Peace and Self-Determination in Border Kuna in a Daily Dose of Peace

A Daily Dose of Peace. Each week, I focus on Love, Joy, and Peace in the world languages. January’s second week focuses on Colombia in South America.

Running The House Alone

In Border Kuna a language of Colombia
“Aga ulubgin akalzhul-itoged” is peace
people seek true strength
autonomy and self-determination
with phrases like

“Machered kued” being a man
“uargüen negseed” run the house alone
“mag pundor itoged” be (have a conscience)
a true woman and “uargüen neg akued”
protect the house alone
a way to express a desire
to direct their own destiny

Kuna Woman Selling Molas Border Kuna peace poetry with Kimberly Burnham

Border Kuna (kvn)―”Aga ulubgin akalzhul-itoged” (peace), “Akalzhul-itoged” (peace), “Machered kued” (being a man), “Uargüen negseed” (run the house alone), “Mag pundor itoged” (be (have a conscience) a true woman), “Uargüen neg akued” (protect the house alone, to say direct their own destiny)―Colombia.

Border Kuna (kvn, cuk), Cuna, Tule, a severely endangered Chibchan language―”Tule-pilaledgin-naneed” (love), “Weligwal-itoged” (joy), “Aga ulubgin akalzhul-itoged” (peace) — Colombia.

Originally Published in Peace Poetry Dictionary, The Meaning of Peace and Calm in 5000 Languages on January 13, 2021.