Edo Language and Resources

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

Edo Language ............................English Language

Ób’ókhían .................................welcome
Ób’ówa .....................................greetings to you at home
Kóyo ........................................hello
Vbèè óye hé? ...........................How are you/how is it?
Òy’ èsé ....................................It is fine, o.k.
Ób’ówie ...................................good morning
Ób’ávàn ...................................good afternoon
Ób’ ótà ....................................good evening
Òkhíen òwie .............................until tomorrow morning/good night
Ób’íwìnà ..................................greetings to you at work
Ù rú èsé ..................................thank you
Ìsélógbé ..................................complements of the seasons (end of the year/new year’s greetings)

Next in Lesson One, we shall study a little bit of the Edo language grammar as folllows:

Alphabets: Á B D É È F G Í H K L M N Ó Ò P R S T Ú V W Y Z

Note: The first letter after the consonant D, i.e. É takes the form of vowel (ÉH) while the fifth letter and vowel in the Alphabets is pronounced (EH) (mid tone) and a dot under the letter E

From the above graphic alphabets you will observe that the Edo language has no letters like "C", "J" and "X".

Thus you can compose some elementary words using the above Edo Alhpabets and vowels, though the PC do not have all the qualities for me to properly write them in an original Edo form and version, for instance I cannot find a vowel with a dot under it in the Computer.

In the mean time:

LESSON ONE:

Edo Language ..................English Language

Kóyò ...............................hello
Vbo yé hé(h).. ..................how is it?
òyè èsé ...........................it is fine or good
Vbè á tíe rue? ..................What are you called?
Vbè ore 'nì rue ..................What is your name?
érhá ...................................father
íyé ....................................mother
òtén................................. Relation
òténmwén ........................my relation
òkpia ...............................male, man
òkhùo ..............................female, woman



Now, how can I say in Edo language:

My male relation _____________________________
My female relation _____________________________
My brother _____________________________
My sister _____________________________
Hello, my brother _____________________________
Hello, my sister _____________________________
Hello, father my father _____________________________
Hello, my mothe _____________________________



LESSON TWO ENAO: (Noun):

Let us now direct our minds on the different parts of speech in the Enclish and get the corresponding words in Edo language, begining with the Noun; or, (NAO) in anglo-Edo phone.

TONE: ` low tone; ´ high tone; ^ hight to low tones v low to high tones; mid tone unmarked.

Edo Language :

A) Vbè áyèè è Náo kha?

1) E Náo rórè ènì óghéé òmwán komwán, èmwín kémwín, rà ehekehe. Vbèè óghéé ìgìemwìn:

2) Enì óghéé òmwán
Benjamin Imhonde
Philip Obazee
Kelvin Idehen
Hilary Evbayiro
Cynthia Enahoro
Ehimwenman Aimiuwu
Victor Uwaifo

3) Ènì óghéé èmwín kémwín:

Úkpú, Èkàlákà; Èvbèe; Àmen; Ìzènófua; Èvbàré, Íghó, Ímóto, Èzúzù, Èhóhò, Úkpó, Òwá, Èkhàrhà, Árába, Ófíugbòn, Éhén, Èmíowo, Ìyán, Òghèdè, lè'vbá gha khían.

4) Ènì óghéé èhékéhe:

Ókhúokhúo; Èkíobá, Úromì, Àgénebódè, Úbíazà, Úghéllí, Èrúa, Ígúovbíobò, Ùrhókúosà, Ìdúnmwún Ìgun, Ègùae óghé Óbá; lè'vbá sè 'vbá.

English Translation:

A) What is a Noun?

1) Answer: Noun is a name of any person, things or places. For example

2) Personal Noun:
Benjamin Imhonde
Philip Obazee
Cynthia Enahoro
Kelvin Idehen
Ehimwenman Aimiuwu
Victor Uwaifo

3) Noun of things:

Cup, drinking glass (glass cup), Kola-nut, Water, Crayfish, Money, Motor, Fan, Air/wind, Road, Bed, Umbrella, Rubber, Oil, Fish, Meat/beef, Yam, Plantain, and so on.

