Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Second Language Studies
First Advisor
Felice Ann F. Coles
Second Advisor
Diane D. Marting
Third Advisor
Michael M. Raines
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Santería is an Afro-Cuban religion that has played a significant role in shaping Cuba’s cultural identity and that of its diaspora. Lucumí, a liturgical language primarily derived from Yoruba, is at the core of its religious practices. This language has been incorporated into the works of Cuban writers such as Lydia Cabrera, Alejo Carpentier, Nicolás Guillén, Miguel Barnet, and Nancy Morejón. While previous scholarship has examined Lucumí from linguistic and literary perspectives (Olmstead, 1953; Castellanos, 1939; Concordia, 2012; Ramos, 2013; Matibag, 2017), little attention has been given to how santeros, practitioners of Santería, perceive the representation of their sacred language in these texts. My study addresses that gap by investigating the perceptions of five experienced santeros in Miami, Florida, regarding the use of Lucumí expressions in selected works by the aforementioned Cuban authors. Participants evaluated five literary excerpts containing Lucumí through a questionnaire, assessing their linguistic accuracy and cultural authenticity. The responses revealed that while santeros generally acknowledged the literary value of these representations, they expressed concern regarding misinterpretations and inaccuracies in the depiction of Lucumí, notably when its structures or spiritual meanings were altered. Beyond literary representation, my study also explores the broader context of Lucumí language preservation in Miami. My findings indicate that while Lucumí remains central to Santería rituals, its usage has evolved due to Miami’s multicultural environment and the re-Africanization efforts of some practitioners. Additionally, my study highlighted the presence of Lucumí in Miami’s popular music and everyday discourse, illustrating its transition from a linguistic marker of African descent to a dynamic part of Cuban American identity. My study contributes to the ongoing discourse on Afro-Cuban linguistic heritage by emphasizing the importance of Lucumí as more than just a linguistic marker, it is a living, evolving language that continues to shape social, religious, and cultural identity (Brandon 1993). The findings underscored the need for more nuanced and respectful representation of Lucumí in literature while advocating for further research on its contemporary use among younger generations of santeros.
Recommended Citation
Diaz Mederos, Dayni Deysi, "Lucumí Language Preservation in Cuban Literature: A Study of Miami Santeros’ Perceptions" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3268.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3268