Distinguishing between the interpretations and classes of three Igala words, synonyms and more.
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 […]
The Tale of the Toad Beating the Hertebeest
In the vast, untamed savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa, there roams a creature both feared and admired: the Hertebeest, “Ọ̀chàchàkolo” (or “Ọ̀chà, for short), as it is known in the Igala language. This majestic African antelope (its other name), with its sleek body and powerful legs, is the epitome of speed, strength, and endurance. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, the Hertebeest is a symbol of agility in African folklore, a […]
The Miraculous Marvels of Mandrake Tree
The Mandrake tree (Mandragora officinarum) is renowned worldwide as “the most famous of all magical plants,” according to Wikipedia. Growing up in the late fifties, I remember a wealthy man in my neighborhood who was often referred to as named “Ìchábù-Ólíná.” I was always curious about the meaning of ‘Olina’. I tried breaking down the word into ‘ólí’ (tree) and ‘íná’ (sacred, supreme) in an attempt to decipher its significance, but it remained elusive. It […]
OUR HERITAGE IN PERIL
Preserving Our Rich Igala Heritage: A Call to Action Igala is the custodian of a remarkable and ancient heritage, and it is heartwarming to witness its endurance throughout the ages. From the dawn of antiquity, through the stone and iron ages, to our contemporary times, Igala heritage has persisted, staunchly resisting the forces seeking to undermine it. These pressures, while man-made, encompass declining literacy in our language, the disappearance of reading and writing materials, and […]