ezeagu: I was thinking about how the word for court could be created with the affixing and compounding of 'kpé' and using tone to our advantage, as well as in the creation of other law terms.
and so on, I haven't even gone into íwú and I've made, presumably, ten legal terms. From one verb. 10. Now imagine what could be done with the thousands of verbs using this simple affixing, and in that case understandable, style that's been used to create most Igbo words already.
I especially like Ohaikpe. Njuikpe could mean Appeal
ezeagu: You should get in touch with Oge Nnadi who developed mkpuruokwu.org. It was the best online dictionary and I don't know why it's no longer online. It also provided the region of origin of dialect words and have their tone, like with ákwà (cloth), they transcribed it as [HL]. And it was searchable in both ways (Igbo-English-Igbo).
Hey guys, I bought a couple of dictionaries off Amazon and by comparing and from them, I was able to compile the attached dictionary. What do you guys think of the work, so far?
I want to make it an online, searchable dictionary with audio pronounciation for all the entries. I only attached the A entries but it is currently 525 pages long. I will add Biribiriga - Rainstorm as well as Iga - Fortress, akpede-crossbow and Agwa - Island. Can any of you make any recommendation(s) as to whom to hire for the development of the site?
pyorrhea- iruputa abu 41. ad- (motion toward) njekwute, mmakọdo| adhesion - mmakọdo ime aru |
ChinenyeN said they are examples of verb agglutination as opposed to affixes. I don't believe he and Ezeagu have anything against verb agglutination. Is it possible to work together to come up with some standard verb agglutination?
Also ChinenyeN asked:
So now, Scholti, would it be possible to consider going a level higher with the new grammar construction as opposed to having it break through the current layers that already exist? Of course, it may mean having to substitute the idea of prefixes for more standalone lexical items. Maybe, a new grammatical class of adverbs.
What say you, Scholti? Two heads are better than one
ChinenyeN: The equivalent affix in Ngwa is \-ghita\, indicating the potential for fulfillment. You can see it in the quote I posted from my grandmother, 'a gbaketighita ya'. I can't speak for other Igbo lects. As for your second question, yes. There are some parts of Ngwa that say 'wo' for 'they'.
ChinenyeN: Ex. They were housed in decrepit conditions -- Ha uloworo ha na onodusis lelele (new grammar) -- E biwara we l'ajaghara onodi (verb construction) *The above verb construction is the actual equivalent construction in the Ngwa lect.
The two statements above are saying the exact same thing. The only difference is that the second sentence provides a more compact translation, thanks to the verb construction. In simple terms, there already exists a way of conveying this message. In fact, the verb construction does such a good job conveying that message and still gives me room to do more.
Ex. -- e bimawara we l'ajaghara onodi (they were well-housed in decrepit conditions) -- e biwakwara we l'ajaghara onodi (they were again housed in decrepit conditions) -- e biwasikwara we l'ajaghara onodi (they were still being housed in decrepit conditions) etc.
So, now I'm left wondering why I would want to replace the verb construction for something else that will do the same job, albeit not as compactly. Basically, reinvention of grammar at this level is unnecessary. So now, Scholti, would it be possible to consider going a level higher with the new grammar construction as opposed to having it break through the current layers that already exist? Of course, it may mean having to substitute the idea of prefixes for more standalone lexical items. Maybe, a new grammatical class of adverbs.
Your examples are easy to understand.
As far as the bolded: Go ahead. We are "listening"
Scholti gave this a shot, earlier. How would you say the following:
1.The house is livable. 2.It is actionable in court. 3. It is perfectly understandable.
