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Watch a recording of Session 10 from our free Igbo language class held on Zoom below ↓

View Slides HERE.

Quick recap

The main focus of the class was on teaching Igbo vocabulary and grammar related to time and dates, including months, days, hours, and time expressions. The session concluded with language practice exercises and discussions about pronunciation, translation challenges, and incorporating learned phrases into daily conversations.

Next steps

All participants: Study the proper sentence structure for expressing time in Igbo
All participants: Review and memorize Igbo words related to time expressions, including morning, afternoon, evening, and various time-related terms
All participants: Practice incorporating learned Igbo vocabulary about time and dates into daily conversations with friends and family

Summary Notes

Igbo Time and Date Vocabulary

Uzoma introduces the topic of time and date-related words in Igbo. He reviews the previous lesson on ordinal numbers, explaining that the general rule is to add "nke" before the cardinal number to form ordinals, with exceptions like "first" (nke mbu or nke izizi). Uzoma then transitions to discussing words associated with time and dates, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the words in black for improved confidence and fluency.

Igbo Time Vocabulary Lesson

Uzoma teaches Igbo vocabulary related to time, including words for months, days, hours, and various times of day. The lesson covers both traditional Igbo concepts and modern timekeeping terms. Chima and other students repeat the English translations as Uzoma provides the Igbo words. Anuli asks for clarification on the pronunciation of "wristwatch" in Igbo, which Uzoma explains as "Elekere Mbanaka," literally meaning a clock worn on the wrist.

Igbo Time Expression Guidelines

Uzoma explains how to express time in Igbo, focusing on the distinction between AM and PM. He introduces the rule of adding "ututu" for AM and "mgbede" for PM, as well as the importance of including "elekere" (clock) when stating the time. Uzoma also discusses the nuances of formal and informal language use, noting that in casual conversations with friends, some elements might be omitted if the context is clear.

Igbo Time Expression Learning Session

Uzoma explains the concept of "quarter to 5" in Igbo, emphasizing the importance of understanding context and real-life usage for native speakers. He discusses the difference between past tense and present tense in relation to time expressions, and how their positioning in a sentence affects meaning. The group also practices translating time-related phrases and questions from English to Igbo, with Uzoma providing guidance on sentence structure and proper usage.

Igbo Sentence Structure and Time

Uzoma explains the grammatical structure of Igbo sentences, emphasizing that the subject typically comes first to provide context. He discusses how time is expressed in Igbo, noting that literal translations from English often don't work well. The group then practices forming Igbo sentences related to time and watching matches, with Uzoma providing various ways to express these concepts and explaining the nuances of different phrasings.

Igbo Language Pronunciation and Translation

The discussion focuses on Igbo language and grammar. Uzoma explains the nuances of Igbo pronunciation and spelling, particularly regarding the use of diacritics and word boundaries. They also discuss how to translate time-related concepts into Igbo. Chima assists by providing some translations, while Ogochukwu contributes to the conversation and asks for clarification on certain points.

Igbo Language Practice Session

Uzoma leads a language practice session, focusing on Igbo phrases and translations. The group discusses how to say "midnight" and "early morning" in Igbo, and constructs sentences using these terms. They also explore the challenges of translating certain Igbo words, like "okpa," into English, noting that some words don't have direct translations. Uzoma encourages the participants to incorporate the Igbo phrases they've learned into their daily conversations with friends and family.

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