I believe we should adopt five levels in the structure of Somali genealogy, but in a way that distinguishes us from the Arabs. The Arabs based their divisions on the human body (head, neck, chest, abdomen, thigh, leg) due to the scarcity of trees in their desert environment.
However, our country is a fertile savanna, rich in trees, and the symbol most familiar to us is the frankincense tree—which should be considered the emblem of our people.
From this, we can create a genealogy structure unique to us, inspired by the structure of a tree, making it more realistic and relevant to Somali culture and environment.
As for terms like "jilib," "jifi," and "laf," they are likely direct imitations of Arabs.
Genealogy Tree (Tree Metaphor)
We propose a division into five main layers, from the root to the branch:
1. Root (Taproot): Represents Samaale – the common origin.
2. Trunk: Like Dir.
3. Primary Branches: Like Mahe.
4. Secondary Branches: Like Surre.
5. Twigs: Like Nacadoor – the smallest divisions of lineage.
A person would then name their personal lineage, and from there, their four-part name would form the family (Qoys), followed by "reer." An imagined example might be: Cabdirahmaan Axmed Cali Maxamud reer Nacadoor.
Other Suggestions:
Important Notes:
1. Flexibility in Tree Structuring: If lineages diverge, the "primary branches" may become "trunks," and "secondary branches" could turn into "primary branches," and so on.
2. I encourage Somali linguists to create authentic Somali names for these five layers so they can become a part of our culture and identity, rather than relying solely on foreign or translated terms.
However, our country is a fertile savanna, rich in trees, and the symbol most familiar to us is the frankincense tree—which should be considered the emblem of our people.
From this, we can create a genealogy structure unique to us, inspired by the structure of a tree, making it more realistic and relevant to Somali culture and environment.
As for terms like "jilib," "jifi," and "laf," they are likely direct imitations of Arabs.
Genealogy Tree (Tree Metaphor)
We propose a division into five main layers, from the root to the branch:
1. Root (Taproot): Represents Samaale – the common origin.
2. Trunk: Like Dir.
3. Primary Branches: Like Mahe.
4. Secondary Branches: Like Surre.
5. Twigs: Like Nacadoor – the smallest divisions of lineage.
A person would then name their personal lineage, and from there, their four-part name would form the family (Qoys), followed by "reer." An imagined example might be: Cabdirahmaan Axmed Cali Maxamud reer Nacadoor.
Other Suggestions:
- Qoys (Extended family): From the father to the third grandfather.
- Tol: Such as Raxanweyn, who have different lineages but are connected through a mother or alliance.
- Beel / Beesha: A group, similar to what could be referred to as a "nation" in Western contexts (like the Germans, British, French, etc.).
- Bulsho : A group larger than a "nation," like Europeans, Indians, etc., united by culture, geography, etc.
- Ummah: A group united by one religion, similar to Muslims, Christians, etc.
Important Notes:
1. Flexibility in Tree Structuring: If lineages diverge, the "primary branches" may become "trunks," and "secondary branches" could turn into "primary branches," and so on.
2. I encourage Somali linguists to create authentic Somali names for these five layers so they can become a part of our culture and identity, rather than relying solely on foreign or translated terms.
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