Dr. Blyden : Igbo Language and Religion, Nigeria

DR.
BLYDEN : IGBO LANGUAGE AND RELIGION , NIGERIA
DR. BLYDEN : IGBO LANGUAGE & RELIGION ,

NIGERIA
DR. BLYDEN NOAH : E-mail : nas.deen1@gmail.com . WEBSITE :
https://independent.academia.edu/BlydenNoah or https://doctorblyden.jimdo.com / DR.
BLYDEN LIBRARY / SCRIBD
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GODDESS ANI WITH CHILD , THE MOTHER OF ALL IGBOS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

DR. Blyden Noah was born in Sierra Leone , West Africa , in
1959. Mr Noah attended the Amaraia and Cathedral primary
schools and then the Prince of Wales secondary school in
Freetown . After finishing his secondary education , Mr. Noah
studied medicine at the Wroclaw medical school in Poland and
completed his studies at the Eskilstuna and Huddinge
Teaching Hospitals in Sweden . He is currently living and
working as a General Practitioner in Sweden . He is the author
of the Dr.Blyden handbooks ,novels , fact books about African
and Sierra Leonean culture and traditional religions , new
games , new inventions etc . Dr. Blyden Noah was born in
Sierra Leone .
E-mail : nas.deen1@gmail.com
Dr. Blyden Website : DR. BLYDEN LIBRARY or
https:// independent.academia.edu/ BlydenNoah or
https://doctorblyden.jimdo .com/ DR. BLYDEN ON SCRIBD
DR. BLYDEN
Dr. Blyden by Dr.Blyden Noah / Copyright : Dr.Blyden Noah ,
2023 / Expert on : Global Health . Expert on Yoruba
language , culture and religion . Expert on African languages ,
culture and traditional religions . Expert on modern African
literature . Expert on Global Human Development / Expert
on traditional African philosophy / DR. BLYDEN LIBRARY
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DEDICATIONS
This book is dedicated to Sierra Leone Creoles (Krios) of Igbo
descent . To help them make use of and nurture the vast wealth
of their traditional culture and religion .
This book is also dedicated to Foulah Town , my hometown in

Freetown, Sierra Leone . To help Foulah Town become a
developed town (which means self-sufficient in all it’s needs) as
quickly as possible .
This book is also dedicated to the Igbo people of Nigeria and

the world . To help them make use of and nurture the vast
wealth of their traditional culture and religion and help them
build successful and independent societies in this century (21st
century) and beyond .
The book is also dedicated to all other tribes in Africa , also

to help them make use of and nurture the vast wealth of
their traditional cultures and religions and help them build
successful and independent societies in this century (21st
century) and beyond .
DR. EDWARD WILMOT BLYDEN , THE FATHER OF

PAN-AFRICANISM , WAS OF IGBO DESCENT
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IGBO PEOPLE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the author : 2 Dedications : 3

Igboland and the Igbos : 10 Igbo religion : 14
Igbo alphabet : 15 Everyday conversations
and greetings : 20
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Vocabulary repetition Vocabulary repetition Igbo-

English - Igbo : 27 English : 32
Olukuluku-ism (Extreme Igbo family and family
individualism) : 39 members : 45 , 48
Pronouns (words Plural ( multiple of words):

representing a noun) : 50 51
Dr. Blyden inspirational Igbo traditional houses and

flags : 52 religious temples : 54 , 55
House , household : 56 The ancient African fabrics

and jewelry-beads industry
: 63
Farada-ism (Extreme Country cloth fabrics in
perseverance) : 73 Sierra Leone & Liberia : 66
The colours in Igbo : 78 Numbers and counting in
Igbo : 80
Numerical adjectives in Telling the time in Igbo : 87 ,
Igbo : 85 88
Chinua Achebe , Igbo Icon / Comparatives and
Things Fall Apart : 93 superlatives in Igbo : 90
Kitchen : Conversations , Kitchen tools (-utensils ,
nouns , verbs and -equipment) : 101
adjectives : 97
Food in the kitchen and Igbo Culture , Lifestyle and
pantry , conversations : 102, Facts : 106
105
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Phenomenal 9th to 11th List of Igbo Gods : 117

century igbo metal, bronze ,
pottery and glass beads
works : 108
Phenomenal Igbo religious Ikenga , one of the most
sculptures and masks : 124 powerful Gods of the Igbo
people : 124
Helping African women Women and Trade in Africa:
traders achieve their fullest
Realizing the Potential : 129
potential : 127
Osusu : The people's How women traders in
savings bank from Africa : Foulah town (My
132 hometown) can use the
osusu savings system to
create wealth and
prosperous businesses : 133
A Beginner's Guide to Directions in Igbo :

Starting your own small Conversations , nouns ,
business using Osusu : For verbs and adjectives : 139
African women traders in
Foulah Town and Freetown
: 135
Bathroom , toilet : Living room ( Parlour) :

Conversations , nouns , Conversations , nouns ,
verbs and adjectives : verbs and adjectives
: 142 : 149
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Bedroom : Conversations , Igbo wardrobe and fashion

nouns , verbs and : Conversations , nouns ,
adjectives : 153 verbs and adjectives : : 156
Igbo names and their How Foulah Town ( My

meanings : 162 hometown in Freetown)
will become self-sufficient
in food production and feed
itself : 179
Home-farming - Growing Learn how to build your

your own food in your own water well in your
home in Foulah town : 179 house yard or unused space
in Foulah Town : 182 , 198
HOME FARMING - Grow HOME FARMING - Grow

cassava at home , wean sweet potatoes at home ,
yourself from expensive wean yourself from
imported rice and wheat : expensive imported rice
182 ,189 , 195 and wheat : 193 ,194
At the barbershop , hair At the market and

salon and beauty salon : supermarket :
Conversations , nouns , Conversations , nouns ,
verbs and adjectives : 199 verbs and adjectives : 202
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At the Health Centre , The parts of the human

hospital and pharmacy : body : Conversations ,
Conversations , nouns , nouns , verbs and
verbs and adjectives : 209 adjectives : 213
At the children's At the school , university :

playground : Conversations , nouns ,
Conversations , nouns , verbs and adjectives : 222
verbs and adjectives : 218
At the birthday party : Months of the year : 231

Conversations , nouns ,
verbs and adjectives : 230 ,
231
Days of the week : 232 At the airport / Sea port /

Ferry port / River port :
Conversations , nouns ,
At the sports stadium / At the train station / Bus

Gym : Conversations , station / Taxi stop :
nouns , verbs and Conversations , nouns ,
adjectives : 244 verbs and adjectives : 252
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At the Igbo temple / At the burial ceremony /

Church / Mosque / Graveyard : Conversations
Wedding ceremony : , nouns , verbs and
Conversations , nouns , adjectives : 263
IGBOLAND AND THE IGBO PEOPLE

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THE SIX REGIONS OF NIGERIA
From :
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Igbo_Peopl
e
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The Igbo, sometimes referred to as Ibo, are one of the largest

single ethnic groups in Africa. Most Igbo speakers are based in
southeastern Nigeria, constituting about 17 percent of the
population; they can also be found in significant numbers in
Cameroon and other African countries. It is believed the Igbo
originated in an area about 100 miles north of their current
location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers.
The Igbo share linguistic ties with their neighbors the Bini,
Igala, Yoruba, and Idoma, with whom it is believed they were
closely related until five to six thousand years ago. The first
Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu
plateau between four and five thousand years ago. The Igbo
came to worldwide attention in the 1960s when they
attempted to secede from Nigeria and form the independent
Republic of Biafra. Igboland is the home of the Igbo people
and it covers most of Southeast Nigeria. This area is divided by
the Niger River into two unequal sections – the eastern region
(which is the largest) and the midwestern region. The river,
however, has not acted as a barrier to cultural unity; rather it
has provided an easy means of communication in an area
where many settlements claim different origins. Today's Igbos
are also surrounded on all sides by other tribes (the Bini,
Warri, Ijaw, Ogoni, Igala, Tiv, Yako and Ibibio).
Pre-colonial life
Pre-colonial Igbo political organization was based on
communities, devoid of kings or governing chiefs. The
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development of a heterarchical society, as opposed to a

hierarchical society, marks Igbo development as sharply
divergent from political trends in pre-colonial West Africa. With
the exception of Igbo towns such as Onitsha, which had kings
called Obis, and places like Nri and Arochukwu, which had
priest kings known as Ezes, most Igbo village governments
were ruled solely by an assembly of the common people.
Although titleholders were respected because of their

accomplishments, they were never revered as kings. Their
responsibility in society was to perform special functions given
to them by the assemblies, not to make laws or dictate policy.
This way of governing was immensely different from most
other communities of Western Africa, and only shared by the
Ewe of Ghana.
In the absence of judicial authority, the Igbo settled law

matters by oath-taking to a god. If that person died in a certain
amount of time, he was guilty. If not, he was free to go, but if
guilty, that person could face exile or servitude to a deity.
The Igbo followed a calendar in which a week had four days. A

month consisted of seven weeks, while thirteen months made
a year. In the last month, an extra day was added. This
calendar is still in use in villages and towns to determine the
market days.
The early Igbo utilized a mathematics system known as Okwe

and Mkpisi, and used a savings and loans bank system called
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Isusu. Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called

Nsibidi. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org
IGBO LEADED BRONZE CEREMONIAL OBJECT , 9TH CENTURY

BC
IGBO RELIGION
From : https://www.igboguide.org/HT-chapter6.htm
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The Igbos worshiped a host of alusi [gods and deities], they

created new ones for special events and happenings such as
wars and diplomatic meetings.
Igboland’s traditional religion is based on the belief that there
is one creator, God, also called Chineke or Chukwu. The
creator can be approached through numerous other deities
and spirits in the form of natural objects, most commonly
through the god of thunder (Amadioha). There is also the
belief that ancestors protect their living descendants and are
responsible for rain, harvest, health and children. Shrines,
called Mbari, are made in honor of the earth spirit and contain
tableaux of painted earth. Other shrines keep wooden figures
representing ancestors and patrons. The evidence of these
shrines, oracle houses and traditional priests in the villages
still emphasize people’s beliefs .
https://www.igboguide.org/HT-chapter6.htm
IGBO LANGUAGE : ASỤSỤ IGBO

THE IGBO ALPHABET (Ḿkpụ́ rụédémédé Ìgbò)
A,a B,b CH,ch D,d E,e F,f G,g. GB,gb GH,gh GW,gw H,h I,i ị,ị J,j.
K,k KP,kp KW,kw
L,l M,m N,n Ṅ,ṅ NW,nw NY,ny O,o Ọ,ọ P,p R,r S,s. SH,sh T,t
U,u Ụ,ụ V,v W,w Y,y.
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THE IGBO ALPHABET LETTER PRONUNCIATION : From

https://naijish.com/the-igbo-alphabet/
Letter
Lett Aud
Pronuncia Pronunciation of Letter in a Word
er io
tion
A
ah pronounced as the ‘a’ in ‘apple’
(a)
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B
bii pronounced as the ‘b’ in ‘bed’
(b)
CH
chii pronounced as the ‘ch’ in ‘church’
(ch)
D
dii pronounced as the ‘d’ in ‘dog’
(d)
E (e) eh pronounced as the ‘e’ in ‘egg’
F (f) fii pronounced as the ‘f’ in ‘fish’
G
gii pronounced as the ‘g’ in ‘get’
(g)
GB
gbii no English equivalent
(gb)
GH
ghii no English equivalent
(gh)
GW pronounced as the ‘Gw’ in the female

gwii
(gw) given name ‘Gwendolyn’ or ‘Gwen’
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H
hii pronounced as the ‘h’ in ‘hit’
(h)
I (i) ee pronounced as the ‘ee’ in ‘flee’
ḷ (ị) irh pronounced as the ‘i’ in ‘itch’
J (j) jee pronounced as the ‘j’ in ‘jet’
K (k) kee pronounced as the ‘k’ in ‘keep’
KP
kpii no English equivalent
(kp)
KW
kwii pronounced as the ‘q’ in ‘quick’
(kw)
L (l) lii pronounced as the ‘l’ in ‘like’
M
mii pronounced as the ‘m’ in ‘meat’
(m)
N
nii pronounced as the ‘n’ in ‘neat’
(n)
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Ṅ
ṅii pronounced as the ‘ng’ in ‘king’
(ṅ)
NW
nwii no English equivalent
(nw)
NY
nyii pronounced as the ‘gn’ in ‘seigneur’
(ny)
O
oh pronounced as the ‘o’ in ‘bold’
(o)
Ọ
or pronounced as the ‘o’ in ‘shot’
(ọ)
P
pii pronounced as the ‘p’ in ‘pin’
(p)
R (r) rii pronounced as the ‘r’ in ‘rich’
S (s) sii pronounced as the ‘s’ in ‘sit’
SH
shii pronounced as the ‘sh’ in ‘shoe’
(sh)
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T (t) tii pronounced as the ‘t’ in ‘tea’
U
uh pronounced as the ‘oo’ in ‘book’
(u)
Ụ pronounced as the ‘Ur’ in the female

urh
(ụ) given name ‘Ursula’
V (v) vii pronounced as the ‘v’ in ‘van’
W
wii pronounced as the ‘w’ in ‘win’
(w)
Y (y) yii pronounced as the ‘y’ in ‘yes’
Z (z) zii pronounced as the ‘z’ in ‘zebra’
Listen to audio here : https://naijish.com/the-igbo-alphabet/
COMMON EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS & GREETINGS
Nnọọ : Hello
How are you ? : Kedu ka ị mere ?
I am fine : adị m mma
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I am not good : Adịghị m mma

Chinedu , Kedu ka ị mere ? : How are you, Chinedu ?
I am fine , thank you : Adị m mma, daalụ
Kedu ka i mere enyi m? : How are you my friend ?
I am sad : anọ m na nwute
How are you my son ? : Kedu ka ị mere nwa m nwoke ?
I am happy : Obi dị m anụrị
Happiness / gladness : obi ụtọ
Ọ dị mma : Pleasant / Delightful
Thank you /Thanks : daalụ
Welcome : nabata
Good morning : Ụtụtụ ọma
Good afternoon : Ehihie ọma

Good evening : Mgbede ọma
Good night : Ka chifoo
Good bye : Ka ọ dị
How is your mother ? : Kedu ka nne gị mere ?
Fine , thanks, and you ? : Ọma, daalụ , ma gị ?
How is your baby ? : Kedu ka nwa gị dị ?
It is fine : Ọ dị mma
My name is : Aha m bụ
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My name is Emeka : Aha m bụ Emeka

Thank you for your help : Daalụ maka enyemaka gị
Do you speak english ? : Ị na-asụ Bekee ?
Do you speak igbo ? : Ị na-asụ Igbo ?
Do you speak a foreign language ? : Ị na-asụ asụsụ mba ọzọ
?
Yes , I speak German : Ee, m na-asụ German
I am pleased to meet you : Obi dị m ụtọ izute gị
Nice to meet you : Ọ dị mma izute gị
How is school ? : Kedu ka ụlọ akwụkwọ dị ?

School is OK (good) : Ụlọ akwụkwọ dị mma
I hope to see you again : Enwere m olileanya ịhụ gị ọzọ
I will see you later : Aga m ahụ gị ma emechaa
I will see you tomorrow : Aga m ahụ gị echi
Thank you for your help : Daalụ maka enyemaka gị
What is your name ? : Kedu aha gị ?
My name is : Aha m bụ
When is your birthday ? : Kedu oge bụ ụbọchị ọmụmụ gị ?
When were you born ? : Kedu mgbe amụrụ gị
What is your nationality (What is your country) ? : Kedu
obodo gị
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Which language do you speak ? : Kedu asụsụ ị na-asụ

What is your job ? : Kedu ihe bụ ọrụ gị
I am a carpenter : Abụ m onye ọkwá nkà
Where are you from ? : Ebee ka i si

I am from England : Esi m England
Who are you ? : Onye ka ị bụ
I am Mr. John Black : Abụ m Mazị John Black
I am Mrs. Black : Abụ m Oriakụ Black
Where are you going ? : Ebee ka ị na-aga ?

Where have you been ? : Ebee ka ị nọbu
What do you want me to do ? : Kedu ihe ị chọrọ ka m mee
How old are you ? : Afọ ole ka ịdị ?
I am four years old : Adị m afọ anọ
How old is your child ? : Afọ ole ka nwa gị dị ?

She is eight years old : Ọ dị afọ asatọ
My child is ten years old : Nwa m dị afọ iri
What school do you go to ? : Kedu ụlọ akwụkwọ ị na-aga
I am going to the Goddess Ani primary school : A na m aga
ụlọ akwụkwọ mmalite chi nwanyị Ani
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What university do you go to ? : Kedu mahadum ị na-aga ?

I am going to the Igbo Religion and Culture University in
Enugu : A na m aga mahadum okpukperechi na omenala igbo
di n'Enugu
Please greet Aunt for me : Biko kelee nwanne nne maka m
OKay . I will : Ọ dị mma. M ga-
Why are you crying ? : Gịnị mere ị na-ebe akwa ?
My grandfather just died : Nna nna m ka nwụrụ
We have gone : Anyị agaala
He has arrived : Ọ bịarutere
When is the funeral ? : Kedu mgbe olili ozu ?
Next week : Izu na-esote
Next , coming : Osote , esote
Week : izu
How is the weather in Enugu today ? : Kedu ka ihu igwe dị
n'Enugu taa
It is sunny , 30 degrees centigrade : Ọ bụ anwụ na-acha , iri
atọ ọnụọgụgụ Centigrade
It was rainy yesterday / It rained yesterday : Mmiri zoro
ụnyahụ
There will be rain and a thunder tomorrow : A ga-enwe
mmiri ozuzo na égbè eluigwe echi
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Which Igbo religion do you follow ? : Kedu okpukpere igbo

chi ị na-eso ?
I am a member of the Igbo religion in Enugu : abum onye
otu okpukpere chi igbo n'Enugwu
Help / Aid / Assistance : Enyemaka
Help me : nyere m aka
Hello / Welcome : Nnọọ
Please : Biko
Thank you (Thanks) : Daalụ
How much ? : Ego ole
Where is it ? : Ebee ka ọ dị ?
Check , please : Lelee, biko
Cheers / Congratulations : Ekele
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Dr. Blyden - African digital short stories and comics :

THE STORY OF AGIDI , THE STUBBORN YORUBA BOY .
Author : Blyden Noah
ILLUSTRATOR : Ahmed Deenie Noah
Will be coming out on SCRIBD . Price 5 USD (Bulk buying
discount for schools , universities , organizations etc ..)
VOCABULARY REPETITION LESSON : ENGLISH - IGBO

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Hello : Nnọọ How : Kedu
Hello, how are you ? : nnọọ, I am fine , thank you : Adị m

kedu ka ị mere mma, daalụ
Do : Mee Don't / Don't do it : Emela
Am , are , is : bụ Was , were : bụ
Good , Fine , Well : Ọ dị mma Okay / OK : Ọ dị mma
Morning : Ututu Afternoon : Ehihie
Evening / Dusk : Mgbede Night : Abali
Lunch : Nri ehihie Midday , Noon : Ehihie
Village : Obodo Town / City / Country :
Obodo
Capital city : isi obodo House : Ụlọ
Country , Nation : Obodo Come : Bia
Came : Bịara Go : Gaa
Went : Gara Going : Na-aga
Departure : Ọpụpụ Use , to make use of : Jiri
And : Na To : Na , Ka
From : Site / Site na In , Inside : N'ime
To go out / Exit : Pụọ Outside : N'èzí
On / At / With : Na Of / For : Nke
Off : Gbanyụọ Above : N'elu
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Below / Under / Beneath : Beside / on the side :

N'okpuru N'akụkụ
Also : Ọzọkwa Between / In the middle :
N'etiti
What ? : Kedu ? What is it ? : Kedu ihe ọ bụ ?
When : Mgbe ole Time : Oge
What time is it ? : Kedu oge Clock : Elekere

ọ bụ ? / Kedu ihe na-akụ ?
Bell : Mgbịrịgba Place / Where : Ebe
Day : Ụbọchị Birthday : Ụbọchị ọmụmụ
Born : Amụrụ Why : Ntak
At / On / With / And / Only : Here : Ebe a
Na
There : Ebe ahụ Where : Ebe
Today : Taa Yesterday : Ụnyaahụ
Tomorrow : Echi Day after tomorrow :
Ụbọchị n'azụ echi
After , behind : N'azụ Before , ahead , front : Tupu
Day before yesterday : Totally , completely ,
Ụbọchị tupu ụnyaahụ absolutely : Kpamkpam
Complete , perfect : Zuruoke Present , now , current :
Ugbu a
Past : Gara aga Future : Ọdịnihu
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Time : Oge To : na , ka
Of , for : Nke Pass : Gafere
Belt , band, rope , string : Head wrap , Head tie ,
eriri Headgear : Ihe mkpuchi isi
Broom : Azịza Sweep : Zachaa
Yes : Ee No : Mba
Name : Aha Foreigner , Stranger : Onye
mba ọzọ
Visitor , Guest : Onye ọbịa Happiness , gladness : Obi
ụtọ
I am happy : Obi dị m anụrị I am pleased : Obi dị m anụrị
School , institute : Ụlọ Hope : Olileanya
akwụkwọ
Hopeful , optimistic : Nwere Again , secondly : Ọzọ
nchekwube
Sometime , sometimes , Later : Emechaa
occasionally : Mgbe ụfọdụ
Look : Lee anya See , watch : Lee
Shall, will ,should : ga Must : aghaghị
Thank you : Daalụ For : Maka
For me : Maka m About : Gbasara
Help , aid : Enyemaka When ? At what time ? :
Mgbe ole
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Where , place : Ebe Single , Singular , one : Otu

Plural , Many , Plenty : Birth : amụ nwa , ọmụmụ
Ọtụtụ
Birthday : Ụbọchị ọmụmụ Speak , Say , Tell , talk :
Kwuo
Language : Asụsụ Work , job : Ọrụ
Yes : Ee No , not , decline , refusal :

Mba
Never : Ọ dịghị mgbe Hello , Welcome : Nnọọ
Child , baby : Nwata Peace : Udo
Die : Nwụọ Death , dead : ọnwụ
Just , recently : nso nso a , Soon : N'oge na-adịghị
na nso nso
Later : Emechaa Have , has : Nwee , nwere
Yet , but : Ma Arrive : bịarute
Reach : iru The : ahụ
The man : Nwoke ahụ The woman : Nwanyị ahụ
Week : Izu Measurement , size : nha
To measure , to weigh : Iji Front , infront : N'ihu
tụọ
Back : azụ At the back , behind : Na azụ
, N'azụ
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Above , over , upon , top : Below , under , beneath :

N'elu N'okpuru
Down , bottom , base : ala Up , high : elu
Hill , mountain : ugwu Beside , on the side :
N'akụkụ
Large , big , great : Nnukwu , Very , quite : nnọọ
Ukwu
Very large : nnọọ ukwu Small , little , few : Obere
Very small : nnọọ obere Member , colleague : Onye
otu
Of the : nke Of the people : Nke ndị
mmadụ
Spoon : Ngaji Of the day : Nke ụbọchị
VOCABULARY REPETITION LESSON : IGBO - ENGLISH
Nnọọ : Hello , Welcome Kedu ka ị mere : How are

you ?
Kedu ? : How ? Mu , m : I , Me
Bụghị : Not Bụghị mu ,Bụghị m : Not
me
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ị : You Nke gị : Your

ị bụ : You are You are welcome : ị bụ
nabata
Mba : No Onwe mu ,Onwe m :
Myself
Bụ : Is , am , are Udo : Peace
Ihu igwe : Weather Mee : Do
Onwe gị : Yourself Ọ : He , she
Ya : him , his , her , it Onwe : Self
Onwe ya : Himself , Herself , Bụ : Am , are , is
itself
Bụ : Was , were Ha : They , Them
Ha bụ : They are Ọ : It
Ọ bụ : It is Ọ dị mma : Good , Fine ,
Well , Okay
Adị m mma : I am good Ututu : Morning
Ehihie : Noon Afternoon : N'ehihie
Evening , dusk : Mgbede Abali : Night
Nke m , Nke mu : My , mine Enyi m , Enyi mu : My friend
Onye : Who , Whom Onye ka ị bụ ? : Who are
you ?
Nne : Mother Nna : Father
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Nwoke : Man Nwanyị : Woman

Nwa : Child Nwa nwoke : Son , boy
Nwa nwaanyi : Daughter Nwa agbọghọ : Girl
Nwanne nwoke : Brother Nwanne nwaanyi : Sister
Nwanne nne : Aunt Nwanne nna : Uncle
(mother's sister) (father's brother)
Nne nne : Grandmother Nna nna : Grandfather
Nwa nwa : Grandchild Ikwu : Relative
Obodo : Town , City , Village Isi obodo : Capital city
Ụlọ : House Asụsụ : Language
Obodo : Country , Nation Bia : Come
Bịara : Came Gaa : Go
Went : Gara Na-aga : Going , On going
Nwoke : Man Ndị ikom : Men
Ndị inyom : Women Ndị : people , those
Nwata , nwa : Child Ụmụaka ,Ụmụ : Children
Jiri : Use , to make use of Na : And
Site : From Iji : To
N'ime : In , Inside N'èzí : Outside , out
Pụọ : Come out , go out Na : On
Nke : Of , for Ee : Yes
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Ma ọ bụ : Or Mba : No
Anya : Away , off N'elu : Above , upon , over ,
up
N'okpuru : Below , under N'akụkụ : Beside , on the
side
Nakwa , Ọzọkwa : Also , as N'etiti : Between , In the
well middle
Kedu ? : What ? Kedu ọ bụ ? / Kedu ihe ọ bụ

? : What is it ?
Ihe : Thing , something Mgbe ole ? : When ?
Oge : Time Kedu oge ọ bụ ? : What time
is it ?
Elekere : Clock Mgbịrịgba : Bell
Ebe : Place Ọmụmụ : Birth
Ụbọchị : Day Ụbọchị ọmụmụ : Birthday
Mụrụ : Born Kedu ? : Which ? What ?
Onye ? : Who ? Onye ka ị bụ ? : Who are
you ?
Ntak ? : Why ? Na : At , and , on , only
Ahụ , Nke : The Nwoke ahụ : The man
Nke a : This , This one Nke ahụ : That , That one
Ha : They , Them Ebe a : Here
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Ebe ahụ : There Ndị a : These

