₦airaland Forum

biina:
Abortion should be legal, but the choice shouldn't be at the sole discretion of the mother.

Please educate me as to why a woman should not have a full say on what she wants on her body?

Basic Numbers translation

1 = Eyokan/Ookan

2 = Meji / Eeji

3 = Meta / Eeta

4= Merin/ Eerin

5 = Maarun /Aarun

6= Mefa / Eefa

7= Meje / Eeje

8 = Mejo /Eejo

9 = Mesan /Eesan

10 = Mewa /Eewaa

0 = Odo

Days of the week

Monday = Ojo Aje [This is called Ojo aje - the day of sales- as Monday marks the time people usually gather for the begining of a new work week. There are money to be made on Monday, hence the name.

Tuesday = Ojo ru

Wednesday = Ojo bo

Thursday = Ojo eti

Friday = Aba meta

Saturday = Aiku

Sunday = Ojo Isimi Or Ojo isegun [It simply means the day of rest/Day of conquer. Probably as implied by the fact that not much is done on this day lol]

Erm my brain is dead here and I can fill out the rest of the meanings, If anyone knows then please let us know.

A foetus is not a child. People stop getting emotionally worked up over your lack of ability to distinguished as to what constitute as a child and what is a foetus.

From where I stand, abortion is not even an issue. A woman should have total control over her body, she should be able to decide what she wants inside it and what she doesn't. It is not up for discussion and should not even be an issue. Period.

Those of your against abortion, please answer what a woman should do in this scenario I'm about to paint - She was brutally raped by a child soldier, and she got pregnant as a result. Knowing that she not only do not want to have a pregnancy by a child soldier, she is forced to think of how she will be out-casted by the society and probably seen as promiscuous and the pregnancy if allowed to become a child, the child will be out-casted and constantly called a bastard etc.

Please explain to me as to what she is supposed to do?

Homosexuality pre-date the Igbo tribe. Homosexuality is a human behaviour, and to rule it out that no one in igbo land behaved in such manner is perhaps short sighted in my opinion. But because there isn't record, and probably fear of reprisal as it isn't considered the "norm", this things may have never surfaced as a result.

On the other hand, northern cultures actually seem to have a tolerance for people who are called "Dan dawudu". These are basically, males with questionable sexual life style. Some dresses up as women, while others mimic women etc.

Tricky words and Borrowed words.

In every language that I have studied, there appears to be an element of "Borrowed words" from other language. Certain french words have been taken and now used exclusively as English words, and vice versa. Believe it or not, it is the same for Yoruba.

Alubosa [Onions] did you know comes from the apparently Hausa word "Albarka"? [Hausa is not my strong point, so spelling here may not be 100%].

In Yoruba, there are some words that do not exist when doing a cross over translation. So, what we do instead is take that existing word and add Yoruba vowels and sound to it so as to make it localised, more pronounceable and hence, blending with our tongue. Below are some examples of Borrowed words.

John - Johanu.

Peter - Peteru

Brick - Biriki

Bricklayer - Birikila [B'rikila] - An amalgamation of[b] "Brikla"[/b] without the[b] yer [/b]at the end.

Caterpillar [The truck] - Katakata.

In the first two translation, the actually names have been taken with an addition of Yoruba vowels. Like I said above already, this makes it more pronounceable.

As for the final word in the list "Kata Kata" what have been done here was an amalgamation of two sounds - Cater = Kata and the continuous "Ta Ta" sound made by the diesel engine of these big trucks, hence the name "Kata Kata". Very ingenious isnt? Well there is load of fun knowing how these these things comes about lol.

It offers a better approach to translation by actually taken time to explain the various methods of translating, it goes to actually trying in breaking down the common mistakes with translation etc. And it promises to make more post as to how tricky certain words are for cross-translation.

Right, so what prompts me to make this thread? Simple, the amount of inaccurate translations I have seen around here! It feels so sad that the current generation, or should I say that mine generation are unable to speak Yoruba effectively, without the addition of a foreign language, or alien connotation to it.

I suppose in a way this thread is an irony to some, due to the fact that I am using English language as my primary communication here. But never digress, this thread is aimed as a simplified way of teaching interested people the meanings and more accurate translation of all things Yoruba.

Did you know that over 28 million people alone speaks this wonderful language as their primary language, and over 25 million people across the West coast of Africa, Now that is a lot of people! Did you know that Yoruba is spoken as far as communities in Brazil, while places like Haiti share similar traditional values and beliefs similar to the native Yoruba people of West Africa? Did you know that Yoruba alphabet have 25 letters and also have vowels [5] just like the English language?

