What language is BIAFRA? Is BIAFRA an african word?
Who first used the word BIAFRA?
Surely, the honourable forum-users can shed some more light on these highly important questions.
They are important, because if at the end of the day we find out that BIAFRA is a european word-invention, then the one who dared to call Iboland "The Republic of Biafra" must be added to the list of ibo-traitors and ibo ill-wishers.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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I see that you did some research on the former topic but on this topic, you have decided not to do some research. Wouldn't it be better for you to tell us what you have found out about the word "Biafra", so that we can know how best to tackle your seemingly pointless question?
If you are a Nigerian, is there a reason why you have chosen the Hebrew name Othniel? Are we supposed to read meanings into that? For one who is striving to portray himself as a rigid Pan-Africanist, aren't you doing yourself and others of like mind some disservice by choosing an inherently non-African name?
Should we hold you to the same standards that you expect of every thing else?
posted
This guy asked a seemingly harmless question. Anaedo, why the pointless railings?. If you must know, many Nigerians (yours truly included) will be happy to know the answer to that question, and why not from the horse's mouth. And while at it, the pan-African of the house (Sylva), whither art thou???
___________________ This war of attrition on the Igbo must end now! Posts: 441 | From: california, US | Registered: Jan 2003
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I think it would be prudent not to put words into anyone's mouth. Othniel has demonstrated that he is capable of speaking for himself and others, so I do not really see the need for you to act as if he is incapable of answering for himself.
I am not railing here. I only asked if anybody should hold Othniel to the same standards that he holds everyone else. I trust that to you sir, that is not a strange concept.
Where are the Ohafia Udemuzies, the Damians, and the Ambroses of this board to answer these questions?
I am not too sure if the Biafras, the Chimpboys, and the MIA Nwabiafra (I guess he is still enjoying his loot from the Ojukwu fundraising thread) have any clue to the origination of the word BIAFRA.
Be careful what you wish for. Even if Ohafia Udumeze, Damian or Ambrose tell us the origin of Biafra, a person who is not from Biafra will need Mojo to figure out what has been said. Remember all the threads on this board, where a lot was said, but only the Biafrans could tell what it was.
Posts: 110 | Registered: Apr 2001
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Those so-called Biafrans themselves do not know the literal meaning of the word "Biafra", neither do they know the origin of it, otherwise they would have answered your questions.
The Biafran phenomena can be best understood in the concept of the various religious cults (like Watchtower Society, Mormonism, SDA, Christian Science etc.).
These cults all have one person who established the cult. All members of the cult "worship" the founding father and are completely loyal to him. The cult members react violently and aggressively when their founding father is criticized. Noone in the cult is interested to know the true origin of and the truth about the cult. All they are concerned about is keeping the cult alive.
Such is the case with Biafra. Ask a self-proclaimed Biafran the meaning of Biafra - he cannot tell you. Ask a self-proclaimed Biafran about the origin of the word Biafra - he cannot reply. Ask a self-proclaimed Biafran who first used the word Biafra - he cannot open his mouth and give an answer. Even War-King Ojukwu himself doesn't know the meaning and the origin of the word Biafra. What the so-called Biafrans do know is that Biafra must exist, and that Ojukwu is the undisputed leader of ibo-people.
Self-proclaimed Biafrans show all symptoms of severe cultish indoctrination.
The Germans have a saying: "Was der Bauer nicht kennt frisst er nicht", which means that "that which the farmer doesn't know he won't eat" - not so with self-proclaimed Biafrans. They call themselves Biafrans without knowing the meaning of the word.
At least Nigerians know that the word "Nigeria" comes from River Niger, and many have suggested that it means Niger-Area (even though Nigeria is doom-bound).
[ March 02, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: AfroEuro ]
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
It's now more than six weeks since Othniel asked these questions and none of the ever-so-proud self proclaimed Biafrans or Nigerians have been able to offer an answer.
These are just a few of the questions which the United Nations continue to ask all those who knock on the UN offices in the US and in Geneva, asking for the creation of a sovereign state of Biafra.
