Ħodaoa-Anibo

The language of Anibo was created in tribute to the African slaves that came to the New World starting in 1619, whose posterity has since lost their native language, culture, and specific origin. It is created also in response to the lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Black English Vernacular as a legitimate form of communication among African Americans.

Anibo is an extension of art. The art of communication. I hope the readers, speakers and scholars of this language will always bare that in mind. For what has been lost, something new has been created to fill the void and take its place so that an entirely new culture will rise around it.

English: Good afternoon.
Ħodaoa: Giye nopau.
(Pronounced: Geeyay nopahoo.) 		English: I am tired.
Ħodaoa: Pa sya broyeka.
(Pronounced: Pah sya broyehkah)
English: Good night.
Ħodaoa: Giye beslum.
(Pronounced: Geeyay behsloom.) 		English: I am hungry.
Ħodaoa: Pa sya lavatu.
(Pronounced: Pah sya lahvahtoo.)
English: How are you?
Ħodaoa: Balpu.
(Pronounced: Baulpooh.) 		English: What time is it?
Ħodaoa: Kimey orey sya vo?
(Pronounced: Keemay oray sya vo?)
English: I'm good.
Ħodaoa: Balpa giye.
(Pronounced: Baulpah geeyay.) 		English: Would you like something to drink?
Ħodaoa: Likamon pu dokapgo ka fua?
(Pronounced: Leekahmon pu dokapgo ka fua?)
English: You look good.
Ħodaoa: Pu sama giye.
(Pronounced: Poo sahmah geeyay.) 		English: I don't understand.
Ħodaoa: Pa Ħenix ne loirtan.
(Pronounced: Pah shehneex nay loheertahn.)

I have had so many people ask me why I created this language and many times its not the I-am-curious-as-to-what-inspired-you type of "why"; it's more along the lines of:

I-can't-believe-a-grown-woman-would-do-such-a-thing-so-you-obviously-have-too-much-time-on-your-hands

type of "why." As my mama would say, "You gotta meet them where they are." So I patiently explain to these ignorant jack legs that I view this piece of work like another work of art. It is an expressive masterpiece that I created, that I can share, and have the people it inspires share with others. I really hate using too many clichés, but it's the gift that keeps on giving. I can't believe I just said that.

This language that I created is my contribution, along with my literature, choreography, poetry, paintings, filmwork and other creative expressions to the rich tapestry of African American culture, as the birth of this language is inspired by my ancestors coming to this country. From 1619 up until today, our culture and people lose their identitiy a little at a time in order to survive and thrive in this nation. The languages of our people were taken, our families divided and our roots chopped. Nothing I can do will completely hydrate the soul and culture of African Americans, but I'll continue to contribute acknowledge, teach, learn, and support our people...no matter how much they get on my nerves.

Because English is my first language, quite naturally it will be reflective in this language, Ħodaoa-Anibo, or Anibo as I most often refer to it. The sentence structure borrows heavily from English, but also borrows from the structure and tenses of Black English Venacular. I had to find a way to integrate language usage I was familiar with and characteristics of a dialect we had created.

Also, being from Southern California, Spanish was influential in the creation of Anibo, along with Sahili and French. However, the words have been cooked up and seasoned quite a bit with a spice I call imagination, so most of the vocabulary in Anibo will be unrecognizable on the surface. Should one become a scholar of this great piece of work, they'll be able to uncover quite a few of my secrets.

To illustrate to you how much Anibo means to me, and how much I'm hoping to inspire and influence the work of others, I've begun incorporating the language into my paintings, and translating my poetry. My mind has gone crazy running in all sorts of directions pondering the possibilities and I'm so excited. I'm really hoping it sparks something in you too.

Kobina Wright
July 2004