organization seeking federal recognition under the “Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.
To find out more about membership requirements you can visit the website The Arawak Taino Tribe of Puerto Rico
Comments