Ndị ahụ : Those Ụbọchị : Day
Taa , Ubochita : Today Ụnyahụ : Yesterday
Echi : Tomorrow Ụbọchị n'azụ echi : Day
after tomorrow
N'azụ : After , behind Izu : Week
Tupu : Before Ụbọchị tupu ụnyaahụ : Day

before yesterday
Kpamkpam : Totally , Uwe : Clothes
completely
Uwe : Clothes , uniform Ụlọ akwụkwọ : School
Same : Otu Zuruoke , dum : Complete ,
whole
Ezinaụlọ : Family Ugbu a : Now , current time ,
presently , present
Ọdịnihu : Future Gara aga : Past
Gafe , gafere : Pass , go Ihe mkpuchi isi : Headgear ,
through head wrap , head tie
Azịza : Broom Zachaa : Sweep , Clean up
Ee : Yes Mba : No
Me , I : Mu , m Aha : Name
Onye mba ọzọ : Foreigner Onye obia : Stranger , guest
37
Obi ụtọ : Happiness , Obi dị m anụrị : I am happy

gladness , joy
Ụlọ akwụkwọ : School Olileanya : Hope , hopeful
Emechaa : Later Mgbe ụfọdụ : Sometimes ,
occasionally
Lee , lee anya : Look , see , Kwugharịa : Repeat
watch
Ga : Shall, will , should Aghaghị , ghaghị : Must
Daalụ : Thank you Maka : For
Maka mu , Maka m : For me Enyemaka , Nyeremeaka :
Help
Nyere m aka : Help me Kedu ? : What ?
Mgbe ole ? : When ? Onye ? : Who ? Whose ?
Whom
Iji : To Otu : Single , one
Otu : Singular Ọtụtụ : Plural , Many , Plenty
Obodo , ala : Nation , Ikwu , Kwuo : Speak , Say ,
Country , Nationality Tell , talk
Asụsụ : Language Ọrụ : Work , job
Gaa : Go Na-aga : Going , goes
Ya mere : So , therefore Ee : Yes
Mba : No Ọ dịghị mgbe : Never
Nnọọ : Hello Nwata , Nwa : Child , baby
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Mahadum , amagadum : Udo : Peace

University , college
N'udo : In peace Naanị : Just , recently
N'oge na-adịghị anya : Nwuo , onwu : Die
Soon
Nwụrụ anwụ : Dead Ọnwụ : Death
Nwee , nwere : Have , Bụ : Is , am , are
possess , own
Ma : Yet Bia : Come
Bịara : Came Bịarute : Arrive
Iru : Reach Ahụ , Nke : The
Nwoke ahụ : The man Nwanyị ahụ : The woman
Ihu : Front , face Azụ : Back
N'azụ : An the back , behind N'elu : Above, over , upon ,
top
N'okpuru : Below , beneath , Ugwu : Hill , Mountain
under
Ọtụtụ : Plenty , Many , Nnukwu : Large , big
ample , abundant
Nnukwu nnukwu : Very Nke ukwuu : Very , a lot
large , very big
Obere : Small Ntakiri : Tiny , little , few ,
small
Obere obere : Very small Onye otu : Member ,
39
colleague
Nke : Of , of the Ngaji : Spoon
OLUKULUKU-ISM (EXTREME INDIVIDUALISM)
FEMALE OLUKULU
MALE OLUKULU
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Olukuluku is a Yoruba word and it means individual . How

did the word olukuluku come about ?
Long time ago in Yorubaland lived a man called Olukulu .
Olukulu was a versatile human being , who had a God-given
talent to do , produce or invent whatever he wished .
There was suffering and starvation in Yorubaland despite
god-given natural resources. The Yoruba elders and leaders
of the land had no idea how to solve the problem , they were
busy fighting among themselves for more wealth and
prestige . The leaders did not care about the sufferings of
the Yoruba people . The more the people suffered the more
dependent they became on the leaders for little handouts
and so the more powerful the leaders became . There was
nothing anybody could do about the situation. The Yoruba
elders and leaders cherished the situation , they were afraid
that if the people became self-sufficient then they would not
be dependent on them anymore and so their powers would
diminish .
But when some of the leaders started to call themselves
Gods of the Yoruba that was the last straw for Olukulu . A
Yoruba God is a respected and revered ancestor who has
done good things for Yorubaland and the Yorubas . `How can
crooks and thieves who are destroying and ruining Yorubaland
and its people call themselves Gods ?` He reasoned .
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Olukuluku made up his mind . He educated himself

practically via apprenticeships on farming , food processing
and conservation , water management, boat building , house
building , fishing , medicine , clothes-making , shoe-making ,
iron and bronze mining and processing and on all other skills
that he needed for his life . He built a large sailing boat
himself and stuffed it with all his family's belongings and
tools . Then he sailed off with his wife and five children to an
uninhabited island off the coast of Yorubaland to start a new
life .
Olukulu and his family made good use of the natural
resources on the island. They ploughed the land to produce
food , fished the rivers and seas for fish , did garden
cultivation to produce vegetables and fruits , they dug wells
and constructed dams to manage water , they did animal
husbandry raising cows , sheep, horses , goats, rabbits ,
chickens etc for meat , milk , leather etc , they harnessed
the forests producing wood for building materials and
furniture , they did beekeeping for honey , they mined iron
ore to produce iron , mined copper to produce bronze , they
mined gold to produce jewellery , they used roots, leaves ,
barks and other vegetation in the forests and swamps to
produce traditional medicines , they manufactured houses ,
furniture , sailing boats and various wooden and metal tools
for themselves and for export to Yorubaland . In short
Olukulu and his family worked hard and produced
43
everything they needed for their survival on the island

themselves.
They became self-sufficient in all their needs . They paid
their taxes regularly to Yorubaland although the leaders of
Yorubaland squandered all the tax money . They became the
biggest taxpayers to Yorubaland and even gave AID and
assistance to the destitute Yorubaland regularly .
The philosophy behind olukuluku-ism is that a modern day

human being should do everything for him/herself : He/She
should build his own house , grow his own animal and plant
foods , make his own medicines, make his own shoes and
clothes , build his own boat for fishing and transport , fish
his own fish , produce his own electricity for his home
himself , dig his own water well , make his own electric car ,
make his own airplane , start his own business , do research
and innovations regularly etc etc .
A modern day Olukulu should not only develop his home but
also the community where he is living or where he originates
from . He should help to build roads , bridges , schools ,
kindergartens , health centers , water wells , apprenticeship
classes , electric cars , electric buses and electric cable cars
etc etc in his community .
He should pay his taxes regularly to the central and local
government but should have absolutely nothing to do with
politics , politicians , governmental- , non-governmental and
other organizations .
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He should be a role model for Africans and all other black

people worldwide to develop themselves and their
communities .
A modern day Olukulu should do everything him-/herself ,
he should not accept any AID, loans , grants , presents or
gifts from others .
45
IGBO FAMILy & FAMILY MEMBERS
FAMILY : Ezinaụlọ
46
47
IGBO GIRL : Nwanyi igbo

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IGBO FAMILY AND FAMILY MEMBERS
Family : Ezinaụlọ Family member : Onye

ezinaụlọ
Clan : Ezinaụlọ Tribe , Ethnicity , Race :
Agbụrụ
Father : Nna Mother : Nne
Son , boy : Nwa nwoke Daughter , girl : Nwa
nwanyi
Uncle : nwanne nna Aunt : nwanne nne
Brother : Nwanna Sister : Nwanne
Grandmother : Nne nne Grandfather : Nna nna
Grandchild : Nwa nwa Relative : Onye ikwu
Wife : Nwunye Husband : Di
Spouse , partner : onye Cousin (Uncle´s child) : nwa
mmekọ nwanne nna
Cousin (Aunts child) : nwa Friend : Enyi
nwanne nne
Man : Nwoke Men : Ụmụnwoke
Woman , female : Nwanyị Women : Ụmụ nwanyị
Person , human : Onye , Persons : mmadụ
mmadu
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People , humanity , Child , baby : Nwa

mankind : ndị mmadụ
Children : Ụmụaka Boy : Nwa nwoke
Girl : Nwa nwanyi Stepchild /foster child :
nwa nkuchi
Adopted child : Nwa kuchiri Parent : Nne na nna
Sibling : Nwanne Nephew : Nwa nwoke

nwanne
Niece : Nwa nwanyi nwanne Mother-in-law : Nne di ,
nne nwunye
Father-in-law : Nna di , nna Son-in-law : Nwa nwoke di ,
nwunye Nwa nwoke nwunye
Daughter-in-law : Nwa Brother-in-law : Nwanna di ,
nwanyi di , Nwa nwanyi Nwanna nwunye
nwunye
Sister-in-law : Nwanne di , Friend : Enyi
Nwanne nwunye
Boyfriend : Enyi nwoke Girlfriend : Enyi nwanyị
Neighbour : Agbata obi Great grandfather : Nna
nna ukwu
Great grandmother : Nne Newborn : Nwa ọhụrụ
nne ukwu
Adolescent / Teenager / Infant : Nwa ọhụrụ
Youth : Ntorobịa
And : na The : ahụ , Nke
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PRONOUNS (words representing a noun)
I , Me : Mu , m I am : Abụ m
You : Ị , Gị You are : ị bụ
He : Ọ He is : Ọ bụ
Him , his : Ya She : Ọ
Her : Ya She is : Ọ bụ
They , them : Ha They are : Ha bụ
It : Ya It is : Ya bụ
Self : Onwe Myself : Onwe m
My , mine : Nke m My friend : Enyi m
Your : Gị Yourself : Onwe gị
Himself : Onwe ya Herself : Onwe ya
Who , which , whose : Whose , of who : Onye
Onye
Whom , to who : Onye The : ahụ , Nke
This : Nke a That : Nke ahụ
These : Ndị a Those : Ndị ahụ

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Their : Ha Our : Anyị

Which , what : Kedu We : Anyị
PLURAL (MULTIPLE) OF WORDS
Bird : Nnụnụ Birds : Nnụnụ ndị

The birds : Nnụnụ ndị The cats : Nwamba ndị
Cat : Nwamba Cats : Nwamba ndị
Cow: Ehi Cows : Ehi ndị
Dog : Nkịta Dogs : Nkịta ndị
These dogs : Nkịta ndị a Those dogs : Nkịta ndị ahụ
Horse : Ịnyịnya Horses : Ịnyịnya ndị
My book : Akwụkwọ m My books : Akwụkwọ m ndị
His chicken : Ọkụkọ ya Her chickens : Ọkụkọ ya ndị

Our daughter : Ada anyi Our daughters : Ada anyi
ndị
House : Ụlọ Houses : Ụlọ ndị
His house : Ụlọ ya Their house : Ụlọ ha
I am cold : Oyi abụ m We are cold : Anyị na oyi
Flower : Ifuru Flowers : Ifuru ndị
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Tree : Osisi Trees : Osisi ndị
DR. BLYDEN INSPIRATIONAL FLAGS : Copy an inspirational

flag , print it out on paper , enlarge it and pin it up on your
ceiling or walls at home and be inspired every day . You will do
great things yourself you never imagined you could !
DR. BLYDEN INSPIRATIONAL FLAGS

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IGBO TRADITIONAL HOUSES

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IGBO RELIGIOUS TEMPLE (MBARI HOUSE) WITH RELIGIOUS

FIGURES
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HOUSE , HOUSEHOLD : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS

AND ADJECTIVES (describes a noun)
House , home , building : Household / Family :

Ụlọ Ezinaụlọ
Bungalow , cottage : Ụlọ Villa , big house : nnukwu
ụlọ
Mansion , big house : Apartment block ,
nnukwu ụlọ Apartment building : Ụlọ
Apartment , flat : Garden : Ubi
Room , Bedroom : Ime ụlọ Hall , meeting room : ụlọ
nzukọ
Living room , parlour : Ime Yard , compound : n'ihu ụlọ
ụlọ ezumike
Kitchen : usekwu Bath /Bathtub /washing
bucket : ịwụ ịsacha
Bathroom : Ụlọ ịsa ahụ Bathe / Take a bath : saa
ahụ
Toilet : Ụlọ mposi Shower : ịsa ahụ
Pantry : ụlọ nri Lecture hall , assembly hall
: ụlọ mgbakọ
Attic : ụlọ elu Basement , cellar : ụlọ
okpuru
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Ground / Soil / Land : Ala Floor : Ala

Library : ọbá akwụkwọ Shed / Workshop : Ụlọ
nkwakọba ihe
Gym : mgbatị ahụ Store / Storeroom /
Warehouse : Ụlọ nkwakọba
ihe
Pump : mgbapụta Street / Road : okporouzo
Tap : Kpatụ Water tap : Mgbata mmiri
Fence : nsu Gate : Ọnụ ụzọ
Roof : elu ụlọ Ceiling : ụlọ
Wall : Mgbidi Social gathering : Mgbakọ

ọha
Ground , land , soil : Ala Paint , color : Agba
Picture : esemese Painting : eserese
Painter : Onye na-ese ihe Person / Human : Onye
People : Ndị mmadụ Flower : Ifuru
Sculpture : ọkpụkpụ Carving : Ịkpụ ihe
Door , Gate: Ọnụ ụzọ Window : mgbupu
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Yard , Compound ,Garden : Swimming pool : ebe igwu

Ogige mmiri
Front yard : Ogige n'ihu Back yard : Ogige azụ
Live , Reside : ibi Address : Adreesị
Where do you live ? : Ebee Home address : Adreesị ụlọ
ka i bi ?
My address : Adreesị m House / Home : Ụlọ
Go in / Enter : banye Go out / Exit : pụọ n'èzí
Welcome : Nnọọ To welcome you : ịnabata gị
Good bye : ka ọ dị Guest / Visitor : Onye ọbịa
Guest house : Ụlọ nkwari akụ Guest room : ime ụlọ ọbịa
Sleep : Ụra Wake / awake : teta
Cook / Cooking : Esi nri Lie down : dinara ala
Get up / Rise : bilie Stand up : kwụrụ ọtọ
Get down / Go down : Go to bed : Gaa lakpuo
Gbadaa
Sit down / sit : Tukwuru ala Low : Dị ala
High : Elu Beautiful / handsome :
Mara mma
Nice : mma Comfortable : nkasi obi

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Far : anya Near : nso

Occupant / Resident : Onye Very big : nnukwu nnukwu
bi
Very small : obere obere Elder , respected person
: Okenye
Faeces , stool , poop : Nsi Urine : maamiri , amiri
Wardrobe : uwe akwa Sweat : Ọsụsọ
Open : meghee Close : Mechie
Lock : Mkpọchi Padlock : Mkpọchi
Where are you going ? : Where are you ? : Ebee ka ị

Ebee ka ị na-aga ? nọ ?
I am going home : Ana m I am upstairs : Anọ m n'elu
ala n'ụlọ ụlọ
Where are you now ? : Ebee I am in the kitchen : Anọ m
ka ịnọ ugbu a ? na usekwu
Where do you live ? : Ebee I live in a big red house on
ka i bi ? the street : M bi na nnukwu
ụlọ uhie n'okporo ámá
I live at no. 2 Ajayi What is the colour of your
Crowther Street : m na-ebi house ? : Kedu agba nke ụlọ
na okporo ámá 2 Ajayi gị
Crowther
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What does your house look It is a red house : Ọ bụ ụlọ

like ? : Kedu ihe ụlọ gị dị ka uhie
It is a 2-storey house : Ọ bụ It is a 3-bedroom house :

Ọ bụ ụlọ nwere ọnụ ụlọ 3
ụlọ nwere okpukpu abụọ
Where is the kitchen ? : It is downstairs / It is

below : Ọ bụ n'okpuru
Ebee ka usekwu dị ?
It is upstairs / It is above : It is on your right : Ọ dị

Ọ bụ n'elu n'aka nri gị
Where is the toilet ? : Ebee It is in the hall : Ọ dị n'ime

mposi dị ? ụlọ
I am going to bed : M Good night : Ka chifoo
ga-alakpu ụra
You have a nice house : ị Thank you : Daalụ
nwere ọmarịcha ụlọ
Ututu oma nwanyị : Good Ututu oma Ade : Good
Morning Madam / lady Morning Ade
N'ehihie ọma, nna nna : N'ehihie ọma, Bola : Good
Good afternoon Grandfather afternoon Bola
Kedu ka ị mere ? : How are adị m mma : I am fine
you ?
Kedu aha gị ? : What is your Kedu ọrụ gị : What is your
name ? profession (job) ?
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Aha m bụ Emeka : My Daalụ : Thank you

name is Emeka
Ee : Yes Mba : No
Enwere ike : Maybe Ka ọ dị : Goodbye
Achọrọ m : I want I want breakfast : Achọrọ

m nri ụtụtụ
I am having lunch : Ana m Do you want dinner ? : Ị
eri nri ehihie chọrọ nri abalị ?
Do you know ? : Ị maara ? Do you know what time it
is ? : Ị maara oge ọ bụ
Do you know which book is Do you know where the
better ? : Ị mara kedu library is ? : Ị ma ebe ọbá
akwụkwọ ka mma akwụkwọ dị
Do you know when they Do you know who he is ? :
are coming ? : Ị ma mgbe ha Ị maara onye ọ bụ
na-abịa
What do you want for It is a 2-bedroom
dinner ? : Kedu ihe ị chọrọ apartment : Ọ bụ ụlọ
maka nri abalị ngọngọ nwere ọnụ ụlọ 2
Ekwesịrị m : I have to / I I have to go : Ekwesịrị m gaa
should
M ga-ehi ụra – I will sleep I will eat : M ga-eri nri
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ebe bụ : Where is ? : Where is the umbrella ? :

Ebee ka nche anwụ dị
Where are my shoes ? : Ọ dị mma : She/He is okay
Ebee ka akpụkpọ ụkwụ m nọ /It is good / She is good
I want some coffee , how Kedu maka gị ? : How about
about you ? : Achọrọ m kọfị, you?
kedu maka gị
I want coffee please : Biko : Please
Achọrọ m kọfị biko
ọ dị m nwute : I am sorry Daalụ : Thank you
Bụrụ onye ọbịa m : Be my Ka chifoo : Goodnight

guest
Niile otu : All the same , No Ọ masịrị m : I like it
difference
I like you : ị masịrị m Ntutu gị na-amasị m : I like
your hair
I love you : a hụrụ m gị Ọ masịghị m : I don't like it
n'anya
Anaghị m amasị gị : I don't Achọghị m gị n'anya : I

like you don't love you
Chere : Wait Bia : Come

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Tukwuru ala : sit down Nọdụ ala biko : Sit down

please
Ị ghọtara ? : Do you Aghọtara m : I understand

understand ?
I do not understand : I do not know : Amaghị m
Aghọtaghị m
Can you repeat please ? : Ị I can't hear you : Apụghị m
nwere ike ikwugharị biko ịnụ gị
THE ANCIENT AFRICAN FABRICS AND JEWELRY BEADS

INDUSTRY
64
BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN FABRICS & BEADS (MADE IN AFRICA)

65
BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN FABRICS (MADE IN AFRICA)
AFRICAN COWRIE SHELL JEWELRY BEADS

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TRADITIONAL FABRICS OF SIERRA LEONE / LIBERIA

( From dar-leone.com , https://www.dar-leone.com)
Country Cloth: In search of a lost tradition
Country cloth or ("kpokpo") is a centuries old traditional
textile of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Woven on a drop spindle,
using locally sourced raw cotton and ink from tree bark,
country cloth was the traditional garb of paramount chiefs and
had varied uses as hammocks and bedspreads.
Today, the favored traditional garb of much of West Africa is
dutch wax print from companies like Vlisco and the number of
artisans still creating country cloth steadily declines.
At Dar Leone, we champion and will promote the continued
efforts of country cloth producers in our own small way…
WOMAN OF THE MENDE TRIBE WEAVING COUNTRY CLOTH

WITH TRIPOD LOOM IN GRAFTON , OUTSIDE OF FREETOWN
67
COUNTRY CLOTH DANSIKI , LIBERIA

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COUNTRY CLOTH & BEADS FASHION , LIBERIA

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HISTORY OF AFRICAN FABRICS ( From African Heritage ,

www.afrolegends.com )
As pointed earlier, the African fabric industry is very old, and dates as far back
as 5,000BC when ancient Egyptians began cultivating flax and weaving it into
linen. An ancient pottery found at Badari shows an ancient depiction of a
loom dating back to this period, while a 12th dynasty image from the tomb of
Khnumhotep shows weavers using a horizontal loom (ca 2400 BC). Moreover,
pyramids, sculptures, and hieroglyphs clearly show all Egyptians clothed.Even
their neighbors to the south, the Nubians, had a flourishing textile industry, as
can be seen on images on pyramids at Meroë, and images of the great queen
Amanishakheto, as well as those of pharaoh Piye.Later on, as several
civilizations flourished throughout Africa, cotton became a more commonly
used fabric. The explorer Ibn Battuta does mention the presence of weavers in
the Mali empire, and in Timbuktu, in the 1300s. As Islam was introduced in
West Africa, many began wearing today’s version of the boubou.
Today, one can find a full tradition of textile flourishing throughout Africa.
The Bogolan or ‘mud cloth’ is hand-woven fabric hailing from Mali. Kente
cloth, is Ghana’s national fabric, with the most expensive ones made with
golden threads for kings only (in the olden days). It is said that the British
explorers were amazed by the beauty of the Ashanti king’s attire. Cameroon
has a long history of cloth made from the bark of trees, with some fabric
particularly made from the obom. Fibers from the raffia are still commonly
used to make bags, and clothing. Moreover, in West Cameroon, Kings are
dressed with finely woven clothing made by the best weavers of the kingdom
embellished with beads. The Pygmies use bark cloth made from tropical fig
trees, while people from Chad and the Central African Republic weave cotton
strips on horizontal looms; they use a variety of natural dyes.
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The Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, use raffia and make
some of the most beautiful hand-woven blankets, clothing, and sculptures.
The Ndebele of South Africa and Zimbabwe have a rich tradition of gorgeous
colorful quilts and blankets entirely hand-made. Many would envy the
elegance, color, and presentation of well-dressed Ndebele women.
BOGOLAN CLOTH , MALI
KENTE CLOTH , GHANA

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Africans had a flourishing fabrics and textile and jewelry-beads

industry before the Europeans and the Arabs came . They
used manufactured looms to weave fabrics with world-class
designs . They used cowrie shells , sea shells , bone ,
gemstones , pearls , ruby , emerald etc to produce beautiful
jewelry-beads and ornaments .
FARADA-ISM (EXTREME PERSEVERANCE)
Farada is a yoruba word and it means perseverance . How did

the word Farada come about ?
A long time ago in Yorubaland lived a young girl called Farada .
Farada had an eye for beauty . Farida loved to weave fabrics to
make beautiful clothes and to make bead ornaments such as
necklaces , armbands , earnings , belts , bracelets etc . Farida
was using the weaving threads to make bead ornaments
which she can use to decorate her clothes . She was in effect
killing two birds with one stone . Farada´s clothes and bead
jewelry became very popular in her village , she was beating all
the competition . Her competitors were doing either fabrics or
beads , Farada was doing both . At first it was only women who
were buying Farada´s products but later men started to come .
Everyone loved Farada´s products , women and men . Her
business became so successful that she could afford to
employ apprentices .
74
At that time in Yorubaland weaving fabrics and making bead

ornaments were done only by men . But no one in Yorubaland
noticed that Farada was a woman until she became very
successful in her business .
And then :
- The haters , the jealous people and the idlers started to
concoct their evil plans .
- Farada´s male competitors started to complain that she
was taking their customers
- The `bring-her-downers` were not happy that Farada was
prosperous and they would love to bring her down to
their own level and even below their own level .
- Good people who knew Farada was helping herself , her
family , her village and even Yorubaland with her business
kept quiet , maybe they were afraid of the backlash from
the evil forces if they sided with Farada .
The evil forces were not able to stop Farada despite their evil
gossiping . Farada ignored them , she was too busy with her
work to pay attention to them .
Then one day a woman in an idle gossiping group said that
women were not allowed to weave fabrics and make bead
ornaments in Yorubaland . “Look around you , have you ever
seen a woman weaving fabrics and making beads in
Yorubaland“ ?
The gossip that women were not allowed to weave fabrics and
make beads spread like wildfire in Farada's village. Everybody
75
believed the gossip was true , no one cross checked to see if it

was true or false .
Farada went to the adults in her community and asked them if
it was true that women were not allowed to make fabrics and
beads ornaments in Yorubaland . They told her it was true .
Then Farada went to her mother . Her mother did not answer ,
she told her to go and ask her father .
Then she went to her father .
Farada's father was a male chauvinist patriarch who strongly
believed that the role of women in this world was
child-bearing , homemaking and working in the kitchen ,
nothing more . Everything else should be done by men .
Farada was now 16 years old and Farada's father already had
marriage plans for her . Her father had already chosen her
future husband without her knowledge .
Farada's father told her that the gossip was true and that she
had to stop her business and start to plan for her wedding to a
military officer in a village not far from Farada's .
Farada had no choice , her father's decision was final .
Farada could not understand why she was not allowed to
make fabrics , clothes and bead ornaments .
“I am as good as any man . A woman can do female clothes
and accessories better than men because women have
feminine intuition which men don't have“ She told her father .
76
“ You are doing a man's job . Your job is in the kitchen and
bringing up your kids . I will not hear any more of this“ Her
father said .
Farada was married off against her will to the military officer .
She was the mother of two young children by the age of 18 .
Farada never gave up on her dreams , she persevered . She
continued making bead ornaments and fabrics in secret for
herself , her children and her female friends . Then the
Yorubas went to war with another tribe and Farada's husband
was killed in one of the battles . Farada was left alone in this
world with two small babies to feed . The war had drained the
resources of Yorubaland and a large number of people were
poor . There was no one to help Farada . Farada never gave up
. She travelled a long distance with her two children to the
Yoruba Oba's (King's) residence and demanded an audience
with the Oba . There was shock in the Oba's court : “A Young
lady unaccompanied by a man demanding an audience with
the Oba ?“ There was commotion in the court , the Oba's staff
were asking her a lot of questions .
Then the Oba entered the court and asked what was going on .
Farada rushed to the Oba and asked :
“Your Royal Highness . Why are women not allowed to make
fabrics and bead ornaments in Yorubaland ? Are women not
also descendants of Gelede , Yemoja, Oshun, and Yewa ?“
Farada had struck a chord in the Oba's court by purposely
naming only powerful Yoruba female Goddesses .
77
The powerful high priests did not know what to say , so they
looked to the Oba for an answer .
There was a long silence .
Then the Oba said :
“My dear young lady, there is no law in Yorubaland which says
women cannot make bead ornaments or fabrics . Go and
make your bead ornaments and fabrics and take care of your
children“ .
From that day women started making fabrics and bead
ornaments in Yorubaland .
Farida went to her village and started her bead ornament and
fabrics business . She became a very successful bead
ornaments and fabrics maker . She made beautiful fabrics and
clothes which people loved . She made bead necklaces ,
armbands, earnings and belts . She added bead hats , bead
bags , bead hair bands and bead fans to her catalogue . She
became a wealthy woman employing other people and
sending her children to apprenticeship schools .
It did not take long for Farada and other women to dominate
the bead ornament and fabrics industry in Yorubaland. They
used their 'osusu' banking system for capital to start and run
their businesses , they did not take expensive loans from loan
sharks which they could not pay back as their male
competitors did . Most of the male fabrics and bead ornament
makers became bankrupt and went out of business . Today
78
over 90 % of bead ornament and fabrics makers in Yorubaland

are women .
The philosophy behind Farada-ism is perseverance and never
giving up always bears fruit . Farada-ism also means 'thinking
outside the box' and that no good product , idea or invention
on this planet is 'carved in stone' , it can be changed or
improved . Farada-ism also means tinkering with and
improving what is known and innovating and creating new
products and ideas for a better world .
THE COLOURS IN IGBO (AGBA)
White / Fair/ Light : Ọcha Dark / Darkness : ọchịchịrị

