What’s in a Word? The Meaning of Ubuntu
Words are a powerful tool significant in humanity’s evolution over millennia, millions of which are used in the 6,909 languages spoken worldwide. Yet some of these words carry more weight than others.
From the German expression ‘wanderlust’, which epitomises the strong urge to travel, to the Danish philosophic term ‘hygge’, which encapsulates the comfort of enjoying life's simple things, these words transcend language barriers and cultures and resonate with us all.
The African term ‘Ubuntu’ is another such word. A singular word with multiple meanings, yet one key communal message that we at The Dandelion Philosophy consider integral to our core values: togetherness.
The Meaning of Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an ancient African word rooted in humanist African philosophy and can be roughly translated as “humanity to others”, or “I am because we are”. It comes from the Zulu proverb “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, meaning “a person is a person through other people”.
The word's origin can also be found in other languages derived from the Bantu language family, and other sub-Saharan languages stretching from Zimbabwe to Rwanda.
In the Rwandan Kinyarwanda language, and the Burundi language of Kirundi, Ubuntu means “human generosity” and “humanity”. Whereas throughout Western Uganda and Northern Tanzania, several dialects use the term ‘Obuntu’ to illustrate generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness to others within the community; and in the Zimbabwean language, Shona, the word ‘unhu’ is used to describe “humaneness”, or “being human”.
Ubuntu’s ethos clearly reaches far and wide and is integral to many sub-Saharan African cultures. Though Ubuntu has various meanings, the core interpretation seems to remain the same: humanity rooted in kindness.
The Philosophy of Ubuntu
Ubuntu, as a philosophy, conveys the humanist idea that the relationship you build with others and your community is shaped by who you are, which, in turn, shapes you. Unlike Western societies, which centre on the self and self-growth, Ubuntu focuses on togetherness and collaborative development, which we embrace at The Dandelion Philosophy.
A philosophy intertwined with culture, Ubuntu is a concept that has inspired leaders and great thinkers.
Photo by Yousuf Karsh
Ubuntu embodies values of harmony and sharing among members of a community. It involves appreciating traditional beliefs and being mindful that one’s actions have consequences for the future. A person who practices Ubuntu is able to interact with others in a gracious manner and understand their place in the world.
Ubuntu also emphasises the importance of representing one’s community and upholding its virtues and standards. It promotes a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility to one’s community. It suggests that our identities are inseparable from our relationships with others and that we all have a responsibility to treat others with respect, kindness, and compassion.
At The Dandelion Philosophy, we are a team of individuals, each with specific skills and talents. We follow the Ubuntu principles of togetherness, care, compassion, humaneness, and justice, with the aim of creating a more equal, balanced society.
We ensure we take an Afrocentric approach in our initiatives in South Africa so that cultural pride and values are never dismissed. In this way, we embrace the communities we serve and appreciate their respective identities.
We embrace the Ubuntu philosophy as a key component to building relationships with communities and people. Understanding and respecting the values, beliefs, and culture of the people we work with, helps us to deliver solid and sustainable outcomes.
