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 […]
Igala Literacy: Harnessing the Power of Metalanguage
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language—insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.”
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language—insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.”
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language—insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.”
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language—insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.”
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language—insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.”
The advancement of Igala literacy hinges on uncovering the hidden attributes of language – insights that only metalanguage can reveal and analyze.
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, […]
