
171. Speaking Taino with Ra Jikotea Niaku'no of Wuru Taino Tekiro’uo
Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I am so very honored to talk with Ra Jikotea Niaku'no, a Taino Boricua artist and educator, about Taino language, culture, and heritage. Ra shares her journey, rooted in the islands of Borikén (which you also may know as Puerto Rico), as she navigates the complexities of identity and language in a post-colonial context.
Throughout our conversation, Ra discusses the multifaceted nature of language in Borikén, where Spanish, Taino, and African influences intertwine. She highlights the importance of preserving Taino language and how it has evolved, including the creation of a comprehensive Taino dictionary and the innovative ways in which new words are formed. We explore how language serves as a bridge to reconnect with ancestral roots and the significance of cultural identity in the modern world.
In this episode, we discuss:
🌎 The historical context of Taino language and its relevance today.
🌎 The impact of colonization on language preservation and identity.
🌎The role of community in reclaiming Taino heritage and promoting language education.
🌎 Unique Taino expressions and their meanings, including playful wordplay.
🌈 The evolution of language in contemporary Taino culture, including the introduction of terms for the LGBTQ+ community.
A heartfelt thank you to Ra for sharing your wisdom and passion for Taino culture, language and heritage with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!
To Connect with Ra:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rajikotea/?hl=en
Wuru Taíno Tekiro’uo
https://www.instagram.com/wurutaino/?hl=en
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOpzJeXr4B4
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@WuruTainoTekirouo
Spotify:
Wuru Taíno Institute
https://www.raruizleon.com/wuru-taino
For bookings, workshops, presentations, classes, and other inquiries: [email protected]
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