Time & Date in Igbo Language (Part 3) taught by Uzoma Veer
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 12 from our free Igbo language class held on Zoom below ↓
Quick recap
The class focused on learning Igbo language concepts, including time expressions and sentence construction, with emphasis on practical translation exercises between English and Igbo. The instructor led discussions on various language elements such as prepositions, word usage, and cultural expressions, while guiding students through sentence simplification and translation practice. The session concluded with an overview of the Igbo traditional calendar system, including its unique structure.
Next steps
Queen to confirm and share information about the Igbo word for "young" that was discussed in her other class.
All participants to practice constructing simple sentences in Igbo, focusing on correct sentence structure and vocabulary usage.
All participants to memorize the Igbo traditional calendar months and market days discussed in the lesson.
Uzoma to post the lesson slides in the chat for participants to review.
Summary Notes
Igbo Calendar and Sentence Making
Uzoma introduces the day's lesson, which will conclude the class on time, dates, and related topics. He explains that they will have a quick overview of the Igbo traditional calendar and do many sentence-making exercises. The class begins with a review of the word "mgbe" (when) and practices making sentences using it in both English and Igbo. Uzoma then guides the students in simplifying and improving their Igbo sentences, emphasizing the importance of concise language and cultural context.
Igbo Language Learning Session
The group discusses Igbo language learning, focusing on sentence structure and vocabulary. Uzoma leads the session, explaining the correct usage of words and prepositions in Igbo sentences. The participants practice translating sentences from English to Igbo, with Uzoma providing feedback and clarifications on grammar and word choice. They specifically work on translating phrases related to age, looking at the future, and “going to school tomorrow”.
Igbo Translation of ‘The Night Is Young’
Uzoma leads a discussion on translating the phrase "The night is young" into Igbo. The group explores different ways to express this concept, moving from literal translations to more idiomatic expressions. They settle on "Abali ka na eto" as a suitable translation, meaning "the night is still growing." Uzoma also introduces the Igbo word "ndeeli" for midnight and guides the participants in constructing a sentence about leaving at midnight in Igbo.
Igbo Language Translation Practice Session
Uzoma explains the nuanced usage of the Igbo word "leave," which is often associated with death or departure. The group then practices translating sentences from English to Igbo, focusing on phrases like "Last weekend I bought a new car." Uzoma emphasizes the importance of natural speech patterns over literal translations. The discussion moves on to translating time-related phrases, with the group collaborating on how to say "I will be there in 5 minutes" in Igbo. Queen raises a question about the difference between "here" and "there" in Igbo compared to English.
Igbo Calendar and Cultural Elements
Uzoma explains the Igbo calendar system, which consists of a four-day week and a 28-day month. He notes that Igbo language uses sentence construction rather than different words to indicate tenses. Uzoma also discusses the four elements of creation in Igbo culture and their relation to the calendar. He mentions that the Igbo calendar is still partially in use, particularly for traditional market days in some areas.
Interested in joining our free live Igbo classes every Sunday, running until March 2026?
Meet Your Instructor
Uzoma Veer is a creative professional and founder of Veepress Integrated Services. Passionate about purposeful design and communication, Uzoma works as a UI designer, social media manager, Igbo tutor, translator, creative writer, and public speaker.