Compiled By Ime Silas
IBIBIO is the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, after Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo which are first, second and third, respectively.
They settle within the South-southern part of Nigeria. Their language; Ibibio is spoken by the indigenous peoples of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, while it is being understood faintly by inhabitants of the boundary communities of Abia and Rivers States.
They have a distinctive history, culture and traditions which predate states’ creation in the present-day Nigeria.
The underlisted are some simple words and objects as well as their usages and few sentences for the benefit of learners of the language:
Aba (noun) – Bathroom
Aba (noun) – Cave
Abai (noun) – Pillar
Abang (noun) – Pot
Abat (noun) – Clay
Adep (noun) -Nanny, Babysitter
Afe (noun) – Hall
Afere (noun) – soup
Afia (noun) – Trap, Snare
Afia (adjective) White
Akwa (adjective, noun) – Great
Atai (adjective, noun) – Special
Atayad (noun) – Small hut
Ba (verb) – Stay
USAGE: Ba(stay) do(there) -(meaning: stay there)
Bak (verb) – Butcher
USAGE: Bak(butcher) ebot(goat) – (meaning: Butcher goat)
Ban (verb) – File, hone
USAGE: ban(file) ikwa(knife) – (meaning: file the knife)
Ban (verb) – Initiate
Bana (verb) -Decorate
Bat (verb) – Count
…to be continued