Anyway, some of you may wonder what gives me the "authority" to make these translations and help with people understanding Yoruba more. Well, I am passionate and having lived in various "Yoruba speaking" states - each with its own unique dialect, I believe it would be nice to share some of my views. I must stress, that I am not in anyway an expert.

Translation in Yoruba can be quite tricky. Here are a few examples I have seen on this forum, that I believe is inaccurate and not the true translation:

Some one asked

sistawoman:
how do i say "i miss you" in yoruba

And here is a reply:

michelin89:
I got this translation from a friend!
mo miss eh gan!

Now not only is this "translation" wrong and inaccurate. It shows the point I was making earlier as to how our generation is fast losing the ability to speak fluently without adding foreign word to it.

The correct translation for this will be "Oju e 'un ro mi" [Oju e 'hun ro mi].

Another example of miss translation is this one:

FL Gators!:
I'm like so not the best yoruba interpreter, esp when it comes to names. 

But. . . .but I think

Kolajo means: Gather joy (ola means joy/wealth. Jo means gather)

Koyejo means: Gather honor. (oye means Honor or Kingship)

Any yoruba interpreter should feel free to correct me if I'm wrong

This sort of translation is very wrong and it shows how not to translate. [In fairness, the writer did mentioned, he/she aint an expert at translation]
Now back to the explanation! For example, if am to ask for a translation of the phrase "Two chairs" it wont be "Meji ijoko", bur it will read as[b] "Ijoko meji"[/b]. The cross over translation in yoruba can be quite tricky at times, however translating part of a phrase approach can change the actual out come of the whole translation, thereby rendering it inaccurate.

For the above names, Kolajo will actually have to be translated in an indirect/literal manner so it will therefore be as follows:
Kolajo [Ko ola jo] "One who have lot of wealth/Riches/influences".

Koyejo [Ko oye joo] "One with many achievements/titles OR One who have been successfully"

Other inaccurate translation have been the ones given by Ifeleke etc.

I am making this new thread to help people have a simplified and better understanding of Yoruba. If you want things on Culture explained, Proverbs decoded or the real meaning made known to you, words and names meaning explained, then come in here and post. I will do my best to explain.

More post to come.

PS
It would be nice if a mod/admin can make this a sticky. It will make it easier for people to see, and for me and co. to help deal with their questions and queries.

When it comes to car, hardly is anything original by design. Kia a doing a good job and I personally will consider them over manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes if am buying a new car in Nigeria.

After reading his post, I am forced to agree with Kobojunkie. I mean, he cannot even defend his stance, cannot answer questions direct at him. Yet in the end of it all, he posted a rant and that is it?

Seriously, what is the point of this thread? Surely if "re-branding" Nigeria is meant to happen, people should be able to stand up and defend their "re-branding" views? Oh well.

Kobojunkie:
huh?? Again, did you read the thread and the posts so far or did you come here believing that all comments are critical of the boy hence unacceptable by your standards?

LEARN TO READ!!!

In fact, here is a test for you. @Ajanlekoko, Repost the very line where I criticize the boy. I will gladly send you $100 if you can do that without needing to inject your twist into the exact line to make it mean what you want it to.

I promise to add another 50pounds.

@Ajalekoko: Now that is an offer you cannot refuse. [Clue in Godfather!]

rotimy:
you two should not behave like Logan and Victor in the Movie, fighting over nothing!

Who is fighting? A disagreement over views, do not equate to fighting.

bawomolo:
what annoys me the most are the suffixes. no one gives a shit about MON FDR blah blah that these guys add at the end of their names.

Haha I mentioned precisely that in the thread too. One thing that baffles me is how no one ever heard of this places these suffixes comes from.

Another one that grinds my gear is when your university Professor back home prefers to be called a "Prof" or "Professor" as opposed to his name. During my time in uni, I was taught by at least 3 professors and everyone of them I call by their first name. Something they have no problem with.

nuzo:
Asked what?
Am getting confused here. . . . is it my unsound mind or the fact that I cannot read between the lines?

Say what

I'm asking you as to why you had to call "most of the people in here morons". Your reason or reply aint adding up, hence why am telling you I personally do not see it [adding up]

nuzo:
Those previous commentators sounded as if it was the entire Igbo community that were suing Fashola. So, I had to make it clear that Igbos were the people who advised fashola on the ban.

I personally do not see that way, hence why I asked.

I see you edited your post.