Black : ojii Blue : acha anụnụ anụnụ
Brown : aja aja Gray / Grey : ntu-ntu
Red : mmee mmee Pink : Uhie ọcha
Violet / purple : ugo Yellow : edo edo
Green : ndụ ndụ Whitish : Ọcha
Shade : ndo Light green : Ọcha ndụ
Dark green : ọchịchịrị ndụ Light blue : Ọcha anụnụ
Brownish : aja aja Yellowish : edo edo
Silver : Ọlaọcha Gold : Edo
79
Ash : ntu Coal /Charcoal : Unyi
“The extinction of a language results in the irrecoverable loss

of unique cultural knowledge embodied in it for centuries,
including historical, spiritual and ecological knowledge that
may be essential for the survival of not only its speakers, but
also countless others….The most important thing that can be
done to keep a language from disappearing is to create
favourable conditions for its speakers to speak the language
and teach it to their children…. record as much of the
language as possible so that it does not disappear without a
trace. “ UNESCO
80
NUMBERS AND COUNTING IN IGBO : CONVERSATIONS ,

NOUNS , VERBS AND ADJECTIVES (describes a noun)
Number : Ogugu Count / Read : Gụọ

Add / plus : Gbakwunyere Subtract / Minus : Mwepu
Multiply : mụbaa Divide : Kewaa
Share : Kekọrịta Single / Only one : Naanị
otu
Multiple / Plural / Many : Only : Naanị
Otutu
Double : Ugboro abụọ Triple : Ugboro atọ
Zero (0) / Empty / Nothing : One (1) : Otu
Efu
Two (2) : Abụọ Three (3) : Atọ
Four (4) : Anọ Five (5) : Ise
Six (6) : Isii Seven (7) : Asaa

Eight (8) : Asato Nine (9) : Itoolu
81
Ten (10) : Iri Eleven (11) : Iri na otu

Twelve (12) : Iri na abụọ Thirteen (13) : Iri na ato
Fourteen (14) : Iri na anọ Fifteen (15) : Iri na ise
Sixteen (16) : Iri na isii Seventeen (17) : Iri na asaa
Eighteen (18) : Iri na asatọ Nineteen (19) : Iri na itoolu
Twenty (20) : Iri abụọ Twenty one : Iri abụọ na
otu
Thirty (30) : Iri atọ Thirty two (32) : Iri atọ na
abụọ
Forty (40) : Iri anọ Forty three (43) : Iri anọ na
atọ
Fifty (50) : Iri ise Fifty four (54) : Iri ise na anọ
Sixty (60) : Iri isii Sixty five (65) : Iri isii na ise
Seventy (70) : Iri asaa Seventy six (76) : Iri asaa na
isii
Eighty (80) : Iri asatọ Eighty seven (87) : Iri asatọ
na asaa
Ninety (90) : Iri itoolu Ninety eight (98) : Iri itoolu

na asatọ
One hundred (100) : Otu One hundred and nine
narị (109) : Otu narị na itoolu
82
Two hundred (200) : Narị Three hundred (300) : Narị

abụọ atọ
Four hundred (400) : Narị Five hundred (500) : Narị ise
anọ
Six hundred (600) : Narị isii Seven hundred (700) : Narị
asaa
Eight hundred (800) : Narị Nine hundred (900) : Narị
asatọ itoolu
One thousand (1000) : Otu One hundred thousand :
puku Otu narị puku
Five hundred thousand : One million : Otu nde
Narị puku ise
Two million : Nde abụọ One billion : Otu ijeri
Three billion : Ijeri atọ One trillion : Otu puku ijeri
Plus : Gbakwunyere Minus : Mwepu
83
84
85
NUMERICAL ADJECTIVES IN IGBO
One : Otu First (main , prior) : Mbụ

Two : Abụọ Second : Nke abụọ
Third : Nke atọ Fourth : Nke anọ
Fifth : Nke ise Sixth : Nke isii
Seventh : Nke asaa Eighth : Nke asatọ
Ninth : Nke itoolu Tenth : Nke iri

Eleventh : Nke iri na otu Eighteenth : Nke iri na asatọ
Twenty first : Nke Iri abụọ na Fifty second : Nke Iri ise na
otu abụọ
Hundredth : Nke otu narị Two hundredth : Nke narị
abụọ
Thousandth : Nke otu puku Millionth : Nke otu nde
Last : Ikpeazụ All , everything : ihe niile
Some : Ụfọdụ Few : Ole na ole
Most / Maximum : Kacha Many /Several : Many
Positive : Nke dị mma Negative : Ihe ọjọọ
86
Two plus two is four : Abụọ Four minus two is two : Anọ
gbakwunyere abụọ bụ anọ mwepu abụọ bụ abụọ
What is two plus two ? : Can you count from one to
Gịnị bụ abụọ gbakwunyere ten ? : Ị nwere ike ịgụta site
abụọ ? na otu ruo iri ?
Plus , addition , supplement Minus , subtraction :
: Gbakwunyere Mwepu
How old are you ? : Afọ ole I am 25 years of age : Adị m

ka ịdị ? afọ iri abụọ na ise
How many grams are in one There are 1000 grams in
kilogram : Kedu gram ole dị one kilogram : Enwere gram
na otu kilogram 1000 na otu kilogram
How many people live in 50 million people live in
Yorubaland ? : Mmadụ ole bi Yorubaland : nde mmadụ iri
na ala Yoruba ? ise bi na ala Yoruba
When did Sierra Leone gain Sierra Leone gained
independence ? : Kedu mgbe independence in 1961 :
Sierra Leone nwetara nnwere Sierra Leone nwetara nnwere
onwe ? onwe na 1961
One thousand nine Ten thousand bees : puku
hundred and 61 : Otu puku aṅụ iri
na narị itoolu na 61
87
Can you give me the book ? Can you give me a glass of

: Ị nwere ike inye m akwụkwọ water ? : Ị nwere ike inye m
ahụ ? otu iko mmiri ?
Can you get me a spoon ? Where are you going ? :
: Ị nwere ike nweta m ngaji ?
Ebee ka ị na-aga ?
I am going to work : m I am going to school : m

na-aga ọrụ na-aga ụlọ akwụkwọ
What are you doing ? : Kedu I am reading a book : Ana m

ihe ị na-eme ? agụ akwụkwọ akwụkwọ
I am watching television : I am talking on the phone :

Ana m ele ihe onyonyo Ana m ekwu na ekwentị
I am sewing : M na-akwa Where have you been ? :

Ebee ka ị nọbu ?
I went to the market : Agara I went to the the Health

m n'ahịa Center : Agara m na Health
Center
What will you do tomorrow I will go to the hospital : Aga

? : Kedu ihe ị ga-eme echi ? m aga ụlọ ọgwụ
TELLING THE TIME : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS

AND ADJECTIVES (describes a noun)
88
Time in igbo language : Oge Time : Oge

na asusu Igbo
Clock : Elekere Alarm clock : Elekere mkpu
Wall clock : Elekere mgbidi Pendulum clock : Elekere
pendulum
Wrist watch : Elekere aka Tick / Ticking : na-akụ

aka
Hour : awa Second : Sekọnd
89
Pass : ngafe To : Iji

Quarter /15 min : nkeji iri Half : Ọkara
na ise
Minute : Nkeji Work / Function : Ọrụ
Period / Time : Oge Date / Day : Ụbọchị
Old : Ochie New : Ọhụrụ
What is the time ? : Gịnị bụ The time is 12 O clock : Oge

oge ? bụ elekere iri na abụọ
It is 12 O'clock : Ọ bụ The time is 6.30 AM : Oge
elekere iri na abụọ bụ 6.30 n'ụtụ
The time is 7 PM : Oge bụ 7 It is 10 to nine : Ọ bụ 10 ruo
n'ehihie itoolu
It is quarter to 10 : Ọ bụ The time is 9 O'clock : Oge
nkeji iri na ise ruo iri bụ elekere itoolu
I am late for school : I have come early : Abịara
mbubreyo m maka ụlọ m tupu oge eruo
akwụkwọ
When do you start school ? In about an hour : N'ihe dị
: Kedu mgbe ị ga-amalite ụlọ ka otu elekere
akwụkwọ
At what time do you start At 4 O'clock : N'elekere anọ
school ? : Kedu oge ị
ga-amalite ụlọ akwụkwọ
90
What time do you start At 9.30 : itoolu na iri atọ

work ? : Kedu oge ị
na-amalite ọrụ
When do you finish school At what time do you finish

? : Kedu mgbe ị ga-agwụ work ? : Kedu oge ị
akwụkwọ ga-arụcha ọrụ
COMPARATIVES & SUPERLATIVES IN IGBO
Word Comparative Superlative

Big : Nnukwu Bigger : Ka ukwuu Biggest : Kachasị
ukwuu
Tall /Long : Taller / Longer : Tallest : Kachasị
Ogologo Ka ogologo ogologo
High : Elu Higher : Ka elu Highest : Kachasị
elu
Short : Shorter : Shortest : Kachasị
mkpụmkpụ mkpụmkpụ karịa mkpụmkpụ
Beautiful : Mara More beautiful : Most beautiful :
mma Mara mma karịa Kachasị mara
mma
91
Good : Ọ dị mma Better : Ka mma Best : Kachasị

mma
Much / Many : More : ọtụtụ karịa Most : ọtụtụ
ọtụtụ kachasị
Little / Small : Less : Obere karịa Least : Obere
Obere kachasị
Bad : Ọjọ Worse : Ka ọjọ Worst : Kachasị
ọjọ
Far : anya Further : anya Furthest : Kachasị
karịa anya
Black : ojii Blacker : ojii karịa Blackest : Kachasị
ojii
Blue : Anụnụ Bluer : acha anụnụ Bluest : acha
anụnụ karịa anụnụ kachasị
Sweet : Ụtọ Sweeter : Ụtọ Sweetest : Ụtọ
karịa kachasị
Bitter : ilu Bitterer : ilu karịa Bitterest : ilu
kachasị
White : Ọcha Whiter : Ọcha Whitest : Ọcha
karịa kachasị
92
Shorter than you : Mkpirisi Tallest of them all : Nke

karịa gị kachasị ogologo n'ime ha
niile
He is the best student in The greatest story of all :
his class : Ọ bụ nwa Akụkọ kacha ukwuu niile
akwụkwọ kacha mma na klas
ya
Home is best : Ụlọ bụ kacha I am taller than you : A dim
mma ogologo ka gi
He can run fast : O nwere Chukwuma can run faster :
ike ịgba ọsọ ọsọ Chukwuma nwere ike gbaa
ọsọ karịa
Daberechi is the fastest Daluchi is the oldest
runner of them all : member in her family :
Daberechi bụ onye na-agba Daluchi bụ onye kacha
ọsọ kacha ọsọ n'ime ha niile okenye na ezinụlọ ya
This one is better than This is the highest
that one : Nke a dị mma mountain in the country :
karịa nke ahụ Nke a bụ ugwu kacha elu na
mba ahụ
93
CHINUA ACHEBE , IGBO ICON / THINGS FALL APART
CHINUA ACHEBE
THINGS FALL APART
From Brittanica.com :
Chinua Achebe, in full Albert Chinualumogu Achebe, (born
November 16, 1930, Ogidi (Igboland), Nigeria—died March 21,
2013, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.), Nigerian novelist acclaimed
for his unsentimental depictions of the social and psychological
disorientation accompanying the imposition of Western customs
94
and values upon traditional African society. His particular

concern was with emergent Africa at its moments of crisis; his
novels range in subject matter from the first contact of an African
village with the white man to the educated African’s attempt to
create a firm moral order out of the changing values in a large city.
Achebe grew up in the Igbo (Ibo) town of Ogidi, Nigeria. After
studying English and literature at University College (now the
University of Ibadan), Achebe taught for a short time before
joining the staff of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in
Lagos, where he served as director of external broadcasting in
1961–66. In 1967 he cofounded a publishing company at Enugu
with the poet Christopher Okigbo, who died shortly thereafter in
the Nigerian civil war for Biafran independence, which Achebe
openly supported. In 1969 Achebe toured the United States with
fellow writers Gabriel Okara and Cyprian Ekwensi, lecturing at
universities. Upon his return to Nigeria he was appointed
research fellow at the University of Nigeria and became professor
of English, a position he held from 1976 until 1981 (professor
emeritus from 1985). He was director (from 1970) of two Nigerian
publishers, Heinemann Educational Books Ltd. and
Nwankwo-Ifejika Ltd. After an automobile accident in Nigeria in
95
1990 that left him partially paralyzed, he moved to the United

States, where he taught at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson,
New York. In 2009 Achebe left Bard to join the faculty of Brown
University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Things Fall Apart

By Chinua Achebe
Chapter 1
Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and
even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements.
As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his
village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great
wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to
Mbaino. He was called the Cat because his back would never
touch the earth. It was this man that Okonkwo threw in a fight
which the old men agreed was one of the fiercest since the
founder of their town engaged a spirit of the wild for seven
days and seven nights.
The drums beat and the flutes sang and the spectators held
their breath. Amalinze was a wily craftsman, but Okonkwo was
as slippery as a fish in water. Every nerve and every muscle
96
stood out on their arms, on their backs and their thighs, and
one almost heard them stretching to the breaking point. In the
end Okonkwo threw the cat.
That was many years ago, twenty years or more, and during
this time Okonkwo's fame had grown like a bush-fire in the
harmattan. He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and
wide nose gave him a very severe look. He breathed heavily,
and it was said that, when he slept, his wives and children in
their houses could hear him breathe. When he walked, his
heels hardly touched the ground and he seemed to walk on
springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody. And he did
pounce on people quite often. He had a slight stammer and
whenever he was angry and could not get his words out
quickly enough, he would use his fists. He had no patience
with unsuccessful men. He had had no patience with his
father. Unoka, for that was his father's name, had died ten
years ago. In his day he was lazy and improvident and was
quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow. If any money
came his way, and it seldom did, he immediately bought
gourds of palm-wine, called round his neighbors and made
97
merry. He always said that whenever he saw a dead man's

mouth he saw the folly of not eating what one had in one's
lifetime. Unoka was, of course, a debtor, and he owed every
neighbor some money, from a few cowries to quite substantial
amounts……..
KITCHEN : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS AND

ADJECTIVES
98
Kitchen : Usekwu Table : okpokoro

Kitchen fan over stove : Stove / Cooker : Osi ite
Nkucha usekwu n'elu osi ite
Kitchen fan : Nkucha Kitchen sink : Bezin isa ihe
usekwu usekwu
Sink : Bezin isa ihe Fridge /refrigerator : igwe
njuoyi
Cupboard (table and box) : Drawer (box) : igbe
okpokoro na igbe
Fire : Ọkụ Fireplace : Ebe ekwú ọkụ
Hot / Na-ekpo ọkụ Cold : Oyi
Warm : keikpo oku Freeze : njuoyi
Temperature : okpomọkụ Freezer (freeze box) : igbe
njuoyi
Cold box : igbe oyi Firewood : nkụ maka ọkụ
99
Oven / Furnace / Hot box : Chair : Oche

igbe ọkụ
Cook : Esi nri Boil : obụpde
Food : Nri Eat : Rie
Chew : ita Drink : ihe ọṅụṅụ
Swallow : ilo Taste : Detụ
Peel : Bee Scrape : nchapu
Sauce : Ihendori Stew : Ihendori
Soup : Ofe Water : Mmiri
Pantry : ụlọ ngwa erimeri Shelf : uko
Sponge : sapo Wipe : Hichapụ

Piece of cloth : Clean : dị ọcha
Smoke : Anwụrụ ọkụ Light : Ìhè
Put on / Switch on / Turn Put off / Switch off :
on : gbanye gbanyụọ
Put on / Switch on / Turn The food is delicious : Nri
on the light : gbanye ọkụ ahụ na-atọ ụtọ
Put off the light : gbanyụọ Put on your clothes : Yiri
ọkụ uwe gị
Feed / Food / meal : Nri Dirty / Dirt : Unyi
Wash : saa Steam : Uzuoku
100
Fry , sizzle : Ighe Bake : Ime

Heat : Okpomọkụ Make / Do : Mee
Smell : Isi ísì Turn : Tụgharịa
Dustbin / Garbage can / Broom and dustpan : azịza
Trash can / Rubbish basket na ọpakọrọ unyi
/ Rubbish bin / Rubbish
bag : gbomgbom ahịhịa
Brush / Straw / Grass : Box of matches : igbe nke
ahịhịa ọkụ
Matches : ọkụ Of : nke
Breakfast : Nri ụtụtụ Lunch : Nri ehihie
Dinner : Nri abalị Supper : nri anyasi
What are you doing ? : I am cooking food / I am
Kedu ihe ị na-eme ? cooking : Ana m esi nri
The : nke Where is the spoon ? : Ebee
ka ngaji dị ?
It is in the drawer : Ọ dị na Which drawer ? : Kedu igbe?
igbe
The lower one : Nke dị ala Ok. I see it : Ọ dị mma.
Ahụrụ m ya
Put away / Take away : Put away the pot : ite wepụ
wepụ ya pụọ ya pụọ
Box : igbe Snack : nriotita
101
KITCHEN TOOLS (- UTENSILS , - EQUIPMENT)
Knife : mma Spoon : ngaji
Teaspoon : obere ngaji Tablespoon : ngaji

Wooden spoon : Ngaji osisi Fork : ndụdụ
Knife and fork : Mma na Measuring spoon : ngaji
ndụdụ atụ
Measuring cup : Iko atụ Plate /Dish : Efere
Pan : ite Cooking pot : ite esi nri
Towel : akwa nhicha Glass / Glass cup : ikonkuwa
Frying pan : iko ighe Bowl : nnukwu efere
Saucepan : ite ihendori Pot : ite
Stockpot / A large deep pot Fish turner : Ntụgharị azụ
: nnukwu ite miri emi
Peeler / peeler knife : mma Whisk / Beater : ihe
bee ntughari
Tongs : Ọkpị Cup / Can / Glass : iko
Saucer : Efere ọjị Coffee cup / Mug : Iko kọfị
Baking dish : efere ka akpọọ Cutting board : Ịcha osisi
102
nkụ
Scissors : Mkpa Tin opener / Can opener :
imeghe iko
Bottle opener : imeghe Coffee maker / Coffee
karama machine : igwe kọfị
Corkscrew : Ọkwụpe Bottle : Karama
Electric kettle : Ketụlụ oku Microwave oven /
elektrik microwave : Igwe ndakwa
nri
Jug / Water pot : ite mmiri Grill : igwe mmikpo annụ
Tea kettle : Ketụlụ tii Dishwasher : Igwe efere
Lid / Cover : mkpụchi ite Trash can : gbomgbom
ahịhịa
It is easy / It is simple : Ọ dị Easy / Simple : Mfe
mfe
FOOD IN THE KITCHEN & PANTRY
Food : Nri Water : Mmiri

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Kitchen : Usekwu Pantry : ụlọ ngwa erimeri

Meat : Anụ Chicken : Ọkụkọ
Fish : Azụ Poultry : ulo ozuzu okuko
Seafood : Nri mmiri Cheese : Chiiz
Cheese grater : Ọkwọ chiizi Grater : Ọkwọ
Bread : Achịcha Butter : Bọta
Fruit : Mkpụrụ osisi Smoked fish : Azụ na-ese
anwụrụ
Soup : Ofe Stew : Ihendori
Beans / Bean : Agwa Vegetable : Akwukwo nri
Sugar : shuga Salt : Nnu
Milk : Mmiri ara Sauce : Ihendori
Meal / Food : Nri Seed : Mkpụrụ
Rice : Osikapa Potato / Potatoes : Nduku
Pasta /spaghetti : supageti Oil : Mmanụ
Fat : Abụba Tomato : Tomato
Onion : Yabasị Broth / Soup : Ofe
Cake : Achịcha keeki Margarine : Bọta margarine
Alcohol / Liquor : Mmanya Soft drink / Soda : Ihe
ọṅụṅụ dị nro
Beer : Biya Drink : Ihe ọṅụṅụ
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Grains / Cereals : ọka Flour : ntụ ọka

Powder : nzu otite Sweets / Candy /
confectionery : ihe ụtọ
Biscuits / Cookies : kukiiki Cakes / Pastries : Achịcha
keeki
Egg : Akwa Yogurt : Yogọt
Banana : Unere Plantain : Ojoko
Mushroom : Ero Soft : nro
Spice : ose Flavour / Taste : uto
Pepper : Ose I chop / I cut : Ana m egbubi
I mix : Ana m agwọkọta I drink : ana m aṅụ
Seeds : mkuruosisi Watermelon : Anyụ mmiri
Groundnut : Ahụekere Pineapple : Nkwụaba
Coconut : Aki oyibo Cucumber : kukumba

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Apple : apụl Paw paw : Mbukpa
Tomato : Otuboala Carrot : karọt
CONVERSATIONS IN THE KITCHEN
Please give me the spoon : Where is the frying pan ? :

Biko nye m ngaji ahụ Ebee ka iko ighe dị
It is on the stove : Ọ dị na Have you seen the pot ? : ị

osi ite
hụrụ ite ahụ?
No, I haven't : Mba, Yes , I have : Ee, enwere m

enweghị m
What are you cooking ? : I am cooking potatoes :

Kedu ihe ị na-esi nri Ana m esi nduku
What are you cooking for The food is delicious : Nri

dinner ? : Kedu ihe ị na-esi ahụ na-atọ ụtọ
nri nri abalị
Are you hungry ? : Agụụ ọ What would you like to eat

na-agụ gị ? : Kedu ihe ga-amasị gị iri
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Yes , I am hungry : Ee, agụụ No , I am not hungry : Mba,

na-agụ m agụụ anaghị agụ m
I would like to eat foo foo : I want to eat Jollof rice :

Ọ ga-amasị m iri foo foo Achọrọ m iri osikapa Jollof
I will wash the dishes : Aga I will help you : M

m asa efere ga-enyere gị aka
IGBO CULTURE , LIFESTYLE & FACTS

from Britannica.com
Igbo, also called Ibo, people living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria who speak
Igbo, a language of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language
family. The Igbo may be grouped into the following main cultural divisions:
northern, southern, western, eastern or Cross River, and northeastern. Before
European colonization, the Igbo were not united as a single people but lived in
autonomous local communities. By the mid-20th century, however, a sense of
ethnic identity was strongly developed, and the Igbo-dominated Eastern
region of Nigeria tried to unilaterally secede from Nigeria in 1967 as the
independent nation of Biafra. By the turn of the 21st century, the Igbo
numbered some 20 million.
107
Most Igbo traditionally have been subsistence farmers, their staples being
yams, cassava, and taro. The other crops they grow include corn (maize),
melons, okra, pumpkins, and beans. Among those still engaged in agriculture,
men are chiefly responsible for yam cultivation, women for other crops. Land
is owned communally by kinship groups and is made available to individuals
for farming and building. Some livestock, important as a source of prestige
and for use in sacrifices, is kept. The principal exports are palm oil and palm
kernels. Trading, local crafts, and wage labour also are important in the Igbo
economy, and a high literacy rate has helped many Igbo to become civil
servants and business entrepreneurs in the decades after Nigeria gained
independence. It is notable that Igbo women engage in trade and are
influential in local politics. Except for the northeastern groups, the Igbo live in
rainforest country. Most Igbo occupy villages of dispersed compounds, but in
some areas villages are compact. The compound is typically a cluster of huts,
each of which constitutes a separate household. Traditionally, the village was
usually occupied by a patrilineage (umunna). Before the advent of colonial
administration, the largest political unit was the village group, a federation of
villages averaging about 5,000 persons. Members of the group shared a
common market and meeting place, a tutelary deity, and ancestral cults that
supported a tradition of descent from a common ancestor or group of
ancestors. Authority in the village group was vested in a council of lineage
heads and influential and wealthy men. In the eastern regions these groups
tended to form larger political units, including centralized kingdoms and
states. Traditional Igbo religion includes belief in a creator god (Chukwu or
108
Chineke), an earth goddess (Ala), and numerous other deities and spirits as
well as a belief in ancestors who protect their living descendants. Revelation of
the will of the deities is sought by divination and oracles. Many Igbo are now
Christians, some practicing a syncretic version of Christianity intermingled
with indigenous beliefs.
Phenomenal 9th to 11th century igbo metal,

bronze , pottery and glass beads works from Igbo-Ukwu
From Smarthistory , by DR. CAROLYN PHINIZY
Watercolor reconstruction the shrine storage site, Igbo Isaiah, Nigeria (painting: Caroline
Sassoon; photo: Hamo Sassoon, 1960s (© Pitt-Rivers Museum, University of Oxford,
2005.113.893, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
109
In 1938, while digging a cistern on his property, Nigerian

farmer Isaiah Anozie unearthed dozens of intricate objects
made of cast bronze. As it turns out, Isaiah’s family farm sat
atop the remains of an ancient ceremonial center that was
home to a society that existed over a millennium ago.
Isaiah’s discovery initiated one of the most significant
archaeological finds in the history of Nigeria and ultimately
changed the way in which scholars understand the timeline
of art and trade in West Africa.
Over the next two decades, hundreds more bronze objects

would be discovered, along with thousands of glass beads,
numerous pieces of ceremonial pottery, and even the
remains of an elite burial. These archaeological sites were
evidence of an advanced and wealthy society that flourished
in the Lower Niger region of modern-day Nigeria during the
9th to 11th centuries C.E. Named for the village in which the
110
remains were discovered, the ancient culture of Igbo-Ukwu

