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 Kindred Languages: Igala, Yoruba, and Itsekiri
During my stay of over a decade in Southwest Nigeria – precisely Lagos – in the 1980s and 90s, I often heard people say “Igala language is an offshoot of the Yoruba language” in view of the similarities between them” I usually disagreed with them, explaining that research had established that Igala and Yoruba share a common ancestry. I also added that, along with Itsekiri, the languages form a trio of interconnected tongues. The three […]
Kigala: Speak & Write Igala
ÒKPÒNÒHÌÒ / ,ò .kpò .nò .hjò / abstract noun. high publicity; wide broadcast; exceptionally loud notice or attention given to something or someone in the public space. (Used exclusively in a verbal form). Verb. nù-òkpònòhìò / ,nùò ,kpò ,nò ,hìò / Definition: To give high publicity; to broadcast widely to a large audience; to draw attention to a particular issue of public interest. Verb: Nù-òkpònòhìò: To give high publicity; to broadcast widely to a […]
Revitalizing Igala Language and Culture: A Call to Action
The Igala people take immense pride in safeguarding their timeless heritage. This heritage, like a binding force, unites them both within their homeland and across the globe. It is heartening to witness the unwavering resilience of their culture, guiding them from the depths of antiquity into the modern era. However, the Igala language and culture stand at a crossroads, with the alarming risk of fading into obscurity. Preserving a Unique Legacy The Igala […]
Learn Igala Mother Tongue Online
Kigala-Online introduces a novel Igala literacy course designed for beginners through the medium of English language and the Internet. It is a part of the holistic instructional package aimed at safeguarding the Igala language, which is currently mortally endangered, against the external and internal forces railroading it towards ultimate extinction. My dear compatriots, this may sound alarmist, but the truth is that the Igala mother tongue is hanging precariously at the cliff’s edge, having become increasingly […]