How Do You Spell BURKINABE?

Pronunciation: [bˈɜːkɪnˌe͡ɪb] (IPA)

The word "Burkinabe" is pronounced as /bʊɹkiːnəbeɪ/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is the official demonym for someone or something from Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa. The spelling of "Burkinabe" may seem peculiar to non-French speakers, as it reflects the French influence on the country's language and culture. The suffix "-abe" is added to "Burkin" to indicate membership in a collective noun, as in "les Burkinabé" (the Burkinabé people).

BURKINABE Meaning and Definition

1. Burkinabe is an adjective used to describe anything related to Burkina Faso, a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is also a noun identifying a citizen or inhabitant of Burkina Faso. The term "Burkinabe" can be used interchangeably with "Burkinabé" or "Burkinabè," reflecting different orthographic forms of the same word.

   As an adjective, Burkinabe refers to a nationality or cultural aspect associated with Burkina Faso. It represents the unique traditions, customs, language, and history of the Burkinabe people. The term encompasses the diverse ethnic groups residing within Burkina Faso, such as the Mossi, Fula, Gurma, Bobo, and others, who contribute to the country's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, it can denote the art, music, cuisine, and architecture prevalent in Burkina Faso.

   When used as a noun, Burkinabe refers to an individual who is a citizen of Burkina Faso. Whether born within the country's boundaries or having acquired its citizenship, Burkinabes share a collective national identity. They form a diverse population, speaking various languages across different ethnic groups while united by a common sense of belonging to Burkina Faso.

   Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Burkina Faso has made significant contributions to regional stability and economic development. The Burkinabe people have played a crucial role in shaping the nation's history and continue to contribute to its political, social, and economic development in various sectors, from agriculture and mining to arts and education.

Etymology of BURKINABE

The word "Burkinabe" is derived from "Burkina Faso", which is the official name of a landlocked country in West Africa. The etymology of "Burkina Faso" can be broken down as follows:

- "Burkina" is derived from the Mossi language, one of the major ethnic groups in the country. It translates to "honest" or "upright" in English.

- "Faso" comes from the Dyula language, another significant language spoken in the region. It can be translated as "father's house" or "fatherland".

The name "Burkina Faso" was chosen as the new name for Upper Volta, the country's former colonial name, upon gaining independence from France in 1984. Consequently, the term "Burkinabe" refers to the people of Burkina Faso.

Plural form of BURKINABE is BURKINABES