This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized
by Google as part of an ongoing efort to preserve the
information in books and make it universally accessible.
https://books.google.com
G R A M M A T I C A L
O U T L I N E
A N D
V O C A B U L A R Y
O F T H E
O J I -
L
A
N
G
U
A
G
E
,
W I T H
E S P E C I A L
R E F E R E N C E
T O
T H E
A K W A P M I - D I A L E C T ,
T O G E T H E R W I T H A
C O L L E C T I O N
O F
P R O V E R B S
O F
T H E N A T I V E S
B Y
H e w .
D A H N M A I E R ' S
.
I t .
B A S E L
B U C H H A N D L U N G
1 8 5 4 .
W i i s .
(C.
D E T L O F F )
R E G l A .
P
R
E
F
A
C
E
.
T h e a u t h o r b e g s leave to state, that this v o l u m e m u s t not in a n y w a y be
considered as a n a t t e m p t at a c o m p l e t e g r a m m a r a n d v o c a b u l a r y of the Ojil a n g u ag e . His short stay in Africa, p r e m a t u r e l y terminated b y disease, did
n o t p e r m i t h i m to a c q u i r e m u c h m o r e t h a n the first r u d i m e n t s o f a l a n g u a g e ,
w h i c h h a s n e v e r before b e e n r e d u c e d to writing, a n d the learning of w h i c h
w a s m a d e e x t r e m e l y difficult, as w e l l b y the entire w a n t of #iny assistance in
the w a y of b o o k s , n o t to s p e a k of teachers, as b y the w e l l - k n o w n w e a k e n i n g
a n d depressing influence of the climate of those parts o n the bodily system.
H e w o u l d not h a v e ventured therefore to c o m m i t , w h a t b y earnest study a n d
l a b o u r h e h a d g a t h e r e d o f t h e l a n g u a g e , t o p u b l i c a t i o n , if h e h a d n o t felt it a
d u t y to the cause of the Mission in w h i c h h e w a s e n g a g e d , as far as possible
t o t u r n h i s e x p e r i e n c e t o a c c o u n t , a n d m a k e it o f u s e t o h i s s u c c e s s o r s i n t h e
s a m e cause ; a n d in the p e r f o r m a n c e of this d u t y h e w a s e n c o u r a g e d b y the
consideration , that the v a s t field o f A f r i c a n l a n g u a g e is a s y e t so little culti
v a t e d , t h a t e v e n t h e m o s t i m p e r f e c t a t t e m p t a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n t o w a r d s it m a y
expect to be w e l c o m e d , a n d b y the h o p e , that w h a t h e w a s able to offer
m i g h t at least serve as a stimulant, a n d as a foundation for m o r e successful
attempts.
T h e contents of this v o l u m e w e r e originally published in G e r m a n . T h e plan
o f the p r e s e n t E n g l i s h edition w a s first s u g g e s t e d to the a u t h o r b y the R e v . H e n r y
V e n n of the C h u r c h Missionary Society, w h o s e lively interest in the cultivation of
African l a n g u a g e s h a s repeatedly given the a u t h o r satisfaction as w e l l as e n
c o u r a g e m e n t ; a n d the publication w a s p r o m o t e d b y the p r o m i s e d pecuniary as
sistance of the C h u r c h Missionary Society a n d W e s l e y a n M i s s i o n a r y Society in
L o n d o n , a n d b y the readiness of Mr. Oetloff ( B a h n m a i e r ' s B u c h h a n d l u n g ) at
B a s e l t o u n d e r t a k e t h e p r i n t i n g o f it. It is n o t , h o w e v e r , a l i t e r a l t r a n s l a t i o n
o f t h e G e r m a n edition , a s t h e a u t h o r f o u n d it n o t o n l y m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e , b u t
e v e n easier, to f o l l o w a plan m o r e a d a p t e d to the English w a y of treating
subjects o f this k i n d , t h o u g h k e e p i n g to t h e s a m e principles. H e is i n d e b t e d to
M r . B r e n n e r , secretary in the Mission H o u s e at Basel , for a preliminary trans
lation of the V o c a b u l a r y , a n d to Mr. M o s l e y , professor of the E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e
at Basel, for a revision of the g r a m m a t i c a l part of the w o r k , to correct a n y
expressions , w h i c h m i g h t h a v e p r e v e n t e d his ideas b e i n g clearly u n d e r s t o o d b y
IT
a n
h a
fo
l a
E n g l i s h reader. If, h o w e v e r , traces b e f o u n d , indicating that the a u t h o r
s ventured u p o n foreign g r o u n d , h e trusts that the reader will exercise kind
rbearance, considering the difficulty of w r i t i n g o n such a subject in a foreign
n g u a g e .
F o r t h e c o n v e n i e n c e o f t h e r e a d e r it m a y b e fit h e r e t o a d d , t h a t s u b s t a n
tives a n d a f e w other w o r d s of the Oji- l a n g u a g e , w h e n not intimately c o n
nected w i t h a p r e c e d i n g w o r d , h a v e frequently a v o w e l prefixed, m o r e parti
c u l a r l y a n o , e, o r e. I n t h e V o c a b u l a r y t h e w o r d s a r e i n s e r t e d w i t h o u t this
v o w e l (see G r a m m a r §. 25), f o r i n s t a n c e o n i p a m u s t b e l o o k e d f o r u n d e r
n i p a , a n d t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e , t h a t it s o m e t i m e s h a s t h e v o w e l a d d e d , is indi
c a t e d in a p a r e n t h e s i s e. g. n i p a ( o n - ) , a n d in t h e s a m e p a r e n t h e s i s , a s f a r
a s substantives a r e c o n c e r n e d , is indicated 'the w a y in w h i c h the plural is
formed. In a n o t h e r parenthesis at the e n d o f e a c h article' the e t y m o l o g y of the
w o r d is g i v e n , a s f a r a s t h e r e is a n y c e r t a i n t y o r p r o b a b i l i t y a b o u t it. T h e
p r o v e r b s , w h i c h are inserted b e t w e e n the G r a m m a r a n d the V o c a b u l a r y ,
pag. 1 1 1 1 3 6 , h a v e t h r o u g h the w h o l e w o r k frequently been referred to b y
the abbreviation prv., w i t h the n u m b e r g i v e n to e a c h in the collection.
T h e a u t h o r c o n c l u d e s w i t h the fervent w i s h a n d prayer, that this little
w o r k m a y in its m e a s u r e contribute t o w a r d s t h e g r e a t object o f raising t h e
d a r k e n e d a n d d e g r a d e d nations of Africa f r o m the depths of h e a t h e n i s m , a
w o r k that cannot be carried o n effectually, before the l a n g u a g e s a n d dialects
of this continent h a v e b e e n m a s t e r e d , a n d m a d e m o r e easily accessible to the
E u r o p e a n m e s s e n g e r o f t h e p e a c e a n d life , that in Christ is offered to all the
nations of the w o r l d .
'
Basel, July, 185V.
G E N E R A L
Introduct
G r a m m a t i
Collectio
V o c a b u l a
I n d e x to
ion
c a l Ontline .
n of P r o v e r b s
r y
the V o c a b u l a r y
C O N T E N T S
.
.
O F
C O N T E N T S .
T H E
P A R T
.
.
G R A M M A T I C A L
.
pag.
ies o f the Oji-lanauage
the O j i - L a n g u a g e
e A u g m e n t s
f o a n d ni
1 0
3 6
4 7
7 6
O U T L I N E .
I: E T Y M O L O G Y .
Section I: O f the S o u n d s a n d Phonetical Peculiarit
A l p h a b e t
Pronunciation
D i p h t h o n g s
Quantity
Division of the S o u n d s
Peculiarities of the Phonetical Structure of
A c c e n t
Section II: O f the F o rm a t i o n of W o r d s
C h a p t e r I: O f R o o t s
C h a p t e r II: O f D e r i v a t i o n
I. P r i m a r y D e r i v a t i v e s
Derivational A u g m e n t s
N o t i o n a l Variations indicated b y th
T h e l i q u i d - a u g m e n t
T h e v o w e l - a u g m e n t a
T h e v o w e l - a u g m e n t o
Substantives w i t h o u t a u g m e n t s
II. D e r i v a t i o n b y S u f f i x e s
Substantives f o r m e d b y the suffixes
Diminutives
III. R e d u p l i c a t i o n
C h a p t e r III: O f C o m p o s i t i o n
I. C o m p o u n d V e r b s
II. C o m p o u n d S u b s t a n t i v e s
1 4
4 1
1 1 1 1
1 3 7 - 2
2 4 8 - 2
.
.
.
»
.
.
§. 1
1
2
5
6
7
1 0
1 3
1 5
1 6
2 0
2 2
2 5
26
2 7
2 8
3 0
31
3 2
3 3
3 6
3 8
4 2
4 3
4 9
4
14
9
1 2
- 1 4
6 2
- 1 ! )
- 4 1
3 1
2 9
- 3 7
3 5
3 7
- 4 1
- 6 2
4 8
6 2
Section III : O f the Paris o f Speech a n d their Inflections
.
C h a p t e r I: O f V e r b s
Notional Disparities of the V e r b s
Division of the V e r b s
Peculiar K i n d s of V e r b s
Relational V e r b s
I n f l e c t i o n o f t h e V e r b s
T h e M o o d s
T h e T e n s e s
T a b l e of the Inflectional F o r m s of the V e r b
. . .
Phonetical F o r m a t i o n of the Inflections
. . . .
T h e P e r s o n s ( P e r s o n a l - A u g m e n t s )
F o r m a t i o n of the Inflectional F o r m s
I. I n d i c a t i v e
1. A o r i s t
2. P e r f e c t
3. P r e s e n t
4. F u t u r e
II. N e g a t i v e
1. A o r i s t
2. P e r f e c t
3. P r e s e n t ( F u t u r e )
III. P o t e n t i a l
1. P o t e n t i a l p o s i t i v e
a. A o r i s t
b. F u t u r e
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2. Potential n e g a t i v e
IV. I m p e r a t i v e
V. Infinitive
C h a p t e r II: O f S u b s t a n t i v e s
Divisions o f the Substantives
I n f l e c t i o n o f t h e S u b s t a n t i v e s
T h e S t r o n g e r P l u r a l - F o r m
T h e W e a k e r Plural- F o r m
Application of the P l u r a l - F o r m s
C h a p t e r III: O f A d j e c t i v e s
C h a p t e r IV: O f P r o n o u n s
F o r m a t i o n o f the P r o n o u n s
Division of the P r o n o u n s
I. P e r s o n a l P r o n o u n s
II. D e m o n s t r a t i v e P r o n o u n s
III. I n t e r r o g a t i v e P r o n o u n s
IV. Indefinite P r o n o u n s
C h a p t e r V : O f N u m e r a l s
I. D e f i n i t e N u m e r a l s
1. P r i m a r y N u m e r a l s
2. C o m p o u n d N u m e r a l s
II. I n d e f i n i t e N u m e r a l s
C h a p t e r W I : O f P r e p o s i t i o n s
I. S u b s t a n t i v e P r e p o s i t i o n s
U. V e r b a l Prepositions
.
§. 6 3 1 5 4
6 4 - 8 5
64
6 5
6 6
67
6 8 8 5
6 9
7 0
71
7 2
73
74- -85
7 4 7 7
74
75
7 6
7 7
7 8 - 8 0
78
7 9
8 0
8 1 - 8 3
8 1 8 2
81
8 2
8 3
8 4
85
8 6 - 9 4
* 8 6
8 7 - 9 4
8 8 8 9
9 0 - 9 1
9 2 9 4
9 5 - 9 7
9 8 - 1 2 6
9 9 1 0 0
101
1 0 2 1 1 0
1 1 1 1 1 9
1 2 0 1 2 3
1 2 4 1 2 6
1 2 7 - 1 3 3
1 2 8 1 3 1
1 2 8 1 3 0
131
1 3 2 1 3 3
1 3 4 1 4 6
1 3 5 1 4 1
1 4 2 1 4 6
C h a
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
C h a
p t
A d
A d
A d
A d
A d
A d
p t
e r
v e
v e
v e
v e
v e
v e
e r
r b
r b
r b
r b
r b
r b
VII
s
s
s
s
s
s
VII
: O
of
of
of
of
of
of
I:
f A d v e r b s
.
Locality
T i m e
M a n n e r
Intensity
F r e q u e n c y
M o d a l i t y
O f C o n j u n c t i o n s
P A R T
.