4) Noun of places:

Okhuokhuo, Ekioba, Uromi, Agenebode, Ubiaza, Ughelli, Erua, Ighuovbiobo, Ùrhókúosà , Idunmwun Igun, Eguae oghe Oba, and so on.

24 major Edoid dialects in Nigeria


1. ADUGE [ADU]. Kwara State, Oyi LGA.

2. DEGEMA. Rivers State, Degema LGA. Dialects: ATALA, USOKUN (KALA DEGEMA).

3. EDO (BINI, BENIN, ADDO, OVIEDO, OVIOBA) Bendel State, Ovia, Oredo, and Orhionmwon LGA's.

4. EMAI-IULEHA-ORA (KUNIBUM, IVBIOSAKON) [EMA] Dialects: IVHIMION, EMAI, IULEHA, ORA. Dialect cluster.

5. ENGENNI (NGENE, EGENE) [ENN]. Rivers State, Ahoada and YenagoaLGA's. Dialects: EDIRO, INEDUA, OGUA.

6. EPIE (EPIE-ATISSA) [EPI]. Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA. Dialect: ATISA (ATISSA). Most speakers are bilingual in Ijo.

7. ERUWA (EROHWA, ERAKWA, AROKWA) [ERH] Bendel State, Isoko LGA. Related to Urhobo. Most speakers are bilingual in Central Isoko, which is replacing Eruwa. Not intelligible with any Isoko dialect.

8. ESAN (ISHAN, ISA, ESA, ANWAIN) [ISH] Bendel State, Agbazilo, Okpebho LGA's. Dialects: EKPON, IGUEBEN. Many dialects, apparently inherently intelligible.

9. GHOTUO (OTWA, OTUO) [AAA]. Edo State, Owan and Akoko-Edo LGA's.

10. IKPESHI (IKPESHE, EKPESHE) [IKP] Bendel State, Etsako LGA.
The Political & Spiritual Purpose of the Holy Land

11. ISOKO Delta State, Isoko and Ndokwa LGA's.

12. IVBIE NORTH-OKPELA-ARHE [ATG]. Edo State, Etsako and Akoko-Edo LGA's. Dialects: IVBIE NORTH (IBIE NORTH), OKPELA (OKPELLA, UKPELLA, UPELLA), ARHE (ATTE, ATE).

13. IYAYU (IDOANI) [IYA]. Ondo State, one-quarter of Idoani town. The people are sometimes called 'Idoani'.

14. OKPAMHERI (OPAMERI) [OPA]. Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. DialectsKULOSHO (OKUROSHO), WESTERN OKPAMHERI, EMHALHE (EMARLE, SOMORIKA,SEMOLIKA). Subdialects of Okulosho: Ojirami (Eekunu),Dagbala (Dangbala), Oja (Oza), Makeke (Uuma), Oma. Subdialects of WesternOkpamheri: Ekpe, Bekuma, Lankpese (Lampese, Lankpeshi), Ibillo (Ibilo), Imoga (Imorga, Uma), Eko (Ekon, Ekor), Ikaran-Oke(Ikeram-Oke), Ebunn-Oke, Ikaran-Ele (Ikeran-Ile, Ebunn-Ugbo, Ikpesa,Igbo-Ola-Sale (Ugboshi-Sale), Aiyegunle (Oshi), Igbo-Ola-Oke(Ugboshi-Oke), Onumo (Onumu), Ogugu, Ogbe-Sale, Ogbe-Oke. Emhalhe may be a separate language.

15. OKPE [OKE]. Delta State, Okpe LGA. Distinct from Okpe-Idesa-Oloma-Akuku, which is Northwestern Edoid.

16. OKPE-IDESA-OLOMA-AKUKU [OKP] Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. DialectsKPE, IDESA, OLOMA, AKUKU. Oloma may be a separate language. Differentfrom Okpe which is Southwestern Edoid.

