Praise Poems as Historical Data: the Example of the Appendix A: Glossary of Yoruba Terms - The Language of

Yoruba Oríkí | Africa Ifa

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The Oríkì Orí is a form of praise poetry in Yoruba culture that celebrates the head as a symbol
of wisdom, intelligence, and destiny. It is a combination of Orí (head) and kì (greet, praise),
translating to 'praising the mind'. The Oríkì Orí can be directed at an individual, a lineage, gods,
animals, or inanimate objects, and is aimed at praising their ancestry and galvanizing them. It
can vary in length and is often used to address an individual, arousing their spirit and inflating
their mind 4 .
Here is an example of an Oríkì Orí with its literal and free translations, as well as speaking
practices:

Oríkì Orí Literal Translation Free Translation Speaking Practices

Ọmọ ọdẹ Child of the forest, Child of the forest, This Oríkì praises the individual's
baba father of the palm father of the palm connection to nature and their role as a
ẹ‌gbin, tree, tree, protector and guide. It is often chanted by
elders to inspire courage and strength.

Ọmọ Child of the ancient Child of the This Oríkì acknowledges the individual's
alágbàgb one, ancient one, lineage and heritage, emphasizing their
à, connection to the past and their role in
preserving traditions. It is often chanted
by elders to instill a sense of
responsibility and pride in one's heritage.

Ọmọ ọdẹ Child of the forest, Child of the forest, This Oríkì repeats the previous line,
baba father of the palm father of the palm reinforcing the individual's connection to
ẹ‌gbin, tree, tree, nature and their role as a protector and
guide. It is often chanted by elders to
inspire courage and strength.

Ọmọ Child of the ancient Child of the This Oríkì repeats the previous line,
alágbàgb one, ancient one, emphasizing the individual's connection
à, to their heritage and the importance of Pro
preserving traditions. It is often chanted
 Oríkì Orí Literal Translation Free Translation Speaking Practices
by elders to instill a sense of
responsibility and pride in one's heritage.

Orí mi, orí My head, the chief
àlábáṣ ẹ‌, arbitrator,
My head, the chief This Oríkì praises the individual's wisdom
arbitrator, and intelligence, emphasizing their role as
a decision-maker and guide. It is often
chanted by elders to inspire confidence
and respect.

Orí mi, orí My head, the chief My head, the chief This Oríkì repeats the previous line,
àlábáṣ ẹ‌, arbitrator, arbitrator, reinforcing the individual's wisdom and
intelligence. It is often chanted by elders
to inspire confidence and respect.

Ìwọ ní òrò You hold the secrets You hold the This Oríkì acknowledges the individual's
àná, of creation, secrets of connection to the divine and their role in
creation, preserving sacred knowledge. It is often
chanted by elders to inspire reverence
and respect.

Ìwọ ní òrò You hold the secrets You hold the This Oríkì repeats the previous line,
àná, of creation, secrets of emphasizing the individual's connection
creation, to the divine and their role in preserving
sacred knowledge. It is often chanted by
elders to inspire reverence and respect.

Orí mi, orí My head, the chief My head, the chief This Oríkì repeats the previous line,
àlábáṣ ẹ‌. arbitrator. arbitrator. reinforcing the individual's wisdom and
intelligence. It is often chanted by elders
to inspire confidence and respect.

These speaking practices are based on the cultural context in which the Oríkì Orí is chanted,
often during ceremonies or gatherings where elders pass down wisdom and values to the
younger generation. The Oríkì Orí is a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting Yoruba
cultural heritage and values.

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