.
.
II: S Y N T A X .
.
.
VII
. § . 1 4 7 - 1 5 3
148
149
1 5 0
151
152
153
154
Division of S y n t a x
155
Different K i n d s of S e n t e n c e s
1 5 6
Section I: S y n t a x o f Simple Sentences
'. 1 5 7
Partition of S e n t e n c e s
1 5 7
T h e Particle n a
1 5 8
C h a p t e r I: P r e d i c a t i v e C o m b i n a t i o n
. . . .
1 5 9
Constituents of the Predicative C o m b i n a t i o n
. . . .
1 5 9
I. F o r m s o f t h e S u b j e c t
160
G r a m m a t i c a l a n d L o g i c a l Subject
1 6 1
1. T h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t a g r a m m a t i c a l o b j e c t
.
. 162
2. T h e logical s u b j e c t a n attribute
. . . .
1 6 3
II. F o r m s o f t h e P r e d i c a t e
1 6 4
Constituents of the Predicate
164
1. T h e c o n s t i t u e n t s o f t h e p r e d i c a t e e x p r e s s e d s e p a r a t e l y
1 6 5
T h e copulas y e a n d si
1 6 6
O m i s s i o n of the c o p u l a y e
1 6 7
P r o n o u n s u s e d instead of the c o p u l a .
.
. 168
T h e copula di
1 6 9
2. T h e constituents o f t h e predicate e x p r e s s e d in o n e
w o r d
1 7 0
3. V a r i a t i o n s o f t h e p r e d i c a t i v e relation
.
.
. 1 7 1
a. U s e o f t h e M o o d s
. 1 7 2 Indicative, Imperative, a n d N e g a t i v e
.
. 1 7 2
Potential
1 7 3
T h e auxiliary v e r b m a
1 7 4
b. U s e o f t h e T e n s e s
1 7 5
Aorist
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
175
Perfect
.
1 7 6
Present
1 7 7
F u t u r e
. 1 7 8
Relations of time expressed b y relational verbs
179
c. U s e o f t h e P e r s o n s
1 8 0
C h a p t e r II: O b j e c t i v e C o m b i n a t i o n
1 8 1
Constituents. Construction. F o r m s of the Object .
.
. 181
Different K i n d s of Objects
182
A c c e s s a r y a n d Integrant Objects
1 8 3
S i m p l e a n d C o m p o u n d Objective C o m b i n a t i o n
.
.
. 1 8 4
L O b j e c t of Activity
1 8 5
1. P a s s i v e O b j e c t .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
186
2 0 6
1 8 0
- 1 6 3
1 6 3
1 8 0
1 6 9
1 8 0
1 7 4
1 7 9
2 0 2
1 8 9
M i l
2. Ilesultive O b j e c t
T h e object a n infinitive
3. R e c i p r o c a l O b j e c t
II. O b j e c t o f M a n n e r
III. O b j e c t o f L o c a l i t y
F o r m s of the object of locality
. . . .
O m i s s i o n of the substantive-prepositions
.
Relation of direction
Integrant object of locality
A c c e s s a r y object of locality
Collocation of the object o f locality . . . .
IV. O b j e c t of T i m e
V. C o m p o u n d Objective C o m b i n a t i o n
U s e of the auxiliary v e r b d e
C h a p t e r III: A t t r i b u t i v e C o m b i n a t i o n
. . . .
Constituents. Variations of the Attribute
. . . .
1. A t t r i b u t i v e A d j e c t i v e
2. A t t r i b u t i v e S u b s t a n t i v e .
.
.
.
.
3. S u b s t a n t i v e in A p p o s i t i o n
.
.
. . . .
.
Section II: S y n t a x o f C o m p o u n d Sentences
Co-ordination a n d S u b o r d i n a t i o n
C h a p t e r I: C o - o r d i n a t i o n
W a y s of Co-ordination
1. T h e C o n j u n c t i o n n a
2. T h e C o n j u n c t i o n s e n s o , n a n s o , d c , e n t i .
.
3. C o n n e c t i o n o f S e n t e n c e s w i t h o u t a n y C o n j u n c t i o n
4. C o n t r a c t i o n a n d A b b r e v i a t i o n of C o - o r d i n a t e S e n t e n c
T h e conjunctions ni a n d e n n i
.
.
.
T h e conjunction a n a s e
Abbreviation of a co-ordinate negative sentence
C h a p t e r II: S u b o r d i n a t i o n
Division of A c c e s s a r y Sentences
1. A d j e c t i v e S e n t e n c e .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2. S u b s t a n t i v e S e n t e n c e
3. A d v e r b i a l S e n t e n c e
a. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f condition . . . .
b. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f c o m p a r i s o n
.
.
c. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f l o c a l i t y
. . . .
d. A d v e r b i a l sentence of time .
.
.
.
es
.
.
.
.
.
§.187
188
189
190
1 9 1 - 1 9 7
192
193
194
1 9 5
1 9 6
197
1 9 8
1 9 9 2 0 2
2 0 0 2 0 2
2 0 3 2 0 6
2 0 3
2 0 V
2 0 5
206
2 0 7 2 2 6
207
2 0 8 - 2 1 7
2 0 S
209
2 1 0 2 1 2
2 1 3 2 1 4
2 1 5 2 1 7
2 1 5
2 1 6
2 1 7
2 1 8 - 2 2 6
218
2 1 9 - 2 2 0
221
2 2 2 2 2 6
2 2 2
2 2 3 2 2 4
225
2 2 6
G R A M M A T I C A L
W I T H
O U T L I N E
E S P E C I A L R E F E R E N C E
O F
T O
T H E
T H E
O J I - L A N G U A G E ,
A K W A P I M - D I A L E C T .
I N T R O D U C T I O N .
T h e l a n g u a g e , o f t h e e l e m e n t s o f w h i c h a s k e t c h is p r e s e n t e d in this
v o l u m e , is u n d o u b t e d l y o n e o f t h o s e A f r i c a n l a n g u a g e s , w h i c h in t h e w e s t e r n
part of that continent h a v e acquired the greatest extent a n d prevailing influence.
T h e tribes b y w h o m it is s p o k e n , h a v e t a k e n u p t h e i r a b o d e a l o n g t h e g r e a t e r
part of the Gold-coast; a n d f r o m there the territory partly inhabited b y t h e m
partly subjected to their d o m i n i o n b y their martial superiority, extends, as far
as their o w n statements m a y be relied u p o n , to the K o n g - m o u n t a i n s . O f these
the Asante-tribe h a s f o u n d e d a large e m p i r e in the interior, the k i n g s of w h i c h ,
residing in K u m a s i , ex t e n d their despotic s w a y not o n l y o v e r several k i n d r e d
tribes of c o m m o n descent a n d l a n g u a g e , but also o v e r M o h a m m e d a n tribes of
different speech, w h o in the m o r e r e m o t e interior are said to f u r r o w w i t h
their p l o u g h s a n d feed their h e r d s of cattle o n g r a s s g r o w n plains, dividing
the K o n g - m o u n t a i n s f r o m that w o o d y a n d m o u n t a i n o u s district, in w h i c h the
A s a n t e s themselves a n d their c o n s a n g u i n e o u s tribes h a v e their abode. T h e y
e v e n , d u r i n g the first part o f the present century, w e n t so far, as to assail
the E n g l i s h settlements o n the coast, a n d b y carrying o n a b l o o d y w a r w i t h
the g o v e r n m e n t of these places a n d the n e g r o -tribes placed u n d e r their p r o
tection, m a d e t h e m s e l v e s f o r m i d a b l e for a time to the settlers a n d the n a m e of
Asanle generally k n o w n to the E u r o p e a n s .
B u t the boundaries of the e m p i r e of A s a n t e a n d those of the language,
s p o k e n in the principal a n d m o r e s o u t h e r n part of this k i n g d o m , d o n o t coin
cide. N o t o n l y are there , as stated a b o v e , also M o h a m m e d a n tribes of different
l a n g u a g e p a y i n g h o m a g e to the ruler of A s a n t e ; but there are o n the other
h a n d tribes s p e a k i n g the s a m e l a n g u a g e a n d a c k n o w l e d g i n g their consanguinity
to the A s a n t e s , w h o are politically u n c o n n e c t e d w i t h this p o w e r . T h e t e r m
A s a n t e o r i g i n a l l y m a r k s o n l y a s m a l l e r p r o v i n c e , w h i c h is t h e c e n t r e a n d p r o
b a b l y t h e g e r m o f the p r e s e n t e m p i r e . It m a y b e a p p l i e d to the w h o l e , if
referred to as a political body. B u t s p e a k i n g of the tribe, as c o n n e c t e d n o t
b y political unity but b y the ties of ethnological consanguinity, c o m p r i s i n g all
those w h o h a v e the s a m e v e r n a c u l a r i d i o m , the natives t h e m s e l v e s will n e v e r
use the t e r m A s a n t e , but t h e y will s p e a k of the Oji-tribe a n d the Oji-language.
T h e w o r d , a s it is p r o n o u n c e d b y t h e n a t i v e s , o u g h t r a t h e r t o b e s p e l t Tyi,
1
2
Otyi, b u t w e retain the. o t h e r spelling, a s O t y i is difficult for E n g l i s h o r g a n s to
p r o n o u n c e , a n d t h e y w i l l in s p i t e o f t h e m s e l v e s c o n v e r t it i n t o Oji. It m a y b e
h e r e r e m a r k e d also, that the w o r d A s a n t e h a s b e e n spelt in E n g l i s h erroneous
ly A s h a n t e , a n d still m o r e e r r o n e o u s l y A s h a n t e e , p u t t i n g t h e a c c e n t o n t h e
u l t i m a t e ; it is to b e a c c e n t e d o n ' t h e p e n u l t i m a t e : A s a n t e , a n d t h e s is n o sh,
b u t is d i s t i n g u i s h e d f r o m t h e c o m m o n E n g l i s h s o n l y b y h a v i n g a m o r e palatal
aspiration.
T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e t h e n is s p o k e n p r i m a r i l y in the original A s a n t e , the h e a r t
o f t h e p r e s e n t e m p i r e o f A s a n t e , a n d in its central a n d s o u t h e r n d e p e n d e n c i e s .
A s the inhabitants of these parts h a v e so entirely g o t the a s c e n d a n c y in poli
tical respect o v e r their k i n d r e d tribes, a n d l a n g u a g e a l w a y s p a r t a k e s in the
p r e v a i l i n g i n f l u e n c e , w h i c h t h e tribe b y w h o m it is s p o k e n h a s o b t a i n e d , w e
, m a y justly consider the i d i o m of A s a n t e as the principal dialect of the Ojilanguage. Besides, the flourishing state of a nation a l w a y s exerts a n influence
u p o n the d e v e l o p m e n t o f its l a n g u a g e ; a n d s o , t h o u g h w e h a v e h a d n o o p p o r
tunity to ascertain the actual truth of the r e m a r k , w e d o not hesitate to ex
press the expectation, that o n a close c o m p a r i s o n the A s a n t e - dialect will b e
f o u n d to b e in m a n y r e s p e c t s s u p e r i o r to its f e l l o w - b r a n c h e s o f t h e Ojil a n g u a g e .
T o the south of A s a n t e , a l o n g the Gold-coast, w e find in the inhabitants
o f F a n t e a n o t h e r p e o p l e b y w h o m t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e is s p o k e n . T h o u g h t h e
F a n t e s are past their p r i m e of political consequence, t h o u g h in the b l o o d y
w a r s , carried o n b e t w e e n t h e m a n d the A s a n t e s d u r i n g the first d e c e n u i a of
the present century, t h e y w e r e m a s s a c r e d b y t h o u s a n d s a n d in d a n g e r of b e i n g
exstinguished altogether; yet p r o b a b l y as to population they at present o c c u p y
a m o n g the Oji -tribes the s e c o n d rank. B u t of the Fante -dialect w e k n o w
n o t h i n g , e x c e p t t h a t it is l e s s s o f t a n d l e s s a g r e e a b l e t o t h e e a r t h a n t h a t
of Asante.