(meaning “Great Igbo”) left behind a rich record of visual art
with impeccable craftsmanship and complex symbolism. It is
possible that the ancient culture of Igbo-Ukwu represents
the ancestral legacy of the Igbo/Ibo people, one of Nigeria’s
largest ethnic groups.
Initial Discovery
In 1959, British and Nigerian government officials negotiated

the first professional archaeological excavation of the site
that was uncovered by Isaiah Anozie. British archaeologist
Thurston Shaw spent five years in Nigeria overseeing the
excavation. Ultimately, Shaw uncovered three sites on the
Anozie family property, and he named them after the Anozie
brothers: “Igbo Isaiah,” “Igbo Richard”, and “Igbo Jonah.”
Reconstruction of the grave found at the Igbo Richard sub-site, Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria (painting:
Caroline Sassoon © Pitt-Rivers Museum, University of Oxford (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
111
Each site offers clues about the ancient society of

Igbo-Ukwu. In Igbo Isaiah (top of page), Shaw found a
repository of elaborate cast bronze objects that included
ceremonial vessels, pot stands, jewelry, and various
ornamental regalia. Igbo Richard contained evidence of an
elite burial for an individual of great political, religious, or
social status (or perhaps all three). Accompanying the
human remains in Igbo Richard, Shaw found over 100,000
glass beads, preserved textiles, elephant tusks, and cast
bronze regalia. Finally, Igbo Jonah, which possibly served as
a disposal pit, preserved a number of ceramic shards,
additional bronze objects, and more glass beads. These
discoveries confirm that the people of Igbo-Ukwu had
considerable material wealth and likely participated in
significant trade, both local and from afar.
Vase with Rope from Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria, c. 9th–11th century C.E., leaded bronze, 12 11/16
inches (National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria)
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Bronzes from Igbo-Ukwu
The bronzes from Igbo-Ukwu have garnered much attention

from scholars due to their intricate designs and symbolism
as well as the technical virtuosity required to create them.
Many of the bronze objects uncovered at Igbo-Ukwu are

skeuomorphic, including the Vase with Rope. In this object,
the artist skillfully imitated the appearance of a slender
ceramic vase, decorated with relief designs and surrounded
by delicately knotted rope. To achieve this effect, the artist
seamlessly combined as many as eight separate castings.
Braided bands of relief on the body and swirling designs at
the foot of the vase disguise some of the points at which the
castings were joined together. The vase stands just over a
foot tall, and the artist transformed a seemingly utilitarian
object into something that may have had great ceremonial
significance, though its exact meaning and use remain
unknown.
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Shell Vessel with Leopard from Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria, c. 9th–11th century C.E., leaded bronze, 8 ⅛
inches (National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria)
In the Shell Vessel with Leopard, we can observe in even

greater detail the tremendous skill of artists from Igbo-Ukwu
and ascertain clues about the symbolic significance of the
bronze imagery. Here, we see a spiraling conch shell
surmounted by a stylized leopard. Both shell and leopard
are encrusted with highly detailed low-relief decoration,
comprised of concentric circles, parallel bands, and
geometric millegrain designs. While many bronze objects
from Igbo-Ukwo appear to have been made using the
familiar lost-wax casting technique, some scholars have
suggested that Igbo-Ukwu artists used a unique variation of
the technique to create the finely detailed low-relief
decorations, like those we see on the Shell Vessel with
Leopard. In this variation, artists possibly used latex instead
of beeswax to create the forms that would be cast—a
change in material that granted them the ability to achieve
much finer details in the finished casting.
Other objects discovered at Igbo-Ukwu include leopard

imagery, suggesting a possible symbolic significance
attached to such images. In fact, some scholars have
postulated that clues about the meaning of the Igbo-Ukwu
objects might lie with the Nri people who reside in the Lower
Niger region of Nigeria and are likely ancestors of the people
114
who lived in ancient Igbo-Ukwu. Nri socio-political structure

is organized around the Eze-Nri, an individual with both
political and spiritual power. Leopards are among the
symbols of power associated with the Eze-Nri, so there could
be a relationship between the symbolism of rulership in
ancient Igbo-Ukwu and that among the Nri. While it is
tempting to use the customs and beliefs of the Nri people to
interpret the imagery of Igbo-Ukwu bronzes, we should do
so with caution since these two cultures are separated by
over a millennium.
Double Egg Pendant from Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria, c. 9th–11th century C.E., leaded bronze, 8 ½ inches
(National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria)
Even if exact interpretations remain elusive, it’s clear that

Igbo-Ukwu artists incorporated complex symbolism in their
works of art. An excellent example of this layered symbolism
is an elaborate Double Egg Pendant depicting two eggs
topped by a downward-facing bird. Dangling beaded strands
with crotales extend from the pendant, and we can imagine
115
the kinetic and auditory dynamism of the pendant as it was

animated by the wearer’s movements. Like the Vase with
Rope and Shell Vessel with Leopard, the Double Egg Pendant
showcases tremendous detail and craftsmanship. These
qualities are perhaps best seen in the tiny insects that
decorate the surface of the egg forms. Interpretations of the
Double Egg Pendant imagery have varied widely, with some
scholars suggesting that it represents a strong metaphor of
fertility and, perhaps, even a visual pun that conflates the
bird and its eggs with male genitalia as dual symbols of
generative power.
Igbo-Ukwu in context
Using radiocarbon dating, Shaw concluded that the bronzes,

beads, pottery, and burial were from the 9th to 11th century
C.E. While some scholars have questioned Shaw’s
conclusions, arguing for a somewhat later date in the 15th
century C.E., the earlier dates are widely accepted today.
Significantly, this conclusion means that the artists of
Igbo-Ukwu created the earliest known examples of cast
bronze objects in West Africa. The technical skill and
aesthetic complexity of the bronze objects from Igbo-Ukwu
further suggests that they belonged to a well-established
tradition of artmaking.
One of the biggest questions that remains about the culture

of ancient Igbo-Ukwu is in what ways it was connected to
116
other cultures and societies, within Africa and beyond.

Scholars generally agree that the raw materials used to
create the bronzes and the casting technique itself were
indigenous to the region of modern-day Nigeria and likely
demonstrate a strong network of local and regional trade.
However, the glass beads discovered in Igbo-Ukwu could
have their origins in Egypt or possibly even India. This would
suggest that the people of Igbo-Ukwu participated in the vast
and complex trans-Saharan trade networks that connected
societies across Africa to the greater world.
Scholars also continue to search for answers about how

society in ancient Igbo-Ukwu was organized and what led to
the apparent abandonment of the site in which so many
objects of ceremonial and aesthetic significance were held.
Though questions remain, it is clear that ancient Igbo-Ukwu
was a wealthy, connected society that flourished in the
tropical forests of the Lower Niger region centuries before
the renowned ancient Nigerian kingdoms of Ile-Ife and
Benin.
Additional resources
Video from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Caravans of Gold: Art, Culture, and exchange across Medieval Saharan Africa (Smithsonian
National Museum of African Art)
William Dewey, “Igbo-Ukwu” on Art and Life in Africa (University of Iowa)

117
Herbert M. Cole and Chika Aniakor, Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos (Los Angeles: University of
California Press, 1989).
Eyo, Ekpo and Frank Willett. Treasures of Ancient Nigeria (New York: Knopf, 1980).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
List of Igbo Gods

From : https://www.igboguide.org/HT-chapter6.htm
The Igbos worshiped a host of alusi [gods and deities], they

created new ones for special events and happenings such as
wars and diplomatic meetings.
A deity [god] could be invoked to oversee the ongoings of a
particular diplomatic mission to a nearby village or to guide
the warriors to victory. Whatever the reason was, the Igbos
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practices Polytheism—the belief in more than one god [just

like the Greeks].
The Igbo gods were so many and controlled different spheres
of human life; it was permitted for more than one god to
control the same sphere of influence.
List of Most Influential Igbo Gods

Ani
Kamalu
Ogwugwu
Agwu
Agwu Nsi
Anyanwu
Eke
Orie
Afor
Nkwo
Udo
Idemili
Otamiri
Ani is regarded as the Mother of the Igbo Pantheon. She is the goddess
of the Earth, Earth includes everything Earth and not just the soil. As
such Ani controls many spheres of influences such as the harvest, Ala
Mmuo [the land of the dead], the sacredness of creation, and life. She is
basically the hallmark of Igbo civilization.
She is known for her generosity and kindness to all, especially pregnant
and expecting mothers who offer sacrifices at her shrines to facilitate
childbirth.
119
The importance of Ani can be seen in her representation in all Mbari

Houses appearing all over Igboland. Among the Igbo gods Ani is
perhaps the most important deity because she represents all the Igbo
stands for.
Ani is also known as Ala [the Earth] and is sometimes regarded as
husband to Kamalu.
GODDESS ANI WITH CHILD , THE MOTHER OF ALL IGBOS
KAMALU
Kamalu popularly known as Amadioha is the Igbo god of

Lightning, Thunder and Justice and oaths. He functions
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similarly to Thor [Norse], Zeus [Greek] and Shango [Yoruba].

His symbol is a ram.
He is known for his fiery temper and his quick nature just like
that of lightning. Kamalu is quick to kill those found guilty by
his oracles. His punishments are said not to be mediated and
his temper if left unchecked by the Mother Goddess Ani can
blaze through Igboland and exterminate the nation because of
the guilt on everyone. People killed by Amadioha have a black
mark on their body or will have their genitals missing.
Amadioha is revered by cults all over Igboland especially in Aro
where cults that once revered him still function. He is pictured
sitting beside Ani in Mbari houses all over Igboland and is said
to be her husband.
Ogwugwu
Ogwugwu is a rather complex deity. It has different
manifestations both as male and female and different
functions depending on its manifestation.
Ogwugwu-Akala is a minor goddess in the Mbaitoli area of Imo
State that is responsible for the keeping of boundaries.
While Ogwugwu-Ntibe is also a minor god in the same area
responsible for victory in battles and cases.
Ogwugwu is also revered by cults all over Igboland especially
in the current Imo State but none of the known cults are still
active.
Agwu
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Agwu is the major Igbo god/goddess [depending on the view

of the worshipper] of the Sacred Oaths and Promises. Not
much is currently known about this deity except he strikes
down those who default in oats sworn before his shrine or
before his priests [ezemmuo].
He is the god of divination [igba afa] and also the chief
trickster god in Igbo religion.
Taking Oaths [i ̄nu iyi] before a shrine of Agwu or Amadioha is
the ultimate show of innocence.
His symbol is a red clothe tied around two bamboo sticks.
Agwu Nsi
Agwu Nsi is the Igbo god of the healing arts. He taught
humans how to make medicine from herbs and plants
according to stories after he stole them from Ala Mmuo and
brought them to the world of the living.
Igbos have worshipped Agwu Nsi as fervently as Kamalu or Ani
since ancient times and his cults still have loyal devotees, one
of them which told me the story of his journey into Ala Mmuo.
His symbol is a snake or the fang of a snake.
Anyanwu
Anyanwu as her name implies is the Igbo goddess of the sun
and natural life. Her personality is merged with that of the
sun as perceived by her worshipers. While Amadioha may be
rash and hot tempered, Anyanwu on the other hand is the
divine source of natural life.
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Her role should not be confused with Ani/Ala who is the

mother goddess and ruler of creation.
Anyanwu is a goddess revered by all, this can be observed in
other cultures that worshiped the sun because of its life
giving attributes.
Apollo [Greek]
Ra [Egyptian]
While Anyanwu was a popular goddess, no records of any
popular cults dedicated to her have been found. Her symbol
is the sun disk or the circle.
Eke
The Igbo goddess of the Eke market day. She is responsible for
guiding and guarding traders going to her markets on her day.
Orie
The Igbo goddess of the Eke market day. She is responsible for
guiding and guarding traders going to her markets on her day.
Afo
The Igbo god of the Eke market day. He is responsible for
guiding and guarding traders going to his markets on his day.
Nkwo
The Igbo god of the Nkwo market day. He is responsible for
guiding and guarding traders going to his markets on his day.
Udo
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Udo is the Igbo god of diplomacy. His sphere of influence

extends to diplomatic meetings, agreements, court cases,
diplomatic oaths.
He is pictured as an old man with completely grey hair wearing
the traditional Igbo apparel of an Ozo [the highest Igbo social
rank a man can attain].
His aura is gentle and he is the harbinger of peace while
visiting his deadly judgement on defaulters in their sleep.
His symbol is a dove or pigeon.
Idemili
Idemili is the goddess of the Idemili people of Southern
Nigeria. She inhabits the Idemili River flowing through the
region and measuring about 24 metres above sea level.
She is a goddess of pregnant women, mothers and infants.
She takes any offence against these people seriously and is
known for her violent out lashes against offenders.
She is also the goddess of the python. Her symbol is a white
cloth or the short pythons that live in and around the Idemili
River.
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Phenomenal Igbo religious sculptures and masks
Igbo God Ikenga , from Wikipedia
Ikenga (Igbo literal meaning "strength of movement") is a

horned Alusi (God) found among the Igbo people in
southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the most powerful symbols
of the Igbo people and the most common cultural artifact.
Ikenga is mostly maintained, kept or owned by men and
occasionally by women of high reputation and integrity in
the society. It comprises someone's Chi (personal god), his
Ndichie (ancestors), aka Ikenga (right hand), ike (power) as
well as spiritual activation through prayer and sacrifice.[1]
Igbo God Ikenga

125
Igbo God Ikenga

126
Igbo God Ikenga
Igbo God Ikenga

127
Igbo statues
HELPING AFRICAN WOMEN TRADERS ACHIEVE THEIR

FULLEST POTENTIAL
128
129
Women and Trade in Africa:

Realizing the Potential
Marcelo M. Giugale
THE WORLD BANK
Women feature significantly in trade in Africa: they carry goods
across borders, produce products, especially food, that can be
exported, and own and manage trade-oriented firms. But
these producers and traders often face specific constraints
that undermine their economic activities. Women traders
working in the informal sector are often subject to harassment
and extortion at the border. Women are more readily denied
130
access to key trader networks than men. Time-consuming

trade procedures and documentary requirements impinge
more heavily on women, given the time they need for their
household duties. And women working to produce exportable
goods and services are typically less able than men to get the
inputs and materials that would raise their productivity and
allow them to compete better in overseas markets. This
matters not just because of the adverse impact on the families
and firms affected but because facilitating the role of women
in trade will be essential if Africa is to achieve the enormous
potential it has to trade more within its own borders and with
the wider world. Achieving this trade potential will contribute
to better food security, vital job creation, and poverty
reduction. This volume contains chapters that look at how
women participate in trade in Africa, the constraints they face,
and the consequence of those restrictions. It contributes to
the rather small number of analytical work devoted to this
issue and seeks to encourage researchers in Africa to explore
the specific challenges faced by women in trade.
The analysis leads to a set of key recommendations to help
policy makers facilitate the participation of women in trade
and in so doing assist Africa in achieving its trade potential. In
particular, governments need to do more to:
• recognize the role that women play in trade and ensure that
officials at
all levels understand the importance of that role.
131
• ensure that rules and regulations governing trade are clear,

predictable,
and widely available at the border, which is critical for women
traders
working with very limited margins in the informal sector.
• prioritize the simplification of trade documents and
regulatory
requirements, since this will benefit women in trade given the
time and
mobility constraints that arise from household responsibilities.
• design interventions to develop trade in ways that ensure
that women benefit. For example, programs that support
improved access to information will miss women traders and
entrepreneurs if the support is channeled through existing
male-dominated trader networks.
• help women address the risks that they face in their
trade-related activities, given that they are typically more risk
averse than men and respond to risk in different ways.
Through its Gender and Trade Practices, the Africa region of
the World Bank is seeking to improve the understanding of the
barriers women traders face and how those barriers can be
effectively removed. By increasing analysis of these issues
together with positive interventions—such as those described
in chapter 2, which have supported traders’ associations and
provided training to officials in the eastern part of the
132
Democratic Republic of Congo—we can bring about the

behavioral changes at all levels in society that will underpin
inclusive trade in Africa.
Marcelo M. Giugale
Director
Department of Economic Policy and Poverty Reduction
Programs Africa
THE WORLD BANK
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSUSU : The people's savings bank from Africa
From Wikipedia
Osusu (also known as Isusu) is a form of microfinance
capital accumulation found in Africa. "Osusus" (known as a
tontine in francophone countries and Tanda in Latin
American countries) are small groups such as in Sierra Leone
'where, for example, ten people put Le 5,000 in a pot and
then one of the ten takes the resulting Le 50,000 for his or
133
her own use, promising to put in Le 5,000 at the next group

meeting to continue the process.
The money is collected on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis
by what is known as a thrift collector. Thrift collectors are
typically male. Participants in the Osusu must pay the thrift
collector a participation fee depending on the rate to which they
contribute money. If they contribute daily they owe the thrift
collector one full day's contribution every eighth day. If they
contribute weekly they owe the thrift collector 1/7 the
contribution amount weekly.
An Osusu continues to conduct turns until each member has a
chance to use the money. Once each member has done so the
group may either discontinue using the Osusu or restart the
process.
Campaigns to start Osusus have even reached as far as the West
Coast of the United States. From Wikipedia
How women traders in Foulah town (My hometown) can

use the osusu savings-bank system to create wealth and
prosperous businesses
It is estimated that 80 percent of informal trade in Africa is

conducted by women traders. Women hold the keys to
development and prosperity in communities all over Africa.
These women traders must be given modern education in
134
simple bookkeeping , english , updated osusu savings banks ,

limited companies , share holding companies , internet ,
import and export , pension savings , sick leave savings and
payments etc etc so that their companies can grow to become
big multinational companies providing jobs to millions of
Africans and tax money to African coffers of state .
To create any successful and prosperous business women

traders in Foulah town and Freetown need a low-risk
start-capital (starting money) . This is a start-capital where
there is a very little chance of losing some or all of your money
. This low-risk start-capital is an African invention and it is
called OSUSU .
What is Osusu ? : This is a do-it-yourself start-capital and
method of doing business . Osusu is derived from the Yoruba
word 'osu' , which means month . Osusu is a do-it-yourself
savings bank without taking bank loans , other loans , AID
money or assistance , grants , gifts , presents etc .
What is a bank : A bank is an organization that accepts
money deposits from people to create a large accumulation
of money which people or companies can use for
development purposes .
The types of Osusus :
1/ Osusu personal savings bank : A person works hard and
saves money every month until she gets her start-capital .
135
2/ Osusu family savings bank : A family (mother , father

and children) work hard and save money every month until
they get their start-capital .
3/ Osusu community savings bank : A community works
hard and saves money every month until they get their
start-capital .
A Beginner's Guide to Starting your own small business

using osusu - For African women traders in Foulah Town
and Freetown :
1/ Determine what your community needs ( Food , restaurant ,

clothes , shoes , baby food , health care , medicines and
medical products , water , housing , electricity etc etc are
always needed in all communities . People have to eat , wear
clothes , drink , travel , live in a house or apartment every day
of their lives .
2/ Create a business plan. Identify and map out your
customers , materials you need , production , transportation
etc , etc .
3/ Save up and set up an osusu personal savings bank or
osusu family savings bank .
4/ Do not take any bank loans , other loans , AID money or
assistance , grants , gifts , presents etc from others .
5/ Start small and persevere , grow your company gradually .
136
6/ Be disciplined , honest , farsighted . It is your livelihood ,

necessary for your survival . Teach and emphasize these
virtues to your children , grandchildren , the people you work
with and to your employees . Expel all dishonest and crooked
people promptly , even your children or relatives , they will
bring your business down into bankruptcy .
6/ Avoid and promptly remove thieves and crooks from the
business even if they are your children or relatives . Thieves
and crooks will bring the business down in no time .
7/ Take a salary every month from the osusu account . Use
some of the money to invest in the business and update your
products and premises etc . You can take a profit at the end of
the year for yourself .
8/ Improve , grow and update your products and business all
the time .
9/ Pay your VAT taxes and other taxes regularly . Do it for your
country and for yourself . Don't care that politicians are
squandering the tax money .
10/ Avoid politics and politicians , you should have
absolutely nothing to do with them . You should also avoid
governmental , non-governmental and other other
organizations and institutions . The best way to learn and
improve is by doing things yourself .
11/ Be honest with and respect your customers . They are
providing your livelihood .
137
12/ Sell homegrown and home produced products , avoid

imported products . Go into small-scale manufacturing when
the time is ripe . Make use of the African Free Trade Area ,
start by exporting to Guinea Conakry , Liberia and then further
later .
12/ Educate yourself , attend bookkeeping and business
courses in Sierra Leone , make use of free bookkeeping and
business courses on the internet .
13/ Aim high : Aim to sell your products to 1 billion Africans
via the African Free Trade Area and become a millionaire or
billionaire .
14 / Help your community (Foulah Town etc) to become a
developed (self-sufficient in all its needs) community .
15/ Educate your children and grandchildren on
bookkeeping , honesty and how to run and upkeep the
business so that your unborn generations to come will
continue with the work you started and enjoy the fruits of the
work you started .
138
139
DIRECTIONS IN IGBO : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS ,

VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
Left : ekpe Right : nri
Up : Elu Down / Low : ala

Forward / ahead : Gawa Backward / back : Azu
n'ihu
To / towards : ka From : Site
Side : Akụkụ Before : Tupu
Sideways / Beside : N'akụkụ Edge : Ọnụ
Move : Bugharịa Walk : ije
Run : Gbaa ọsọ Drive : na-anya
Jump : na-awụlikwa Creep / move : na-akpụ
akpụ
Behind / Back / In the Look / See / Watch : Lee
back/ After : N'azụ
Turn : Tụgharịa Turn right : Tụgharịa aka nri
Turn left : Tụgharịa aka Turn around : Tụgharịa

ekpe
140
Turn out : Tụgharịa pụọ Turn on / Switch on / put

on : Gbanwuo / Tụgharịa na
Turn up : Tụgharịa Go straight ahead : Gaa

n'ihu ozugbo
In turn / in order / one Turn left at : Tụgharịa aka

ekpe na
after the other : N'oge ya
About a hundred meters : 5 minutes walk : ije nkeji ise

Ihe dị ka otu narị mita
Ten minutes by car : Eji About one hour drive away
ụgbọ ala nkeji iri : Ịkwọ ụgbọala ihe dị ka otu
awa
East / Sunrise : ọwụwa West / Sunset : ọdịda
anyanwụ anyanwụ
North / Mountain : ugwu South / Down : ndida
South east : ndida ọwụwa North west : ugwu ọdịda
anyanwụ anyanwụ
North east : ugwu ọwụwa South west : ndida ọdịda
anyanwụ anyanwụ
In the south east : N'ebe From the south west : Site

ndịda ọwụwa anyanwụ na ndịda ọdịda anyanwụ
In the north of the country I live in the south of the
: N'ebe ugwu nke mba ahụ country : M bi na ndịda
141
obodo
I am coming from the Where are you coming
north of the country : M si from ? Ebee ka i si bia?
n'ebe ugwu nke obodo
Turn down / Lower : I don't know : Amaghị m

Tụgharịa gbadaa
Around : Gburugburu Away / Get out : Wepụ
Walk a hundred meters Walk three blocks down

straight : Gaa otu narị mita the street : Gaa ulo
kwụ ọtọ mgbochi atọ n'okporo ụzọ
Walk about 50 meters and Drive 2 kilometers this

then turn left : Jee ije ihe dị way and then turn right ,
ka mita iri ise wee tụgharịa and you are there : Gbaa
aka ekpe kilomita 2 n'ụzọ a wee
tụgharịa aka nri, ị nọkwa ebe
ahụ
It is very far , you have to Excuse me , how can I get

take Bus number 25 to get to the hospital ? : gbaghara
there : Ọ dị ezigbo anya, ị m, kedu ka m ga-esi ruo ụlọ
ga-ebu nọmba ụgbọ ala 25 iji ọgwụ
ruo ebe ahụ
142
Excuse me , can you show I am sorry , I don´t know

the way to the stadium ? : where it is : Ọ dị m nwute,
gbaghara m, ị nwere ike igosi amaghị m ebe ọ dị
ụzọ ámá egwuregwu ?
Over there : N'ofe ahụ It is here : Ọ bụ ebe a
On your left : N'aka ekpe gị On your right : N'aka nri gị
Above you : N'elu gị Below you / Under you :

N'okpuru gị
BATHROOM , TOILET : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS ,

BATHROOM
143
TOILET WITH TOILET BOWL
WASH HAND BASIN

144
Toilet (Water closet , WC) : Wash hand basin : efere ịsa

Ụlọ mposi aka
Toilet bowl : ụlọ mposi Toilet brush : ahịhịa ụlọ
efere mposi
Toilet paper : akwụkwọ ụlọ Shower : Mmri shọwa
mposi
I take a bath : M na-asa ahụ I take a shower : Ana m asa
/ : Ana m asa ahụ ahụ / M na-asa ahụ
Shower hose : eriri mmiri Toilet air freshener : mee

ịsa ahụ ka ikuku dị ọhụrụ
Shower hose head : isi nke Mirror : Enyo
eriri mmiri ịsa ahụ
Floor mat : Ute ala Flush toilet : Ụlọ mposi
kpochapu
Soap : Ncha Bar of soap : Ogwe ncha

145
Liquid soap : Ncha mmiri Bath / Bathtub / Bathing

mmiri bucket : ịwụ ịsa ahụ
Bathroom : Ụlọ ịsa ahụ Comb : mbo

Have a bath / Have a Take a bath / Take a
shower : Nwee ịsa ahụ shower : Were saa ahụ
Water : Mmiri Towel : akwa nhicha
Wet / Watery : Mmiri Dry : Akọrọ
Bath foam / Bath bubbles : Shower curtain : Ihe

ụfụfụ ịsa ahụ mkpuchi ịsa ahụ
Wash : saa Scrub : asacha
Rain shower/ Rainfall : Take a shower first : Buru

