The Capoeira Language

An exploration of capoeira—the Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance form—through a linguistic framework. Can its movements be documented and studied like a language?

The Project

Developing a custom writing system to represent capoeira movements in two-dimensional form. The symbols are abstract rather than literal depictions of physical configurations, similar to how the International Phonetic Alphabet represents sounds without picturing mouths.

Why It Matters

Capoeira is traditionally passed down through embodied practice, observation, and oral tradition. A writing system offers new ways to analyze, preserve, and communicate the art form's vocabulary of movement.