ChinenyeN: There is an aspect of Igbo grammar that allows for the creation ideophones from what we would normally think of as 'nouns'. The resulting noun-ideophones are then used in a manner comparative to the \-ness\ that we see in the above post. Ex. oso is used for speed, and ure is used for decay. The respective ideophone would then be oso oso which connotes abruptness and ure ure connoting rottenness. This is not the case for all ideophones though. In fact, most are actually distinct from nouns.
scholti: The problem with the word 'dibia' is that it is heavily rooted in the Igbo paganic past. Its proper English equivalent is 'witch doctor.' And in any case it is only restricted to medical spaces. I suggest an all-compassing affix that signifies activity at a normal or advanced level like the English equivalents '-er'. '-ist'. My suggestion is that the word ( Dibia) is rested and a new word is invented or borrowed for 'doctor' or an affix is created. The prefix 'di' in my opinion, doesn't convey the gravity of a professional discipline and its risks being confounded with the ubiquitous Igbo 'di' which signifies 'is'. I thought about the 'ci' thinking that the Igbo may be used to it in English but it would pose problem for Igbo orthography in future so we can replace 'ci' with 'ti' or an other combination, the whole aim of 'ci' or 'citi' being to signify a doer whether in a professional or non-professional setting. This is the sort of the debate, we should have about the language to take it to the next level.
Why would di be confused with "Is" in this instance? Especially since it would not be a standalone word. It would be dieze. Diokpukpu. Di means master
ChinenyeN: This is why I encourage people to really know their lects. We don't need to go round masquerading agglutination as inflection. I know, for example, that an equivalent of \-able\ exists in Ngwa. It's simply rendered during verb construction, like roots during 'progressive suffixation.' And just as I know the equivalent exists in Ngwa, so also would I like to believe that it is present in other lects. I'd be surprised if it weren't.
What is it in Ngwa? And do Ngwa people say "Wo" for "They"?
You have a lot of knowledge in this area. Biko ya emena mkpikpi
1.The house is livable. (Ulọ a pụrụobibi.) 2.It is actionable in court. (Ọ pụrụomume na ulọikpe.) 3. It is perfectly understandable. (Ọ pụrụnghọta nke zuruoke.)
I like this. Would Puta and putara also be substitutes?
scholti: I already have ugboulo down for caravan. I never gave limousine a name.
Well then caravan and camper should have the same name. They are similar enough. If only one gets to keep it, it should be camper/mobile home, a word/phrase which is more likely to occur in modern speech, than caravan
@scholti: some of us (me included) don't know much about affixes in Igbo language. So why don't you use this as a teaching tool?
Make up a list showing the already existing affixes and how they are used. If there is a shortfall in an area, point it out and what can be done to fill that need. I think what you are doing is great. But people will not accept change for change sake. You have got to make a case for it
scholti: The Igbo language does have its native affixes like '-efe' (over, excess)', '-aria' (repeat), '-da' (reduction) etc, but more needs to be created that would span every field of human endeavour, the sciences, philosophy, economics etc as well mundane aspects of existence. We must have readily codified answers (affixes) to 'Hydro-', 'astro-', 'bathy-', 'chrono-', 'chromo-' 'mis-', 'dis-' etc. We must be able to translate the word 'deactivated' (Sepuomumewo) in one compact word rather sentences. 'Sepu-' or 'wepu-' is my proposal for 'de-'; 'omume' stands for action; while 'wo' is my proposal for unusual or unorthodox manifestations of past tense (-ed) in Igbo. 'Misdiagnosed' is 'Ajọnchọputaọriawo', one compact word, with 'ajọ-' standing for 'mis-'.'Underrepresented' is 'Okpurunnọchitewo, with 'Okpuru-' standing for 'under-'. I am working on a list of more than 1000 Igbo affixes that covers all aspects of human life. The Igbo language must move towards codification, certainty.