T h e r e are beside A s a n t e a n d F a n t e three other small countries, w h i c h
share w i t h t h e m the O j i - l a n g u a g e , all situated in a n easterly direction f r o m
A s a n t e , a n d in the interior, not extending to the coast. Their n a m e s are
A k i m , A k w a p i m a n d A k w a m , the latter k n o w n a m o n g the E u r o p e a n s o n the
coast b y the n a m e A k w a m b u . T h e y h a v e at times also b e e n s u b d u e d b y the
o v e r w h e l m i n g p o w e r of A s a n t e , b u t at present e n j o y a state of independence,
g o v e r n e d b y their o w n princes a n d caboceers, u n d e r the protection a n d s u p r e m e
authority of the English, formerly the Danish, g o v e r n m e n t o n the coast. A k i m
is n e x t to A s a n t e , a n d its dialect p e r h a p s d o e s n o t differ m u c h f r o m t h a t o f
t h e latter. A k w a p i m is a g a i n to t h e e a s t o f A k i m , a n d A k w a m t o t h e n o r t h
east of A k w a p i m , b o r d e r i n g o n the river Volta.
O n A k w a p i m , b e i n g the country in w h i c h the materials for this v o l u m e
h a v e b e e n c o l l e c t e d , a n d its d i a l e c t b e i n g p r i n c i p a l l y r e f e r r e d t o , it m a y b e
a p p r o p r i a t e t o m a k e a f e w a d d i t i o n a l o b s e r v a t i o n s . It is situated a l m o s t u n d e r
the meridian of G r e e n w i c h , a b o u t the sixth d e g r e e of northern latitude. F r o m
t h e s e a it is s e p a r a t e d b y a t r a c t o f c o a s t , g e n e r a l l y c a l l e d b y t h e E u r o p e a n s
A c c r a, in the O j i - l a n g u a g e E n k r a f i , but G a b y the inhabitants themselves,
w h o a r e a different tribe a n d s p e a k a different l a n g u a g e f r o m the Oji, t h o u g h
n o t w i t h o u t affinity. A n o t h e r b r a n c h of this tribe are the A d a m p e s o n the
southeastern b o u n d a r i e s of A k w a p i m , o c c u p y i n g to the east of A c c r a the plains
of t h e coast, w h i c h w i d e n a s t h e y a p p r o a c h the river Volta. A k w a p i m is a
m o u n t a i n o u s a n d t h i c k l y w o o d e d c o u n t r y . It c o n t a i n s s e v e n t e e n t o w n s o r vil
3
lages, w h i c h f o r m as m a n y political c o m m u n i t i e s , e a c h h a v i n g its o w n caboceer, w h o w i t h a council ot t h e m o s t r e s p e c t e d m e n a r o u n d h i m is ruler a n d
j u d g e of his t o w n a n d of the plantations a n d h a m l e t s b e l o n g i n g thereto. B u t
a s e a c h c a b o c e e r is t h e chief o f his t o w n , s o t h e c a b o c e e r at t h e central place,
A k r o p o n g , is e s t e e m e d the chief o f t h e c o u n t r y , a n d all t h e o t h e r c a b o c e e r s
a r e in a state o f d e p e n d e n c e o n h i m , w h i c h is stricter o r l a x e r a c c o r d i n g t o
the greater or less e n e r g y , w i t h w h i c h h e enforces his authority o v e r the
w h o l e of t h e country. B u t n o t o n l y is A k w a p i m p a r t l y s u r r o u n d e d b y tribes
w h o s p e a k different l a n g u a g e s ; e v e n o f its o w n p o p u l a t i o n a portion d o e s n o t
b e l o n g to t h e Oji-tribe. In five o f its t o w n s , t h e m o s t n o r t h e r l y , w e find
a n o t h e r i d i o m s p o k e n , called the K y e r e p o n g - l a n g u a g e , a n d a g a i n a n o t h e r in
D a t e a n d K u b e a s e , the t w o m o s t southeasterly o f its t o w n s . H o w far t h e s e
i d i o m s a r e m u t u a l l y related, a n d w h a t their affinity is w i t h t h e O j i o r w i t h t h e
G a - l a n g u a g e , w e are unable to decide. T h e y are p r o b a b l y r e m n a n t s of a lan
g u a g e , w h i c h in b y g o n e times w a s m o r e w i d e l y s p o k e n , a n d the inhabitants
of these t o w n s r e m a i n f r a g m e n t s of a greater population , w h o in d a y s of y o r e
p e r h a p s w e r e the sole possessors a n d cultivators of A k w a p i m , until t h e y w e r e
o v e r p o w e r e d a n d dispossessed b y invaders of the Oji-tribe, a n d partly exsting u i s h e d , partly r e d u c e d to t h e f e w t o w n s w h i c h t h e y still o c c u p y . In t h e s e
t o w n s , h o w e v e r , t h o u g h in their families w i t h their w o m e n a n d children t h e y
use their o w n i d i o m , yet the l a n g u a g e of public intercourse is the Oji, w h i c h
all g r o w n - u p p e o p l e u n d e r s t a n d a n d s p e a k as w e l l as their m o t h e r -tongue.
A n d as s u c h the O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s f o u n d its w a y also to o t h e r o f the s u r r o u n d
ing tribes, a n d the A c c r a - p e o p l e , I h a v e b e e n told, d o not e v e n in their
s o n g s use their o w n but the O j i - l a n g u a g e .
S u r r o u n d e d thus a n d h e m m e d in b y other tribes a n d t o n g u e s , as the Ojil a n g u a g e is in t h e r e m a i n i n g t e n t o w n s o f A k w a p i m in w h i c h it is s p o k e n ;
it m i g h t b e s u p p o s e d , t h a t f r o m t h e c l o s e a n d c o n s t a n t c o n t a c t w i t h o t h e r
i d i o m s it c o u l d n o t h a v e e s c a p e d w i t h o u t s u f f e r i n g s o m e d e t e r i o r a t i o n o f its
p e c u l i a r c h a r a c t e r a n d r e c e i v i n g a n a l l o y o f s t r a n g e e l e m e n t s into its o w n
original substance. W e h a v e not the materials at h a n d for a satisfactory solu
tion o f this q u e s t i o n , a n d w e s h a l l t h e r e f o r e l e a v e it a t p r e s e n t u n d e c i d e d .
It is t o b e c o n s i d e r e d , h o w e v e r , t h a t t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s b e e n in t h e s e p a r t s
the prevailing l a n g u a g e , exerting influence rather u p o n other tribes a n d t o n g u e s
t h a n b e i n g itself influenced ; besides , e v e r y l a n g u a g e is t e n a c i o u s in r e t a i n i n g
its p e c u l i a r c h a r a c t e r a n d fastidious in r e c e i v i n g a n y a d d i t i o n f r o m w i t h o u t ,
a n d the natives w a t c h o v e r a n d v a l u e their l a n g u a g e , a n d n o t unfrequently
t h e r e m a r k m a y b e h e a r d f r o m t h e m o n a w o r d o r e x p r e s s i o n , t h a t it is n o t
O t y i k r o n k r o f i i. e. n o t p u r e O j i . B u t e a c h o f t h e d i f f e r e n t d i a l e c t s o f t h e
O j i - l a n g u a g e m u s t b e t h o r o u g h l y investigated a n d duly represented a n d a care
ful c o m p a r i s o n instituted, before a n y t h i n g certain a n d satisfactory c a n be said
o n their m u t u a l relations. T h e difference, h o w e v e r , is n o t s o g r e a t a s to
prevent a F a n t e m a n c o n v e r s i n g w i t h o u t difficulty w i t h a n inhabitant of A s a n t e
or A k w a p i m , a n d vice versa. T h e r e a r e small discrepances in the p r o n u n c i a
tion of s o m e s o u n d s , there a r e s u c h also in the f o r m s of the w o r d s , especially
in the terminations, a n d e a c h dialect h a s a limited n u m b e r of w o r d s a n d ex
pressions, w h i c h a r e u n k n o w n or u n u s e d in the other. If in the c o u r s e o f t i m e
the l a n g u a g e should receive literary cultivation, these differences of the dialects
will b e n o i m p e d i m e n t to its d e v e l o p m e n t , b u t t h e y will b e s u b s e r v i e n t r a t h e r
to its enrichment. A s to the leading features of the g r a m m a t i c a l structure of
4
the l a n g u a g e ,
a n d so w e thi
a n d initiatory
chiefly refers ,
will a p p l y as
the several
nk w e m a y
a s it is, a s
b u t w h i c h
w e l l to the
dialects will p r o b a b l y b e f
offer the f o l l o w i n g represen
o n e not only of the A k w a
at least in its principal a n d
w h o l e of the Oji-language.
P A R T
E
O f
t h e
T
Y
S o u n d s
o f
M
O
I
t h e
,
v e r y little;
imperfect
t o w h i c h it
lineaments
I.
O
S E C T I O N
a n d
o u n d to differ
tation of them
p i m - dialect,
m o r e general
f
i
I.
P h o n e l i c a l
O j i - l a n g u a g e .
A L P H A B E T .
l
.
P e c u l i a r i t i e s
§. 1. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , a s m o s t p r o b a b l y all o t h e r H a m i t i c l a n g u a g e s
n o a l p h a b e t o f its o w n . F o r t h e p u r p o s e o f r e p r e s e n t i n g its s o u n d s w e
e use of the R o m a n characters, a p p l y i n g o n l y those modifications w h i c h
phonetical peculiarities of the l a n g u a g e m a k e necessary. F o l l o w i n g this
se w e h a v e a d o p t e d the succeeding t w e n t y six letters:
a b c d e f g h i y k m n n
t f p r s t u v w e o p u
T h e characters e o o u h a v e been a d o p t e d a g r e e a b l y to the RuIes for
r e d u c i n g u n w r i t t e n l a n g u a g e s to alphabetical writing", laid d o w n b y the Rev.
H . V e n n o f t h e C h u r c h M i s s i o n a r y S o c i e t y , t o w h i c h it h a s b e e n o u r e n d e a
v o u r to a p p r o x i m a t e as nearly as the peculiar character of the l a n g u a g e
w o u l d permit.
W e w o u l d not, h o w e v e r , assert, that b y the a b o v e a l p h a b e t all the
s o u n d s o f the l a n g u a g e are perfectly represented. T o fix the s o u n d s of a lan
g u a g e , w h i c h h a s n e v e r before been written, a n d to represent t h e m in s u c h a
w a y a s really to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h the peculiar n a t u r e o f t h e l a n g u a g e , is a
m u c h m o r e difficult t a s k than' o n a first g l a n c e m i g h t a p p e a r . It r e q u i r e s n o t
o n l y a long, patient, a n d careful attention, but also a t h o r o u g h k n o w l e d g e
o f t h e g r a m m a t i c a l structure of the l a n g u a g e , especially o f its e t y m o l o g i c a l
part, w i t h w h i c h t h e n a t u r e o f its s o u n d s is m o s t intimately c o n n e c t e d . E v e n
t h e a l p h a b e t , t h e r e f o r e , c a n n o t b e c o n s i d e r e d a s d e f i n i t i v e l y s e t t l e d , till t h e
w h o l e o f t h e l a n g u a g e in all its p a r t s h a s b e e n t h o r o u g h l y i n v e s t i g a t e d .
h a s
m a k
the
cour
P R O N U N C I A T I O N .
