Greetings, sons and daughters of the Great Igala Kingdom! While the streets of Ijebu-Ode are currently vibrating with the colorful glitz and corporate sponsorship of the Ojúdé Ọba, a quiet giant sleeps in the heart of Igala land. It is time we ask ourselves: Why are we sitting on a gold-mine, while others are minting wealth from their heritage? The Ócho Royal (Hunting) Festival is not just a “moribund” ritual; it is a 17th-century masterpiece […]
Igala Heritage at the Crossroads
Attention is drawn to the disturbing trend of modern men, women and children who are unaware of cultural norms that are detrimental to the health of Igala heritage.
WHICH OF THESE SYNONYMS DO YOU USE?
Distinguishing between the interpretations and classes of three Igala words, synonyms and more.
Metalanguage: The Building Blocks of Igala Language
Like a house, the Igala language is made up of building-blocks, essential components, without which a mother-tongue has no tangible form.
ONE WORD (EBI) MANY MEANINGS
In Igala language, like in many other languages, one word can produce diverse meanings, depending on the different tones used to articulate it. Some of these words are often categorized as homonyms and heteronyms. Let’s explore what they mean and look at some examples, using the unmarked word of the day: EBI. The unmarked form, ‘ebi’ is meaningless; but when it is pronounced with varied tone combinations, its meanings emerge naturally. 1. Homonym: ÈBI A […]