This post is set to “Public View,” so anyone with a link can view it. Feel free to share it with others.

Watch a recording of Session 9 from our free Igbo language class held on Zoom below ↓

View slides here.

Quick recap

The meeting focused on teaching and discussing numbers, particularly the distinction between cardinal and ordinal numbers, in both English and Igbo languages. Participants engaged in translation exercises, exploring the nuances of expressing ordinal numbers and quantifiers in different linguistic contexts. The session emphasized the importance of understanding context in translation, moving beyond literal interpretations, and concluded with a review of class levels and their representation in language.

Next steps

All participants to review previous lessons and recorded videos to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
All participants to practice using ordinal numbers in Igbo, focusing on the correct usage of "nke" and exceptions like "mbu" for first.
All participants to work on avoiding literal translations and focus on understanding context when translating between English and Igbo.
All participants to increase their Igbo vocabulary, particularly words related to positions, classes, and rankings.
All participants to practice forming and using quantifiers in Igbo, such as "mmadu nabo" for "two people".

Summary

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers Lesson

The session focused on continuing lessons on numbers, with a particular emphasis on the distinction between cardinal and ordinal numbers. Uzoma explained that cardinal numbers are used for counting, while ordinal numbers are used to show position or qualification. The class engaged in a review of previous concepts, including the formation of larger numbers, and discussed how to properly use and pronounce ordinal numbers.

Ordinal Numbers in Igbo and English

The session focused on discussing ordinal numbers and quantifiers in Igbo. Uzoma explained how ordinal numbers are formed by adding suffixes like "th" or "rd" in English, and how they are modified in Igbo. The discussion also covered how numbers can function as quantifiers to indicate size or measurement.

Igbo Quantifiers Usage Discussion

Uzoma discussed the use of quantifiers in the Igbo language, emphasizing the difference in usage between non-native and native speakers. He explained that while non-native speakers might find certain expressions acceptable, native speakers have a more nuanced understanding and usage of these quantifiers.

Contextual Translation Skills

Uzoma led a discussion on improving translation skills, emphasizing the need to move beyond literal translations and understand the context and meaning of words. Queen and Data attempted to translate the phrase "Today is June." Uzoma explained that June should be integrated into the sentence to convey the meaning of the first day of June, rather than being treated as a standalone word. He provided examples in Igbo to illustrate the correct approach.

Nigeria Match Translation Discussion

The group discussed translating a sentence about Nigeria winning their second match, with Uzoma explaining that the use of "mpi" to mean "contest" or "challenge" in Igbo, derived from the behavior of bulls locking horns. Queen confirmed the translation was correct, and the team agreed to use the agreed translation to convey the idea of winning a second match.

Ordinal Number Translation Guidelines

The group discussed translating sentences that include ordinal numbers like "1st" and "2nd" into English, with Uzoma providing guidance on proper translation and emphasizing the importance of understanding the context rather than performing a literal translation. They worked through examples including "I won 1st place" with Queen asking questions about pronoun placement and Uzoma explaining the correct usage of "a" instead of "me" in certain contexts. The discussion included examples in Igbo language.

Igbo-English Language Translation Challenges

The group discussed language translation, focusing on translating phrases from English to Igbo. They worked through examples, including translating "27th place in class" and "first person here," with Queen and others attempting translations. Uzoma emphasized the importance of understanding context and vocabulary for accurate translations, noting that literal translations sometimes don't capture the intended meaning. The discussion highlighted the challenges of translation and the need for a deeper understanding of both languages involved.

Igbo Class Levels and Numbers

Uzoma led a discussion on class levels and their representation in language, explaining that in Igbo, the concept of class is not typically specified when speaking about individuals. They reviewed cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers, with Uzoma emphasizing the exception of using "nke" for first and second positions. The session concluded with a reminder for participants to review previous lessons, watch recorded videos, and reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation skills.

Interested in joining our free live Igbo classes every Sunday, running until March 2026?

Igbo Language Learning Community