5
§. 2. T h e o n l y e x p e d i e n t f o r s i g n i f y i n g in a g r a m m a r t h e p r o n u n c i a t i o n
o f the s o u n d s o f a l a n g u a g e , u n k n o w n to t h e r e a d e r , is referring t h e m to
c o r r e s p o n d i n g s o u n d s o f k n o w n l a n g u a g e s . It m u s t b e r e m a r k e d , h o w e v e r *
that this w a y is a v e r y i m p e r f e c t a n d unsatisfactory o n e . F o r , n o t to s p e a k
o f other inconveniences, t h o u g h the respective s o u n d s of t w o different lan
g u a g e s c o r r e s p o n d , i. e. f o r m t h e s a m e l i n k o f t h e c h a i n o f s o u n d s , y e t t h e y
a r e n e v e r a l t o g e t h e r t h e s a m e ; t h e r e is a l w a y s s o m e m i n u t e d i f f e r e n c e , w h i c h
it is m o s t difficult to define. T h e r e a s o n is, t h a t w i t h different n a t i o n s t h e r e
is a difference in t h e o r g a n s o f s p e e c h t h e m s e l v e s , a n d in t h e p e c u l i a r position
w h i c h t h e y a s s u m e in f o r m i n g t h e s o u n d s . In o n e l a n g u a g e t h e m o u t h is k e p t
in a broader, in the other in a n a r r o w e r position; in o n e the s o u n d s are f o r m
e d m o r e in the interior part of the m o u t h , in a n o t h e r m o r e in the anterior
in o n e the guttural s o u n d s a r e prevalent, a n d e v e n those s o u n d s w h i c h d o n o t
b e l o n g to this class, are b y the p r e d o m i n a n t activity of the guttural o r g a n s
peculiarly modified, in a n o t h e r this is t h e c a s e w i t h t h e d e n t a l a n d lingual
sounds. T h e m i n u t e modifications b y w h i c h in these respects the s o u n d s of
e v e r y l a n g u a g e are particularized, a n d distinguished f r o m those of other lan
g u a g e s , are a l w a y s f o u n d v e r y difficult for a stranger to appropriate to h i m
self, a n d they certainly c a n o n l y b e acquired b y a p r o l o n g e d oral intercourse
w i t h the natives themselves. W e shall not venture, w i t h o u r imperfect k n o w
l e d g e o f t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , to e n t e r u p o n a c l o s e characteristic o f it in this
difficult d e p a r t m e n t . S o m u c h , h o w e v e r , w e m a y s a y , that o n the w h o l e its
s o u n d s a r e f o r m e d m o r e in the anterior a n d u p p e r part of the m o u t h , the
slight g u s h of breath, w h i c h filled w i t h the voice presents the materials of
e v e r y s o u n d , p r o c e e d i n g t o w a r d s the palate a n d b e i n g there arrested a n d
receiving its peculiar modification; that a c c o r d i n g l y palatals a r e the prevailing
s o u n d s (cf. §. 9 ) , a n d t h e w h o l e p h o n e t i c a l t e n o r o f t h e l a n g u a g e t h e r e b y
receives a peculiar tincture, w h i c h to the e a r of the stranger a p p e a r s s o m e
t h i n g nasal. B e s i d e s , it m a y b e h e r e r e m a r k e d , a s this c i r c u m s t a n c e a l s o h a s
a q u a l i f y i n g influence, that in s p e a k i n g t h e l a n g u a g e its s o u n d s a r e g e n e r a l l y
t o u c h e d v e r y l i g h t l y a n d s k i p p e d o v e r r a p i d l y , in c o n s e q u e n c e o f w h i c h it h a s
c o m p a r a t i v e l y v e r y f e w l o n g v o w e l s (cf. §. 6). I n t h e s e r e s p e c t s , t h o u g h
d i f f e r e n t in o t h e r s , it w o u l d s e e m t o u s a m o n g E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s t o a p p r o a c h
n e a r e s t t o t h e F r e n c h . A n d it m a y n o t s e e m i r r e l e v a n t t o a d d , t h a t t h e a u t h o r
c a n n o t b u t ascribe to this phonetical similarity a v a g u e but constant i m p r e s
sion, w h e n h e first h e a r d the O j i - l a n g u a g e s p o k e n , r e m i n d i n g h i m o f t h e E u
r o p e a n l a n g u a g e referred to; and, t h o u g h not v e r y familiar w i t h that l a n g u a g e
o r at a n y time a c c u s t o m e d to c o n v e r s e in it, w h e n h e h i m s e l f b e g u n to s p e a k
O j i , h e f e l t c o n s t a n t l y t e m p t e d t o m i x F r e n c h w o r d s w i t h it.
W h a t h a s b e e n s a i d a b o v e , is t o b e k e p t in m i n d a s a r e s e r v a t i o n , w i t h
w h i c h the f o l l o w i n g particular r e m a r k s o n the pronunciation of the single
s o u n d s of the Oji - l a n g u a g e are offered.
§. 3.
T h e p
lar to the
T h e v
F r e n c h e
Pronunciation of the vowel
ronunciation of the v o w e l
E n g l i s h a in the w o r d fa
o w e l e is p r o n o u n c e d like
ferme. T h e E n g l i s h l a n g
s: a,
a is
ther.
the
u a g e
e , i, o , u ,
o, o, u.
next to that of the F r e n c h a, or simi
close e of the G e r m a n l a n g u a g e or the
h a s n o c o r r e s p o n d i n g s o u n d , unless
6
t h e s o u n d o f i in w o r d s like bit, sin etc. b e c o n s i d e r e d a s such. It w o u l d s e e m
to us, at least, to a p p r o a c h it, a n d e in O j i m u s t b e similarly p r o n o u n c e d ,
w h e r e it is f o l l o w e d b y a c o n s o n a n t , e. g. in t h e w o r d d e n , h a r d , w h i c h is t o
b e distinguished f r o m d i n , n a m e , as well as f r o m defi, what.
T h e v o w e l i is like t h e E n g l i s h e in be, m e o r i in m a g a z i n e , ravine. It r e
tains its p u r e s o u n d t h r o u g h o u t , also in s u c h w o r d s as: d i n , n a m e , p i r r e , to
defend,
a n d is n e v e r t o b e p r o n o u n c e d like t h e E n g l i s h i in w o r d s a s bit,
sin, sting.
T h e v o w e l o corresponds w i t h the English o in h o m e , no; a n d the v o w e l u
w i t h t h e E n g l i s h u in fult, o r o i n to.
T h e v o w e l e is like t h e G e r m a n a , o r t h e F r e n c h e o u v e r t , o r t h e E n g l i s h e
in held, wet.
T h e v o w e l o corresponds w i t h the s o u n d of a in E n g l i s h w o r d s like
l a w , all.
T h e v o w e l p s o u n d s like the G e r m a n 6 , o r F r e n c h eu in feu ; a n d u like t h e
G e r m a n u o r F r e n c h u.
§. 4. P r o n u n c i a t i o n o f the consonants.
T h e c o n s o n a n t s b, d, f, g , h , y, k, m , n, p, r, s, t, d o n o t differ m a
terially in their pronunciation f r o m t h e S a m e letters in English, o n l y that g is
a l w a y s h a r d as in gate, a n d h a l w a y s distinctly s o u n d e d as in house.
T h e r e m a i n i n g are c, n, v, w .
T h e character c w e use for representing a s o u n d , w h i c h d o e s not o c c u r in
E n g l i s h . It is s i m i l a r t o t h e G e r m a n c h , o r r a t h e r a n i n t e r m e d i a t e s o u n d b e
t w e e n this a n d h.
T h e s o u n d of n stands in the s a m e relation to n, as the latter d o e s to m ,
- m b e i n g the labial, n the dental or lingual, a n d n the palatal or guttural
modification of the s a m e sound. In the E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s of G e r m a n extract
it is g e n e r a l l y r e p r e s e n t e d b y n g , o r , if it p r e c e d e s a k o r a s i m i l a r s o u n d ,
m e r e l y b y n ; in F r e n c h it h a s b e e n a t t r i b u t e d n o t o n l y t o n s o l e l y , b u t a l s o
v e r y frequently to m. T h e use of n g b e i n g subject to serious inconveniences in
the Oji-language, a n d disagreeing w i t h the w h o l e phonetical tenor of the lan
g u a g e , this s o u n d o u g h t to h a v e its o w n c h a r a c t e r , a n d w e h a v e therefore
a d o p t e d t h e sign n. If t h e E n g l i s h w o r d s a n k is p r o n o u n c e d w i t h o m i s s i o n o f
the final c o n s o n a n t k, but retaining, n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , the peculiar s o u n d o f
t h e n , it s o u n d s v e r y m u c h like t h e O j i - w o r d s e n ( t o h a n g ) .
T h e p r o n u n c i a t i o n o f v a n d w it is difficult t o d e s c r i b e . T h e f o r m e r is
not v e r y different f r o m the English v, t h o u g h not quite the s a m e . W
h a s
n o t h i n g o f t h e b r o a d s o u n d o f the English w. It is t h e softest a n d least articu
l a t e d c o n s o n a n t a l s o u n d , s o t h a t it in s o m e w o r d s easily e s c a p e s a E u r o p e a n
ear altogether.
p
o
D I P H T H O N G S .
n
t
§. 5. T h e r e a r e t w o s e r i e s o f d
i. B y t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f w w i
h o n g s are f o r m e d : i w , e w , e w ,
o w t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o w is s o u n d e d
f this series n o analogies are pres
ronunciation m u s t b e learnt f r o m t
iphthongs.
t h a p r e c e
a w , o w ,
like o w i
ented b y
he natives
d i n g v o w e l the
o w , u w . In
n Oji. F o r the
the English l a n
themselves.
f o l l o w i n g
the English
other d i p h t
g u a g e , a n d
d i p h
w o r d
h o n g s
their
2. B y t h e c o a l e s c e n c e o f t h e v o w e l i w i t h a n o t h e r p r e c e d i n g
f o r m e d the d i p h t h o n g s : ai, ei, oi, oi. T h e last of these, h o w e v e r
e n c o u n t e r e d only in the single w o r d e n s o i . In English the pronu
t h e v o w e l i e. g. in high c o m e s v e r y n e a r t o t h a t o f t h e d i p h t h o
E n g l i s h oi o r oy, e. g. in toy, is v e r y little different f r o m t h e oi in t
g u a g e , the o in the latter o n l y h a v i n g rather a m o r e close soun
s o u n d s to ei a n d p i frequently occur in the D a n i s h l a n g u a g e , but a r
in E n g l i s h as w e l l as in G e r m a n a n d French.
7
v o w e l a r e
, w e h a v e
nciation of
n g ai. T h e
he Oji- lan
d. Similar
e u n k n o w n
Q U A N T I T Y .
§. 6. I n t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e t h e s h o r t v o w e l s h a v e a m u c h g r e a t e r p r e v a l e n c e
t h a n in E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s ; l o n g o n e s are of c o m p a r a t i v e l y rare occurrence.
It w i l l t h e r e f o r e b e c o n n e c t e d w i t h v e r y little i n c o n v e n i e n c e t o a p p l y to l o n g
v o w e l s , w h e r e v e r t h e y o c c u r , t h e u s u a l m a r k , e. g. d a , a l w a y s ; f y e , s o m e
thing; p i p r l , thick; to, to shoot; e t u , e m b r a c e ; t e t e r e , broad; d o s o , to be m u c h ;
w h e r e b y it w i l l b e u n d e r s t o o d , t h a t all t h e v o w e l s n o t m a r k e d in this w a y
are short.
T h e r e is, h o w e v e r , w i t h r e g a r d to q u a n t i t y , a t h i r d class o f v o w e l s t o b e
distinguished, w h i c h c a n n o t b e said to be l o n g , a n d yet are different f r o m the
short v o w e l s . T h e y are s o u n d e d m o r e fully a n d sharply t h a n the latter, but
w i t h o u t t h e s o u n d b e i n g p r o l o n g e d , a s is t h e c a s e w i t h t h e l o n g v o w e l s . W e
represent this peculiarity b y the french circumflex placed a b o v e the v o w e l ,
e. g. d a , d a y ; s e , tooth; fi, dirt, h u , to see. T h e n e c e s s i t y o r a t l e a s t t h e
convenience of a p p l y i n g these m a r k s will a p p e a r b y c o m p a r i n g w o r d s as: d a ,
d a y ; d a , a l w a y s ; d a , to lie, to sleep.
A similar p r o l o n g a t i o n to that o f t h e v o w e l s is s o m e t i m e s attributed, to
the liquids m a n d n, w h e n terminating a syllable, so that t h e y are not, as
usually, p r o n o u n c e d explosively a n d abruptly, but d r a w n out a n d continued
for a short space of time. A s the application of the m a r k , w h i c h denotes the
length o f a v o w e l , to the liquid n w o u l d b e inconvenient, w e express this
peculiarity b y d o u b l i n g t h e letter in w r i t i n g , e. g. fafifi, t o u g h , flexible;
k o m m , quiet.
D I V I S I O N
O F
T H E
S O U N D S .
§. 7. T h e m o s t u s u a l a n d p r i m a r y d i v i s i o n o f t h e s o u n d s is t h a t into c o n
sonants a n d vowels, w h i c h being clear in itself a n d u n i f o r m in e v e r y l a n g u a g e ,
n e e d s n o farther mention. B u t there are several other classifications, also
f o u n d e d u p o n distinctive peculiarities of the s o u n d s , to w h i c h the peculiarities
of the derivative a n d inflectional formations of the l a n g u a g e h a v e a reference,
a n d w h i c h m u s t therefore here b e set forth.