Mmiri ozuzo ụzọ saa ahụ́
Wipe : hichaa Slipper : iheukwu
Look in the mirror : Lee Hand mirror : Enyo aka

anya n'enyo
Toilet room : mkpuru mposi Urine : maamiri
Urinate /pass urine : gafere Feces / Shit : nsị

mmamịrị
146
Defecate / pass feces : Toilet paper : Akwụkwọ

gafere nsị
mposi
Tissue paper / Soft paper : Toothpaste : Ihe ntacha eze

akwụkwọ nro
Comb : mbo Brush : Ahịhịa
Clean : dị ọcha Dirty : Unyi
Toothbrush : ahịhịa eze Sponge : sapo
Bath sponge : sapo ịsa ahụ Tap / Water tap / Faucet /

Pump head : isi pompụ
Curtains / drapes : ákwà Perfume / Scent : ísì uto

mgbochi
Deodorant / Against bad Smell /Odor : ísì
smell : megide ísì ọjọọ
Foul smell / Bad smell : ísì Pleasant smell /Sweet
ọjọọ smell : ísì ụtọ
Toilet brush : Ahịhịa ụlọ Piece of cloth : Iberibe akwa
mposi
Makeup : techaa Body cream /Body lotion :
Ude ahụ
Hair dye : Agba ntutu isi Hand towel : akwa nhicha
aka
147
Paint / Dye : Agba Colour : Agba

Where are you ? : Ebee ka ị I am in the toilet : Anọ m
nọ na mposi
What are you doing in the I am urinating / I am peeing

toilet : Kedu ihe ị na-eme : Ana m gafere mmamịrị
n'ụlọ mposi
I am defecating / I am I am having /taking a

shitting : Ana m nsị shower : Ana m asa ahụ
Spit / Saliva : gbaa ọnụ Fart / Pass gas / Flatulence

mmiri : Anyụ ahịri
Where is the towel ? I want My skin is wet , I need a

to dry my body : Ebee ka towel : Akpụkpọ ahụ m dị
akwa nhicha ahụ dị ? Achọrọ mmiri, achọrọ m akwa
m ịkpọ nkụ ahụ m nhicha
There is water on the Wipe it dry with a towel :
bathroom floor : Enwere Jiri akwa nhicha ala hichaa ya
mmiri n'ala ụlọ ịsa ahụ akpọọ nkụ
The toilet is blocked , you OK , I will call the plumber
have to call the plumber to : Ọ dị mma, a ga m akpọ
fix it : A na-egbochi ụlọ onye ọkpọ mmiri
mposi, ị ga-akpọ onye
na-egwu mmiri ka ọ dozie ya
Take care , my friend : Goodbye : Ka ọ dị
148
Kpachara anya enyi m

149
LIVING ROOM (PARLOUR) : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS ,

VERBS AND ADJECTIVES IN IGBO
Sofa / couch : Oche kushọn Chair : Oche
Armchair : oche akwa Living room : Ime ụlọ

ezumike
Table /Desk : Okpokoro Stereo / Music system :
usoro egwu
Television (TV) : Igwe Carpet / Rug : kapeeti
onyoonyo
150
Furniture : Ngwongwo ụlọ Furnish : tinye
TV stand / TV table : Cushion : nkuchi

Okpokoro igwe onyoonyo
Telephone / Phone : Speaker : Okwuputa

Ekwentị
Computer : Kọmputa Floor mat / mat : Ute

Floor : Ala Light : Ìhè
Darkness : Ọchịchịrị Comfortable / Comfort :
Nkasi obi
Art : nka Work of art : ọrụ nkà
Art room : ụlọ nka Art gallery / Art exhibition
: ihe ngosi nka
Art decoration : Ihe ndozi Painting / Diagram :
nka eserese
Drawing /Sketching : Ise Ceiling : ụlọ
Wall : Mgbidi Carving : Ịkpụ ihe
Statue : Akpụrụakpụ Sculpture : ọkpụkpụ
Remote control : njikwa Lamp : oriọna
anya
Picture / Portrait / Chart : Fan : Nkucha

eserese
151
Window : Mgbupu / Ohere Curtains / Window blinds :

ákwà mgbochi
Fireplace : Ebe ekwú ọkụ Clock : Elekere
Carving : Ịkpụ ihe Shape / Form : Ụdị
Design : imewe Venetian blinds : ákwà
mgbochi venetian
Decoration : Ịchọ mma Radio : Redio
Flower : Ifuru Wall Shelf / Cupboard : Uko
Book / Paper : akwụkwọ Object / Something : Ihe
Mask : nkpuchi Drawer / Box : igbe
The living room is not The room is well furnished

furnished : ime ụlọ ezumike : Ime ụlọ a kwadebere nke
tinye ọ bụghị ọma
You have a nice painting Thank you : Daalụ
on the wall : Ị nwere
ọmarịcha eserese na mgbidi
What are you doing in the I am watching television :

Ana m ele ihe onyonyo
living room ? : Kedu ihe ị
na-eme n'ime ụlọ ezumike
What are you watching on A Nigerian film : Ihe nkiri

TV ? : Kedu ihe ị na-ekiri na Naijiria
onyonyo ?
152
Is it a movie you like ? : Ọ Yes , it is : Ee, ọ bụ

bụ ihe nkiri masịrị gị
Has anyone seen the It is in the drawer : Ọ dị na
remote control ? : Ọ nwere igbe
onye hụrụ njikwa anya ?
Can you put on the air Yes , Mummy : Ee, mama
conditioner ? : Ị nwere ike
itinye ntụ oyi ?
Can you turn off the fan ? : I have turned it off :
Ị nwere ike gbanyụọ nkucha Agbanyụrụ m ya
?
I put it on : Etinyere m ya It is on / It is off : Ọ dị na /
Agbanyụrụ ya
It's very hot in the living It is very cold in the living
room : Ọ na-ekpo ọkụ nke room : Ọ dị ezigbo oyi n'ime
ukwuu n'ime ụlọ ezumike ụlọ ezumike
Be careful when you go I will be careful : M
out : Kpachara anya mgbe ị ga-akpachara anya
na-apụ apụ
Very nice design : Nhazi Listen to the radio : Gee
mara mma nke ukwuu redio
I am listening to the radio : I am listening to music and
Ana m ege redio dancing : Ana m ege egwu
na ịgba egwu
153
BEDROOM : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS AND

ADJECTIVES IN IGBO
154
Bed : Akwa Pillow : Ohiri isi

Bedroom : ime ụlọ Night : Abali
Pillowcase : Akpa ohiri isi Blanket : Varangidi
Pyjamas / Pajamas : uwe Night dress : uwe ura abali
ura abali
Desk / Bureau : Okpokoro Bedside table : Okpokoro dị
n'akụkụ
Bookshelf : Ebe ndokwa Clothes stand : Uwe guzoro
akwụkwọ
Wardrobe : Ebe nkowe akwa Lamp : oriọna
Clothes rack : Uwe akwa Clothes hanger : ihe nkowe
akwa
Ironing board : Boodu Dressing table : Okpokoro
ndeakwa etemeete
Chest of drawers : Baby cot / crib / Baby crib :
Okpokoro nke igbe Akwa nwa ọhụrụ
Air-conditioner : Igwe ntụ Cushion : nkuchi
oyi
Bench / Seat : Oche Fan : onye ofufe
Curtains / Window blinds : Bedspread / Bedcover /
ákwà mgbochi Quilt : mkpuchi akwa
Mattress : Matraasi Bedsheet (mattress cover)
: Akwa nsachi akwa
155
I am going to bed / I will go She is sleeping : Ọ na-ehi

to sleep : Aga m alakpu ụra ụra
Good morning . How did I am tired , I am going to
you sleep last night ? : lie down in bed : Ike agwụla
Ụtụtụ ọma . Kedu ka ị siri hie m, m ga-edina ala n'elu akwa
ụra abalị ụnyaahụ?
I slept well , I slept eight I slept only a few hours :
hours : Ahụrụ m ụra nke Ana m ehi ụra nanị awa ole
ọma, hie ụra awa asatọ na ole
You have a nice and large Do not disturb , I am trying
bed : Ị nwere mara mma na to sleep : enyena nsogbu ,
nnukwu akwa ana m agbalị ihi ụra
Where are my pyjamas ? : Where is my night dress ? :
ebee uwe ura abali m ebee uwe ura abali m
Bedding / Bedclothes : At what time do you wake
Uwe akwa up ? : Kedu oge ị na-eteta ?
Are you awake ? : Ị na-amụ Wake me up at 5 o'clock :
anya ? Kpọlie m n'ụra n'elekere ise
You have : Ị nwere Do you have ? : Ị nwere ?
Do you know ? : Ị maara ? Do you love me ? : Ị hụrụ m
n'anya ?
Get up / Rise up : Bilie Lie down : Dinara ala
Sleep : Ụra Rest / Relax : Zuoike / Izuike
156
IGBO WARDROBE & FASHION : CONVERSATIONS ,

NOUNS , VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
IGBO TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

157
ANCIENT IGBO DRESSING
IGBO BEADS FASHION

158
159
Wardrobe : Ebe nkowe akwa Clothes : Uwe

Trousers / Pants : uwe Socks / Stockings : uwe
ogologo ọkpa ụkwụ
Chain : Agbụ Gloves : uwe aka
Hat : Okpu Blouse / Shirt : Uwe elu
Ring : mgbanaka Dress : Uwe ogologo
Fashion : Ejiji Hair : Ntutu isi
Hairstyle : Ụdị ntutu isi Shoes / Slippers : Akpụkpọ
ụkwụ
Sandals : Akpụkpọ ụkwụ Jewellery : ọla
Earrings : Ọla ntị Bracelet : Mgbaaka

Belt , band , girdle , brace : Head wrap / Headgear : Ihe
Eriri ukwu mkpuchi isi
Head tie : Ihe mkpuchi isi Broom : Azịza
Sweep : zaa Pocket : Akpa efe
Skirt : uwe mwụda Glasses / spectacles :
Ugogbe anya
Sunglasses : Ugogbe anya Scarf : Ịchafụ
maka anwụ
Igbo native dress : Okpu (cap , hat) , Ihe mkpuchi isi

160
(head wrap , headgear ) , Uwe elu (shirt) , uwe mwụda

(overall tunic , gown ) , uwe ogologo ọkpa ( trousers , pants)
, Akpụkpọ ụkwụ (shoes) , uwe ogologo (dress) , kechie uwe
mwụda (wrap around skirt or gown)
Headscarf / head cover : Necktie / Tie / string / Rope

mkpuchi isi : eriri
Shawl / Scarf : Ịchafụ Suit / Tunic and pants : Uwe
mwụda na ogologo ọkpa
Boxer shorts : Underwear : Uwe ime ahu
Underpants / Panties / Cloth / Fabric / Textile :
Knickers : Uwe ime ahu Akwa
Coat : ahuanu Jacket : jakeeti
Put on the shirt / Wear the Wear your clothes : Yiri uwe
shirt : Yiri uwe elu gị
Take off your shirt : Yipụ Have you seen my coat ? : Ị
uwe elu gị hụla ahuanu m ?
It is in the wardrobe : Ọ dị Where is my umbrella ? :
na ebe nkowe akwa Ebee ka nche anwụ m nọ ?
It is here : Ọ bụ ebe a It is there / It is over there :
Ọ dị ebe ahụ
What are you wearing for I will wear my blue dress :

the party ? : Kedu ihe ị na-eyi M ga-eyi uwe m na-acha
na oriri ? anụnụ anụnụ
161
And you ? : Ma gị ? Where is your wardrobe ? :

Ebee ka ebe nkowe akwa gị
nọ ?
162
IGBO NAMES AND THEIR MEANINGS

163
164
From : LinkedIN , By Onyinye Favour Chibueze

The history and philosophy of Ndị Igbo are expressed in the
name they bear. In Igbo tradition, names are not given for the
sake of it. There are reasons and circumstances surrounding
the naming of every Igbo child. The events (positive or
negative) that took place before the conception of a child,
during the child's pregnancy, during the delivery of the child,
and after child's birth often lead to what a child would be
called by. For instance, in the olden days, a child born on Orie
market day in Igboland is likely to be named "Mgbori" if the
baby is a girl, or "Okoli" if a boy. Most times, parents name
their babies according to their expectations. A parent that
expects wealth may decide to name their female child
"Ụgbọbuakụ" meaning "car that carries wealth" In other
165
words, the child has arrived into the family, so has wealth
come into the family. The male equivalent of such a name is
"Akụabata".......Most of the contemporary Igbo names give
more attribute to God. These names are very optimistic in
nature. Hence the names like "Chidimma, Chinasa, Chijindụ,
Oluchukwu, Okwuchukwu etc".
One of the numerous factors influencing contemporary Igbo
naming system is the feel that comes with name. Name gives
identity, a sense of belonging. One may decide to give himself
another name if he does not feel secure with the name he
bears. Ndị Igbo believes that one's name makes way for him. It
could attract good or bad things to the bearer. This reason is
portrayed in the name "Eziahakaego" meaning "Good name is
better than money". The desire to feel fashionable and for
people to easily pronounce our name has given birth to name
contractions and changing…
A name is much more than a personal brand in Igbo culture.
It's way beyond tags. It stands as a prophetic tool in one's life.
Most Igbo names are sentential while others are not. Western
view on names is opposite to Igbo view on names. Names
affect one's destiny. Igbo names affect every aspect of its
culture, belief, and tradition…..
From MomJunction , https://www.momjunction.com
Achike : Give praise to God Adaego : Daughter of wealth

(Boy) (Girl)
166
Chibuikem : God is my Adaeze : Daughter of a King

power (Boy) (Girl)
Chidindu : Show the world Adaiba : The people’s

that God is alive (Boy) daughter/Daughter of the
people (Girl)
Chimamanda : My God will Adaku : Daughter born into

not fall or fail me (Boy) wealth (Girl)
Emeka : Great deeds or god Adamma : Beautiful

has done a lot (Boy) daughter (Girl)
Chukwuemeka : God has Adanna : Her father’s
done something great (Boy) daughter ( Girl)
Ekene : The one who receives Adanne : Her mother’s
a lot of praise (Boy, Girl) daughter (Girl)
Ifeanyichukwu : God is most Adaobi : First daughter in the
powerful; No one is greater
family (Girl)
than god (Boy)
Kamsiyochukwu : God gave Adaolisa : God’s daughter
me exactly as I asked ( Boy) (Girl)
Chizutere : God's envoy ( Adaora : The people’s
Boy) daughter (Girl)
167
Chukwuebuka : God is great Adaugo : Beautiful

(Boy) daughter/Daughter of an
eagle (Girl)
Obimnaetochukwu : My Amaka : Beautiful/good (Girl)

heart praises God ( Boy)
Chinua : God's own blessing Akwaugo : Precious daughter

(Boy) (Girl)
Achebe : One who is Amara/Amarachi :

protected by the Goddess ( Mercy/Mercy of God (Girl)
Boy , Girl)
Onochie : The one who can Anwuli : Joy (Girl)

replace the status of father
(Boy)
Abaeze : Branch of the kings Apunanwu : Precious girl
(Boy) (Girl)
Afamefuna : My name will Binyerechukwu : Stay with

not be lost (Boy) God (Girl)
168
Akachukwu : The hand of Chetachi : Remember God

God (Boy) (Girl)
Akunna : Father's wealth Chiachogomnma : God has

(Boy) decorated me (Girl)
Amaechi : One who knows Chiagozie : God has blessed

me (Girl)
tomorrow (Boy)
Amaka : King / Queen of Chiamaka : God is beautiful

ravishing beauty (Boy ,Girl) (Girl)
Amandi : One who does not Chiamanda : God will not fail
trust easily (Boy) (Girl)
Amara : Immortal being; Chiasoka : God is so sweet

Blessed with eternal life (Boy) (Girl)
Amobi : Who knows the heart Chiazakam : God has

of man (Boy) answered me (Girl)
Anozie : One who is settled Zirachi : Ask God to do

or well-positioned (Boy) anything for you and he will
(Girl)
Arinzechukwu : Thanks be to Utochi : Sweetness of God

God (Boy) (Girl)
169
Azubuike : Strength gained Urenna : Her father’s pride

from experiences of the past (Girl)
(Boy)
Machie : Replacement of a Uloma : Good house (Girl)

lost gem (Boy , Girl)
Lotanna : Remember the Ugonma : Beautiful eagle
father or the God (Boy) (Girl)
Lotachukwu : Remember Somtochukwu : Praise God
God (Boy) with me (Girl)
Kwento : One who protects Ranyerechukwu :
the family name from Committed into God’s hands
destruction(Boy,Girl) (Girl)
Kufreabasi : Do not forget Ozioma : Good news (Girl)
God, one who always
remembers God (Boy,Girl)
Kristibueze : Christ is the Onyinye : God’s gift (Girl)
king (Boy)
Kelechi : Glorify God (Boy) Oluchi/Oluchukwu : Work of
God (Girl)
Kamfeechi : Worship God Olanma : Beautiful pearl
(Boy) (Girl)
Kambili : Let me live or I shall Olachi/Olachukwu : God’s
live (Boy) pearl/jewel (Girl)
Kalu : God of thunder (Boy) Ogechukwu : God’s time is
the best (Girl)
170
Kainyechukwuekene : Obioma : Good heart (Girl)

Praise the Lord (Boy)
Kaetochukwu : May God be Obianuju : Born in the midst
praised (Boy) of plenty (Girl)
Kachiside : As God has Obiageli : Born to win (Girl)
written it or the will of God
(Boy)
Kachisicho : God's desire Nwabuona : A child is gold
(Boy) (Girl)
Jideofor : You are justified Nneamaka/Nnedi /Nneka :
(Boy) Motherhood is beautiful (Girl)
Jayamma : Praise to the lord Nkolika : Peace (Girl)
(Boy)
Jachike : Give praise to God; Nkiruka : Greater things are
Hail God (Boy) ahead (Girl)
Isinachi : One who is sent Nkenna : Belongs to the
from God (Boy) father (God) (Girl)
Ilozumba : Our distant home Nkechinyere : The one given
is forgotten (Boy) to me by God (Girl)
Ikemba : Strength of the Njideka : The one I’m
nation (Boy) with/holding is greater (Girl)
Ikechukwu : The power of Ngozi : Blessing (Girl)
God (Boy)
171
Iheanacho : Precious; What Kachimra : The size of my

everyone seeks (Boy) God (Girl)
Igwebuike : Strength in Kambili : Let me live (Girl)

numbers (Boy)
Ifemyolunna : What I asked Kosisochukwu : As it pleases
of the Lord (Boy) God (Girl)
Ifekristi : The light of Christ Lebechi : Look unto God
(Boy,Girl) (Girl)
Ifechukwude : What God has Lotachukwu : Remember
written (Boy) your God
Ifechi : The light of God (Boy) Makuachukwu : Embrace
God (Girl)
Hanyechukwu : Leave it to Mmachukwu : The beauty of
God (Boy) God (Girl)
Gosifechukwu : Show the Ndidi : Patience (Girl)
light of God to all (Boy)
Iben : Harmony (Boy) Nefechi : Keep worshipping
God
Golibe : Rejoice; A joyous Jachinma : Glorify my God
fellow (Boy) (Girl)
Ganiru : Good luck (Boy) Isioma : Fortunate/Blessed
(Girl)
172
Ezeudo : King of peace (Boy) Iruoma/Ihuoma : Favoured

(Girl)
Ezesinachi : The chief is Ijeoma : Farewell (Girl)
from God (Boy)
Ewelike : It's not by power Ijeawele : Smooth journey
(Boy) (Girl)
Esomchi : Walking with the Ihuaku/Iruaku : The face of
lord; One who follows God wealth (Girl)
(Boy)
Enyinnaya : His father's Ifeyinwa : Nothing can be
friend (Boy) compared to a child (Girl)
Emenike : It's not by might Ifunanya : Love (Girl)
or power (Boy)
Emeka : Great deeds; God Ifeoma : A good thing (Girl)
has done it (Boy)
Chukwuemeka : God has Ifemyolunna : What I asked
done something great (Boy) of God/What I prayed for
(Girl)
Ekenedilichukwu : Thanks Ifekerenma/Ihekerenma :
be to God (Boy) Beautifully created (Girl)
Ejikeme : It's not by power Ifedimma : Something good
173
(Boy) (Girl)
Echezonanna : Don't forget Ifechukwu : Light of God
your God and your father (Girl)
(Boy)
Ebubechukwu : The glory Ifechimamanda : The light
and greatness of God (Boy) God has given me will not
dim (Girl)
Diarachukwundu : Live for Ifechiluru : What God has
God (Boy) done (Girl)
Debare : One born during Ginikanwa : What is greater
good times (Boy) than a child? (Girl)
Chuwudubem : Lead me Ginikachukwu : What is

God (Boy) greater than God? (Girl)
Chukwuma : God knows Febechi/Febechukwu :
better than anyone (Boy) Worship God (Girl)
Chukwueneka : God is kind Ezinwanyi : Good woman
to us (Boy) (Girl)
Chukwuemerie : God has Ezinne : Good mother (Girl)
won (Boy)
Chukwudumaga : God Erinma : A child of beauty
leads me (Boy) and great prospects (Girl)
Chioke : Gift of God (Boy) Ekpereamaka : Prayer is
good (Girl)
174
Chinecherem : God thinks Ejimetochukwu : People

and worries on my behalf praise God because of me
(Boy) (Girl)
Chinaka : God decides or Egomaka : Money is good

God schedules (Boy) (Girl)
Chimezie : Let God do it Ebube : Glory (Girl)
(Boy)
Chimaobi : God knows the Daluchi : Thank God (Girl)
heart (Boy)
Chimankpa : God know my Daberechi : Lean in God

wants (Boy) (Girl)
Chikezie : May God appease Chisom : God is with me
(Boy) (Girl)
Chikanma : God is better Chioma : Good God (Girl)
than any other thing (Boy)
Chiemezie : God has made Chinyere : God’s gift (Girl)
it good for me (Boy)
Chiemelie : God has won Chinonso : God is near (Girl)
(Boy)
Chiemeka : God has done Chinenye : God gives (Girl)
well (Boy)
175
Chiekezie : God has made it Chinazor : God saves (Girl)

good for me (Boy)
Chidozie : May God fix it and Chinelo : God thinks for me
make it good for me (Boy) (Girl)
Chidiebube : God is glorious Chijioke : God is the
and great (Boy) custodian of all blessings
(Girl)
Chidiebere : God is merciful Chigozie : Bless me oh lord
(Boy) (Girl)
Chidiadi : There is God (Boy) Chidumebi : God lives with

me (Girl)
Chibuzor : God first or God Chidiogo : God is gracious
leads (Boy) (Girl)
Chibunna : God is my father Chidinma : God is good
(Boy) (Girl)
Chibundu : God is life (Boy) Chidiebere : God is merciful
(Girl)
Chibuike : God is strength Chideziri : God wrote my
(Boy) story (Girl)
Chetachukwu : One who Chidera : Destiny can’t be
always remembers God(Boy) changed (Girl)
176
Chetachi : One who always Chibundo : God is my

remembers God (Boy) shelter (Girl)
Bunkechukwu : Belongs to Chibuifem : God is my light
God (Boy) (Girl)
Azubuike : Strength gained Chibinobim : God dwells in
from experiences of the past my heart (Girl)
(Boy)
Arinzechukwu : Thanks be Ani : mother of all Igbo
to God (Boy) Gods (Girl)
Ikenga : God of strength and Ogwugwu : Minor goddess

power (Boy) (Girl)
Anozie : One who is settled Akala : Minor goddess (Girl)

or well-positioned (Boy)
Kamalu : God of lightning Anyanwu : Goddess of the
and Thunder (Boy,Girl) sun and natural life (Girl)
Agwu : God (Boy,Girl) Orie : Igbo goddess (Girl)
Agwu Nsi : God of healing Idemili : Goddess of the

arts (Boy,Girl) river (Girl)
Eke : Igbo god (Boy,Girl) Nkwo : Igbo god (Boy)
177
Afo : Igbo god (Boy) Udo : God of diplomacy

(Boy)
Otamiri : Igbo God (Boy)
178
179

HOW FOULAH TOWN (MY HOMETOWN IN FREETOWN)

WILL BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT IN FOOD PRODUCTION
AND FEED ITSELF
How every person and every family in Foulah Town ( my

hometown in Freetown) can become self-sufficient in food
production)
HOME FARMING : GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD IN YOUR
HOME IN FOULAH TOWN
What you need :
1/ Soil
2/ Water year round (Rain water + water wells)
3/ Sunshine (always available)
4/ Buckets , boxes , barrels , pots , containers etc to grow
your food .
180
5/ Compost and manure fertilizer (do it yourself)

6/ Seeds , cuttings etc
That's all you need .
But you can also add :
6/ Chicken (Poultry) farming in your home yard (for chicken
poo manure etc)
7/ Home honey bee farming - pollinators
8/ Do-it-yourself Osusu banking (pooling money , skills ,
labour , efforts, ideas, knowledge etc for a project )
9/ Conservation of foods ( In my next book)
10/ Community gardens : Small gardens on unused land
spaces in Foulah Town community .
Add : Info , how to combine soil and manure , size of pots ,
holes in the bottom to drain the soil , etc , etc . Pots with food
plants in your yard , your balcony , your verandah , your roof
etc . Make your own clay pots , build your own wooden boxes
…
You will never go hungry again . You can sell all extra produce
and earn extra cash . You don’t have to spend money on food ,
you can spend your money on something else .
No bank loans , grants , or AID is allowed . No gifts or
presents or should be taken from others . Osusu is absolutely
SELF-HELP .
181
By doing things yourself you gain skills which you can use for
future projects.
What is soil ?
Soil is the upper layer of earth in which plants grow . It is a
black or dark brown material typically consisting of clay, rock
particles and organic materials . Soil needs nutrients and
water to become fertile (be able to produce plants) .
Nutrients are the food (decayed plant and animal matter)
which plants need to grow .
What is water ?
Water is the colourless, transparent, odourless liquid that
forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain . Living organisms
(plants , animals , humans, fungi, algae, trees, bacteria,
protozoa, and insects) need water to grow , thrive and survive)
.
To grow your own food in Foulah Town you need abundant
water year round . You can achieve this by digging your own
water well in your house yard . Or you can use Osusu (pooling
182
money , skills , labour , efforts, ideas, knowledge etc for a

project ) to dig a water well in an unused space in your
community .
—-------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn how to build your own water well in your house
yard or unused space in Foulah Town . Go to :
Dr. Blyden , do-it-yourself : Water project
Link on Scribd :
https://www.scribd.com/document/666813190/Dr-Blyden-do-it
-yourself-Water-project
A handbook about how people in Sierra Leone can build water
wells themselves
—------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is sunshine ?
Sunshine is the light that comes from the sun . Plants ,
humans , animals and most living organisms need sunlight to
grow , thrive and survive . Clouds can block some of the
sunlight but not all of it . Plants can grow and thrive even when
it is cloudy e.g during the rainy season .
Buckets , boxes , barrels , pots , containers etc to grow

your food
Growing cassava at home in pots and wooden boxes
183
Growing lettuce (salad leaves in pots and boxes)

184
Growing cucumbers in pots , boxes etc
Growing tomatoes in pots , boxes etc
Growing hot chili peppers in pots , boxes etc

185
Growing onions in pots , boxes etc

186
What is fertilizer ?
Plants don't only need soil (clay and rocks) to grow but they
also need food (nutrients) . The food (nutrients) of plants are
called fertilizers . The fertilizer nutrients which plants need are
Nitrogen , Phosphorus , Potassium, Sulfur , Carbon ,
magnesium , ammonium and other elements . These are the
elements which plants need to build new tissues and grow .
There are 3 main types of fertilizers :
1/ Compost (do-it-yourself)
2/ Manure (poo) fertilizer (do-it-yourself)
3/ Commercial / Synthetic fertilizers (man-made)
What is compost ?
Compost is decayed (rotten) plant and animal material which
is rich in fertilizer nutrients such as Nitrogen , Phosphorus ,
Potassium, Sulfur , Carbon , magnesium , ammonium etc .
Compost box
187
How to make compost in your yard : Build a large box using

wooden planks , sticks , wire mesh etc . The box should have
gaps so that water can drain out (see picture above) . Fill your
compost box with grass and other green vegetation , skins of
fruits e.g bananas , plantains, oranges , cassava, sweet
potatoes etc . Add fish heads , egg shells , intestines of fish
and other animals which you do not eat . Do not add sticks or
wood to your compost . Leave your compost outdoors and
cover it with a black or dark plastic sheet to protect it from the
sun ( to prevent plants from growing in it and stealing the
nutrients) and the rain . Let the compost stand for 6 months
to 1 year and then it will be ready for use .
SEEDS , CUTTINGS
188
Red hot chili pepper seeds
Cucumber seeds
Tomato seeds
189
What are seeds ?