No, we aint exactly saying the same thing. I questioned his labelling of people as morons. 

asha 80:
@Elrazur

What is the difference btw what u wrote here
[/b]

And what Nuzo wrote here

The difference is I never called majority of the people a slowpoke. Please read his post again and see where am coming from. His post will suggest majority of the people here disagree with the ban, and he is just coming here to inform us the "most igbo agrees". When in fact, majority of the people support the move by the Lagos government.

bawomolo:
what's with the Nigerian obsession with titles (whether traditional or professional?)

I remember writing a thread about our obsession with titles. Every one likes to feel big and prove something, when in actual fact people like me do not give a toss about such titles.

From now on, I should be addressed as Prince, Eng. Dr. Chief ElRazur of Great Britain. Bsc. Msc. Phd. Ait. Nta. BBC.

hackney:
I dont understand the EZE NDIGBO  title thing existing in LAGOS. and im igbo
Is it feasible to have an 'Eze' just because you have a community in someone else's region?
I used to think we just have structured unions or associations and not exporting Kingdoms.

Please someone explain to me abeg

Technically, they can have what ever the want as long as it is recognised by the very community it wants to govern, and its influence do not go beyond those areas. However, the bigger problem is that there is already an existing community - i.e Lagos with a similar system in place. From what I can conclude, allowing the tittle to go ahead will lead to future problems. For example, will the King in Lagos be able to ask the "Eze king" to do certain things and not??

Also, it sort of sound weird that people who wants to be rule other people, when it comes to title like this should ideally be from a "Royal blood". But then, this is Nigeria and anything can happen.

I can understand where most are coming from. Do we however give up due to similar projects in the past that have been nothing but a scam?

nuzo:
Most of you here sound exactly like the morons suing lagos govt.
F.Y.I, Igbos are are happy with the ban.
Those jobless morons dont speak for any Igbo in and outside Lagos.

Who are these "most" you speak of? There appears to be a lot of people agreeing with the ban. And a lot of people criticizing the guy who made a stupid statement from the beginning.

A few white people have traced their roots back to places populated by black people, and as a result change their names promptly.

Lmao. You said it all jare.

bawomolo:
hmm shouldn't background checks be done before cops are hired.

nice reforms by the way. What about mandatory ethics training for current cops. You can increase ur pay but their mentality won't change

I really do not know the background details to that one. However, given our poor record keeping attributes, it should not come as a surprise. I suppose it is slightly better now due to record keeping moving away from the "physical file format" to "Computerised format" instead.

As for mandatory ethnics training, those with better education will have basic understanding of the ethnics around them in my opinion.

Lol. I really do not know how you managed to survive "them" this long.

He just came at me gun blazing this morning in about 4 thread all at once! At first I tried to explain to him he got it wrong, but that didn't help and he just kept going lol, so I played along. The strange thing is that I actually have load of respect for him - dont ask me why - until he showed me why I shouldn't

It sucks when people take personal issues across threads and just let it derail every discussion.

PS
Kobojunkie, I dey put together a new site and putting up an alternative forum. I will keep you posted if you are interested.

sleek_p:
I have no great desire to engage in a never ending "gibberish" conversation, I have clients deadline to meet.
You see most of us don't rely on "daddy's" money to survive. Have a nice day.

Dude you are very funny. I offered you a "peace deal" and you kinda shoved back in my face.

If you deal with your clients as you debate on a forum, then god help them.

How I wish my dad was that rich, and am still spending his money. Only that, it aint the case.

He made a quick edit to his post, but am faster than that. Too late.

Dude. I have no problem with you, but please be prepare to finish things you started.

Sorry, I have been busy at work etc. I'm doing half day today, so I will get it to you. Can you post your email please.

sleek_p:
Did you say you live in London?

What is that got to do with the price of tea in china?

Please tell me you are smarter than making internet threats, **crosses finger**

sleek_p:
ElRazur are you trying to increase your post count? You veer from one gibberish  to another gibberish.

Problem is I don't understand "gibberish" try Kobojunkie who's fluent in that language.

I think this is the part you back down. Good boy.

Like I told you before, be ready to fight to the finish when you come all guns blazing at me.

I am more than happy to put my hand, and admit am wrong or offer an apology if needed. However, when suckers like you try to prove a point, It makes my day.

Seriously, what more do you have?

REAL TRUTH:
You know what? Am too matured to get involved in discussion with ur kind of person, sleek_p above just gave a clue of what manner of person you are,,but I think somebody else would give a more vivid description of I think you are! I have an idea of what manner of personality traits you are exhibiting but it just would'nt be me that would tell you cos ve gone past that stage in life. The fact that you sit behind the computer does not make you not to have a control over ur choice of words,,,you would get to a point soon when you would be called exactly what you are!

Translation please.

Look this is a "long thing". Next time post your "breaking news" in the right section. How hard is that?