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Watch a recording of Session 27 from our free Igbo language class held on Zoom below ↓

Quick recap

The meeting focused on continuing language instruction in Igbo, with sessions covering sentence structure, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The class practiced converting sentences between different tenses and learned vocabulary related to locations and directions, with emphasis on proper pronunciation and understanding of context. The instruction included discussions on Igbo names, cultural terms, and banking concepts, while participants actively engaged in translation exercises and practiced giving directions in both Igbo and English.

Next steps

All students to practice pronouncing Igbo vocabulary words correctly, focusing on tones and pronunciation differences.
Ken to review previous class recordings to understand basic sentence structure in Igbo.
All students to practice making sentences using the directional vocabulary learned in class.
All students to practice using prepositions correctly in Igbo sentences.
ChiChi to practice using the correct terms for giving directions in Igbo.
Edna and Adachi to continue practicing asking for and giving directions to different places in Igbo.
All students to review cardinal points vocabulary in Igbo.
Future free classes will be prerecorded and no longer held live.

Session Summary Notes

Location Descriptions and Directions

The session focused on continuing sentence structure and vocabulary learning, with a specific emphasis on describing locations and giving directions. Uzoma Veer led the session, which began with a review of previous lessons on hobbies and activities, as well as sentence tenses. The group discussed the translation and meaning of phrases in their language, including "today is the last day in our learning," and worked on understanding and pronouncing certain words. Edna and ChiChi participated in the discussion, with Edna providing technical assistance to ChiChi regarding screen sharing issues.

Igbo Tense Conversion Workshop

The session also focused on teaching language tenses, specifically how to convert sentences from present to past and future tense in Igbo. Uzoma Veer explained the rules for tense conversion, emphasizing that changing from present to past tense requires removing the "Ta" prefix and adding specific time indicators like "yesterday" or "last week." The discussion included examples of sentences in each tense, with ChiChi practicing the conversions under Uzoma's guidance.

Igbo Language Direction Vocabulary

Uzoma Veer led the session on Igbo language instruction, focusing on vocabulary related to directions and places. The class practiced pronouncing words in both English and Igbo, with particular emphasis on terms for locations like hospital, church, office, and market. The instructor explained the usage of prepositions and demonstrated how to give directions using specific Igbo terms, while the students practiced pronunciation through repeated exercises.

Igbo Language Pronunciation Variations

The group discussed Igbo language pronunciation, focusing on the differences between similar-sounding words and the use of dialects. Uzoma Veer explained how certain letters and sounds can vary between dialects, and emphasized the importance of context in understanding different pronunciations. He also touched on the basic dialect used in language classes, which aims to be generally understandable to native speakers. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of cardinal points in Igbo.

Igbo Language Pronunciation and Usage

The group discussed Igbo language pronunciation and grammar, focusing on mapping words and understanding their usage as adjectives or nouns. Uzoma explained the correct usage of certain words, and clarified that redundancy in language can be intentional depending on context. Edna and ChiChi participated in the discussion, asking questions and confirming their understanding of specific words and phrases.

Language Learning and Pronunciation

The group discussed language and pronunciation, focusing on the use of apostrophes and prepositions in sentences. Uzoma Veer explained how certain words are pronounced and emphasized the importance of understanding context in language. He also touched on the concept of personalization in sentences and how to handle specific grammatical structures. The conversation was somewhat fragmented, but the overall theme revolved around language learning and pronunciation.

Igbo Language Direction Practice Segment

The group practiced speaking Igbo, focusing on asking and giving directions to different places. They discussed vocabulary related to locations in Nigeria, particularly in the Igbo-speaking regions. Uzoma explained the historical context of how villages and clans are referred to as "nations" due to their distinct origins and ancestry. The session included exercises where participants asked for directions to places like the hospital, with Edna and others practicing their Igbo language skills.

Igbo-English Direction Translation Practice

The group discussed directions in Igbo and English, with ChiChi demonstrating how to give directions to a hospital. They then worked on translating English sentences into Igbo, with Ken successfully creating a sentence about houses being on the left. Uzoma guided the group through the process, encouraging them to practice and correct each other's translations.

Igbo Banking and Cultural Terms

The group discussed Igbo language and cultural terms, focusing on words related to wealth and banking. Uzoma explained various Igbo terms including "Ako" (wealth), "UBA" (multiplication), and "Ulo Ego" (bank), while Edna's and ChiChi practiced translating these concepts into English. The discussion included a conversation about edible insects, particularly winged termites, which Uzoma described as nutritious. The conversation ended with Edna successfully translating a sentence about the market's location relative to the bank in Igbo.

Igbo Language Sentence Structure Basics

The session was also focused on learning and teaching Igbo language, particularly sentence structure. Uzoma explained the basic pattern of Igbo sentences, which follows Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, and discussed how context influences sentence construction. Kenn asked about rules for making Igbo sentences, and Uzoma provided guidance on forming simple sentences using the SVO pattern. The session concluded with a brief discussion about expressing directions in Igbo, where Uzoma explained that while there isn't a specific word for "turn," context and tone of voice are important in conveying meaning.