17. OSOSO [OSS]. Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA.

18. SASARU-ENWAN IGWE (SASARU) [SSC]. Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA.

19. UHAMI (ISHUA) [UHA]. Ondo State, Akoko South and Owo LGA's.

20. UKUE-EHUEN (EKPENMI, EKPENMEN, EPINMI) [UKU] including Ehuen, Ukue. Ondo State, Akoko South LGA. Dialects: UKUE, EHUEN. Crozier andBlench 1992 treat Ukue and Ehuen as separate languages.

21. UNEME (ULEME, ILEME, INEME) [UNE]. Edo State, Etsako, Agbazilo, and Akoko-Edo LGA's. Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.

22. URHOBO. Delta State, Ethiope and Ughelli LGA's. Dialects: AGBARHO, ISOKO

23. UVBIE ("EVHRO", UVHRIA, UVWIE, EVRIE, EFFURUN). Delta State, Ethiope LGA. Related to Urhobo.

24. YEKHEE (ETSAKO, ETSAKOR, AFENMAI, IYEKHEE, "KUKURUKU"). Edo State,Etsako, Agbako, and Okpebho LGA's. Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. Dialects: AUCHI, UZAIRUE, SOUTH IBIE, UWEPA-UWANO (WEPPA WANO), AVIANWU (FUGAR),AVIELE, IVHIADAOBI.

Not all speakers of the language recognize 'Yekhee' as the name of the language; some prefer 'Etsako'. However, 'Etsako' is not the only language listed as being spoken in Etsako LGA. The name "Kukuruku" is derogatory.

NATIONAL LANGUAGE GROUPS (alphabetical order):

EDO, EFIK, ENGLISH, FULFULDE, HAUSA, IDOMA, IGBO, KANURI, YERWA, YORUBA

OTHER DIALECTS TAUGHT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS (alphabetical order):

ESAN, ISOKO, NUPE, TIV, EMAI-IULEHA-ORA, IGALA, IJO, CENTRAL-WESTERN, ISEKIRI, URHOBO (AGBARHO) .

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

Basic Edo Words ************Borrowed Words************** English

Uki Ague ********************Ukiegienuarre *****************January
Uki Ifie **********************Ukiefenbuarre*************** * February
Uki Egbo ********************Ukiemasi ********************March
Uki Ekhuen ******************Ukieprre *********************April
Uki Egua ********************Ukiemehe ********************May
Uki Ikpesi *******************Ukiegiunu ********************June
Uki Iviema ******************Ukiegiulae ********************July
Uki Ohie ********************Ukiogosi ********************August
Uki Eho ********************Ukiesentenba *****************September
Uki Emorho *****************Ukiotoba ********************October
Uki Ewe ********************Ukienovenba *****************November
Uki Igue ********************Ukiedisenba ******************December



EDO SEASONS OF THE YEAR

Uyunmwu (Dry season):

Uki Ague
Uki Ifie
Uki Egbo

The Political & Spiritual Purpose of the Holy Land


Ohonrre (Spring):
Uki Ekhuen
Uki Egua
Uki Ikpesi

Orho (Rainy Season):

Uki Iviema
Uki Ohie
Uki Eho

Erho (Harvest Season):

Uki Emorho
Uki Ewe
Uki Igue

SOURCE: Edo Grammar For Schools and Colleges - by Osaren S.B. Omoregie, Nelson 1983 .

************************************************** ******************************
**************************************

I will want to make a little correction on the traditional days. Every thing about it is correct but the order they are placed.



