Notes of a Girl Whose Dad Owns The World
One of the most fascinating things about reading Prof. Chinua Achebe’s novels as a non-Igbo youngster was the way he peppered the book with proverbs – the palm oil with which words are eaten, according to him.
See just 20 of the many proverbs his books presented to the world here.
As a student of linguistics, dialectology was one of my favourite aspects to study. The differences between dialects of a language fascinated me to no end, as did paying attention to the points where a dialect would be considered a language on its own. I particularly loved cornering Igbo people and asking them about “l” and “r” and “f” and “h” sounds (Aha/Afa, Udara/Udala) and other such dialectal differences.
So imagine my surprise and delight when I found out that love languages also have dialects! Read more…
In Nigeria in particular, you’d be hard pressed to find a name that isn’t loaded with meaning and significance. Some names are not just nouns but actually full sentences, and often, a name is a wish or a prayer.
Did you know that according to Hausa custom, the next child after twins are born is called Gambo, and it was traditionally believed that such a child had supernatural powers? Read more…
We know how to say “I love you” in many of the world’s languages; Ti amo, Je t’aime, Ich liebe dich, Te amo…and that’s all good, but what about languages spoken here in Nigeria?
Here’s how to say “I love you” in just 12 of the languages spoken across Nigeria, which has over 250 ethnic groups. Continue reading…
I have always loved Igbo people and culture. I cannot count how many times, growing up, I said in my mother’s hearing “I like Igbo people” to which she would always reply “And you resemble them.”
I’ve tried to figure out why, and the closest I’ve come is the NTA series, Things Fall Apart, which I not only sat down to drink in as a child, but played and replayed, soaking up every nuance, thanks to my father who recorded every episode. My young mind, overdosing on all that delicious language and culture, most likely caught the bug that has refused to let go- Igbophilia.
So you can imagine my delirious excitement when I first stumbled on this blog which was created maka ihu n’anya ihe Igbo nile – for the love of all things Igbo! I just come here to satisfy my craving, and this blogger is so good! Her intelligence, linguistic competence and humour make me giddy with delight.
She also has links to resources that can help you learn everyday Igbo words, including YouTube videos.
Sigh. I’m in love…
anafricandiva 