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Saturday, March 3rd, San Diego had the privilege of experiencing buraanbur (Somali women’s poetry). I, as the very American intern for the event sponsor, the Center for Bridging Communities, had never before experienced anything like it.
In surveying the crowd, one could spot several Americans observing attentively, mesmerized by the rich and multi-faceted nature of Somali culture. Somali cultural artifacts and Somali women’s poetry were on display throughout the room, and traditional Somali music, dance, and food were provided. These Americans were given a rare glimpse into an ancient and dynamic culture that they may not have known existed within San Diego. After the conference was officially opened by Ambassador Abdillahi S. Osman the program began with a phenomenal and multi-faceted panel discussion. The panelists harkened from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and locations. The sheer breadth of the topics they discussed was impressive, but more impressive still was the depth to which the panelists discussed these topics. The panelists, as cultural scholars, are obviously experts on these topics, and, as such, I would expect no superficiality in ability, however, the overall tone was so academic. The ability of the panelists to retain the rapt attention of the crowd while discussing such esoteric topics as Somali onomastics in such great detail was astounding. The only difference between this panel discussion and a stuffy collegiate affair was the unexpected sudden bursts of laughter. Each speaker garnered his or her own amount of room-wide rollicking guffaws. Looking at the program, it would seem that there is nothing funny about the “structure and traditional art of the Somali language,” but Dr. Kapchits managed a hearty round of chuckles and giggles for this particular discussion. It was evident that the panelists were all incredibly proficient and entertaining orators. In total, there were five panel discussions. The topics were incredibly wide-ranging:
Saiid Salah discussed Somali folktale, informing the public of the importance of language and storytelling in the home. It was fascinating to discover that a traditional Somali children’s folk game recited throughout Somalia with the same melody has nine different geographically-specific versions. Depending on the area from which the individual reciting the rhyme hails, the lyrics will change: What is, “naysha deylan oo dabo oogan…” to one Somali may be “biitoy biito biito xariira shilin baa…” to another. Abdirahman A. Farah “Barwaaqo” reiterated the importance of retaining the Somali language in its original form. He pointed out how the richness and depth of the Somali language has been overlooked by the average Somali. For example, Somalis have resorted to using Arabic names such as “Sahra” and “Yasmin” when the Somali name “Ubax” is as profound and meaningful as these Arabic names. Most Somali businesses have been either Anglicized or Arab-ized. The average Somali business is “Amal Express,” “Mustaqbal Village,” or “London Fashions.” He encouraged Somalis to return to their language, naming their children and their businesses traditional Somali names. He urged action now, before it is too late, and the Somali language is lost. Anwar Maxamed Diiriye eloquently explored the topic of teaching Somali youth in the Diaspora about their culture in order to reaffirm their identity. He discussed the advent of a global culture, and the attractiveness it poses to Somali youth. He related the advantages and disadvantages of Somali culture, advising young people to embrace the best parts of their own culture while selecting positive influences from the new cultures they experience in the Diaspora.
Dr. Georgi Kapchits shared his wide knowledge of the Somali language in an entertaining and humor-filled discussion of Somali grammar and phonetics. He discussed the number of vowels in the Somali language and other complex grammar-related observations. It was his recitation of several old proverbs that received the most attention, however, with vigorous laughter following this proverb, “Dani ama guur ama guurso bay ku tiraahdaa.” Following the majority of the panel discussion, the Center for Bridging Communities honored the young women of its Emerging Leaders Program for their dedication to the program. Five of the young women from the program shared poetry that they had written. This segment of the program was very beautiful, connecting this newest generation of Somali women to the very same traditions and struggles of their elders.
Forming a bridge between the remainder of the panel discussion and the buraanbur recital, the magnificent Saado Cali Warsame performed a song specifically written and composed for the conference by Saiid Salah called “Magacu Waa Murtida Giish.” She inspired and stimulated the crowd with her tantalizing voice and expressive artistic style. The buraanbur recital portion of the conference followed this performance by Saado. This beautiful and traditional recital and accompanying dance was very powerful in its ability to sum up the conference. All of the women swaying in brightly colored fabrics seemed to be affirming the importance of retaining this cultural tradition. Some of the young women from the Emerging Leaders Program not only watched but also participated, dancing as well as the elder women. It was beautiful to know that, in the Diaspora, this tradition would not be lost within one generation. Dahabo Elmi, the talented Somali poet performing the buraanbur, effected much emotion with her recitations. Her rhythm, words, and elegant recital were equally well-received by the crowd. She is a woman who truly moves women to the center of the discussion, and in the process it is not only hearts and minds which are moved but bodies. The expression and emotion inspired by her work is truly beautiful. The following lines elicited particularly strong emotion from the crowd, bringing many women to tears.
This event was meant to serve the Somali community in San Diego and enrich the lives and cultural identities of Somali people in San Diego. The event attracted at least two hundred people. For one day, the inter-generational gap was absent. There were Somali elders seated alongside teens from all over San Diego including some from the East African Youth Group and the Center for Bridging Communities’ Emerging Leaders Program. There were Somali elder women dancing with Somali teenage girls. There were discussions, laughter and smiles. There was joy. There was nostalgia. The event reminded people of the past, of what has been lost, and also what can be regained through positive events such as this conference. Altogether the event ran smoothly and achieved its lofty aims: connecting multiple generations of the community, providing Somali elders in the community with an event of interest conducted in their own language, reconnecting Somali youth to their beautiful cultural identity, and uniting the Somali people in San Diego. By the end of the evening, all involved parties were exhausted. Buraanbur Conference 2007 was a success. Here’s for hoping it begins a tradition of Somali cultural events in San Diego. Melanie Plageman ___________ We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com So please email your article today Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WardheerNews Maqaalkani wuxuu ka turjumayaa aragtida Qoraaga loomana fasiran karo tan WardheerNews
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