Belizean author Frank Palacio publishes first book in Spanish

Posted: Monday, October 14, 2024. 1:59 pm CST.

By Horace Palacio: Belizean author Frank Palacio has released his first book in Spanish, Lengua Materna Garifuna, marking a significant milestone in his literary journey. The new publication follows the success of his English-language book, Garifuna Mother Tongue, which boasts over 25 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Palacio revealed that the idea for the Spanish version came to him in a dream where his late mother appeared dressed in white and wearing a crown. In the dream, she asked him to translate the book into Spanish to reach a wider audience.

“Why should Garifuna Mother Tongue be only in English when 150,000 Garifuna speakers use Spanish?” Palacio reflected. “I listened to my mother. I always listen to my mother.”

Honoring Garifuna Heritage

Garifuna Mother Tongue pays tribute to Palacio’s parents, Bridget and Henry Palacio, pioneers in the Garifuna movement and founders of Garifuna choirs in Belize and Los Angeles. Alongside his sister and literary agent, Angela Palacio, Frank continues to promote Garifuna culture and heritage through their work.

The book highlights the lives of over 50 prominent Garifuna figures, including lawyers, musicians, politicians, and athletes from Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and the U.S., all of whom have made significant contributions to their communities while preserving their Garifuna identity.

It also serves as a language resource, offering everyday Garifuna words and phrases for beginners, non-Garifuna speakers, and scholars. Additionally, the book discusses ways to preserve the endangered Garifuna language, which UNESCO designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

Journey to Mastering Spanish

Palacio’s passion for Spanish began in his youth, inspired by his cousin, Tony Enriquez, from Livingston, Guatemala, who spoke Garifuna, Creole, and Spanish fluently. Determined to learn the language, Palacio studied Spanish at St. John’s College (SJC) and majored in it at Belize Technical College. He later became a certified Spanish teacher in Los Angeles.

“People often call me ‘Black Spanish’ because they’re surprised to see me speaking fluently in Spanish,” Palacio joked. “But it’s a natural skill for Garifuna people. Many of our ancestors worked as teachers and policemen in Spanish-speaking communities in Belize during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Plus, 90% of Garifuna surnames are Spanish, like Castillo, Arana, Avila, and Enriquez.”

Palacio’s journey from a young boy with a dream to an author writing in Spanish is an achievement that few have accomplished.

Promoting Culture Through Social Media

Palacio is not only a writer but also an active cultural ambassador on social media, where he engages with thousands of Belizeans and Garifuna people worldwide. He serves as a spokesperson for the Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles, sings and directs a church choir, and uses social media to educate, entertain, and connect communities.

“If Facebook were a city, the people I engage with would exceed Belize’s population,” Palacio explained. “I see it as a ministry. After receiving countless birthday wishes from strangers, I knew I had to pay it forward. For 15 years, I’ve wished people well on their birthdays, even those I don’t know.”

A Birthday Release for a New Book

In addition to writing more than ten books, Palacio runs Belizeobama Publishing and has timed the release of Lengua Materna Garifuna to coincide with his 64th birthday on October 19. With a vast following and reputation as a cultural promoter, Palacio hopes both Garifuna Mother Tongue and its Spanish version will become bestsellers.

Readers can purchase the books on Amazon or visit www.frankpalacio.com.

“Do unto others as you would have it done unto you,” Palacio shared, inviting Belizeans and fans worldwide to join him in celebrating his birthday and supporting his latest literary venture.

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The post Belizean author Frank Palacio publishes first book in Spanish appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Belizean author Frank Palacio has released his first book in Spanish, Lengua Materna Garifuna, marking a significant milestone in his literary journey. The new publication follows the success of his English-language book, Garifuna Mother Tongue, which boasts over 25 five-star reviews on Amazon.
The post Belizean author Frank Palacio publishes first book in Spanish appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.