Like a house, the Igala language is made up of building-blocks, essential components, without which a mother-tongue has no tangible form.
IGALA LANGUAGE ON THE BRINK: NEW POLICY TO THE RESCUE
A Looming Crisis for Igala and Other Endangered Languages The Igala language, once a vibrant tongue of identity, heritage, and culture, is now staring at a slow but certain death. For years, the hegemony of English in Nigeria has eroded the place of native languages in the scheme of things, leaving many speakers in fear of extinction. It is, however, gratifying to note that a new government policy, introduced in December 2022, seems to offer a […]
The Igala: Preserving the Legacy of Ancient Habits and Beliefs
The Igala people of Central Nigeria possess a rich heritage of habits and beliefs that, in the past, governed their daily lives and spiritual practices. These customs, steeped in simplicity and reverence, fostered a society built on respect, balance and connection to the divine. However, the challenges of modernity threaten the sustenance of these age-old traditions. Therefore, reflecting on their cultural significance becomes vital for their preservation. Rhythms of Igala Daily Life Life in Igala, […]
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 […]
Euphemism: A Catalyst for Polite Expression in Igala language and Culture
In any vibrant Igala speech community, euphemisms serve as the spices that give unique flavour to the language. A euphemism, simply put, is a gentle or indirect word or phrase is used to express a sensitive or an unsavoury idea. But, in Igala speech, euphemisms are more than just polite language – they represent finesse, creativity and a deep understanding of the human experience. Euphemisms, in Igala thought, go beyond linguistic embellishments on the surface, […]
