A as in Agaoxobud, Peace in Brazilian Indigenous Languages of the Amazon in a Daily Dose of Peace

A Daily Dose of Peace. Each week, I focus on Love, Joy, and Peace in the world languages. February’s second week focuses on words of peace that start with A around the word.

A as in Agao: Four Related Words in Suruí Paitér

Indigenous people of Brazil
near the Mato Grosso-Rondônia border
have four related words
“agaoxobud” means peace
“agoaharip” is enemy
change the ending in “agoakab” and you get heart
while “agoautin” means slow

Parrots Talking peace in Brazil’s Amazon Peace Poetry with Kimberly Burnham Photo by Diogo Hungria on Unsplash

Listening, Forgetting and Peace in Apinayé of Brazil

In Apinayé an indigenous language of Brazil
“ri hamakêtkati” is translated peace
“ri” means home or house
will “ri mra” means walk
starting to move towards a place of peace
the home

“Hama” means to listen
“haman” is wait
as if to find peace we must
listen and be patient

“Haman kupẽ” is display
“hama xur” is hidden
what must we display
or hide in order to find peace

“Hamak” is ear
while “hamakêxkati” is forget
and “hamar” is know
“ijamakêtkati” is forgot it
and “ajamakêtkati” is forgotten
as if we must listen and forget
some pain and injury to find peace

Birds of the Brazilian Amazon where peace is beautiful in indigenous languages peace poetry with Kimberly Burnham. Photo by Jaime Dantas on Unsplash

Peace in a Few Indigenous Languages of Brazil’s Amazon

Kuikúro-Kalapálo — “Hékite” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Kashinawá — “Hei hiwea” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Xokleng — “Vãblé jãg” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Kamayurá — “Ikatu” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Kamayurá — “Ikatu jako” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Amondawa — “Juruwian” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Cinta Larga — “Pyyt” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Suruí Paitér — “Ag̃ao xobud” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Karitiâna — “Taso kerep tyka” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Oro Waram — “Ka krik te ewa” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Kashararí — “Xinãtsuby” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Mamaindé — “Wa’nulatwa” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Aikanã — “Hinakukaeyeí” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).
Apinayé — “Ri hamakêtkati” (peace) — Brazil (Indigenous language).

Originally Published in Peace Poetry Dictionary, The Meaning of Peace and Calm in 5000 Languages on February 18, 2021.