Mother Tongue

We're focusing on a poem by renowned Somali poet Hadraawi in today's episode. Recently, Hadraawi passed away. May Allah grant him mercy. He was essentially the Somali people's Shakespeare, as I mentioned in the episode

I am aware that poems can be challenging since poets must carefully select the words that best describe the situation they are describing. Therefore, don't worry if you stumble over a few words like I did.

Dhalashada afkaygiyo

Dhigashada fartaydaan

Kaga baxay dhibaatoon

Hawlihii ku dhaafee,

Iyadaa dhaqaalaha

Dhidibbada u aastoo

Dheelliga u diiddaye,

Dhulka wadajirkiisee

Iyadaa dhammeesee.

Through the fixing of its spelling

my language is delivered:

my difficulties done with,

I'm freed from every hindrance.

Settling the orthography’s

our economy's foundation;

it defends against all defects

in the oneness of our nation -

it underwrites and it defines.