From linguistic epistemicide to pluriversal security: re-theorizing community and well-being through chichewa proverbs

International Relations (IR) theory, mostly expressed in English, acts as a ‘colonial dictionary’ that enforces Western ontological and epistemological frameworks, leading to epistemicide and limiting global thought. This paper argues that a genuine Pluriversal IR must actively incorporate non-English linguistic systems to access alternative worldviews. Through a decolonial analysis of key Chichewa concepts—mtendere (holistic peace), umunthu (relational humanity), and mphamvu (life-force)—we uncover a Malawian philosophical foundation for rethinking core IR principles. Our findings show that these concepts fundamentally challenge the atomistic, state-centered models of security and community, instead proposing a relational ontology where well-being is closely tied to ecological and spiritual balance. The paper concludes that integrating such indigenous African epistemes is not just additive but essential for deconstructing the coloniality of knowledge and creating a truly pluriversal discipline, with significant implications for development policy and practice focused on holistic human security.