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

Watch a recording of Session 13 from our free Igbo language class held on Zoom below ↓

View slide here.

Quick recap

In this Igbo language class, Uzoma introduced colors to Data, the sole student present, beginning with a review of time and dates. The lesson covered various Igbo color terms, their cultural significance, and how they are used in sentences, including compound colors and descriptive phrases. The class also touched on related vocabulary such as sky, clouds, and jewelry, as well as the distinction between colors and objects like gold.

Next steps

Data to practice identifying nouns and descriptive words in Igbo sentences to improve comprehension.
Data to review and memorize Igbo color vocabulary, including primary colors and their combinations.
Data to practice forming Igbo sentences describing colors of objects, paying attention to when to use "acha" and when to omit it.
Uzoma to provide more examples and exercises on Igbo color descriptions in future lessons.
Data to study the use of repetition in Igbo color descriptions (e.g., obara obara for red) for better understanding.
Data to review the concept of context in Igbo language interpretation, especially for words with multiple meanings.

Summary Notes

Igbo Language Practice Session

Uzoma begins the class on introducing colors in Igbo. Data is the only student present, so they review the previous lesson on time and dates. Uzoma initiates a conversation practice in Igbo, asking Data questions about the day, time, and location. Data struggles to understand and respond fully in Igbo, but makes efforts to learn new phrases and attempting to say "Gi kwanu" (What about you?). Uzoma notes that consistent practice will help improve comprehension and speaking skills.

Igbo Color Terminology and Usage

Uzoma explains the concept of color in Igbo language, noting that it is used as an adjective and often involves repetition for emphasis. He introduces several color terms, including "oji" for black, "edo" for yellow, and "obara-obara" for red, which is derived from the word for blood. Uzoma also discusses how the Igbo word for green, "ndu-ndu," relates to the concept of life, and explains that the term "acha" is often used to denote color in sentences, even when not explicitly translated as such in English.

Igbo Color Terminology and Culture

Uzoma explains the meaning of various Igbo words related to colors and their cultural significance. He discusses how "Ugo" can also relate to celebration or exceptionalism. Uzoma elaborates on the connection between colors and concepts like royalty, jewelry, and natural elements. He also explains how color terms are used descriptively in Igbo by repeating them, and provides examples of color-related phrases and questions in the language.

Igbo Basil and Its Properties

Uzoma explains the meaning of "nchanwu" in Igbo, which refers to scent leaves (also known as basil). He describes how the plant got its name because it repels mosquitoes and other small insects in villages. The discussion then shifts to the color of scent leaves, which Uzoma confirms is green.

Igbo Color Terms and Descriptions

Data and Uzoma discuss various Igbo color terms and their usage. They explore how to describe different shades and combinations of colors in Igbo, such as purple (odo), violet (odo ocha), and indigo (uhie odo). Uzoma explains that the main color usually comes first in compound color terms, and that anya can mean both "eyes" and "presence" in different contexts. They also touch on how to form terms for light and dark versions of colors.

Igbo Vocabulary: Sky, Clouds, Jewelry

The discussion focuses on Igbo language vocabulary related to the sky, clouds, and jewelry. Uzoma teaches Data various Igbo words. They also discuss how to say "The sky is blue" and "My earring is gold" in Igbo, with Uzoma explaining some nuances in native speaker usage.

Understanding Color and Language

Uzoma explains to Data that gold is not a color but rather a noun, clarifying that it's more like a dark yellow variation derived from primary colors. They discuss how some colors are named after objects, like brick red. Data demonstrates understanding by correctly identifying the primary colors as red, blue, and yellow. The conversation then shifts to discussing how to use color descriptors in Igbo sentences, with Uzoma providing guidance on when to use certain qualifiers.

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

Join Igbo Language Community