[ March 30, 2004, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: AfroEuro ]
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
It is rather very difficult to explain to a 4 year old child where babies come from because of the ego associated with their level of comprehension. A four year old child will never be satisfied with one explanation of the origin of babies. Once the answer is provided the next question would be who makes them? or how they are made? How do you satisfy the ego of 4 year old? you could chose to be silent or scold the young brat. Most 4 year old are no different from adults diagnosed with ADD.
Now, a name is a distinctive id that may or may not reflect the characteristics of any person or what the person stands for.Most names do not have orginality and some simply do not have any meaning to it.I have searched the web with frustration for the origin of AfroEuro and the meaning of it. I could not find what I wanted. However, I did find some charity organizations. I decided that the meaning of our infamous Afro Euro could be someone of mixed race. Who is of Half Africa and half European, a person with no orginality craving for recorgnition. A person born of white mother by African father as a result of lust. Or it could be someone of confused race, undecided which race he belongs. I searched for Bababoyz, you betch your life, I was locked in a dead zone, nothing came up but buba.
I searched for Waypoint Biafra but found over 2000 pages about Biafra. From Jello Biafra to the making of African legend, Biafra that is by Federick Fosyth and the History of Slavery to Neoslavery, the Bight of Biafra and Fernarddo Po in the Era of Abolision 1827-1930. I found nothing about Waypoint 1, just a name I phrased to reflect my intent for Biafra.
I guess a name is what you think of it or the originality but not what you make of it.And if in doubt, Go to search in the web page, type in Biafra and see for yourself stupid
Hail Biafra
[ March 30, 2004, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Waypoint1Biafra ]
Posts: 1673 | From: Minnesota USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Advocate #90 Noone is interested in knowing the meaning of internet forum-nicknames. What we want to look at here is the origin of the word Biafra; where it comes from and who first used it. In reality Biafra means so little to you that you compare it to internet forum-nicknames.
Quit deviating from the topic. Your ridiculous comparison with the 4 year old child is a trap which you've built for yourself, because you know where babies come from, and you know how babies are being made. Yet, you feel the 4 year old child is too young to hear the answer.
Are you trying to imply that you know the answer to Othniel's questions? If yes, what's keeping you from posting another pro-Biafran article?
You can only hide your ignorance about Biafra among lazy and uneducated people. The very moment you enter into the circle of those whose eyes are opened and whose minds are educated, you will be confronted with more in-depth questions about Biafra.
Advocate #90 From your over 1000 contributions into this BNW forum, most of which are fanatically pro-Biafran (not to mention your embarrassing semi-illiterate style), you still have no clue where the word "Biafra" comes from, you still do not know what language "Biafra" is taken from.
You have disappointed yourself!
Hear the word of God: "Study to show yourself approved unto God - a workman who does not need to be ashamed...!" (2. Timothy 2:15)Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Here we go again. Just like a 4 year old will rather ask questions than provide an answer.There is no doubt in my mind that you, AfroEuro will have the last answer to this thread demonstrative of a defective ego and of course a zealot.
Depending on who you ask or what your ego would like to register. Some people will tell you that the meaning of "nigga' or Yoruba is a person of a lazy race with distinctive bad odor and it's originality Africa or slavery. But some will dispute the orginality or meaning that "nigga' was first coined by Adolph Hitler to describe the Jews as stingy with money. Now I ask you, since your so fixated with Biafra and it's originality, why don't you provide us with the answer? I am pretty sure that the question was not directed to Biafrans but those who frequent this thread and that includes you. I believe your book knowledge or your level of comprehension is being questioned. Copy?
Hail Biafra
[ March 30, 2004, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: Waypoint1Biafra ]
Posts: 1673 | From: Minnesota USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote: Now I ask you...why don't you provide us with the answer?
Advocate #90
Congratulations. One post without an insultive word. Now what remains for you is to work on the grammatical and syntax errors.
The joke is on you self-proclaimed Biafrans. You go around talking about "Biafra - Biafra" not knowing what Biafra was and is all about. There's no escape in this issue for you. You yourself will have to prove your loyalty towards ibo-land by finding the origin of Biafra.