A seed is the reproductive organ of seed plants . A seed
consists of an embryo ( baby plant) covered by a hard ,
protective seed coat. A seed will become a new plant if placed
in a fertile , watered soil .
What are cuttings ?

CASSAVA CUTTINGS (wooden stems should be 30 cm long)
A cutting is the reproductive organ of 'cutting' plants like

cassava . A cutting consists of bumps which are called nodes
190
(embryo plants , baby plants) which will become new plants if

placed in a fertile , watered soil . The bumps on cassava
cuttings are baby plants . You can grow cassava cuttings by
placing them vertically or horizontally in the soil . You get more
cassava plants if you place the cutting horizontally in the soil (
this is because the bumps are nearer to the soil) .
About cassava : Cassava is one of the most versatile roots on
this planet . It can be used as food , bread , drink or medicine
(the green leaves against constipation etc) . It can be
converted to paper , cardboard , starch, paste , glue, toilet
paper , soft tissues , menstrual pads etc . Cassava leaves are
edible and rich in protein . This is an opportunity for African
Olukulus to make a big business out of cassava . African
Olukulus should produce bread , pasta and nodules out of
cassava and wean the African continent from expensive
imported rice and wheat . African Olukulus should become
millionaires and billionaires out of cassava . Go for it, African
Olukulus !
Note ! Start small , do it yourself , no loans , use your talent ,
use Osusu for funds , learn and improve as you go , no
contact with politicians or foreigners etc .
What is manure fertilizer ?
Note : Those who raise chickens at home or have access to
chicken poo manure can add chicken poo manure to add to
their compost . If you do not have access to chicken poo
191
manure or other animal poo manure, no problem . Compost

alone is enough to grow high quality vegetables and fruits .
CHICKEN COOP (CHICKEN HOUSE)
About chickens :
Chickens are versatile and very useful birds you can raise at
home . You get eggs , meat , chicken poo manure and feathers
for free . You can feed them with your home-grown corn
pounded with fish heads , edible snails , edible mushrooms ,
grasshoppers , edible frogs etc to add proteins .
Composting chicken manure :

192
What is chicken poo manure ?

Chicken poo manure is a mixture of chicken poo , soil and
chicken food . Chicken poo manure should be composted for 2
months or more before it can be used . The manure is ready
when it smells less and is dark in colour. Chicken poo manure
is rich in nitrogen and calcium . Do not sprinkle too much
chicken manure to your soil . Experiment , learn by trial and
error .
How to grow food in a pot , box etc

A bucket holds about 20 liters of soil .
Half a drum holds about 80 liters of soil .
A barrel , drum or large vox holds about 160 liters of soil .
Use a bucket to grow your tomatoes , cucumbers , lettuce , hot
chili pepper etc .
Use half a drum or large box to grow your corn , food bananas
, normal bananas , cassava , sweet potatoes etc
How to grow tomatoes in a bucket :
193
Punch 9 small evenly placed holes in the bottom of a bucket

(20 liters) . This is to drain the soil and let in oxygen . Mix 1 part
of soil to 4 parts of compost . If you have chicken poo manure
you can sprinkle it on the soil and mix it . Fill the bucket with
soil . Place 1 or 2 tomato seeds on the top of the soil . Cover
the tomato seeds with a thin layer of soil . Water the soil well .
Water frequently , tomatoes need a lot of water .
Place the bucket in a sunny area . Tomatoes take 50 to more
than 80 days to grow from seedling to harvest .
How to grow cucumbers , onions , hot chili pepper etc in a
bucket : See 'How to grow tomatoes in a bucket' above .
How to grow corn in a bucket : Place corn seeds (kernels)

with the tip pointing downwards 2 – 3 cm deep in the soil,
spacing them about 5 cm apart, and cover with soil. Water
frequently to keep soil moist . See 'How to grow tomatoes in a
bucket' above .
How to grow sweet potatoes in a box or small drum :

Use a box or drum holding about 80 liters of soil .Sweet potato
is easy to grow . Put the tip of a potato root in a glass of water ,
baby sweet potato plants will start growing on the root . Cut
the stem of the baby plants with leaves and place the end part
in a glass of water . The stem will produce roots which you can
194
place in the soil to get a new sweet potato plant . See 'How to
grow tomatoes in a bucket' above .
Note : A sweet potato will start to grow "slips", which are
stems with leaves. Once those slips start to develop, they'll
each have their own root system. You can snap those off the
mother sweet potato and plant those individual slips into the
ground or in a large container in the home.
Sweet potato leaves
Sweet potato roots

195
How to grow cassava (manioc) in a box or small drum :

Use a box or drum holding about 80 liters of soil .
CASSAVA CUTTINGS (wooden stems should be 30 cm long)
196
1/ Cut a number of stems (cuttings) approximately 30cm long.

2/ Place them vertically or horizontally on the soil in the box or
drum and cover lightly with soil .
3/ Water the soil well . Water frequently .
4/ Place the box in a sunny area .
5/ See 'How to grow tomatoes in a bucket' above for more
info.
Cassava plant (a woody shrub)
Cassava cutting growing

197
Cassava roots
198
—-------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Blyden , do-it-yourself : Water project

You neeed water ,lots of water for your home farming project .
Go to my link below to learn how you can get water 24-7 (24
hours a day, seven days a week) in your home for free .
Link on Scribd :
https://www.scribd.com/document/666813190/Dr-Blyden-do-it
-yourself-Water-project
A handbook about how people in Sierra Leone can build water
wells themselves
—--------------------------------------------------------

199
AT THE BARBERSHOP , HAIR SALON & BEAUTY SALON :

CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
Beauty salon / Beauty place Barbershop : Ụlọ ahịa onye

: Ebe ịchọ mma ọkpụ isi
Hairdresser : Onye na-edozi Haircut : Ịkpụ ntutu
isi
200
Hair : ntụtụ isi / ntụtụ Hair cream : Ude ntutu isi

Hairstyle : Ụdị ntutu isi Hairpin : Pin ntutu isi
Earrings : Ola nti Tattoo : igbu egbugbu

Hair dye / Hair color : Agba Hair salon : Ụlọ ntụtụ isi
ntutu isi
Hairdryer : Draya ntụtụ isi Make-up : Techaa
Barber : okpu isi / Onye okpu Comb : mbo
isi
Scissors : isi Cream : Ude
Tool case / Tool box : Ngwá Mirror : Enyo
igbe
Hair roller : ọtụgha ntụtụ isi Knife : Mma
Spray : ịgba Cut : bee
Shave : Dye : Agba
Hair clip / Hair fastener : Razor / Blade : Agụba
mechie ntụtụ isi
Electric razor : Agụba eletriki Hair trimmer / Hair clipper
/ Hair cutter : Agụba ntụtụ
isi
Blade / Razor : Agụba Duster : Nchicha
Brush : Ahịhịa Towel : Akwa nchicha ahụ
Hair wash basin : efere ịsa Apron : akwa nsachi
ntutu
201
Perfume , scent : isi uto Trolley , cart : ụgbọaka

Fingernail : mbọ aka Manicurist , Nail technician
: Ọkachamara aka
Colour : Agba Trim / chop / Cut : bee
Paint : Agba Hand : Aka

Sit / sit down : Nọdụ ala Turn : atụgharị
Stand / stand up : kwụrụ ọtọ Lean : Dabere
Lean forward : dabere gaa Lean back : dabere azụ
n'ihu
Front / Facing : N'ihu Back / Behind : Azu
Side : Akụkụ Sides : Akụkụ ndị
Low cut : bee ala Short hair : obere ntụtụ
Long hair : ogologo ntụtụ Nail polish : Etemete mbọ
aka
Nail polish remover : Lipstick : Uhie ọnụ
Nchicha etemete mbọ
Beautiful , pretty / Nice / It is good : Ọ dị mma
handsome : mara mma
Beauty : Mma Good : Mma
Straight hair : ntutu kwụ ọtọ Curly hair / Wavy : ntutu
gbakọrọ agbakọ
Bald , baldhead : Isi nkwọcha Black hair : ntutu ojii
202
Where are you going ? : I am going to the hair salon

Ebee ka ị na-aga ? : Ana m aga a ụlọ ntụtụ isi
I am going to cut my hair : I am going to do / make my
m ga-ịkpụ ntụtụ m hair : m ga-eme ntụtụ m
I want a low haircut , please I just want a trim : Achọrọ m
: Achọrọ m ịkpụ ntutu dị ala, naanị mkpụbelata
biko
Just trim my beard / Just I want you to do my hair
cut my beard short : Naanị and nails : Achọrọ m ka ị
bee mkpirisi afụ ọnụ m mee ntutu na mbọ m
What kind of hairstyle do I want an afro hairstyle :

you want ? : Kedu ụdị edozi Achọrọ m edozi isi afro
isi ị chọrọ ?
I want a braids (plaits) I want eyelash extension :
hairstyle : Achọrọ m ikpa isi Achọrọ m mgbatị ntutu anya
AT THE MARKET & SUPERMARKET : CONVERSATIONS ,

203
Market : Ahịa Supermarket : Ahịa

Groceries / Vegetables : Food : Nri
Ngwa nri
Product (produce) : Price (cost) : Ọnụ ahịa
Ngwaahịa
Buy (purchase) : Zụrụ Business (Trade) : Azụmahịa
Sell : rere Garments (clothes) : uwe
Apparels (clothes) : uwe Buy and sell (Trade) :
Azụmahịa
Books and Stationery : Consumer Electronics :

Akwụkwọ na ngwa akwụkwọ Eletrọnịkị ndị ahịa
Footwear / Shoes : Akpụkpọ Fashion Accessories : Ngwa

ụkwụ ejiji
204
Beauty Products : Ngwaahịa Shop (store) : ụlọ ahịa

mara mma
Trader : ozu ahia Businessman : Onye ọchụnta

ego
Businesswoman : Nwanyị Sale (Selling) : onuahia
ọchụnta ego
Money : Ego Pay : Kwụọ
Change : Gbanwee Purse : Akpa nta ego
Wallet : Obere nta ego Profit : Uru
Loss : ọnwụ Profit and loss : Uru na
ọnwụ
Stall (stand , booth) : Meat : Anụ
uloanumaanu
Beef : Anụ ehi Flesh : Anụ ahụ
Fish : Azụ Grains : ọka
Rice : Osikapa Corn (maize) : Ọka
Bulgur (boiled or cooked Bread : Achịcha
wheat) : Bulgur
Cake : Achịcha Biscuit / Cookie : Bisikiiti /
kukiiki
Flour : ntụ ọka Oil / Lubricant : Mmanụ
Cereals (roasted grains) : Butter : Bọta
205
ọka
Fat : Abụba Dairy (Milk) products :
Ngwaahịa mmiri ara ehi
Milk : Mmiri ara Yoghurt (Sour or acidic
milk) : Yogọt
Cheese : Chiizi Egg : Akwa
Onion : Yabasị Tomato : Tomato
Vegetable : Akwukwo nri Fruit : Mkpụrụ osisi
Seed : mkuruosisi Nut : aki
Garlic : Galiki Tinned products / canned
goods : ngwaahịa mkpọ
Dried products : Ngwaahịa Salt : Nnu
akpọnwụwo
Pepper : Ose Herbs : ogwu
Spice : Ose Stock (Soup) : Ofe
Stock cubes : Cuubu ose Honey : Mmanụ aṅụ
Sugar : Shuga Apple : Apụl

Banana : Unere Orange : Oroma
Lime , lemon : Oroma nkịrịsị Bag : Akpa
Clementine (tangerine , Lettuce (salad leaves) :
mandarin) : Tanjerịn Letus
206
Cider : Cider mmanya Vinegar : Viniga mmanya

Pasta / Spaghetti : Supageti Cassava : Akpu
Food : Nri Bread : Achịcha
Potato : Nduku Water : Mmiri
Drinks / Beverage : Ihe Soft drinks (Soda) : Ihe
ọṅụṅụ ọṅụṅụ dị nro
Thief / Burglar : Onye ohi Steal : Izu ohi
Hard drinks / Liquor : Alcohol : Mmanya
Wine : Mmanyaoku Juice : mmiri ihe
Syrup : sirop Bottle : karama / kalama
Crate / Box : akpati Box : igbe
Soap : Ncha Bar of soap (solid soap) :
Ogwe ncha
Packet / Parcel / Package : Plastic bag : Akpa rọba
ngwugwu
Liquid soap : Ncha mmiri Book / Paper : Akwụkwọ
mmiri
Notebook : Akwụkwọ ndetu Textbook : Akwụkwọ ọgụgụ
Pen : mkpisi ode akwukwo Pencil : Pensụl
Paper : Akwụkwọ Eraser : Nchicha
Ink : inki Mobile Phone : Ekwentị
mkpanaka
207
Material (Cloth) : Akwa Textile (Cloth , Fabric) :

Akwa
Curtains : Ihe mkpuchi Shoes : Akpụkpọ ụkwụ
Socks / Stockings : Uwe Furniture : Ngwongwo ụlọ

ụkwụ
Television (TV) : Igwe Radio : Redio
onyoonyo
Telephone : Ekwentị Computer : Kọmputa
Bargain / Agreement : Barter / Exchange : igbanwo
Nkwekọrịta / mgbanwe
Fresh food : Nri ọhụrụ Advertisement : Mgbasa ozi
Preserved food : Nri Conserved food / Canned
echekwara food / Tinned food : nri
mkpọ
Where are you going ? : I am going to the market :
Ebee ka ị na-aga ? Ana m aga ahịa
What are you going to buy ? I am going to buy some
: Kedu ihe ị ga-azụ? textbooks and notebooks
for school : Aga m azụta
ụfọdụ akwụkwọ ọgụgụ na
akwụkwọ ndetu maka ụlọ
akwụkwọ
I am going to buy some I will also buy some
apples : M ga-azụta apụl mushrooms : M ga-azụtakwa
ụfọdụ ero
208
Can I help you ? : Enwere m May I help you ? : Enwere m

ike ịnyere gị aka ? ike ịnyere gị aka ?
I’m looking for a dress : Ana How about this one ? : Kedu
m achọ uwe maka nke a ?
It is Ok / It is fine : Ọ dị mma Would you like to try it on ?
: Ọ ga-amasị gị iyi ya ?
Do you want to try it ? : Ị Yes please : Ee biko
chọrọ ịnwale ya ?
How much is it ? : Ego ole ka How much does it cost ? :
ọ bụ ? Ego ole ka ọ na-eri ?
Five pounds : Paụnd ise I will take it : M ga-ewere ya

I will buy it : Aga m azụta ya The Ogungun brand rice is
the best and it is cheaper
than other brands : Osikapa
ika Ogungun kacha mma ma
dịkwa ọnụ ala karịa ụdị ndị
ọzọ
Can you show me where to I want to buy fresh fish :
find fish in the store ? : Ị Achọrọ m ịzụta azụ ọhụrụ
nwere ike igosi m ebe m
ga-ahụ azụ na ụlọ ahịa ?
I am looking for frozen fish : I am looking for dried fish :

Ana m achọ azụ oyi Ana m achọ azụ a mịrị amị
kpọnwụrụ akpọnwụ
209
Can you show me where At row (line) number ten C :

you have canned meat ? : Ị N'ahịrị nọmba iri C
nwere ike igosi m ebe ị nwere
anụ mkpọ ?
I am going to town to do I am going to the
some shopping : M na-aga supermarket to buy
obodo ịzụ ahịa groceries : A na m aga
nnukwu ụlọ ahịa ịzụrụ nri
What are the main things How much ? : Ego ole ?
sold in the market ? : Kedu
ihe bụ isi ihe a na-ere n'ahịa ?
How much are the apples ? : One dollar each : Otu dollar
Ego ole bụ apụl ? nke ọ bụla
AT THE HEALTH CENTER , HOSPITAL & PHARMACY :

210
Hospital : Ụlọ ọgwụ Clinic : ụlọ ọrịa

Health Centre : Ụlọ ọrụ Library : ọbá akwụkwọ
ahụike
Pharmacy : Ụlọ ahịa ọgwụ Doctor : Dibịa / Dọkịta
Nurse : onye uweyi ọcha Medicine / Drug : ọgwụ
/ nọọsụ
Dentist : dibịa eze Medical operation : ahụike
ọrụ
Laboratory : Ụlọ nyocha Laboratory technician :
Ọkachamara ụlọ nyocha
Therapy / Treatment /Cure : Tablet / Pill : Mbadamba
Ọgwụgwọ
Stretcher bed : akwa ndina Disease / Sickness / Illness /
211
stretcher Ailment : Ọrịa

Healthy / health / Well : ahụ Sick : na-arịa ọrịa
ike
Needle : ntụtụ Syrup : Sirop
Solution : Ngwọta Inhalation : iku ume
Spray : ịgba Cream : Ude
Ointment : Ude X-Ray machine : Igwe X-ray
ECG machine : Igwe ECG Stethoscope : Ngwaọrụ na

elele ọkụkụ obi
Complaint : Mkpesa Plaster : nnyachi
Wound : Ọnya Injection : Ịgba ọgwụ
Bruise / Harm / Injury : Sore throat : Akpịrị mgbu
Mmerụ ahụ
Cough : Ụkwara Stomach pain / Abdominal
pain : Ihe mgbu afọ
Headache : Isi ọwụwa Fever : Ahụ ọkụ
Malaria : ịba Heart attack : Obi nkolopu
Sickle cell anemia : ọrịa Heart problems : Nsogbu obi

sickle cell anemia
Toothache : eze mgbu Common cold : oyi nkịtị
212
Pain : Mgbu Trauma / Injury : Mmerụ

ahụ
Blood pressure : Ọbara Temperature / Heat :
mgbali Okpomọkụ
High blood pressure : Ọbara Low blood pressure : Ọbara
mgbali elu mgbali ala
Normal blood pressure : Pulse / rhythm of the
Ọbara mgbali nkịtị human heart : uda obi
mmadu
How are you ? : Kedu ka ị I am sick : ahụ adịghị m

mere ?
What’s wrong with you ? : I am not feeling well : Ahụ
Kedu ihe na-eme gị ? adịchaghị m mma
I have a headache : Enwere What is your complaint ? :
m isi ọwụwa Kedu ihe bụ mkpesa gị ?
What brings you here today I have a sore throat :
? : Kedu ihe na-ewetara gị ebe Enwere m akpịrị mgbu
a taa ?
When did it start ? : Kedu It started yesterday : Ọ
mgbe ọ malitere ? malitere ụnyaahụ
Do you have a fever ? : Ị Yes , 39 degrees centigrade :

nwere ahụ ọkụ ? Ee, centigrade iri atọ na itoolu
213
Where are you going ? : I am going to the Health

Ebee ka ị na-aga ? Center : Ana m aga na Ụlọ
ọrụ ahụike
I have a severe headache : I have a bad headache :
Enwere m isi ọwụwa ọjọọ Enwere m isi ọwụwa ọjọọ
I have high blood pressure : I am suffering from

Enwere m ọnọdụ ọbara diabetes / I have diabetes :
mgbali elu Enwere m ọrịa shuga
THE PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY : CONVERSATIONS ,

214
Body : Ahụ Part / Feature : Akụkụ

Human / Person : Mmadụ / Body parts : Akụkụ ahụ
Onye
Body Parts in Igbo : Akụkụ Human body : Ahụ mmadụ
ahụ na Igbo
Head : Isi Forehead : ọkpọiso
Backhead : Isi azụ Eye : Anya
Face : Ihu Tongue / Language : Asụsụ
Hair : Ntutu isi Nose : Imi
Nostril (nasal cavity) : Mouth : Ọnụ
Oghere imi
Tooth : eze Smile / laugh : ochi

Jaw : Agba Ear : Ntị
Eyebrow : Nkuanya Eyelid : Ebubereanya
Eyelash : Ntutu anya Cheek : Nti
Chin : Agba Temple / Side of the head :
Akụkụ nke isi
Lip : Egbugbere ọnụ Lipstick : Uhie ọnụ
Brain / memory : Ụbụrụ Neck : Olu
Beard : Afụ ọnụ Moustache : ntutuọnụ
Skin : akpụkpọ Armpit : akpa abu
215
Arm : Ogwe aka Upper arm : Ogwe aka elu
Lower arm : Ogwe aka ala Elbow : nkiaka

Wrist : Nkwojiaka Hand / Fist : Aka
Palm : Nkwụ Knuckle : Njikọmkpịsịaka
Finger nail / nail : Mbọ aka Finger : Mkpisi aka
Belly / Stomach : Afọ Breast : Ara
Heart : Obi Pelvis / pelvic girdle : akuku
ahu nbaanyi
Hip : hiipu Leg : Ụkwụ
Upper leg : Ụkwụ elu Lower leg : Ụkwụ ala
Shoulder : Ubu Knee : ikpere
Calf / back of lower leg : azụ Ankle : nkwonkwo ụkwụ
nke ụkwụ ala
Foot : Ụkwụ Toe : Mkpịsị ụkwụ
Heel : ikiri ụkwụ Intestine : eriri afọ
Joint / Connection : Kidney : akụrụ
nkwonkwo
Liver : Imeju Larynx : ogwooro
Lungs : Ngụgụ Muscles : Akwara
Eat : Rie Chew / Bite : Ata
216
Hear / Listen : Nụrụ See : Lee

Smell : ísì Feel / Touch : imetụ aka
Feel : mmetụta Taste : Detụ
Wave : efegharị Talk : okwu

Sneeze : Uzere Kiss : Suu ọnụ
Walk : ije Run : Gbaa ọsọ
Bone / Skeleton : Ọkpụkpụ Blood : Ọbara
Discuss / Discussion : The human body has 206
Mkparịta ụka bones : Ahụ mmadụ nwere
ọkpụkpụ 206
The human head has one I can see with my eyes :
mouth , one nose , 2 eyes : enwere m ike ịhụ na anya m
Isi mmadụ nwere otu ọnụ,
otu imi, anya abụọ
The skeleton is inside the You can smell with your
human body : Ọkpụkpụ ahụ nose : Ị nwere ike iji imi gị
dị n'ime ahụ mmadụ na-esi ísì
She can eat with her mouth He can eat with his mouth :
: O nwere ike iji ọnụ ya rie nri O ji ọnụ ya rie nri
We can feel with our skin : It can feel and touch with
anyị nwere ike inwe mmetụta its fingers : Ọ nwere ike
217
akpụkpọ anyị imetụ ya aka na mkpịsị aka ya

They can touch with their The neck connects the head
fingers : Ha nwere ike iji to the trunk : Olu na-ejikọta
mkpịsị aka ha metụ aka isi na ogwe
The head is made up of face The arm consists of the

, 2 eyes, 2 ears , one nose , upper arm and the lower
one mouth , hair and chin : arm : Ogwe aka nwere ogwe
Isi mebere ya ihu , anya abụọ aka elu na ogwe aka ala
, ntị abụọ , otu imi , otu ọnụ ,
ntutu na agba
The trunk has 2 arms , The leg consists of the
chest , belly and back : upper leg and the lower leg
Ogwe ahụ nwere ogwe aka : Ụkwụ na-agụnye ụkwụ elu
abụọ, obi, afọ na azụ na ụkwụ ala
The hip connects the trunk The ankle connects the foot
to the legs : hiipu na-ejikọta to the lower leg : nkwonkwo
ogwe aka na ụkwụ ụkwụ na-ejikọta ụkwụ na
ụkwụ ala
The wrist connects the The teeth are strong and
hand to the lower arm : white : Ezé siri ike ma
Nkwojiaka na-ejikọta aka na na-acha ọcha
ogwe aka ala
The head is round like a She is short : Ọ dị
circle : Isi dị okirikiri dị ka mkpụmkpụ
okirikiri
218
He is tall : O toro ogologo What is the size of your feet

? : Kedu nha ụkwụ gị
How long is your index My size is nine : Nha m bụ
finger ? : Ogologo oge ole itoolu
mkpịsị aka gị nke abụọ
What is the colour of your He is large in size : O buru
hair ? : Kedu agba ntutu gị ? ibu na nha
She is small in size : Ọ dị I want the largest size :
obere na nha Achọrọ m nha kacha ukwuu
AT THE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND : CONVERSATIONS ,