§. 8. T h e s o u n d s in g e n e r a l a r e e i t h e r s t r o n g e r o r w e a k e r s o u n d s .
T o the stronger s o u n d s b e l o n g o n l y those c o n s o n a n t s w h i c h a r e called mutes.
E v e r y m u t e is a g a i n either a tenuis, a s k, t, p , o r a m e d i a , a s g, d, b, o r a n
a s p i r a t e , a s c a n d f.
T h e w e a k e r s o u n d s c o m p r i s e the r e m a i n i n g consonants a n d the vowels. O f
the f o r m e r n, n, m a n d r a r e k n o w n b y the n a m e o i liquids; the r e m a i n i n g v,
w , h, y, s w e d e n o t e b y the n a m e of semiconsonants. .
. . .
8
T h e w e a k e r s o u n d s , or the v o w e l s , liquids, a n d s e m i c o n s o n a n t s , are p h o n e
tically distinguished f r o m the s t r o n g e r s o u n d s o r the m u t e s b y b e i n g f o r m e d b y
a less distinct articulation. W i t h this a difference in the etymological a n d g r a m
matical use of the s o u n d s corresponds; the chief c o m p o n e n t e l e m e n t of the ra
dical part of a w o r d b e i n g m o s t l y a stronger s o u n d , w h i l e the derivative a n d
inflectional additions to the radical part , a n d s u c h w o r d s as d o n o t express
n o t i o n s , b u t o n l y relations, e. g. t h e p r o n o u n s , e x c e p t t h e y b e d e r i v e d f r o m
notional w o r d s , as m o s t a d v e r b s are, consist a l m o s t exclusively of w e a k e r
sounds.
§. 9. T h e c o n s o n a n t s a r e d i s t i n g u i s h e d , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e o r g a n s b y t h e
action of w h i c h t h e y are f o r m e d , into palatat, dentat, a n d labial sounds. R e s p e c t
i n g this classification is to b e r e m a r k e d , that in the O j i - l a n g u a g e v a n d w a r e
treated not as labials, as w e s h o u l d consider t h e m in E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , b u t
are here classed w i t h the palatal sounds. C o m b i n i n g w i t h this division the o n e
stated a b o v e , w e get the following s y s t e m of consonants:
aspirate,
liquid,
semiconsonants
media,
tenuis,
palatal
n
h v w
c
k
S
dental
n (r)
y
s
t
d
labial
f
m
b
P
T h e liquid r m i g h t be altogether excluded f r o m the latter of these classi
f i c a t i o n s , a s it d o e s n o t d e c i d e d l y b e l o n g e i t h e r t o t h e d e n t a l o r p a l a t a l s o u n d s .
In a s s i g n i n g f t o t h e labials, t h e e x c e p t i o n is to b e m a d e , t h a t t h e c o m b i n a
tion f y is t r e a t e d a s a palatal s o u n d .
P E C U L I A R I T I E S
O F
O F T H E P H O N E T I C A L
T H E O J I - L A N G U A G E .
S T R U C T U R E
§. 10. C o m p a r i n g t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e w i t h E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s a s t o t h e i r
general phonetical aspect, several distinctive peculiarities will a p p e a r ; w h i c h
the m o r e deserve to b e noticed, as they d o not appertain to the O j i - l a n g u a g e
solely, but s e e m in part c o m m o n to the w h o l e H a m i t i c stock of languages.
T h e m o s t striking of t h e s e peculiarities is, that a w o r d or e v e n a syllable
never terminates with a mute; there are n o w o r d s in the Oji-language similar to
E n g l i s h w o r d s like: tub, sap, b a c k , leg, b u d , h a t etc. E v e n o f t h e w e a k e r c o n
s o n a n t s (cf. §. 8 ) it is o n l y t h e liquids m a n d n w h i c h a r e f o u n d e n d i n g a w o r d ,
e. g . m a n , t o w n ; k u m , to kill. T h e s e m i c o n s o n a n t s a n d t h e l i q u i d s n a n d r
m a y accrue to w o r d s as terminations, b u t then instead of such f o r m s as t a s ,
pir, f o r , k a n , t h e y a l w a y s a s s u m e the f o r m s t a s s e , p i r r e , f o r r o , k a n n e ,
(cf. §. 18, 3 ) . T h e liquids m a n d n m a y a l s o b e c o m b i n e d a t t h e e n d o f a w o r d ,
b u t this is a l w a y s in c o n s e q u e n c e o f a n a p o c o p e a n d a c o n t r a c t i o n , e. g. m a i m ,
in the town,, instead of m a n m u .
§. 11. A n o t h e r p e c u l i a r i t y t h a t s e e m s t o p e r v a d e t h e g e n e r a l i t y o f A f r i c a n
l a n g u a g e s , if c o m p a r e d w i t h E u r o p e a n , is, ithat they m u c h less a d m i t c o m b i n a
tions o f consonants without intervening vowels. In the O j i - l a n g u a g e t w o mutes a r e
never allowed to follow each other, n o t e v e n if t h e y b e l o n g to different syllables.
E v e n the c o m b i n a t i o n s si a n d sp, w h i c h are so frequent in E u r o p e a n languages,
a r e u n k n o w n , the latter occurring o n l y in the w o r d a s p a t e r e (shoe), w h i c h
9
is p r o b a b l y o f foreign origin. T h e c o n s o n a n t a l c o m b i n a t i o n s familiar to the
O j i - l a n g u a g e a r e the f o l l o w i n g :
1. T h e liquid r m a y b e c o m b i n e d w i t h a n y p r e c e d i n g m n t e , c o m m e n c i n g a
syllable , p e r h a p s excepting the palatal m e d i a , a n d likewise w i t h the semicons o n a n t s v , s, a n d t h e l i q u i d m , e. g. b r o , to beat; f r o , to c l i m b ; p r a , to s w e e p ;
d r u , h e a v y ; t r a , to sit; c r u , to j u m p ; k m , a place; v r o , to pull off; s r a , to
besmear; m r a n , a surname. S u c h w o r d s s e e m , h o w e v e r , to h a v e h a d originally
t h e form: b o r r o , f o r r o , t a r r e , v o r r e etc., a n d to h a v e b e e n contracted.
2. T h e s e m i c o n s o n a n t w is l i k e w i s e c o m b i n e d w i t h t h e palatal m a t e s , t h e
palatal liquid, a n d t h e s e m i c o n s o n a n t h , e. g. g w a , to cut u p ; c w a m , f r a g r a n t ;
k w a , without cause; f i w a m , n a m e of a bird; h w a f i , to snap up. S u c h w o r d s
also h a v e , h o w e v e r , v e r y p r o b a b l y n o longer their original f o r m , but the semic o n s o n a n t w h a s originated f r o m a p e r m u t a t i o n of the v o w e l o or u, as for
i n s t a n c e t h e a d v e r b k w a f r o m t h e a d j e c t i v e k o a , idle.
3. T h e semiconsonant y is c o m b i n e d w i t h the dental a n d palatal tennis a n d
m e d i a , w i t h the palatal aspirate, a n d the dental a n d palatal liquids, e.g. d y o ,
to cool; t y a , to cut off; g y a , fire; k y e < to present; f y e , to fall; n y a , to get;
f i y u n n e , to weave. A s w h a s originated f r o m the v o w e l s o or u, so v e r y
p r o b a b l y y in s u c h w o r d s h a s a r i s e n f r o m e o r i, e. g. g y a , fire, m a y b e c o m
p a r e d w i t h g e a , coal; t y a , to cut, w i t h ti, to scratch.
T h e combination w y is to b e considered rather as a simple s o u n d , inter
m e d i a t e b e t w e e n w a n d y, a n d m a y b e c o m b i n e d w i t h the dental tenuis, t h e
palatal liquid, a n d the s e m i c o n s o n a n t h, e . g . t w y e a , a corner; f i w y u n n e ,
bitter; h w y u n n e , the nose.
|. 12. F a r t h e r p h o n e t i c a l peculiarities o f t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , b u t n o t e x t e n d . i n g in the s a m e d e g r e e to other African l a n g u a g e s , w e find w i t h r e g a r d to
t h e l i q u i d s r a n d I.
T h e l i q u i d r n o t o n l y n e v e r t e r m i n a t e s a w o r d , a s s t a t e d a b o v e , b u t it a l s o
n e v e r c o m m e n c e s a w o r d , a n d b e s i d e s , it n e v e r p r e c e d e s a c o n s o n a n t w i t h o u t a
v o w e l intervening, a s in t h e E n g l i s h w o r d s a r m , virtue etc.
T h e liquid I , the exclusion of w h i c h f r o m the alphabet m a y h a v e b e e n noti
ced, is w h o l e l y u n k n o w n to t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e . In w o r d s r e c e i v e d f r o m o t h e r
l a n g u a g e s , in w h i c h this s o u n d o c c u r s , it h a s u n d e r g o n e a transition, if c o m
m e n c i n g a w o r d , i n t o d , e. g. d a g i r e , f r o m t h e D a n i s h w o r d L a k , seating w a x ;
i n o t h e r c a s e s i n t o r, e. g. b r u , f r o m t h e E n g l i s h w o r d blue.
A C C E N T .
§. 13. A s to t h e accent o f dissyllables
1. If t h e first s y l l a b l e consists m e r e l
u p o n t h e s e c o n d , e, g. a b a , s e e d ; a t a , a
a d r u , medicine. Exceptions are the substa
fiat if t h e first syllable consists o f a l o n
o n l y in a f e w w o r d s , that t a k e s the acce
l a w ; u r a,. grass, w e e d s ; o n l y the w o r d a
2. If t h e first syllable consists o f a
a c c e n t falls l i k e w i s e u p o n t h e s e c o n d , e.
a bed; a m p a n , a bat; a n k i m , n a m e o f
e n n a , mother; the a d v e r b a m p a , a n d th
the f o l l o w i n g rules m a y b e given:
y of a short v o w e l , the accent falls
twin; a s a w , a dance; a g w a , a seat;
ntives lira, master, a n d a g y a , father.
g v o w e l , w h i c h , h o w e v e r , is the case
n t , e. g. a n o , m o u t h ; a s e , f a t h e r - i n n o m is a c c e n t e d o n t h e ultimate.
liquid w i t h a p r e c e d i n g v o w e l , the
g. e n d a , sleep; e n k i i , only; e m p a ,
a bird. Exceptions are the substantive
e conjunction a n k a .
2
1 0
It is to b e o b s e r v e d , t h a t i n t h e c a s e s m e n t i o n e d t h e u n a c c e n t e d s y l l a b l e
d o e s n o t b e l o n g to the radical p a r t o f the w o r d , b n t is m e r e l y a prefix, or,
a s w e w o u l d r a t h e r call it, a n a u g m e n t , b y w h i c h t h e w o r d is f o r m e d f r o m
its r a d i x (cf. §. 25).
3. W o r d s like the f o l l o w i n g , b e r r e , b i r r i , h o m m e , m e n n e ,
in w h i c h
t h e liquid is d o u b l e d , a l w a y s h a v e t h e a c c e n t o n t h e first syllable. A s in t h e c a s e s
m e n t i o n e d a b o v e , t h e first syllable did n o t b e l o n g to t h e radical p a r t o f t h e
w o r d , so here the s e c o n d syllable, or rather the liquids w i t h the final v o w e l ,
are o n l y a tenninational a u g m e n t a t i o n of the primordial radix. V e r y frequently
h o w e v e r , the accent h a s b e e n transferred to the tenninational syllable, a n d
this m u t a t i o n h a s originated w o r d s like: f i r a , f u r a , t y u r i , c u r u , s i r o w etc.
w h i c h a l w a y s h a v e the accent o n their ultimate. In s o m e w o r d s of this f o r m
t h e a c c e n t is still v a c i l l a t i n g , a n d it w i l l i n this c a s e b e c o n v e n i e n t t o l e t t h e
s p e l l i n g b e a s u n s t a b l e a s t h e a c c e n t , a n d to w r i t e e. g. b e r r e o r h e r e , b i r r i
or biri, k y e r r e o r k y e r e , as the accent falls u p o n the first or s e c o n d
syllable.