For example: let's assume the word "Biafra" was used by Portuguese sailors from the 16th century as a description for cannibalism? Or let's go on to assume that "Biafra" was used by the Europeans as a word describing a certain vile behaviour? How would you react to that?
The joke is on you. Since you call yourself a Biafran, you have to explain what Biafra means. Or you want to continue to remain ignorant?
It's clear that you and your kind do not move in educated circles. If you did, you would have been confronted with these questions about Biafra long ago and would have gone searching for the meaning of Biafra rather than insulting and opposing honest folks who are simply trying to offer you a helping hand.
As it is written: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.(Acts of Apostles 17:11)Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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___________________ The only solution is to divide BiafraNigeria. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Posts: 173 | Registered: Mar 2001
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___________________ The only solution is to divide BiafraNigeria. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Posts: 173 | Registered: Mar 2001
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___________________ The only solution is to divide BiafraNigeria. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Posts: 173 | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
...and so after more than two months since this thread opened noone has been able to provide a reasonable answer.
Excuse me, Ladies and Gents, you mean there's really no Biafran or non-Biafran out there who can shed some more light to my questions?
quote:If you are a Nigerian, is there a reason why you have chosen the Hebrew name Othniel? - Anaedo
Anaedo, please do not deviate and do yourself and the readers a favour by not jumping into false conclusions. This thread is about the meaning of the word Biafra.
DiasporaX The website link you provided (www.biafraland.com) doesn't answer the question. I've checked out the entire website of these hard-working Biafrans, yet there's no explanation about the meaning of the word Biafra. Got any other links?
quote:Go to search in the web page, type in Biafra and see for yourself stupid - Waypoint1Biafra
Waypoint1Biafra (what a nick!), too many Biafrans are unaware of their own roots. When I say roots I'm talking about igbo-land before the arrival of the Europeans. If you knew the meaning to the word Biafra you would have written it into this thread long ago, ain't that right?
AfroEuro, here you go again quoting the Scriptures even in this forum. Some people really never change.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by othniel: They are important, because if at the end of the day we find out that BIAFRA is a european word-invention, then the one who dared to call Iboland "The Republic of Biafra" must be added to the list of ibo-traitors and ibo ill-wishers.
Othniel Really?,
Welcome to BNW anyway. These are some good questions you asked to start this thread. Some like me are totally ignorant of many things including languages. For example:
I dont know why I did'nt in the past seek to know in what language the word Biafra took its roots in order to justify my sense of identity as a Biafran.
Furthermore, I have been totally oblivious of the "hidden" meaning of that word Biafra, (kinda like my obliviousness to "Dry fasting") even though the history of the brave and courageous stance of the Biafrans to protect their people in the face of genocidal attack, and against massive odds of the advanced nations arrayed against them on short notice, that history, has always given me immense sense of joy and confidence to be counted as a Biafran.
As a freedom loving Blackman, the fact that an African peoples; the Biafrans, could stand up in the face of attempted genocide against them to propose a structural solution at Aburi Ghana, to neutralize the intentions of "Divide and conquer"/"Unite and conquer", only to incurr the wrath of the European Nation responsible for that maliciously atrocious rascality, has always given me an immense sense of honor and self dignity as a Biafran.
The fact that an African peoples; the Biafrans, could stand up in the face of attempted genocide against them to propose a structural solution (to forced exploitative unity) a solution ahead of its time, but rather be met with cynical strategies to accuse them of rebellion as an excuse to assist european masters retain control of minerals in Biafra at the heinous expense of the murder through starvation of human lives who had already been victimized through pogroms and had not yet been rejuvenated in their confidence in a system that allowed them to be brutalized for unfounded reasons in the first place, has always given me an immense sense of justifiable stoicism as a Biafran.
The fact that an African peoples; the Biafrans, could stand up in the face of attempted colonialistic vindictiveness against them and ably demonstrate to the European, what the African is capable of achieving with the potentials endowed upon them by God as technologically creative and resourceful human beings has always given me a healthy dose of self respect as a Biafran.