Original note************Corrected order

Eke (East) ****************Eke
Okuo or Ehen (North) ******Orrie
Orrie (West) **************Aho or Igie
Aho or Igie (South) ********Okuo or Ehen

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

COMMON TITLES AND DEFINITIONS IN EDO LANGUAGE, NIGERIA
By
ALEX GUOSA IGBINEWEKA
Edofolks - COMMON TITLES AND DEFINITIONS IN EDO LANGUAGE, NIGERIA

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

DEFINITIONS OF AN "OBO" AND "OGIE-OBO":

"DOCTOR" AND A "PROFESSOR" IN THE EDO LANGUAGE, NIGERIA
By



ALEX G. IGBINEWEKA
Guosa Language



In the Edo language, "Obo" is known as a "doctor" of the generic classification or usage. Obo-Ebe simply meant: "Doctor in Education".



"Ogie" refers to a higher title for an outstanding person among others. "Ogie-Obo" meant an outstanding personality, title holder or chief/higher person of a generic doctorate specialization. In the "Obo" "Doctoral" echelon a professor is higher hence he/she is accredited with the prefix: "Ogie" meaning an outstanding (higher/chief) Doctor among all other doctors; a PhD holder or a Professor.



However, it is wrong to say: "Ogie-'be" which literally meant: "professor of books or a “big size book". Instead, it is "Ogie-Obo-Ebe", or (ogiobo-ebe) for a Professor (PhD) in Education but not in Engineering or other specialties. On the same ikobo you may say: "Obo-'be" meaning: "Doctor of Education" and not a "surgical/medical doctor" or other professionalism. This does not represent a "Professor" in Education either.



Obo-Ugboloko....an Orthopedics Doctor or Bones Doctor; NOT "OGIE-UGBOLOKO" - meaning "Professor-Bones or a “big bone” in the Edo anatomy. Instead, you can say: Ogie-Obo-Ugboloko or if you like: Ogi’obo Ugboloko (Ogiobo Ugboloko) ....Professor in Orthopedics.



Others are: Obo-Iro...meaning Doctor of Philosophy, native/western diviner and oracle specialist.



Ogie-Obo-Iro, Ogio’obo Iro, “Ogiobo Iro” ....Professor in Philosophy, High-Chief Priest in deity, divinity, oracle specialist etc

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

A MINISTER OF GOD’S WORD, AND A

POLITICAL OFFICE MINSTER IN EDO LANGUAGE, NIGERIA
ALEX GUOSA IGBINEWEKA
The Azekazudo of Great Benin Kingdom (GBK); and,

Guosa Language Evolutionist

*A 20th Century Evolution

Guosa Language

Edofolks - Information on Edo, Benin, Nigeria, and Africans

GUOSA AFRICAN CULTURAL CENTER

Center for African Studies



A minister (including a minister of God's words and a cabinet office Minister) are known as "Ohen". A teacher (generic) including a "Pastor" is known as "Oma omwan emwin" or if you like the compound application: "Oma-omwan-emwin" and it equally meant "an instructor", a disciplinarian, example giver etc.



"Obo" in Edo language meant a "Doctor" (generic)



Note other definitions:

"Ohen-Obo" (NOT OBO-OHEN) meaning:…..Minister in charge (head) of generic doctors including but not limited to:

- native doctor

- Igbabonelimin doctor

- Akpakomiza doctor

- Medical Doctor etc. Etc.



"Ohen-Osalobua" ….a Minister of God's words



"Obo-Osalobua"…… a Doctor of the words of God, a doctor sent from/by God. Please do not confuse or mis-represent

"Obo-Osalobua" as a "doctor who heal/cure God". God is supremely divine and He never needs our healing.



"Obo-Ukhunmwun" :……a Doctor in the faculty/department of Pharmacy or a pharmaceutical doctor.



"Obo-Egberhanmwen" …..a Medical doctor. A doctor in charge of health/wellbeing; also known as "Obo-Ukhumwun"



"Obo-Ewawa" ……. A specialized Edo State indigenous spiritualist who displays some divinely ornaments to find out the cause of the problems broth before him by a client.



The list is vast and endless if given the opportunity to continue.



Please note too that the above definitions are applicable to most Edo State ethnic groups in general.

[Ɔkyeame Kwame]

EDO ONLINE DICTIONARY

Edofolks - The Edo Language Dictionary and CDs Online