The affixes you have written are interesting. I have heard and used 'ǹdóna-' in a running way to signify keeping (dobe, ndobe); 'òdó' is great. As I have written, the affixes I have come up with are blueprints. I want to create a conversation, a movement, to take the Igbo language to a new level, gramatically and vocabulary-wise. I am quite happy with any affix created, codified or rediscovered and put back to popular written and spoken usage, as long as they are there. They must be there if the Igbo language would belong to this century. So if 'ǹdóna-' stands or '-ization', it is fine; in fact I can see it working with words like militarization (ǹdónaagha), internalization (ǹdónaime), internationalization (ǹdónammekọobodo) etc. It is a good prefix for '-ization.' 'òdó' is also a good prefix for '-ist': economist (òdóakunauba), physicalist ( òdómmetuanya), activist (òdóomume) etc.
Sentence example 2.It's a long-held internalization that I, and so many of us, have. Ọ bụ ǹdónaime jidewo-ologolo, mu na ọtụtụ n'ime anyị, nwere.
Is the affix not "fe" instead of "efe"? Me = Do. Mefe = overdo Zuo = Buy Zufe = overbuy
Also the affix is "gharia" not "aria" Me = do. Megharia = Redo Zuo = buy. Zugharia = Rebuy Efe and aria threw me off
scholti: Yes, this is one instance, where the old Igbo grammar works well without the need for an affix (the new also works). Her beautifulness shone throughout the room. (Mma ya chakwa na ulọime nile (traditional grammar)). I advocate for the intermingling between the old grammar and a new grammar. But in other instances appending '-ọnọdu (-ness)' is inevitable for a compact meaning.
Sample this sentence.The gameplay trailer was also unveiled prior to the release, showing the bread's quest to find the perfect level of crispiness and edibleness. (Egwuregwu ngosiizizi kpugherekwara tupu mwepụta, na-egosi ọchịchọ achịcha ịchọta larịị zuru okè nke ọnọduọhuru na ọnọduoriri.)
*trailer - ngosiizizi
I don't think "beautifuness" is a good test case @ Ezeagu: Thanks for the translation. Ezeagu and Scholti how do we say the following words. Is there an already workable affix for these words or is there a need to extend the already existing:
MrsPhyno: Pretty cute sha. I liked the part when her and Baddo were jamming together. I like the song more than the video but they're both good. Please explain the chorus
You didn't answer my greeting na.
I asked you: gini mega (What's happening/ what's up). Most common response is: Nothing mega. Nothing dey happen. My internet connectivity is limited right now. Will come back with a translation when I rewatch the video
scholti: I have just edited the lists at no. 1 and 9, to reflect corrections, for example I have changed ugboulọ (camper) to ugboezi. Use the first list for a more expansive list (258 items) of vehicles and aircrafts, while, no.9 (64 items) for a truncated list - for everyday usage. I have also added two new words I missed in the first list (limousine - ugboaku; Segway - Ugboọkpa).
Ugboulo is a better word for camper because it's a vehicle in which you can live. Ezi doesn't do it since most of not all vehicles operate na Ezi.
Ugbo mgbati (which I believe u used before) is better for Limo's. Ugboak u is too vague since any expensive vehicle could fit that bill
ezeagu: There was a thread I made on affixes in Igbo, unfortunately nairaland suffered massive data loss which affected the thread and it's gone.
To summarise, Igbo already has its affixed. From my experience, the problem isn't with Igbo grammar in general, but modern vocabulary. I'm also wary that many words we think do not exist do exist but have simply gone obscure because of the influence of English. For example, there are Igbo words for citadel, crossbow and island, but many people don't know these words now.
The affixes we talked about that already exist in Igbo word creating were the vowels, u a i e o, and m and n.
For a quick example, I'll try and makeup words for the terms you were considering using the affixes.
Agronomist - òdóùgbó - o [affix of him/her/it] + do [arrange, maintain] + ugbo [farm]. alt òdúgbó, òdómúgbó. Hospitalization - ǹdónańgwọ - n [affix for continuing] + do [place, keep, stay] + na [in] + n + gwọ [heal].
And so on.
