Lesson Outlines
1.
Igbo Language Alphabet in a brief
2.
Where Ndigbo are Found
3.
Core Characteristics of Ndigbo.
Igbo Language Alphabet in a Brief
There are 36 Letters of the Igbo Language Alphabet as against 26
in English Language.
They are as follows:
1.
A
|
B
|
CH
|
D
|
E
|
F
|
G
|
GB
|
GH
|
GW
|
H
|
I
|
ḷ
|
J
|
K
|
KP
|
KW
|
L
|
M
|
N
|
Ń
|
NW
|
NY
|
O
|
Ọ
|
P
|
R
|
S
|
SH
|
T
|
U
|
Ụ
|
V
|
W
|
Y
|
Z
|
The 36 Letters of the Igbo Alphabet
are further divided under two major groups:
a. Ụdaume (Vowels): These
are 8 in number, including the following:
A, E, I, ḷ,
O, Ọ, U, Ụ. These are further
divided into two, namely:
-
Ụdaume
mfe (Light vowels): A, ḷ, Ọ,
Ụ
-
Ụdaume
arọ (Heavy vowels): E, I, O, U
b. Mgbochiume (Consonants): These
are 28 in number, including the following: B, CH, D, F, G, GB, GH, GW, H, J, K,
KP, KW, L , M, N, Ń,
NW, NY, P, R, S, SH, T, V, W, Y, Z. These are further divided into two namely:
-
Mgbochiume nge (Single consonants): B, D, F, G, H, J,
K, L, M, N, Ń, P, R, S, T, V, W, Y, Z.
-
Mgbochiume mkpị (Double consonants): CH, GB, GH, GW, KP, KW, NW, NY, SH.
Where Ndigbo Are Found
The Ibos (Ndigbo) are one of the three major tribes in Nigeria,
which also include the Hausas and the Yoruba's.
On a political set up, Ndigbo are found in the South/East
geopolitical region of the country, Nation. However, historically, the Ibos
(the generational blood line) cover as far as many in the South/South region,
especially Rivers State and Delta State.
The 5 South/Eastern States where
you find majority of the Ibos are:
1.
Anambra, with her capital at Awka
2.
Imo, with her capital at Owerri
3.
Enugu, with her capital at Enugu
4.
Abia, with her capital at Umuahia
5.
Ebonyi, with her capital at
Abakaliki.
It will also interest us to know the current governors of the 5
core Igbo States:
a.
Anambra: Gov. Willie Obiano (APGA)
b.
Imo: Gov. Rochas Okorocha (APC)
c.
Enugu: Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (PDP)
d.
Abia: Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP)
e.
Ebonyi: Gov. Dave Umahi (PDP)
Core Characteristics of Ndigbo
A.
Their Common Food:
a.
Ji (yam)
b.
Akpu (cassava food)
c.
Ede (cocoyam)
d.
Garri
e.
Jiakpu/abacha (African salad)
f. Corn and pear
| Corn and Pear |
| Abacha (African sala) |
B.
Their Common Soup
a.
Ofe uha
b.
Ofe egwusi
c.
Ofe ede
d.
Ofe onugbu
e.
Ofe ogbono
f.
Ofe nsala
g.
Ofe ukazi
h.
Ofe akwukwo
C.
Their Common dress
a.
Men wearing 'ishiagu' shirt with
'jorge' wrapper and red cap.
b.
Women wearing two wrappers and
blouse, with head tie.
D.
Their Looks
a.
Stout and strong look
b.
Average height
c.
Some fair and others dark in
complexion
d.
Flat nose
e.
Round face
f.
Brown eyes
E.
Their Major Occupations
a.
Farming
b.
Petty trading
c.
Big business enterprising
F.
Their general life disposition
a.
Hospitable
b.
Industrious
c.
Homely
d.
Sociable
e.
Enterprising
f.
Brilliant minds
G.
Their Religion
a.
Ndigbo belief in the Supreme God
called 'Chukwu'(Great God) or 'Chineke' (God, the Creator)
b.
Majority of Ndigbo are Christians,
while few are traditional worshippers.
c.
Ndigbo traditionally believe in the
existence of other smaller gods, whom they believe to be messengers of the
Great God, Chukwu. Some of these gods include Njoku (the god of harvest);
Amadioha (the god of thunder); Igwekaala (the fearless deity) etc.
Many Notable Igbo Sons and Daughters
a.
The Late Prof Chinua Achebe
b.
The Late Prof Dora Akunyili
c.
The Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
d.
The Late Dim Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu
e.
The Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme
f.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
g.
Dr. Emeka Anyaoku
h.
Mr Philip Emeagawali
i.
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili
j.
Senator Ike Ekweremmadu
k.
Mr Innocent Chukwuma
l.
Endless List… Add your own.
*** Ndigbo are known for eating strong food possibly because of
the hard work they engage in. This is why their Yoruba neighbours call them, Ajaokuta
ma muomi, meaning 'eaters of stone without water.