4 . I f a w o r d c o n s i s t s o f t w o c o m p l e t e s y l l a b l e s , i. e . s y l l a b l e s c o m m e n c i n g
w i t h a consonant, a n d the latter of these h a s a l o n g v o w e l or a d i p h t h o n g or
e n d s w i t h a liquid; t h e n t h e a c c e n t falls u p o n t h e u l t i m a t e , e. g. f u f u , a k i n d
of food; d e d a w , old; d e n d e n , hard; f r e m f r e m , sweet. Y e t in s o m e the
a c c e n t is u n s t a b l e as in: d e n k y e m , a n alligator; m a m p a m , a g u a n a ;
a n d
in t h e f o l l o w i n g t h e p e n u l t i m a t e is a c c e n t e d : k r a m a f i , a d o g ; d a d a , to deceive;
s e s e , suddenly.
If in s u c h w o r d s b o t h syllables consist m e r e l y o f a c o n s o
n a n t a n d a s h o r t v o w e l , o r if t h e first syllable is o f g r e a t e r p h o n e t i c a l p o w e r ;
then they a r e of various accentuation, for w h i c h n o rule c a n be given, e. g.
t u t u , to pluck; k o k o , red; k e k a , to bite; b e n t a , s e n k u , m u s i c a l instru
m e n t s etc. a r e accented o n the ultimate, w h i l e the f o l l o w i n g h a v e the accent
o n their p e n u l t i m a t e : t u t u , early; b e p o , a mountain; b a k a , a lake; b o n k a ,
a ravine; s a n s a , a h a w k etc.
\
5. W o r d s , t h e u l t i m a t e o f w h i c h consists m e r e l y o f a s h o r t v o w e l , are,
l i k e w i s e o f v a r i o u s a c c e n t u a t i o n , e. g. d u a , a tree; b e a , a w o m a n ; c i a , t o
m e e t ; a n d o n t h e o t h e r h a n d : d o a , a bee; g e a , coal; t i a , short etc.
§. 14. I n trisyllables a n d polysyllables t h e a c c e n t u a t i o n m o s t l y d e p e n d s o n
the latter part of the w o r d ; w h i c h m a y often be referred to o n e of the dissyl
lables n o t i c e d a b o v e §. 1 3 , 3 5 , a n d t h e w o r d is t h e n s u b j e c t t o t h e s a m e
r u l e s o f a c c e n t u a t i o n , e. g . a f o r r e , a sacrifice
k y e m f e r r e , a potshard
a n i b e r r e , desire
a h u m o b o r r e , m e r c y
a k a k a e n t y e r r e , a scorpion etc.
cf. 3;
a s u s o w , the rainy season
e n n i h a w , laziness
a s u b o n t e n , a
r i v e r etc. cf. 4.
F o r t h e r e s t it is i m p o s s i b l e t o g i v e a n y c e r t a i n rules. O n
the w h o l e the accent tends t o w a r d s the e n d of the w o r d , a n d falls for the m o s t
p a r t e i t h e r u p o n t h e u l t i m a t e o r u p o n t h e p e n u l t i m a t e ; s o m e t i m e s it v a c i l l a t e s
b e t w e e n the ultimate a n d antepenultimate. W o r d s f o r m e d b y suffixes frequently
h a v e t h e a c c e n t o n t h e i r a n t e p e n u l t i m a t e , e. g. s i s i f o , a d e c e i v e r
n a n t e f o ,
a traveller
m e d e a , m i n e
o b i a r a , a n y b o d y ;
or e v e n o n their preantep e n u l t i m a t e , e. g. o n i m a d e f o , a c u n n i n g m a n
i n i a r a , all
h e n n a d e a i
whose. In the latter case a s e c o n d a r y accent falls u p o n the ultimate.
"
i
'
' '
S E C T I O N
II.
C H A P T E R
I.
-
1 1
§. 15. I n t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , a s in all o t h e r l a n g u a g e s , t h e r e is o n l y a c o m
paratively small n u m b e r of w o r d s , w h i c h in e t y m o l o g i c a l respect a p p e a r primi
tive. B y far the greater n u m b e r m a y b e traced b a c k to other w o r d s , f r o m
w h i c h they h a v e s p r u n g b y s o m e etymological process. T o illustrate this p r o
cess a n d to point out its peculiarities in the Oji-language, is the subject o f t h e
present Section.
,
T h e r e a r e in the first place, as in the E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e , t w o w a y s o f
f o r m i n g w o r d s to b e distinguished: Derivation a n d Composition.
All w o r d s , accordingly, m a y w i t h r e g a r d to their origin b e divided into
three classes:
1. R o o f s , o r p r i m i t i v e w o r d s , f r o m w h i c h o t h e r w o r d s a r e d e r i v e d , b u t
w h i c h are themselves underived.
2. Derivatives, w h i c h a r e f o r m e d b y the process of derivation.
3. C o m p o u n d s , w h i c h a r e f o r m e d b y t h e p r o c e s s o f composition.
*
O f R o o t s .
§. 16. All R o o t s , a s f a r a s n o t i o n a l w o r d s (cf. §. 63.) a r e c o n c e r n e d , a r e
verbs, b u t n o t all verbs are roots. T o b e excluded are the c o m p o u n d verbs
a n d those f o r m e d b y reduplication, w h i c h b e i n g a kind of derivation will b e
treated of in the f o l l o w i n g chapter. T h e s e deducted, w e m a y d e n o t e the re
m a i n i n g v e r b s as radical verbs or as the roots of the language.
Considering the radical v e r b s as to their phonetical f o r m , w e find o n e
peculiarity c o m m o n to t h e m all: they all c o m m e n c e with a c o n s o n a n t , m o s t l y a
m u t e (cf. §. 8), i n s o m e a liquid o r a s e m i c o n s o n a n t ; t h e r e is n o v e r b in t h e
O j i - l a n g u a g e c o m m e n c i n g w i t h a v o w e l , like a n u m b e r o f E n g l i s h v e r b s e. g.
to eat, to earn, to ooze.
In their terminations w e d o n o t m e e t w i t h the s a m e uniformity. C o m p a r i n g
e. g. t h e v e r b s : t a , t a n , t a r r e ,
t h e disparity in this respect is sufficiently
manifest. O n this a c c o u n t a n d for reasons w h i c h will a p p e a r in the sequel,
w e distinguish b e t w e e n p r i m a r y roots a n d secondary roots , or p r i m a r y a n d se
c o n d a r y f o r m s o f the roots.
§. 17. P r i m a r y Roots. B y this t e r m w e d e n o t e t h o s e radical v e r b s , w h i c h
consist m e r e l y o f a c o n s o n a n t a n d a s h o r t v o w e t , e. g. b a , b o , b u , d a , d e ,
d i etc. A s a v o w e l b y itself c a n n e v e r constitute a c o m p l e t e w o r d in the Ojil a n g u a g e , a s is s o m e t i m e s t h e c a s e in t h e E n g l i s h , t h e f o r m o f s u c h v e r b s is
the v e r y shortest a n d simplest in w h i c h a w o r d of phonetical i n d e p e n d e n c e
c a n appear. T h i s c i r cu m s t a n c e itself tends to justify the opinion, that this is
the true a n d original f o r m of the primitive roots. B u t also the notions express
e d b y such verbs confirm this opinion, b e i n g for the m o s t part such as a p p e a r
the m o s t c o m m o n a n d the m o s t general, a n d w h i c h of all other notions w o u l d
s u g g e s t t h e m s e l v e s first t o t h e h u m a n m i n d , e. g. y e , to d o
v o , to have
fa, to take
m a , to give
to, to t h r o w , t o p u t
b o , to beat
b u , to break
k a , to touch
k o , to g o
b a , to c o m e
d i , to eat
te, to hear
h i , to see etc.
1 2
E v e n o f the p r i m a r y r o o t s , h o w e v e r , it c a n h a r d l y b e a s s e r t e d t h a t t h e y
are all equally primitive. A t least a n affinity m a y often b e s h o w n b e t w e e n
s e v e r a l o f t h e m , e. g. b o , to beat, a n d b u , to b r e a k
fi, to c o m e forth, to
g r o w , a n d fn, to g r o w luxuriously,
a n d it s e e m s v e r y p r o b a b l e t h a t in this
case o n e h a s originated f r o m the other b y a m u t a t i o n of the v o w e l .
§. 18. S e c o n d a r y Roots. T h e v e r b s , w h i c h w e d e s i g n a t e b y this t e r m , s e e m
to h a v e s p r u n g f r o m the p r i m a r y roots b y terminational augmentations. C o m
p a r e d w i t h the latter, t h e y a p p e a r accordingly n o t as roots but rather a s deri
vatives; t h o u g h the process b y w h i c h t h e y issue, is m o r e indefinite a n d unstable,
a n d consequently n o t so clear a n d r e g u l a r as that to w h i c h t h e n a m e of deri
vation is u s u a l l y applied. C o n t r a s t e d o n the o t h e r h a n d w i t h all t h e other
w o r d s of the l a n g u a g e , t h e y a p p e a r as c o m p l e t e l y roots as those m e n t i o n e d
a b o v e , a n d it w i l l t h e r e f o r e b e m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e a s w e l l a s m o r e c o n v e n i e n t
to assign this place to t h e m .
T h e p r i m a r y roots, a s w e h a v e seen, consist phonetically o f a stronger
element, the initial c o n s o n a n t , a n d a w e a k e r e l e m e n t , the terminating v o w e l .
T h e y represent the primitive a n d f u n d a m e n t a l notions of the l a n g u a g e , the
n u m b e r of w h i c h is c o m p a r a t i v e l y small. T h e s e notions, originally g e n e r a l
a n d indefinite, are particularized a n d multiplied b y receiving peculiar s h a d e s
a n d modifications, a n d this m e n t a l t r a n s a c t i o n is e x p r e s s e d b y a c o r r e s p o n d i n g
phonetical c h a n g e in the f o r m of the root. T h e stronger e l e m e n t of the latter,
t h e initial c o n s o n a n t , is the principal b e a r e r o f t h e original n o t i o n a n d t h e r e
f o r e less subject t o a n y m u t a t i o n ; t h e w e a k e r e l e m e n t o r t h e v o w e l is o f
s e c o n d a r y i m p o r t a n c e a n d c o n s e q u e n t l y of less stability. A c c o r d i n g l y the issue
of a n e w notion b y a particularizing qualification of the primitive o n e , is
phonetically indicated b y a c o r r e s p o n d i n g m u t a t i o n of the v o w e l o f the p r i m a r y
root. T h i s m u t a t i o n g e n e r a l l y consists in a n a u g m e n t a t i o n , w h i c h is o f dif
ferent kinds:
1. T h e s h o r t v o w e l is c h a n g e d i n t o a l o n g o n e , o r i n t o a d i p h t h o n g ; t h e
s e c o n d a r y r o o t accordingly h a s a l o n g v o w e l or a d i p h t h o n g , w h e r e the pri
m a r y r o o t h a d a s h o r t v o w e l , e. g. t o , to shoot, f r o m t o , to t h r o w
b o , to
drink immoderately, f r o m b o , to beat
k a i , to recollect, to r e m e m b e r , f r o m k a ,
to touch
p a w , to choose, f r o m p e , to like
s a w , to take u p , to d r a w
( e . g . w a t e r ) , p e r h a p s f r o m s o , t o lift. O t h e r v e r b s o f t h i s f o r m a r e e. g . t a <
to persecute
sei, to spoil
p a i , to cleave
s e w , to sharpen
t e w , to
tear etc.
b u t w i t h m o s t o f t h e m it is difficult o r i m p o s s i b l e t o p o i n t o n t t h e n exact origin, a n d this r e m a r k refers also to the following.
2. T o the short v o w e l of the p r i m a r y r o o t a n additional v o w e l h a s accrued,
e. g. b u e , to o p e n , f r o m b u , to b r e a k
s o a , to c a r r y , f r o m s o , to lift
f u e ,
to p o u r out, f r o m fi, to c o m e forth, to m a k e to c o m e forth
sie , to lay up, to
p r e s e r v e , f r o m s i , to place etc.
T h e v o w e l a d d e d is for the m o s t part a n a o r e, as will b e seen f r o m the
w o r d s q u o t e d . If t h e r a d i c a l v o w e l is a n i, it o f t e n s e e m s t o h a v e u n d e r g o n e
a p e r m u t a t i o n into the s e m i c o n s o n a n t y, as the v o w e l o or u into w , w h e r e b y
v e r b s of t h e f o l l o w i n g f o r m h a v e b e e n p r o d u c e d : t y a , to cut off (to b e c o m
p a r e d w i t h the adjective tia, short); f y e , to look at
g w a , to cut u p
(cf. §. 11, 2. 3).