@ ezeagu: what are the words for citadel, cross bow and Island? And can you reproduce your thread from memory? We don't want summary. I like the odougbo. If there are already existing affixes, we should throw them out wholesale. People will resist that. The trick is to expand on them and to make them better than they already are (if possible)
ezeagu: There was a thread I made on affixes in Igbo, unfortunately nairaland suffered massive data loss which affected the thread and it's gone.
To summarise, Igbo already has its affixed. From my experience, the problem isn't with Igbo grammar in general, but modern vocabulary. I'm also wary that many words we think do not exist do exist but have simply gone obscure because of the influence of English. For example, there are Igbo words for citadel, crossbow and island, but many people don't know these words now.
The affixes we talked about that already exist in Igbo word creating were the vowels, u a i e o, and m and n.
For a quick example, I'll try and makeup words for the terms you were considering using the affixes.
Agronomist - òdóùgbó - o [affix of him/her/it] + do [arrange, maintain] + ugbo [farm]. alt òdúgbó, òdómúgbó. Hospitalization - ǹdónańgwọ - n [affix for continuing] + do [place, keep, stay] + na [in] + n + gwọ [heal].
Do you have some paranoia attached with quoting the person you are referring to? Some of the questions you ask and you style of post seem decidedly, looney
Ekele kwa has nothing to do with a cult. @ 0:47, 2 men bumped fists and greeted themselves (Ekele).
equelecua: Greetings! I have a question and I am hoping someone here may be able to give me an amswer. In Cuba and the Spanish speaking Caribbean we have a phrase, "Equelecuá", and I have heard many different ideas as to where this phrase comes from. One of the main things I've heard is that it is Igbo, and that the spelling of Equelecuá is a Europeanized version of Ekele KUA or Ekele KWA. so I would like to know if in fact Ekele Kua or Ekele Kwa actually is an Igbo phrase, and if so, what is the translation? Thank you for taking time with this, any and all info will be much appreciated!!!!!
Yes Ekele kwa is an Igbo phrase. Ekele means Greetings Kwa is an intensifier which is found very frequently in Igbo speech. Ekele kwa = Greetings o!
Ekele kwa'm = I am greeting o! (This could be addressed to a person or group). The M = I Anyi Ekele kwa = We are greeting o! Anyi = We Fa Ekele kwa = They are greeting o! Fa = They
Radoillo: I can't here that part clearly, but I think what he said there is 'anyi ga akuput' ya' not 'anyi ga akupu there'.
Literally, it means 'we'll beat it out', but I'm unaware if it has any special slang meaning. That entire line sounds to me like Phyno's talking about 'landing' a 'flirtatious, but evasive' girl.
[flirtatious and evasive are the best translation I can come up with for 'mmacha'. This things are not always easy to translate]
Ima akwa is to tie a wrapper. So I believe he is say that even if imacha akwa they will untie it
OdenigboAroli: Onye ngbu is an Anambra slang meaning a weakling...Guy ayi anaro azu ndi mgbu. Arubam is an Anambra slang meaning my "G" or my Nigga. Nkolo is Anambra slang meaning my hood,or my end. "Ofego aka" means he is gone. "Opia nkpulu" means gunslinger. "Umu mma" means bevy of beauties. "Wusa aru" means relax or chill out.
Joshuaiwe: Is odieshi like when people joke about bullets can't do them anything they say they have odieshi?
Odieshi means that it's not leaking. So yes it can be used to refer to the fact that they are not going to bleed since your bullet can't do them "nathing"
pkjag: Interesting, do you have like some evidence cause in racial profiling they say something like the khoisan have asiatic genes/DNA instead of saying that the Asians have khoisan DNA/genes, same with the somalis and ethiopians, it's really sad how these guys take us for a ride when they also admit that everybody came from africa.
Watch this video of a study by a Chinese scientist
Culture › Re: Brave New World: Overhauling Igbo Grammar by Phut(f): 2:34pm On Aug 19, 2015
(Literally sounds like 'undoing braids')