Finally, the selfless efforts of the leaders of Biafra against the array of the following:
---US(acquiescing deathly silence), ---britain (intelligence, armament logistics and advisement), ---Soviets(massive armaments especially MIG Fighter warplanes and technical advisers), ---East germans (veteran pilots and technical personnel), ---Egyptians(trained pilots), and ---"Nigerians" ("Nigerian" ground forces, trained and untrained bodies led by brit trained "Nigerian" thugs)
...In short, The selfless efforts of Biafra's leaders against the array of the above to stand against an attempt at genocide used as an excuse to justify misplaced outrage at Igbos and Southeastern citizens of Biafranigeria (for guilt by association of the crimes of "Igbo coupists" given "Igbo take over bid conspiracy theories") and these leaders redeeming opposition to the effort to morph the reasons of attacking the Biafrans into "rebellion" as an excuse to perpertrate legalized genocide, have combined to purchase in hot red blood, the sense of unique identity from which every Biafran draws a sense of self.
There are many more facts such as above which totally sidestep the issue of "the meaning of the word Biafra" to question rather, your assumption that a name as assumed, is invested with its significance from the literal meaning of that name, instead of from the associations which that name comes to invoke over time in the hearts of those who have invested it with a meaning they can identify with.
In other words, if the word America was derived from the name of an italian named Amerigo Vesspucci and America was at war with Italy at any point in its history, would the meaning of "America" and the language from which its name was derived, have any impact whatsoever upon the way Americans feel about themselves and their identity?
Would this be an issue?
And for whom?
We Biafran lost souls are still waiting for the handle AfRoEuRo to come and help us with some hints he had given about "Portugese" meanings to the word Biafra,
quote: Finally, the selfless efforts of the leaders of Biafra against the array of the following:
---US(acquiescing deathly silence), ---britain (intelligence, armament logistics and advisement), ---Soviets(massive armaments especially MIG Fighter warplanes and technical advisers), ---East germans (veteran pilots and technical personnel), ---Egyptians(trained pilots), and ---"Nigerians" ("Nigerian" ground forces, trained and untrained bodies led by brit trained "Nigerian" thugs) -Ukaobasi
Ukaobasi, in your list you've forgotten to mention ROLF STEINER, former German Nazi soldier from the notorious Hitlerjugend (Hitler-Youth) and mercenary who was employed by the Biafran Army. Steiner entered into Biafran history as the man who slapped Ojukwu. Steiner is described by Frederick Forsyth as a "thug in uniform". Thus we have Biafrans working hand-in-hand with German Nazis. There was another former nazi mercenary who fought on the Biafran side, however I cannot recall his name as of now. Moreover the Biafran lobbyists, who bought weapons for the biafran army, bought these weapons from east-european criminals and other illegal sources. Unfortunately I cannot provide any links to prove this as of now. AfroEuro knows much more about the evils committed by the Biafran side before and during the war and AE will thus shed some more light on this when AE returns.
quote: There are many more facts such as above which totally sidestep the issue of "the meaning of the word Biafra" to question rather, your assumption that a name as assumed, is invested with its significance from the literal meaning of that name, instead of from the associations which that name comes to invoke over time in the hearts of those who have invested it with a meaning they can identify with. -Ukaobasi
Ukaobasi, trying to run away, right? I won't allow you.
You're saying that there are two meanings to the word Biafra. The old meaning (before 1967) and a new meaning as created since 1967.
Let me ask like this: in January 1967 Biafra as a word, as a geographical region was in existence. You agree? If yes, what then was the meaning of the word "Biafra" at that time?
Allow me to be more precise: what was the original, old meaning of the word Biafra before 1967?
The joke here is that once you've found the original meaning of the word "Biafra", maybe you yourself, as an educated well-spoken Biafran will approach Mr Ojukwu and ask him why he christened Igbo-land as Biafra.
Again I ask in the name of all Igbo-people: what is the meaning of the word "Biafra"?
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Ukaobasi, in your list you've forgotten to mention ROLF STEINER, former German Nazi soldier from the notorious Hitlerjugend (Hitler-Youth) and mercenary who was employed by the Biafran Army.
No Othniel, I have not forgotten! just as I havent forgotten that Gowon's first name is Yakubu, but then what would that have to do with the prevailing
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