In a multitude of languages, such as my native tongue Somali, ajnabi has the same meaning.

 

“Foreign, stranger, exotic, other”.

 

Through tight lips, shifty eyes, and gritted teeth, this word has been spewed and twisted through cultures as a way to isolate children of the diaspora, who look back and look forward- displaced.

Now, as we reach back to our communities with true intentions of learning, absorbing, and translating knowledge through photography, experiences, and a leap of faith, here’s the world through an ajanbi, Yasmin.

 

Footnote 1: For those wondering, Ajnabi is a word used not only in Somali, but also Urdu, and Arabic. As languages and cultures that have shaped my life one time or another, it makes me feel whole.

Footnote 2: Also, my favorite Bollywood song is Ajnabi since day 1.