3. T o the p r i m a r y f o r m of the r o o t a liquidal o r s e m i c o n s o n a n t a l t e r m i n a
t i o n h a s a c c r u e d , e. g. b o n , to c r o w , f r o m b o , to beat, to s o u n d
b o r r o , to
beat, f r o m b o , to beat
s o r r e , to rise, f r o m s o , to lift h o m m e , to b r e a t h e ,
1 3
h u , to b l o w
m e n n e , to d e v o u r , cf. m e , to b e satiated
t a s s e , to
g a t h e r etc.
B y this latter a u g m e n t a t i o n the m o n o s y l l a b l e f o r m of the v e r b h a s b e c o m e
partly a dissyllable. T h o s e , h o w e v e r , to w h i c h the liquid r h a s acceded, are
s o m e t i m e s b y a c o n t r a c t i o n r e d u c e d a g a i n to t h e m o n o s y l l a b l e f o r m (cf. §. 11, 1),
e. g. b o r r o o c c u r s a l s o in t h e f o r m b r o ; t r a , to sit, is c o g n a t e t o t a r r e , to
p l a s t e r (i. e. t o m a k e t h e p l a s t e r to sit o n t h e w a l l ) . A n o t h e r v a r i a t i o n o f t h i s
f o r m h a s originated b y a transfer of the accent f r o m the penultimate to the
u l t i m a t e , a c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e substitution o f a s t r o n g e r v o w e l , e. g. f i r a , to
s p i n (i. e. t o m a k e t h e t h r e a d t o c o m e forth}, s e e m s t o h a v e s p r u n g i n this w a y
f r o m f i r r e = fi, to m a k e to c o m e forth, -to w h i c h f u r a, b e r $ , k u r a , c u r u ,
s i r 6 w etc. a r e similar f o r m s (cf. §. 13, 3).
In the v e r b s hitherto q u o t e d only o n e or the other of the a u g m e n t a t i o n s
m e n t i o n e d h a s t a k e n place. B u t several of t h e m m a y occur in o n e a n d the
s a m e w o r d , a n d t h u s v e r b s o f still m o r e e n l a r g e d f o r m s h a v e a r i s e n e. g. g y a i ,
g y a w , d y o n n e , k y i r r e , h u a f i , g w a n , g w a r r e , p r o f i , h u a n e ,
s o a n e etc.
§. 19. T h e a u g m e n t a t i o n o f the p r i m a r y f o r m of the root h a s b e e n subt, a s t h e w o r d s q u o t e d a b o v e w i l l s h o w , t o t h e v a r i a t i o n a n d m u l t i p l i
cation o f the primitive notions of the language. T h e r e are, h o w e v e r , o n l y a
f e w instances, in w h i c h this process c a n clearly b e pointed out; in m o s t cases
it is impossible to s h o w h o w a n d f r o m w h a t p r i m a r y root the s e c o n d a r y o n e
lias originated, a n d in m a n y , p r o b a b l y , the f o r m e r n o l o n g e r exists. In s o m e
cases b o t h s e e m to b e u s e d w i t h e a c h other, w i t h o u t a n y v e r y perceptible
d i f f e r e n c e in t h e n o t i o n s e x p r e s s e d ; a n d it f r e q u e n t l y o c c u r s , t h a t o n e dialect
o f the l a n g u a g e uses the p r i m a r y f o r m , w h e r e a n o t h e r h a s a s e c o n d a r y form,
o r that b o t h use s e c o n d a r y roots but of different kinds. T h e f o l l o w i n g table
will s h o w s o m e s u c h differences b e t w e e n the A k w a p i m - a n d the A s a n t e A k w a p i m - dialect:
A s
fi, to c o m e forth,
t e w , to tear,
b o n , to c r o w ,
s i r o w , to laugh,
k a r i , to weigh,
tie, to extend,
d a n , to turn,
Especially w h e r e the A k w a p i m - dialect h a s t
s a l m o s t constantly n n e , e. g.
A k w a p i m - d i a l e c t :
A s
b o n , to stink,
y a n , to d r u m ,
y e n , to breed,
k a n , to count,
n y a i T to a w a k e ,
n y i n , to g r o w up,
safi, to flow ,
t a n , to hate,
g w a n , to flee,
.
a n t e - dialect :
f i r r e ;
te;
b o ;
s i r ro ;
k a r r e ;
t e n n e ;
d a r r e .
h e t e r m i n a t i o n fi, t h e A s a n t e a n t
b o
y a
y e
k a
n y
n y
s a
t a
d y
e -dialect:
n n e ;
n n e ;
n n e ;
n n e ;
a n n e ;
i n n e ;
n n e ;
n n e ;
a n n e .
1 4
C H A P T E R
H . '
O f D e r i v a t i o n .
§. 20. T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l w a y s in w h i c h D e r i v a t i v e s a r e f o r m e d :
1. S u b s t a n t i v e s a n d a d j e c t i v e s a r e d e r i v e d f r o m v e r b s , e i t h e r w i t h o u t a n y
mutation of f o r m , except p e r h a p s as to terminational a u g m e n t a t i o n , to w h i c h ,
as w e h a v e seen in the preceding chapter, e v e n the radical v e r b s t h e m s e l v e s
a r e subject; o r t h e s u b s t a n t i v e s m o r e f r e q u e n t l y r e c e i v e a l s o a n initial a u g m e n t a
tion, w h i c h , a c c o r d i n g to its different f o r m s , indicates particular variations o f
the notions expressed. Derivatives f o r m e d in this w a y w e distinguish b y the
n a m e o f P r i m a r y Derivatives.
2. S u b s t a n t i v e s a r e f o r m e d also b y Suffixes, w h i c h , like t h e initial a u g
m e n t s , indicate certain variations of the notions of the substantives f o r m e d
b y them.
3. V e r b s especially a n d adjectives a r e f o r m e d b y Reduplication, l i k e w i s e
i m p l y i n g a particular qualification of the original notion.
A U G M E N T S
A N D
A F F I X E S .
§. 21. B e f o r e p r o c e e d i n g t o p a r t i c u l a r s o n t h e different k i n d s o f d e r i v a
tives, it m a y b e a p p r o p r i a t e t o fix t h e m e a n i n g o f t h e f o l l o w i n g t e r m s : a u g
ments, affixes, prefixes, suffixes.
.
.,
In recent w o r k s o n African l a n g u a g e s the t e r m affixes, or prefixes a n d
suffixes, h a s b e e n applied indiscriminately to all s o u n d s a n d syllables, w h i c h
for s o m e derivational or inflectional p u r p o s e are a d d e d to a w o r d . In Ojig r a m m a r , t o a v o i d c o n f u s i o n , it is n e c e s s a r y t o k e e p u p a strict distinction '
b e t w e e n A u g m e n t s a n d Affixes , b e i n g t w o different kinds of formative elements.
W e distinguish t h e m in the f o l l o w i n g w a y :
A u g m e n t s are m e r e sounds, a n d exlusively s o u n d s of the w e a k e r k i n d
(cf. §. 8 ) , e s p e c i a l l y v o w e l s o r liquids, w h i c h a c c r u e t o a w o r d a s m a r k s o f
s o m e derivational or inflectional process. W e m a y distinguish b e t w e e n termi
national a n d initial augmentation. B u t the t e r m a u g m e n t s w e a p p l y preferably
to those sounds, w h i c h accrue to the initial part of the w o r d , a n d as h a s b e e n
r e m a r k e d a b o v e generally indicate a certain variation of the primitive notion
o r s o m e p a r t i c u l a r c a t e g o r y , t o w h i c h in d e r i v a t i o n a w o r d is a s s i g n e d . T h i s
w a y of g r a m m a t i c a l formation s e e m s to b e v e r y prevalent in African l a n g u a g e s ,
a n d in Oji not o n l y are m o s t derivatives thus formed, but nearly all inflectional
f o r m s are p r o d u c e d in the s a m e w a y .
Affixes are n o t m e r e l y s o u n d s w h i c h h a v e a c c e d e d to the w o r d , b u t they
h a v e b e e n originally w o r d s themselves, expressing certain notions. B u t b y
frequent c o m p o s i t i o n w i t h other w o r d s they h a v e lost their original character
of independent w o r d s , a n d h a v e b e c o m e m e r e appendixes to the former, n o
l o n g e r expressing notions but m e r e l y particular notional variations of the w o r d s
to w h i c h t h e y a r e joined. In the English l a n g u a g e m a n y s u c h affixes occur,
for instance in the w o r d s friendship, godhead, d u k e d o m , childhood the syllables
ship, head, d o m , hood. T h e affixes are partly prefixes, w h i c h are p u t before
t h e w o r d , p a r t l y s u f f i x e s , w h i c h a r e s u b j o i n e d t o it. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s
o n l y o n e prefix, u s e d not for a derivational but for a n inflectional purpose, the
fut
-wh
in
w h
ure
ich
the
e n
tense o
substant
ir p r o p e r
w e c o m e
f the v e r
ives as w e
place in
to s p e a k
I.
b b
l l
the
of
e i
as
pr
th
n g f o r m
p r o n o u n
esent ch
e p r o n o u
P R I M A R Y
1 5
e d b y it. O f s u f f i x e s it h a s s e v e r a l , b y
s a r e formed. T h e f o r m e r will b e noticed
apter, the latter in the f o l l o w i n g section,
n s .
D E R I V A T I V E S .
§. 22. T h e p r i m a r y derivatives a r e s u b s t a n t i v e s a n d adjectives f o r m e d f r o m
the radical verbs, either without a n y change o f f o r m , o r with a merely accidental
terminational mutation, or, as far as substantives a r e concerned, by augments.
A s E n g l i s h substantives frequently h a v e the s a m e f o r m as their verbal
r o o t s , e. g. hold, help, r u n , ride etc.; s o a l s o in O j i s u b s t a n t i v e s a s w e l l a s a d
jectives s o m e t i m e s h a v e b e e n derived f r o m verbs without a n y phonetical change
o f the w o r d , e. g.
f i, h o m e ,
f r o m the v e r b fi, to c o m e forth;
d u a , a plant, a tree,
d u a , to s o w ;
t a n , ugly,
t a n , to hate;
d r u , heavy,
d r u , to descend;
c e w , hot,
c e w , to burn.
§. 23. E s p e c i a l l y w i t h r e g a r d to their terminations, t h e r e is o n t h e w h o l e n o
d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n t h e r a d i c a l v e r b s a n d t h e p r i m a r y d e r i v a t i v e s , i. e. i f a
c h a n g e h a s t a k e n p l a c e i n t h e s u b s t a n t i v e o r a d j e c t i v e d e r i v e d , it is m e r e l y a
terminational a u g m e n t a t i o n of the s a m e kind, to w h i c h , as the p r e c e d i n g c h a p
ter h a s s h o w n , the radical v e r b s t h e m s e l v e s are subject, a n d w h i c h b y itself
d o e s n o t i m p l y a n y particular notional variation. T h r e e cases m a y , h o w e v e r ,
b e distinguished in this respect, as the f o l l o w i n g instances will s h o w , c o n
c e r n i n g w h i c h it is t o b e k e p t in m i n d , t h a t t h e y a r e q u o t e d m e r e l y w i t h r e g a r d
to their terminations , w i t h o u t reference to initial c h a n g e s :
1. T h e d e r i v a t i v e h a s e x a c t l y t h e s a m e t e r m i n a t i o n a s t h e r a d i c a l v e r b , e. g .
b o , a stone,
f r o m b o , to beat;
w u , death,
w u , to die;
a f u , a plantation,
fu, to g r o w ;
a v o , birth,
v o , to bear;
e n d a , sleep,
d a , to lie, to sleep;
g w a f i , a sheep,
g w a n , to flee;
a s o e , a resting -plaee *
s o e , to p u t the load d o w n , to rest;
a s a w , a dance,
s a w , to dance;
a f e r r e , shame,
f e r r e , to be a s h a m e d ;
a g o r r o , a g a m e ,
g o r r o , to play;
e n k a i , m e m o r y ,
' k a i , to remember.