219
Children's playground : Ebe Children's park / garden :

egwuregwu ụmụaka Ogige ụmụaka
See-saw : lee-hụrụ Merry-Go-Round : obi ụtọ
na-aga
Slide : Ihe mmịfe Swing : Akpọ
Sandbox : Igbeaja Playhouse : ụlọ egwu
Maze : Maze Child : Nwata
Children : Ụmụaka Playground : ebe egwuregwu
Play : Gwuo egwu Walk : ije
Run : Gbaa ọsọ Jump : Malie
Go : Gaa Come : bia
Hide : Zoo Seek , Search : Chọọ
Climb : arịgo Enjoy : enwe obi ụtọ
Sing : Abụ Happy : Obi ụtọ
Dance : agba egwú Sing and dance : Na-abụ abụ
na-agba egwu
Talk : okwu Push : Kwaa
Pull : dọọ Lift / Raise : ebuli
Drop : dobe Put down / Lower : Ala ala
Fix / repair : Idozi Start / Begin : Malite
220
End / Finish : Mechaa Continue : gaa n'ihu

Do you have children ? : Ị Yes , I have two daughters :
nwere ụmụaka? Ee, enwere m ụmụ nwanyị
abụọ
Yes , I have three sons : Ee, No , I don't have children :
enwere m ụmụ nwoke atọ Mba, enweghị m ụmụ
Fun /amusement / We had a lot of fun : Anyị
entertainment / enjoyment nwere ọtụtụ ihe ọchị
/ pleasure : Ihe ọchị /
ntụrụndụ
Here we are ! / we have Hurray! We finally made it
come : anyi abiawo to the park : Nnukwu! Anyị
mechara mee ya n'ogige ahụ
What do you want to play I want to go on the slide :
on first ? : Kedu ihe ị chọrọ Achọrọ m ịga na ọmịchara
igwu egwu na mbụ?
All right, but be careful : Ọ I'm having so much fun : M

dị mma, mana kpachara anya na-ekpori ndụ nke ukwuu
Did you like the slide ? : Ihe Yes , I do : Ee ekwere m
mmịfe ahụ ọ masịrị gị?
I slid down it fast : Now what do you want to
na-agbagharị m ngwa ngwa do? : Ugbu a gịnị ka ị chọrọ
ime?
I want to ride the swings : I want to ride my bicycle :
221
Achọrọ m ịnya akpọ Achọrọ m ịnya igwe m

Can I push you ? : Enwere m No, I can do it myself : Mba,
ike ịkwanye gị? enwere m ike ime ya n'onwe
m
We made it ! / We did it ! : Great! There are so many
Anyị mere ya! things I want to play :
Nnukwu! Enwere ọtụtụ ihe m
chọrọ igwu egwu
There are many things you What do you want to do
can play : Enwere ọtụtụ ihe ị first? : Kedu ihe ị chọrọ ibu
nwere ike igwu egwu ụzọ mee?
Let's ride the slide : ka anyị OK . Let´s do that : Ọ dị mma
ịnya Ihe mmịfe . Ka anyị mee nke ahụ
This is great ! : Nke a dị This is fun ! I am enjoying
mma! myself : Nke a na-atọ ụtọ!
Ana m anụrị onwe m
How did you like the The slide is great : Ihe mmịfe
playhouse ? : Kedu ka ụlọ ahụ bụ nnukwu
egwuregwu si amasị gị?
The swing was so much fun I like the swing : Akpọ ọ
: Akpọ ahụ bụ nnukwu masịrị m
I am enjoying myself : Ana They are enjoying
m anụrị onwe m themselves : Ha na-anụ ụtọ
onwe ha
He is enjoying himself : Ọ She is enjoying herself : Ọ
na-ekpori ndụ onwe ya na-ekpori ndụ onwe ya
222
What would you like to do I want to swing : Achọrọ m

next ? : Kedu ihe ị ga-achọ akpọ
ime ọzọ ?
I'll push you if you want : M Ok . Thanks : Ọ dị mma .
ga- kwaa ị ọ bụrụ na ị chọrọ Daalụ
I don't need your help. I can This park is fun : Ogige
do it myself : Achọghị m ntụrụndụ a na-atọ ụtọ
enyemaka gị. Enwere m ike
ime ya n'onwe m
Are you enjoying yourself ? : Yes , I am : Ee abụ m
Ị na-ekpori ndụ onwe gị?
Are you enjoying Yes , we are : Ee, anyị bụ
yourselves ? : Ị na-ekpori
ndụ onwe unu?
AT THE SCHOOL , UNIVERSITY : CONVERSATIONS ,

223
Education : Agụmakwụkwọ University / College :

Mahadum
Secondary school / High Classroom : imeụlọ klasị

school : Ụlọ akwụkwọ
sekọndrị
School : Ụlọ akwụkwọ Daycare : Nlekọta ụbọchị

224
Kindergarten / Nursery Primary school : Ụlọ

school / Pre-school : Ụlọ akwụkwọ praịmarị
akwụkwọ ọta akara
Vocational school / Trade Technical school / Skill

school : ụlọ akwụkwọ ọrụ school : Ụlọ akwụkwọ nka
Class / Group : Otu Room : imeụlọ
Hall , Aula : Ụlọ Nzukọ Book / Paper : Akwụkwọ
Sheet of paper / Paper : Internet / Web : Ịntanetị /

Akwụkwọ
Weebụ
Website : Weebụsaịtị Browse the web / Browser :

Ihe nchọgharị
Library : oba akwukwo Librarian : onye oba

akwukwo
Office : Ụlọ ọrụ Read : Gụọ
Count : igu onu Draw : Ise ihe
Pen : mkpisi ode akwukwo Pencil : Pensụl
Writing : Na-ede Fountain pen : Pen isi iyi
Desk / Table : okpokoro Ballpoint pen : mkpịsị bọọlụ
Ink : Inki Textbook : Akwụkwọ ọgụgụ

225
Bottle : karama Bag : Akpa
Case / Box : Igbe Think : chee
Remember : Cheta Invent / devise : mepụta
Improve / Progress / Discover : Chọpụta

Update : Melite
Notebook : Akwụkwọ ndetu Novel : akwụkwọ
Prose / Writing / Essay : Poetry : Abụ

Na-ede
Chair : Oche Blackboard : bọọdụ ojii
Whiteboard : bọọdụ ọcha Sit / Sit down : Nọdụ ala
Seat / bench : Oche Stand / Stand up : Kwụrụ ọtọ
Write : Dee Understand : Ghọta
Memory : ncheta Memorise : Buru n'isi
Computer : Kọmputa Laptop computer : kọmputa

laptọọpụ
Desktop computer : Mobile phone / Cell phone :

kọmputa desktọọpụ Ekwentị mkpanaka
226
Telephone / Phone : Ekwentị Bell : Mgbịrịgba
Listen / Hear : Nụrụ Teach : Kuziere
Learn : Mụta Educate : Kuziere ihe / imuta
Uniform : mbonotu Time : Oge
Object / Thing / Something Teacher : Onye nkuzi

: Ihe
Sketch / picture / Drawing : To draw / To sketch : Ịse

eserese
Literature / Written Line / Queue : Ahịrị

narratives : akwụkwọ
Circle : Gburugburu Box / Carton : Igbe
Language : Asụsụ Religion : Okpukpe
Subject : Isiokwu History : Akụkọ ihe mere

eme
Geography (Knowledge of Science (Knowledge of

the land) : Ihe ọmụma nke things) : Ọmụma nke ihe
ala
227
Headmaster /Director : Headmistress : onyeisi ụlọ

onyeisi ụlọ ọrụ ọrụ
Play : Gwuo egwu Playground : Ebe egwuregwu
Pupil / Student : Nwa Sport : Egwuregwu

akwukwo
Exercise : mmega ahụ Know : Mara
Knowledge : Ọmụma Education : Agụmakwụkwọ /

mmuta
Pray : Kpee ekpere Study : imu
Meeting : Nzukọ Sing : Abụ
Song / Music : Abụ / Egwu Work : Ọrụ
Email : Ozi intaneti Gym / Gymnasium : mgbatị
Sing a song : bụọ abụ Love song : Abụ ịhụnanya
Read and write : Gụọ ma I understand : Aghọtara m

dee
I don't understand : Do you understand ? : Ị

Aghọtaghị m ghọtara ?
228
Don't you understand ? : Ị Where do you go to high

ghọtaghị ? school ? : Ebee ka ị ga-aga ụlọ
akwụkwọ sekọndrị ?
I go to the High School in What is your favourite

Enugu : Agara m ụlọ subject in school ? : Kedu
akwụkwọ sekọndrị dị isiokwu kacha amasị gị n'ụlọ
n'Enugwu akwụkwọ?
My favourite subject is Do you wear a uniform

chemistry : Isiokwu kacha when you go to school ? : Ị
amasị m bụ kemistri na-eyi uwe mgbe ị na-aga
akwụkwọ?
Yes , we wear a blue and No , we do not wear a

white : Ee, anyị na-eyi acha school uniform : Mba, anyị
anụnụ na ọcha anaghị eyi uwe ụlọ akwụkwọ
Yes , I wear a green and No , I do not wear a school

black : Ee, m na-eyi akwụkwọ uniform : Mba, anaghị m eyi
ndụ na oji uwe ụlọ akwụkwọ
Yes , He wears a red and Yes , She wears a red and

brown coloured uniform : brown coloured uniform :
Ee, Ọ na-eyi uwe na-acha uhie Ee, Ọ na-eyi uwe na-acha uhie
uhie na agba aja aja uhie na agba aja aja
229
You wear a school uniform : You do not wear a school

Ị na-eyi uwe ụlọ akwụkwọ uniform : Ị naghị eyi uwe ụlọ
akwụkwọ
They wear a school uniform They do not wear a school

: Ha na-eyi uwe ụlọ akwụkwọ uniform : Ha anaghị eyi uwe
ụlọ akwụkwọ
Does the computer work ? : It works : Ọ na-arụ ọrụ

Kọmputa ahụ ọ na-arụ ọrụ?
It does not work : Ọ naghị How do you go to school ? :

arụ ọrụ Kedu ka ị mere aga akwụkwọ?
How did you come to school What time do you finish

? : Kedu ka i siri bata n'ulo school ? : Kedu oge ị na-eme
akwukwo? imecha ụlọ akwụkwọ ?
At 4 o'clock in the At 6 o'clock in the morning :

afternoon : N'elekere anọ N'elekere isii nke ụtụtụ
nke ehihie
How far is your school ? : Do you like school ? : Ụlọ

Kedu anya bụ ụlọ akwụkwọ gị akwụkwọ ọ masịrị gị ?
What time do you start Do you have a lot of

school ? : Kedu oge ị malite homework ? : Ị nwere ọtụtụ
ụlọ akwụkwọ ? ọrụ ụlọ ?
230
Do you have many friends Who is your best friend in

in school ? : Ị nwere ọtụtụ ndị school ? : Kedu onye bụ
enyi n'ụlọ akwụkwọ? ezigbo enyi gị n'ụlọ akwụkwọ?
Do you like going to school What is your best subject in

? : Ọ na-amasị gị ịga school ? : Kedu isiokwu kacha
akwụkwọ? mma gị n'ụlọ akwụkwọ ?
Yes , I do : Ee ekwere m No , I do not : Mba anaghị m
Are your teachers nice ? : Do you like to study ? : Ọ

Ndị nkuzi gị ọ dị mma? na-amasị gị ịmụ akwụkwọ?
Do you like doing Do you have free school

homework ? : Ọ na-amasị gị lunches ? : Ị nwere nri ehihie
ịme ihe omume ụlọ ? n'ụlọ akwụkwọ n'efu?
AT THE BIRTHDAY PARTY : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS ,

231
Cake : Achicha Present / Gift : onyinye

Birthday : Ụbọchị ọmụmụ Birth : Ọmụmụ
Birthday cake : Achịcha Old : Ochie
ụbọchị ọmụmụ
Young : eto New : Ọhụrụ
Born : Amụrụ Death : Ọnwụ
Live : Dị ndụ Living : Ibi ndụ
Die : Nwuo Dying : Na-anwụ anwụ
Happy / Delighted : Obi ụtọ Year / Age : Afọ
Month : Ọnwa Week : Izu
Day : Ụbọchị Hour : Oge awa
Minute : Nkeji Second : Nke abụọ
Party : otu Meeting / Get-together :
232
Nnọkọ
Food : Nri Drinks /Beverages : Ihe
ọṅụṅụ
Eat : Rie Drink / Suck / Sip : inu
Soft drink : Ihe ọṅụṅụ dị nro Hard drink / Strong drink :
Ihe ọṅụṅụ siri ike
Enjoy / Be happy : Nwee obi Fun , enjoyment /
ụtọ Happiness : obi ụtọ
Invite : Kpọọ Invitation : òkù

Music : Egwu Dance : Agba egwu
Alcohol / liquor : Mmanya Friends : Enyi
Water : Mmiri Sandwich : keabuo /
Sanwichi
Months of the year : Ọnwa Month : Ọnwa

ole nke afọ
Year : Afọ Calendar : Kalenda
January (Month 1): Ọnwa February (Month 2) : Ọnwa
mbu abuo
March ( Month 3) : Ọnwa atọ April ( Month 4) : Ọnwa anọ
May ( Month 5) : Ọnwa ise June ( Month 6) : Ọnwa isii
233
July ( Month 7) : Ọnwa asaa August ( Month 8) : Ọnwa

asatọ
September ( Month 9) : October ( Month 10) : Ọnwa
Ọnwa itoolu iri
November ( Month 11) : December : ( Month 12) :
Ọnwa iri na otu Ọnwa iri na abuo
Day : Ụbọchị Week : Izu
Days of the week : Ụbọchị Monday ( day 1) : Ụbọchị
nke izu mbu
Tuesday ( day 2) : Ụbọchị Wednesday ( day 3) : Ụbọchị
abuo atọ
Thursday ( day 4) : Ụbọchị Friday ( day 5) : Ụbọchị ise

anọ
Saturday ( day 6) : Ụbọchị Sunday ( day 7) : Ụbọchị

isii asaa
Morning : Ututu Lunch (Midday , noon) : Nri
ehihie / ehihie
Afternoon : N'ehihie Evening : Mbubreyo
Night : Abali Midnight : N'etiti abalị
A week : Otu izu This week : Izu a
Next week , coming week : One week : Otu izu
Izu na-esote
Last week : Izu gara aga Every week : Kwa izu
234
Once a week : Otu ugboro Twice a week : Ugboro abụọ

n'izu n'izu
Happy birthday : Ezi ncheta Happy birthday to you :

ọmụmụ Nwee ezi ncheta ọmụmụ
Have a nice time : Nwee Have a good time : Nwee

ọmarịcha oge ọmarịcha oge
Have a nice day : Nwee Greetings : Ekele

ọmarịcha ụbọchị
Greet : kelee Congratulations : Ekele
Birthday greetings : Ekele Send / convey greetings :

ụbọchị ọmụmụ Ziga ekele
I wish you all the best : a na How are you spending the
m echere gị echiche kacha day ? / What are you doing
mma that day? : Kedu ihe ị na-eme
ụbọchị ahụ?
What is your name ? : Kedu My name is : Aha m bụ

aha gị ?
235
When is your birthday ? : My birthday is the 5th of

Kedu oge bụ ụbọchị ọmụmụ March : Ubochi omumu m
gị ? na-bụ ubochi 5th nke Maachị
When were you born ? : I was born on 4th of april

Kedu mgbe amụrụ gị ? 1992 : A mụrụ m na 4th nke
Eprel 1992
What is your nationality ? I am a Nigerian : Abụ m

:Kedu obodo gị ? onye Naijiria
Which languages do you I speak Yoruba , Ibo and

speak ? : Kedu asụsụ ị English : A na m asụ Yoruba,
na-asụ? Ibo na Bekee
What is your job ? : Kedu I am a carpenter : Abụ m

ihe bụ ọrụ gị ? onye ọkwá nkà
Are you enjoying yourself ? Are you having a nice time

: Ị na-ekpori ndụ onwe gị ? ? : Ị na-enwe ọmarịcha oge ?
Welcome , thank you for Goodbye : Ka ọ dị

coming : Nnọọ, daalụ maka
ịbịa
Good job , well done : Welcome : Nnọọ

Ezigbo ọrụ, emela nke ọma
236
Are you leaving now ? : Ị I am leaving early because

na-apụ ugbu a ? of the traffic : Ana m apụ
n'isi n'ihi okporo ụzọ
I will leave late : M ga-apụ I will come early : M ga-abịa

mbubreyo n'isi
Happy birthday song : Sing the happy birthday

Egwu ezi ụbọchị ọmụmụ song : Bụ abụ ọma ụbọchị
ọmụmụ
Singing : Ịbụ abụ Enjoying / Having fun :

Na-anụ ụtọ
Happy birthday song in Happy birthday song in

English : Egwu ezi ụbọchị Igbo : Egwu ezi ụbọchị
ọmụmụ na Bekee ọmụmụ na igbo
How old are you ? : Afọ ole I am 9 years old : Adị m afọ
ka ịdị ? itoolu
I am 10 years old : Adị m I am having a birthday

afọ iri party : Ana m enwe oriri
ụbọchị ọmụmụ
AT THE AIRPORT / SEA PORT / FERRY PORT / RIVER PORT

: CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
237
SOLAR-POWERED AIRPORT
Airport : ọdụ ụgbọelu Travel , Journey , Trip , Tour

: Njem
Sea port : ọdụ ụgbọ mmiri Ferry Port : ọdụ ụgbọ mmiri
River port : ọdụ ụgbọ mmiri Terminal : ọnụ
Airport terminal : ọnụ ọdụ Ferry / Boat terminal : ọnụ
ụgbọ elu ụgbọ mmiri
To travel / Travelling : Njem Aeroplane / Aircraft /
Airplane : Ụgbọ elu
Helicopter : helikopta Drone plane : Ụgbọ elu
drone
Fly : ada By air : site n'ikuku
Air , Wind , oxygen : ikuku Sea : Oke osimiri
238
River : Osimiri Port / Water Station : ọdụ

ụgbọ mmir
Ferry : Ụgbọ mmiri Boat / Ship / Sailboat : Ụgbọ
mmiri
Water : Mmiri Sail boat : ugbonnapu
By : Site By ferry : Site n'ụgbọ mmiri
By boat / Ship : Site n'ụgbọ By plane : Site n'ụgbọelu
mmiri
Flight : njem ugbo elu Luggage : Akpa
Bag : Akpa Runway / Street : okporo
ámá
Guard / Security guard : Airport security guard :
Onye nche Onye nche ọdụ ụgbọ elu
Restaurant , canteen Taxi : Taxi
/cafeteria : Ụlọ oriri na
ọṅụṅụ
Cafe / coffee shop / snack Bar : Ogwe
bar : ụlọ ahịa kọfị
Shop / Store : Ụlọ ahịa Police : Ndị uwe ojii
Newspaper , magazine : Kiosk : Ụlọ ahịa nta
Akwụkwọ akụkọ
Police station : Ụlọ ọrụ uwe Train station / Railway
ojii station : ọdụ ụgbọ oloko
Building , house , home : Ụlọ Main hall : Nnukwu ọnụ ụlọ
239
Railway : Ụgbọ okporo ígwè On time : N'oge

Delay : igbu oge Cancel : Kagbuo
Arrivals : Ndị mbata Departures : Ndị ọpụpụ
Policeman : Onye uwe ojii Policewoman : Nwanyị uwe
ojii
Cabin : Ụlọ Crew / Employees : Ndị ọrụ
Workers / Staff : Ndị ọrụ Cabin crew : Ndị ọrụ
Pilot : Pilot Co-Pilot : Co-Pilot
Registration : Ndebanye aha Carry on bag : Buru na akpa
Check in : Ndebanye mbata Check out : Lelee
Check in desk : oche Check out desk : oche Lelee
Ndebanye mbata
Stewardess / Housekeeper : Steward / Housekeeper :
Onye na-elekọta ụlọ Onye na-elekọta ụlọ
Flight attendant : Onye Service / Work : Ọrụ
nlekọta ụgbọ elu
Work , Job : Ọrụ Personnel / Workers : Ndị
ọrụ
Airport personnel : Ndị ọrụ Airport manager : Onye
ọdụ ụgbọelu njikwa ọdụ ụgbọ elu
Document : Akwụkwọ Passport : akwukwonjem
Visa : Visa Ticket : Tiketi
Airline : ụgbọelu Organization : nzukọ
240
Suitcase , box : igbe Toothbrush : ahịhịa eze

Toothpaste : Ihe ntacha eze Money : Ego
Comb : mbo Body cream / Body lotion :
Ude ahụ
Soap : Ncha Towel : Akwa nhicha ahụ
Gate : Ọnụ ụzọ Card : Okwe
Hall : Ụlọ Nzukọ Waiting room : Ụlọ nchere
Toilet / WC : Ụlọ mposi VIP room : Ime ụlọ VIP
Airport staff : Ndị ọrụ ọdụ Airport bank : Ụlọ akụ ọdụ
ụgbọ elu ụgbọ elu
Airport shop : Ụlọ ahịa ọdụ Pack , package , luggage ,
ụgbọ elu load , burden : akpa
Unpack ,off load / Remove : Control , management :
wepụ ya Njikwa
Airport control : Njikwa ọdụ Take off : Gbapụ
ụgbọ elu
Tax free /Duty free / No tax Land : Ala
: Enweghị ụtụ isi
Descend , go down : gbadata Ascending , rise up : bilie
Tarmac , surface of the Bus : Ụgbọ ala
ground : elu
Airport bus : Ụgbọ ala ọdụ Airport vehicle : Ụgbọ ala
ụgbọ elu ọdụ ụgbọ elu
241
Boat terminal / Boat port : Traveller , passenger ,

ọdụ ụgbọ mmiri tourist : Onye njem
Taxi stop : Taxi kwụsị Travel : Njem
Currency : Ego Cash : Ego
Foreign currency : Ego mba Foreign language : Asụsụ
ofesi mba ọzọ
Abroad : Mba ọzọ Overseas : Mba ofesi
Board / Enter : Banye Identity card , ID card :
Kaadị njirimara
Boarding pass / boarding Credit card : Kaadị
card / access card : kaadị akwụmụgwọ
nbanye
Greeting card : Kaadị ekele Information desk : oche ozi
Information : ozi Help , assistance : Enyemaka
Help me : Nyere m aka Do you need help ? : Ị chọrọ
enyemaka ?
X-ray machine : Igwe X-ray Conveyor belt : eriri ebufe
Stopover , Stop : Kwụsị Vacation ,Holiday : ezumike
Hotel : nkwari akụ Border , boundary : oke
What are you doing ? : Kedu I am packing my bag : Ana

ihe ị na-eme ? m akpakọba akpa m
242
Are you travelling I am travelling abroad : Ana

somewhere ? : Ị na-eme m eme njem na mba ofesi
njem ebe ?
Where are you going ? : I am travelling to Enugu in
Ebee ka ị na-aga ? Nigeria : Ana m eme njem
Enugu na Naijiria
What are you going to do I will be visiting relatives
there ? : Kedu ihe ị ga-eme and also doing some
ebe ahụ ? sightseeing : M ga na-eleta
ndị ikwu na ime ụfọdụ
nlegharị anya
What places and sights are Who are you going with ? :
you planning to visit ? : Onye ka ị na-aga ya na ?
Kedu ebe na nlegharị anya ị
na-eme atụmatụ ịga ?
I am going with my wife : I am going with my son and
Mụ na nwunye m na-aga daughter : Mụ na nwa m
nwoke na nwa m nwanyị
na-aga
I will visit the Igbo religious I will also visit the holy
places : A ga m eleta ebe river : Aga m eletakwa osimiri
okpukpere chi Igbo nsọ
When do you plan to go? : Where are you going to stay
Kedu mgbe ị na-eme atụmatụ ? / Where will you stay ? :
ịga ? Ebee ka ị ga-anọ ?
I plan to go on wednesday I will stay at a hotel : M
next week : Ana m eme ga-anọ na nkwari akụ
atụmatụ ịga na Wenezde
243
n'izu na-abịa
How long will you be gone ? When will you be back ? :

: Ogologo oge ole ka ị ga-apụ Kedu mgbe ị ga-alọghachi ?
?
I will be away for 2 weeks : I will not stay long : Agaghị
M ga-anọkwa izu abụọ m anọ ogologo oge
Where did you go on your When do you have a
last trip (travel) ? : Ebee ka ị vacation ? : Kedu mgbe ị
gara na njem ikpeazụ gị nwere ezumike ?
Are you on holidays Which hotel will you stay at
(vacation) ? : Ị nọ na ? : Kedu ụlọ oriri na ọṅụṅụ ị
ezumike ? ga-anọ ?
What are the best sights to Have a nice flight : Nwee
visit in Igboland ? : Kedu ihe ụgbọ elu mara mma
nlegharị anya kacha mma
ileta na ala Igbo ?
The best sights in Igboland The best food in Igboland is
are …. : Ebe kacha mma n'ala … : Nri kacha mma n'ala Igbo
Igbo bụ bụ
Have a nice journey / Have Do you have a direct flight
a good trip : Nwee ezigbo or do you have a stopover ?
njem : Ị nwere ụgbọ elu ozugbo ma
ọ bụ ị nwere ebe nkwụsị ?
I want to go sightseeing : When are you coming back
Achọrọ m ịga nlegharị anya ? : Kedu mgbe ị ga-alọghachi ?
244
What kind of Which restaurants will you

transportation do you visit ? : Kedu ụlọ oriri na
prefer to use when you ọṅụṅụ ị ga-aga ?
travel ? : Kedu ụdị ụgbọ njem
na-amasị gị iji mgbe ị na-eme
njem ?
I usually travel by bus or I will visit the Obi
train : M na-ejikarị bọs ma ọ restaurant : Aga m eleta ụlọ
bụ ụgbọ oloko eme njem oriri na ọṅụṅụ Obi
Is the flight on time ? : Ụgbọ Have you packed your bags
elu ahụ ọ bịara n'oge ? ? : Ị kwakọbala akpa gị ?
Yes , it is on time : Ee, ọ bụ Yes , it is : Ee, ọ bụ
n'oge
Yes , I have packed my bags Yes , I have / Yes I do : Ee,
: Ee, akwakọbawo m akpa m enwere m / Ee ekwere m
Can you help me , please ? Yes , I can : Ee, enwere m ike
: Ị nwere ike inyere m aka ,
biko ?
AT THE SPORTS STADIUM / GYM : CONVERSATIONS ,

