Cape Verdean Harmony in Heritage Initiative (CVHIH)
Different Beginnings, Same Heritage
“Welcome to the CVHIH—note from Michiko (Founder)”
Dear Friend:
Welcome to the CVHIH “living room” space. Sit here (xinta li) and relax for a moment. You’ll notice Kriolu words popping up here and there—yes, we’re doing this intentionally. Why? It’s our way of keeping the language alive, sharing it naturally, and inviting everyone to join in—even if it’s just one word (un palavra) at a time (Si bu sta prendi Inglês, es li ta sirbi pa bo tanbe).
Most of our content is in English because we acknowledge that we are based in an Englishspeaking country (pais) and not everyone—even of Cape Verdean decent—speaks Kriolu. But make no mistake (xxx), our commitment to Cape Verdean language (lingua) and culture (kultura) is as strong as ever. Every bilingual book (livru) we offer is a step toward bringing us together in understanding and unity, while embracing the language.
Whether you’re Cape Verdean by birth, heritage (eransia), or pure curiosity, these books are made for anyone who wants to celebrate (selebra), learn (prendi), and share the language and cultural stories.
Explore the journey with us, and let’s honor tradition, create dialogue, and bring more Kriolu into this virtual space and in our hearts.
Nu sta djunta mon (we are together),
Michiko
Pronunciation key for welcome word letters:
- ▪ xinta li — (SHEEN-ta lee) - “sit here”
- un palavra — (OON pah-LAH-vra) - “one word”
- pais — (PAH-eess) - “country”
- lingua — (LEENG-wah) - “language”
- kultura — (Kool-TOO-rah) “culture”
- livru — (LEEV-roo) “book”
- eransia — (eh-rahn-SEE-ah) “heritage”
- selebra — (seh-LEH-brah) “celebrate”
- prendi — (PREHN-dee) “learn”
- Nu sta djunta mon — (Noo stah JOON-ta mon)
- “we are together” (“djunta” = join, “mon” = hand)
- Si bu sta ta prendi Inglês, es li ta sirbi pa bo tanbe
(See boo stah tah PREHN-dee een-GLESH, es lee tah SEER-bee pah boh TAHN-beh)
“If you are learning English, this serves you too.”