245
Sit / Sit down : Nọdụ ala Squat / Crouch : gbadaa

Stoop / Bow / Bow down : Lean : Dabere
Kpọọ isi ala
Stand / Stana up : Guzo Walk : ije
Run : na-agba ọsọ Jump / Skip / Fly / Leap :
Malie
Start / begin : Malite End / Finish : Ọgwụgwụ
Run fast : Gbaa ọsọ ọsọ Run slow : Gbaa nwayo
246
Swim / Bathe : igwu mmiri Swimming pool : Ebe igwu

mmiri
Exercise : mgbatị To exercise , to do exercise
: Ime mgbatị ahụ
Game / Match : Egwuregwu Game of football :
Egwuregwu bọọlụ
Football / Soccer : Dance : Agba egwu
Egwuregwu bọọlụ
Train / Teach / Educate / Training session / Exercise
Learn : Kuziere session : Oge ọzụzụ
Cycling : Ịgba ígwè Bicycle : Ịnyịnya igwe
Ride : Ịnya Ride a bicycle : Ịnya Ịnyịnya
igwe
Session / Period : Oge Rowing : Ịkwọ ụgbọ
Lesson : Ihe omumu Lifting / Lift up : Na-ebuli elu
Ride a horse : Ịnya ịnyịnya Boxing : Ịgba ọkpọ
Walking : Ije Running : Na-agba ọsọ
Skateboard : Bọọdu ịnyịnya Scooter / small motorcycle :
ụgbọ ukwu abụọ
Win : merie Lose / fail : daa
Winner : Onye mmeri Loser : onye efu
Happy / joyful : Obi ụtọ Sad /Sorrowful : Nwute
Rejoice / Filled with joy : Shout / Scream : Tie mkpu
jupụtara n'ọṅụ
247
Cry / Weep : Kwaa akwa Mute : Ogbi

Silence : gbachi nkịtị Noise : Mkpọtụ
Loud : dara ụda Clap : Kụọ aka
Cheer / Cheer up : mụọ amụ Support : Nkwado
Supporter : Onye nkwado Trouble : Nsogbu
Problem / Difficulty : Peace : Udo
Nsogbu
Talk : Kwuo okwu Discuss : Mkparịta ụka
Bench / Seat / Chair : Oche Pay : Kwụọ
Buy / purchase : Zụrụ Ticket : Tiketi
Dressing room : Ụlọ ejiji Gate : Ọnụ ụzọ
Ground : Ala Scoreboard : bọọdụ akara
Field / Pitch : Ala Jersey : uwe elu
Fan / Supporter : Onye Sportsman / Athlete : Onye
nkwado na-eme egwuregwu
Player : Onye egwuregwu Sport :
Pupil / Student : Nwa Trainer / Teacher / Coach
akwukwo :Onye nkuzi
Student / Learner / Trainee Expert / Professional :
: Nwa akwukwo Ọkachamara
Beginner (Starter , Veteran : Onye agha agha
newcomer , Amateur) :
Onye mbido
248
Referee : Onye na-egbu Umpire / Arbitrator /

pịọm Mediator : Onye na-egbu
pịọm
Announcer / Advertiser : Loudspeaker : Igwe okwu
Onye mgbasa ozi
Kiosk : Ụlọ ahịa nta Hotdogs sausages : sausaji
Hotdogs
Beer : Biya Water : Mmiri
Hamburger : Ogbe achịcha Restaurant : Ụlọ oriri na
ọṅụṅụ
Treadmill : Igwe ọsọ Stationary bicycle : igwe
kwụ otu ebe
Rowing machine : Igwe Elliptical training machine :
ọkwụkwọ Igwe nkuzi Elliptical
Weight : Arọ Weightlifting / Lifting
weights : ebuli arọ
Weights training : Ọzụzụ ịdị Bodybuilding : ahụ owuwu
arọ ihe
Weights set : Arọ Power- / Strength training :
Ọzụzụ ike
Strong man : Nwoke siri ike Strong woman : Nwanyị siri
ike
Muscle : Akwara Sit up : nọdụ elu
Arm push up : ọzụzụ ogwe Single-leg stand : Nkwụdo
aka otu ụkwụ
249
Play : Gwuo Kick : mghali

Throw : atụpụ Catch : jide
Match / Game : Egwuregwu Football game : Egwuregwu
bọọlụ
Tennis : Egwuregwu tenis Badminton : Egwuregwu
badminton
Squash : Egwuregwu squash Volleyball : Egwuregwu
vọlibọl
Basketball : Bazhetibọl Ball : bọl
Workout session : Oge Workouts : Rụpụta
rụpụta
Let's go to the gym for a Ok, let's go : Ọ dị mma, ka
workout session : Ka anyị anyị gawa
gaa na mgbatị ahụ maka oge
mgbatị ahụ
What do you like to do for Do you like to exercise
exercise ? : Kedu ihe indoors or outdoors ? : Ọ
na-amasị gị ime maka mgbatị na-amasị gị ịme mgbatị ahụ
ahụ? n'ime ụlọ ma ọ bụ n'èzí ?
Do you have a personal What types of equipment

trainer ? : Ị nwere onye nkuzi do you use to exercise ? :
nke gị? Kedu ụdị akụrụngwa ị na-eji
eme mgbatị ahụ?
How do you exercise ? : How often do you exercise ?
Kedu ka ị si eme mgbatị ahụ? : Ugboro ole ka ị na-emega
250
ahụ ?
How often do you go to the Where do you want to start
gym ? : Ugboro ole ka ị ? : Ebee ka ị chọrọ ịmalite?
na-aga mgbatị ahụ?
What do you want to start I will start on the stationary
with ? : Kedu ihe ị chọrọ ibido bike and then the treadmill
na ? : M ga-eji igwe kwụ otu ebe
malite ọzọkwa igwe ọsọ
The training session is over This is the last exercise and
. Good night : Oge ọzụzụ then it is the end for today :
agwụla . Ka chifoo Nke a bụ mmega ahụ ikpeazụ
ma mgbe ahụ ọ bụ njedebe
maka taa
Well done ,Thank you for I will see you tomorrow :
the job : Emeela nke ọma, Aga m ahụ gị echi
daalụ maka ọrụ ahụ.
Do you like to play football Yes , i like to play football :
? : Ịgba bọọlụ na-amasị gị ? Ee, ọ na-amasị m ịgba bọọlụ
Do you like going to watch Yes , I do : Ee ekwere m

football matches ? : Ọ
na-amasị gị ịga kirie
egwuregwu bọọlụ?
How often do you go to Once a month : Otu ugboro
watch your home team n'ọnwa
251
play ? : Ugboro ole ka ị

na-aga ikiri otu egwuregwu
ụlọ gị?
Once every two months : Two times a year : Ugboro
Otu ugboro kwa ọnwa abụọ abụọ n'afọ
Do you go to watch home Home games only : Naanị
matches and away matches egwuregwu ụlọ
? : Ị na-aga ikiri egwuregwu
ụlọ na egwuregwu pụọ?
Do you go alone to football I go with my children : M
matches or with your na-eso ụmụ m aga
family ? : Ị na-aga naanị gị na
egwuregwu bọọlụ ma ọ bụ gị
na ezinụlọ gị?
How is the atmosphere in I enjoy the atmosphere in
the matches ? Do you enjoy the game with everyone
it ? : Kedu ka ikuku dị na singing (chanting) together
egwuregwu? Ọ na-atọ gị ụtọ? : Enwere m mmasị na ikuku dị
na egwuregwu ahụ na onye ọ
bụla na-abụ ọnụ
How is the atmosphere The atmosphere is quiet
when the home team loses? and sad : Ikuku dị jụụ na
: Kedu ka ikuku si dị mgbe ndị mwute
otu ụlọ daa?
How is the atmosphere The atmosphere is full of

when the home team is happiness and joy : Ikuku
winning ? : Kedu ka ikuku si na-enwe obi ụtọ na ọñụ
252
dị mgbe ndị otu ụlọ na-emeri?

Let's go home : Ka anyị laa Okay , let's go : Ọ dị mma, ka
n'ụlọ anyị gawa
Good evening : Mgbede ọma Good night : Ka chifoo
Merry Christmas and a The same to you : Dịkwara gị
Happy New Year ! :
ekeresimesi oma na afo
ohuru oma
AT THE TRAIN STATION / BUS STATION / TAXI STOP :

253
Station : ọdụ Bus station : ọdụ burumbu
Stop / Stand / Wait : Kwụsị Train station / Railway

station : ọdụ ụgbọ oloko
Taxi stop / Taxi stand : Taxi Taxi : Taxi

kwụsị
Car (Motor Car) : Ụgbọ ala Train : ụgbọ oloko
Bus / Truck / Lorry : Ụgbọ Bus stop : Ebe nkwụsị njem

burumbu
Mini bus : Obere ụgbọ Cable car : Ụgbọ ala cable
burumbu
Bicycle : Ịnyịnya igwe Travel : njem
Ride : ịnya Bus ride : Ịnya ụgbọ

burumbu
Car ride : Ịnya ụgbọ ala Drive : Ịnya / mbanye
Driver : Onye ọkwọ ụgbọ ala Taxi driver : Onye na-anya
tagzi
Car driver : Onye ọkwọ ụgbọ Travel by car : Jiri ụgbọ ala
ala mee njem
Travel by train : Jiri ụgbọ Road : Ụzọ
oloko mee njem
Highway / Main road : Isi Bus conductor / Ticket
okporo ụzọ inspector : Onye nyocha
tiketi
254
Take a taxi (cab) : Were tagzi Call a taxi : Kpọọ tagzi

Passenger / Traveller : Onye Passers-by : Ndị na-agafe
njem agafe
Traffic : Okporo ụzọ Speed /Acceleration : Ọsọ
Slow / Slowly : Nwayọọ Accident / Crash : Okuku
Slow down : Nwayọọ Overtake / Pass through :
gafere
Ticket : Tiketi Train ticket : Tiketi ụgbọ
oloko
Cancel : Kagbuo Schedule : Nhazi oge
Bus schedule : Nhazi oge Train schedule : Nhazi oge
ụgbọ burumbu ụgbọ oloko
Bon voyage (Have a good Have a nice journey (trip) :

journey) : Nwee ezigbo njem Nwee ezigbo njem
Early / Before time : tupu Late / After time : emechaa
oge eruo
Platform : elu ikpo okwu Departures board : Bọọdi
ndị ọpụpụ
Arrivals board : Bọọdi ndị Information board : Bọọdi
mbata ozi
Ticket machine : Igwe tiketi Ticket office : Ụlọ ọrụ tiketi
Barrier / Obstacle : Ihe Lost Property Office : ụlọ
mgbochi ọrụ ngwongwo furu efu
255
Waiting room : Ụlọ nchere Trolley / Cart / Wagon :

moto inyinya
Bank : Ụlọ akụ Office : Ụlọ ọrụ
Police station : Ụlọ ọrụ uwe Health Center : Ụlọ ọrụ
ojii ahụike
Excuse me , where is the Over there ! : N'ofe ahụ !
ticket machine ? : Biko, kedu
ebe igwe tiketi dị ?
I would like a ticket to Ok . Here it is : Ọ dị mma .
Enugu : Otu tiketi ịga Enugwu Lee ya ebe a
ga-amasị m
When are you coming back I don't know yet : Amaghị m
? : Kedu mgbe ị ga-alọghachi ma
I'd like a return ticket to Can I buy a ticket on the
Lagos : Tiketi nloghachi Lagos train ? : Enwere m ike ịzụta
ga-amasị m tiketi na ụgbọ oloko?
Yes , you can : Ee, ị nwere ike How much does a round
trip ticket to Abuja cost ? :
Ego ole ka tiketi njem okirikiri
na-aga Abuja na-eri ?
How much does it cost ? : It costs 600 Naira : Ọ na-efu
Ego ole ka ọ na-eri ? Naira 600
It is not cheap : Ọ bụghị ọnụ It is expensive (dear) : Ọ dị
ala oke ọnụ
It is too expensive : Ọ dị oke It is cheap : Ọ dị ọnụ ala
ọnụ
256
What time does the train What time does the train
leave ? : Kedu oge ụgbọ arrive ? : Kedu oge ụgbọ
oloko ahụ ji ahapụ ? oloko na-abịarute?
It leaves (departs) at 10.30 It arrives at 10.30 PM : Ọ
AM : Ọ na-ahapụ na 10.30 na-abịa na 10.30 n'ehihie
n'ụtụtụ
Is there a later train ? : Ọ No ,this is the last train :
nwere ụgbọ oloko na-esote? Mba, nke a bụ ụgbọ oloko
ikpeazụ
Yes ,there is a train which What platform does the
leaves at 2.30 PM : Ee, train leave from ? : Kedu
enwere ụgbọ oloko na-apụ na ikpo okwu ụgbọ oloko na-apụ
2.30 n'ehihie ?
From platform 5 : Site na Should I change to another
ikpo okwu ise train ? : Ekwesịrị m ịgbanwe
gaa ụgbọ oloko ọzọ?
No , it is a direct train : Mba, Is there food on the train
ọ bụ ụgbọ oloko na-aga for sale ? : enwere nri na
kpọmkwem ụgbọ oloko maka ọrịre ?
There are shops where you How long is the train
can buy simple food and delayed ? : Ogologo oge ole
snacks and drinks : Enwere ka ụgbọ oloko ahụ na-egbu
ụlọ ahịa ebe ị nwere ike ịzụta oge ?
nri dị mfe na nri nri na ihe
ọṅụṅụ
It is delayed 2 hours : Ọ Is the train on time ? : ụgbọ
bịaghị n'oge elekere abuo oloko bụ n'oge ?
Yes , it is on time : Ee, ọ bụ No , it is delayed : Ọ bịaghị
257
n'oge n'oge
Do you know the reason for No , I don't : Mba, anaghị m
the delay ? : Ị maara ihe
kpatara igbu oge ?
Where can I get (find) a taxi Just outside the station , on

? : Ebee ka m nwere ike your right : Naanị n'èzí ọdụ
ịnweta tagzi ? ụgbọ mmiri, n'aka nri gị
Long time no see : Oteaka Good bye : Ka ọ dị

anyị hụrụ
Welcome : Nnọọ Welcome back : Nnọọ
AT THE IGBO TEMPLE / CHURCH / MOSQUE / WEDDING

CEREMONY : CONVERSATIONS , NOUNS , VERBS AND
ADJECTIVES
MBARI IGBO TEMPLE

258
Almighty Igbo gods and Igbo temple : Ụlọ nsọ Igbo

goddesses : Chukwu ,
Anyawu, Amadioha, Ahiajoku,
Ala, Ibini Ukpabi, Ekwensu,
Agwu and Mmuo Mmiri , Ani
Holy book : Akwụkwọ Nsọ Worship : Ofufe
Worshipper : Onye ofufe Temple : Ụlọ nsọ
259
Church : Ụka Mosque : Ụlọ alakụba
Shrine : Ụlọ nsọ God , male : chukwu /

Chineke
Goddess : Chi nwanyị God , deity : Chi
Pray : Kpee ekpere Prayer : Ekpere
Quran : Quran Bible : Akwụkwọ Nsọ
Bride / Wife : Nwunye Bridegroom / Husband : Di
Christian : Christian Muslim : Muslim
Love : Ịhụnanya Hate : Ịkpọ asị

Like : na-amasị Fight : Ọgụ
War : Agha Mass / Service : uka
Church mass : Uka ụka Sunday service : Ọrụ ụbọchị

ụka
Sunday school : Ụlọ Friday prayers : Ekpere

akwụkwọ Sọnde Friday
Chief priest , male : Onyeisi Chief priest , female :

nchụaja, nwoke Onyeisi nchụaja, nwanyị
260
Priest , male : Ụkọchukwu, Priest , female : Ụkọchukwu,

nwoke nwanyị
Imam : Imam Holy city : Obodo nsọ
Bridesmaid : nwa agbọghọ Best man : Nwoke kacha

mma
Holy drum : nsọ igba Holy river : Osimiri nsọ
Holy spirit : Mmụọ nsọ Sing : Abụ
Song : Abụ Holy songs : Abụ nsọ
Wedding ceremony : Ememe Marriage / Wedding : Alụmdi

agbamakwụkwọ na nwunye / Agbamakwụkwọ
Ring : mgbanaka Wedding ring : Mgbanaka

agbamakwụkwọ
Wedding dress : Uwe Dress : Uwe

agbamakwụkwọ
Clothes : Uwe Wear clothes /Get dressed :

Yiri uwe
To dress : Yiri uwe Marriage vows : Nkwa
alụmdi na nwunye
Undress : Yipụ uwe Wedding cake : Achịcha

agbamakwụkwọ
261
Wedding invitation : Guest : Onye ọbịa

Akwụkwọ ịkpọ òkù
agbamakwụkwọ
Wedding party : oriri Wedding reception : oriri

agbamakwụkwọ agbamakwụkwọ
Maid : Nwa agbọghọ Page / Young boy : Nwa

okorobia
Matron of honour : nne nke Groomsmen / Friends of
nsọpụrụ husband : enyi nke di
Flower girl : Nwa agbọghọ Ring bearer : Onye na-ebu
ifuru mgbanaka
Candle lighter : Kandụl mkpa Peace and love : Udo na
ọkụ ihunanya
Kiss : Suu ọnụ Who are you ? : Onye ka ị bụ
?
I am a priest of Igbo religion Are you the chief priest ? : Ị
: Abụ m onye ụkọchukwu nke bụ onye isi nchụàjà ?
okpukpere chi Igbo
No , I am an ordinary priest Which temple are you in ? :
: Mba, abụ m onye Kedu ụlọ nsọ ị nọ?
ụkọchukwu nkịtị
Congratulations on a Best wishes for your

wonderful wedding ! : Ekele wedding ! : Ihe kacha mma
262
maka agbamakwụkwọ maka agbamakwụkwọ gị

magburu onwe ya
May Chukwu grant you Wishing you the best today
wisdom, blessings, and and always : Na-achọ gị ihe
happiness : Ka Chukwu nye kacha mma taa na mgbe niile
gi amamihe, ngozi, na anuri
Thank you : Daalụ Thank you so much : Daalụ
nke ukwuu
Your wedding is so I want a wedding like that :
beautiful : Agbamakwụkwọ Achọrọ m agbamakwụkwọ dị
gị mara mma nke ukwuu otú ahụ
How would you like your Big and memorable :
wedding to be ? : Kedu ka ị Nnukwu na echefu echefu
ga-achọ ka agbamakwụkwọ gị
dị ?
I want a small wedding : How much did you spend

Achọrọ m obere on your wedding ? : Ego ole
agbamakwụkwọ ka ị mere na agbamakwụkwọ
gị ?
We spent a lot of money , Not much , just a small
but it was worth it ( but it wedding : Ọ bụghị ọtụtụ, ọ
was right) : Anyị na-eji bụ naanị obere
nnukwu ego, ma ọ bara uru agbamakwụkwọ
263
AT THE BURIAL CEREMONY / GRAVEYARD :

TRADITIONAL IGBO BURIAL CEREMONY
Death : Ọnwụ Living / To live : Ibi ndụ

Die : Nwuo Alive : Ibi ndụ
Grave / Tomb : Ili Cemetery / Graveyard /
264
Burial ground : ebe ili ozu

Burial permit : Ikike olili Burial plot / Burial place :
Ebe olili
Bury : lie Dig : igwu
Dig up : igwu Headstone (Grave Marker) :
Nkume isi / Ihe nrịbama ili
Gravedigger : onye na-egwu Cry / Weep : Kwaa akwa
ili
Corpse / the dead : Ozu Carcass : Ozu
Flower : Ifuru Gift / Donation : Onyinye
Casket (Coffin) : Igbe ozu Cremation / Burn : Ọkụ
Cremation urn for the Prayers : Ekpere
ashes of the dead / Pot for
ashes : ite maka ntụ
Burial vault (tomb) : ili Funeral : Olili ozu
Condolences / Sadness / Candles : Kandụl
Sorrow / Grievance : Mwute
Funeral flowers : Okooko Photo portrait : Eserese
osisi olili ozu
Memorial table : okpokoro Memorial service : Ọrụ
ncheta ncheta
Funeral service : Ọrụ olili Altar (table) : Ebe ịchụàjà
ozu
Service : Ọrụ Congregation / Audience :
265
Ọgbakọ
Pastor / Priest : Ụkọchukwu Imam : Imam
Bereavement : mfu Bereave / loss : mfu
Widow : nwanyị di ya nwụrụ Widower : nwunye ya nwụrụ
Pray : Kpee ekpere God : Chukwu / Chineke
Open : meghee Close : mechie
Dig a hole in the ground : Dig deep / Dig shallow :
Gwuo olulu n'ala Gwuo miri emi / Gwuo emighị
emi
I am so sorry for your loss : You are in my thoughts and
O wutere m nke ukwuu maka prayers : Ị nọ n'echiche na
ọnwụ gị ekpere m
I am praying for you : Ana m This is so very to hear, I'm

ekpe ekpere maka gị thinking of you and your
family : Nke a dị nnọọ mwute
ịnụ, ana m eche maka gị na
ezinụlọ gị
If you want to talk at any I am shocked and saddened
time, I'm here : Ọ bụrụ na ị by this news, if you need
chọrọ ikwu okwu n'oge ọ anything I'm here : Akụkọ a
bụla, a na m ebe a juru m anya ma wute m, ma ọ
bụrụ na ị chọrọ ihe ọ bụla m
nọ ebe a
266
You have my deepest I am so sorry to hear about

sympathy : Ị nwere ọmịiko your mother's death : O
miri emi wutere m ịnụ gbasara ọnwụ
nne gị
My deepest sympathy to Sending my deepest
you : ọmịiko kacha m nke gị sympathy to you and your
family : Na-ezigara gị na
ezinụlọ gị ọmịiko dị ukwuu
267
268
269
TRANSLATIONS OF PARAGRAPHS : Article 1 of the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
IN ENGLISH : All human beings are born free and equal in

dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and
conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
brotherhood.
IN IGBO : A mụrụ mmadụ niile nweere onwe ha nhata na

ugwu na ikike. Enyere ha uche na akọ na uche ma kwesị
ịkpakọrịta ibe ha n'ime mmụọ nke ụmụnna.

DR. BLYDEN : SCRIBD - IGBO LANGUAGE AND RELIGION ,

NIGERIA
GOOGLE SEARCH : BLYDEN + IGBO LANGUAGE AND

RELIGION , NIGERIA
270
DR. BLYDEN
E-mail : nas.deen1@gmail.com
Dr. Blyden Website : DR. BLYDEN LIBRARY or
https:// independent.academia.edu/ BlydenNoah or
https://doctorblyden.jimdo .com/ DR. BLYDEN ON SCRIBD
DR. BLYDEN
Dr. Blyden by Dr.Blyden Noah / Copyright : Dr.Blyden Noah ,
2023 / Expert on : Global Health . Expert on Yoruba
language , culture and religion . Expert on African languages ,
culture and traditional religions . Expert on modern African
literature . Expert on Global Human Development / Expert
on traditional African philosophy / DR. BLYDEN LIBRARY

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DR.

BLYDEN : IGBO LANGUAGE AND RELIGION , NIGERIA

DR. BLYDEN : IGBO LANGUAGE & RELIGION ,

GODDESS ANI WITH CHILD , THE MOTHER OF ALL IGBOS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

This book is also dedicated to Foulah Town , my hometown in

This book is also dedicated to the Igbo people of Nigeria and

The book is also dedicated to all other tribes in Africa , also

DR. EDWARD WILMOT BLYDEN , THE FATHER OF

About the author : 2 Dedications : 3

Vocabulary repetition Vocabulary repetition Igbo-

Pronouns (words Plural ( multiple of words):

Dr. Blyden inspirational Igbo traditional houses and

House , household : 56 The ancient African fabrics

Phenomenal 9th to 11th List of Igbo Gods : 117

A Beginner's Guide to Directions in Igbo :

Bathroom , toilet : Living room ( Parlour) :

Bedroom : Conversations , Igbo wardrobe and fashion

Igbo names and their How Foulah Town ( My

Home-farming - Growing Learn how to build your

HOME FARMING - Grow HOME FARMING - Grow

At the barbershop , hair At the market and

At the Health Centre , The parts of the human

At the children's At the school , university :

At the birthday party : Months of the year : 231

Days of the week : 232 At the airport / Sea port /

At the sports stadium / At the train station / Bus

At the Igbo temple / At the burial ceremony /

IGBOLAND AND THE IGBO PEOPLE

THE SIX REGIONS OF NIGERIA

The Igbo, sometimes referred to as Ibo, are one of the largest

development of a heterarchical society, as opposed to a

Although titleholders were respected because of their

In the absence of judicial authority, the Igbo settled law

The Igbo followed a calendar in which a week had four days. A

The early Igbo utilized a mathematics system known as Okwe

Isusu. Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called

IGBO LEADED BRONZE CEREMONIAL OBJECT , 9TH CENTURY

The Igbos worshiped a host of alusi [gods and deities], they

IGBO LANGUAGE : ASỤSỤ IGBO

THE IGBO ALPHABET LETTER PRONUNCIATION : From

E (e) eh pronounced as the ‘e’ in ‘egg’

F (f) fii pronounced as the ‘f’ in ‘fish’

GW pronounced as the ‘Gw’ in the female

I (i) ee pronounced as the ‘ee’ in ‘flee’

ḷ (ị) irh pronounced as the ‘i’ in ‘itch’

J (j) jee pronounced as the ‘j’ in ‘jet’

K (k) kee pronounced as the ‘k’ in ‘keep’

L (l) lii pronounced as the ‘l’ in ‘like’

R (r) rii pronounced as the ‘r’ in ‘rich’

S (s) sii pronounced as the ‘s’ in ‘sit’

T (t) tii pronounced as the ‘t’ in ‘tea’

Ụ pronounced as the ‘Ur’ in the female

V (v) vii pronounced as the ‘v’ in ‘van’

Y (y) yii pronounced as the ‘y’ in ‘yes’

Z (z) zii pronounced as the ‘z’ in ‘zebra’

Listen to audio here : https://naijish.com/the-igbo-alphabet/

COMMON EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS & GREETINGS