2. T h e w o r d d e r i v e d h a s u n d e r g o n e a t e r m i n a t i o n a l a u g m e n t a t i o n , w h i l e
t h e r a d i c a l v e r b h a s t h e f o r m o f a p r i m a r y r o o t , e. g.
d a n , a house,
f r o m d a , to lie, to live ( i n a p l a c e ) ; '
d i n , a n a m e ,
di, to be called;
e n k a i , rest, remnant,
k a , p a s t tense: a k a , to want.
3. T h e w o r d derived as w e l l as the radical v e r b h a v e terminational a u g
m e n t a t i o n s ; b u t t h e f o r m e r h a s a still m o r e e n l a r g e d f o r m t h a n t h e latter, o r
the terminational a u g m e n t a t i o n o f the derivative is of a different k i n d f r o m
t h a t o f t h e r o o t , e. g.
.
1 6
t u o , a g u n ,
f r o m to, to shoot;
p r a i , a b r o o m ,
p r a , to s w e e p ;
b i n , dirt,
birri, to be dirty;
y a w , pain,
y a r r e , to be tick, to suffer.
§. 24. T h e t e r m i n a t i o n s o f t h e p r i m a r y derivatives a r e to t h e c o n s i d e r a t i o
of the derivational process of s e c o n d a r y importance, as t h e y h a v e n o certai
bearing o n notional variation. N o r d o t h e y e v e n phonetically distinguish th
derivatives f r o m their roots , but the circumstance , that in this point the s a m
f o r m s are generally c o m m o n to b o t h , rather indicates the close coherence, th
essential identity of the derivatives w i t h their roots.
O f m o r e i m p o r t a n c e is the initial p a r t o f the p r i m a r y derivatives, a n d t h
c h a n g e s w h i c h t h e y h a v e in this point u n d e r g o n e . W e m a y c o m p r e h e n d thes
c h a n g e s u n d e r t h e t e r m o f initial a u g m e n t a t i o n , a n d t h e s o u n d s a n d syllables b
w h i c h t h e y are effected u n d e r the n a m e of augments, w h i c h t e r m h a s b e e
d e f i n e d a b o v e §. 21. T h e f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h s w i l l s h o w t h e f o r m s o f t h
derivational a u g m e n t s , a n d the particular notional variations w h i c h t h e
indicate.
D E R I V A T I O N A L
A U G M E N T S .
n
e
n
y
n
e
e
y
e
e
e
§. 25. T h e r e a r e three different a u g m e n t s b y w h i c h
a r e f o r m e d f r o m the radical verbs.
1. O n e o f t h e s e a u g m e n t s c o n s i s t s o f a liquid, w h i c h is a n fi, n , o r m ,
a c c o r d i n g as the initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e radical s t o c k of the w o r d is a p a l a
tal, d e n t a l , o r labial s o u n d , a s s u c h h a v e b e e n set f o r t h in §. 9. A c c o r d i n g l y
there are three f o r m s of this a u g m e n t : a palatal, a dentat, a n d a labial form.
A s a liquid before a n o t h e r c o n s o n a n t c a n n o t w e l l b e distinctly s o u n d e d w i t h o u t
t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f a v o w e l , u n l e s s it b e p r e c e d e d b y a w o r d e n d i n g i n a v o w e l ;
a n o b s c u r e e is g e n e r a l l y h e a r d b e f o r e it , a n d w e t h e r e f o r e w r i t e it in this
w a y . S u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y this a u g m e n t a r e e. g.
palatal f o r m :
e f i g o , oit,
f r o m g u , to p o u r ;
e n k a i , m e m o r y ,
k a i , to r e m e m b e r ;
encir.a, blessing,
c i r a , to bless.
dental f o r m :
e n d a , sleep,
f r o m d a , to sleep;
e n t y u r i , aspersion,
t y u r i , to asperse;
e n s a n , contagion,
safi, to flow, to infect.
labial f o r m :
e m p i r e , a whip,
p i r a , to w o u n d .
If t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e r a d i c a l v e r b is a d e n t a l o r a l a b i a l m e d i a , it
h a s s o m e t i m e s b e e n a s s i m i l a t e d t o t h e a u g m e n t , e. g. n a i , a c o u c h , i n s t e a d o f
e n d a i , f r o m t h e v e r b d a , to lie, to sleep.
2. A n o t h e r a u g m e n t c o n s i s t s o f t h e v o w e l a , e. g.
a f u , a plantation, f r o m fu, to g r o w ;
a g o r r o , a g a m e ,
g o r r o , to play;
a v o , birth,
v o , to bear.
3. A t h i r d a u g m e n t consists o f t h e v o w e l o , e. g.
o g w a n , a sheep, f r o m g w a f i , to flee;
o t u o , a g u n ,
to, to shoot.
T h i s , h o w e v e r , is
c e d i n g to the w o r d o n l
tion w i t h a preceding
the a u g m e n t , a n d inser
m a t i n g in a parenthesis
t h e m , e. g. g w a f i ( o g w
N O T I O N A L
disting
y w h e r
w o r d .
t t h e m
that
- ) , h i
uished f r o m t
e it d o e s n o t
H e n c e w e ge
in this w a y
t h e y in s o m e
n n e (oh-), a
V A R I A T I O N S
he t w o
stand in
nerally
especiall
cases h
caboceer.
I N D I C A T E D
B Y
precedin
a close
write s u
y in the
a v e the
T H E
g a u g m e n t s
phonetical
c h w o r d s
V o c a b u l a r
a u g m e n t a
b
c o
w i
y ,
d d
A U G M E N T S .
1 7
y ac
n n e c
t h o u t
inti
e d to
§. 26. T h e a u g m e n t s in t h e first p l a c e distinguish the substantives, f o r m e d b y
t h e m , f r o m their radical verbs, a n d thereby indicate this c h a n g e of the radical
n o t i o n s , that f r o m notions o f actions they h a v e b e c o m e notions o f things. T h i s is
t h e g e n e r a l signification , c o m m o n to t h e m all. It w o u l d b e t h e o n l y o n e , if
there w e r e n o m o r e t h a n o n e a u g m e n t b y w h i c h substantives w e r e f o r m e d
f r o m verbs. B u t f r o m the circumstance of there being ifeveral derivational
a u g m e n t s , the inference m a y b e d r a w n , that, beside the general signification
m e n t i o n e d , e a c h o f t h e m h a s also o n e peculiar to itself, s o that b y t h e a u g
m e n t s the substantives are n o t o n l y distinguished f r o m their radical verbs, but
also f r o m e a c h other in respect of relative notional variation. S u c h is the case.
T h e different a u g m e n t s are expressive o f different variations o f the substantive
notions; each o f t h e m indicates a particular category, to which the notions of the
s u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y it a r e a s s i g n e d .
:
T h e question n o w arises of w h a t nature these notional variations indicated
b y the different a u g m e n t s are. T o m a k e this point clear w e refer to E u r o p e a n
l a n g u a g e s , b y w h i c h , t h o u g h n o t exactly the s a m e , yet a n a l o g o u s p h e n o m e n a
a r e exhibited. In the F r e n c h l a n g u a g e w e find, that to e v e r y substantive either
t h e masculine o r feminine g e n d e r is attributed, a n d that a c c o r d i n g to this distinc
tion o n e or the other f o r m of the article a n d of the adjective c o n n e c t e d w i t h
t h e s u b s t a n t i v e is required. In the S c a n d i n a v i a n l a n g u a g e s , D a n i s h a n d S w e d i s h ,
w e m e e t w i t h a n o t h e r t h o u g h c o g n a t e distinction; h e r e not m a s c u l i n e a n d femi
n i n e g e n d e r , b u t in t h e s a m e w a y t h e difference of p e r s o n s a n d things is distin
guished, the notion of e v e r y substantive being assigned either to the o n e o r to
the other of these categories. In the G e r m a n , the Latin, the G r e e k , a n d other
I n d o - E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s b o t h these distinctions a r e f o u n d c o m b i n e d ; there is
a m a s c u l i n e a n d a feminine g e n d e r , w h i c h together represent the c a t e g o r y o f
persons, a n d in contradistinction to the latter the neuter g e n d e r represents the
c a t e g o r y o f things. It m u s t b e w e l l u n d e r s t o o d , that these distinctions d o n o t
refer to natural classes, into w h i c h the things themselves a r e divided, but to
logical a n d grammatical categories, to w h i c h the notions a n d the substantives
expressing t h e m are assigned. T h e distinctions m e n t i o n e d of the E u r o p e a n
l a n g u a g e s represent different categories w i t h r e g a r d to personality; the m a s c u
line g e n d e r representing the c a t e g o r y of active personality, the feminine g e n d e r
that of receptive personality, the neuter g e n d e r that of non-personality o r of
passivity. B u t b y a m e n t a l transfer of the attributes of personality to inani
m a t e beings, a great n u m b e r of substantives w h i c h actually d o not denote
p e r s o n s but inanimate things, h a v e the m a s c u l i n e or feminine g e n d e r attributed
to t h e m ; a n d s o m e t i m e s also substantives d e n o t i n g p e r s o n s are assigned to the
n e u t e r g e n d e r . R e v e r t i n g n o w t o t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , t h e r e is first this difference
to b e noticed, that w h i l e in E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s the distinctions m e n t i o n e d are
3
'
1 8
n o t so m u c h e x p r e s s e d in (he f o r m s of the substantives themselves, bnt rather
in the articles a n d adjectives c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e m ; in the f o r m e r the r e v e r s e
is the case, t h e a n a l o g o u s distinctions h e r e f o u n d b e i n g o n l y e x p r e s s e d in t h e
substantives themselves , b y the derivational a u g m e n t s . A s to these distinctions
themselves, they are, as intimated a b o v e , of a similar nature, but n o t altogether
t h e s a m e . T h e distinction o f a m a s c u l i n e a n d f e m i n i n e g e n d e r is w h o l e l y u n
k n o w n to t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , s o that t h e r e is n o t e v e n in the p r o n o u n s a n y
t r a c e t o b e f o u n d o f it, a n d s o it s e e m s t o b e i n a l l H a m i t i c l a n g u a g e s . T h e
distinction, w h i c h the O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s in c o m m o n w i t h m o s t E u r o p e a n lan
g u a g e s , is that of- p e r s o n s a n d of things. B u t in the latter this a p p e a r s as the
p r i m i t i v e d i s t i n c t i o n , f o r m i n g , a s it w e r e , t h e s u b s t r a t u m f o r t h e d i s t i n c t i o n o f
m a s c u l i n e a n d f e m i n i n e g e n d e r ; in t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , o n t h e c o n t r a r y , it a p p e a r s ,
as far as substantives a r e concerned, accessary, planted u p o n a n o t h e r m o r e
p r i m i t i v e distinction. T h e latter is t h a t o f n o t i o n s o f individuals a n d o f n o t i o n s
of n o n -individuals, or of things w h i c h are considered as consisting of classes
of individuals, a n d of s u c h things of w h i c h n o individuals are distinguished,
b u t w h i c h are v i e w e d as collective masses or mullitudes. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e ac
cordingly distinguishes o n o n e h a n d persons a n d things, o n the other individuals
a n d non-individuals. A s the distinctions of g e n d e r in the E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s
represent different categories w i t h r e g a r d to personality, so the c o r r e s p o n d i n g
distinctions m e n t i o n e d of the O j i - l a n g u a g e d o the s a m e w i t h r e g a r d to indivi
duality, e x p r e s s i n g these categories in the f o r m of the substantives b y the a u g
m e n t s : the liquid-augment (§. 25, 1) indicating the c a t e g o r y of n o n - individuality
or of collective existence, the v o w e l - a u g m e n t a (§. 25, 2) the category of p a s
sive individuality or the individuality of things, a n d the v o w e l - a u g m e n t o
(§. 25, 3) the c a t e g o r y of active or personal individuality. T h e f o l l o w i n g p a r a
g r a p h s will illustrate this w i t h especial reference to the single a u g m e n t s .
T h e
liquid - a u g m e n t .
§. 27. T h e l i q u i d - a u g m e n t indicates t h e c a t e g o r y o f non-individuality o r o f
collective e x i s t e n c e . T h e s u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y it a c c o r d i n g l y e x p r e s s t h e n o t i o n s
of s u c h things, as d o n o t a p p e a r in the f o r m of single individuals, but in the
f o r m of collective m a s s e s or multitudes. T h e y are especially:
1. T h e n a m e s o f collective m a s s e s , e. g. e n g o , oil
e n s u , water
e n s o f i i
ashes
e n v i a , s a n d
e n k w a n , soup
e n k y i n n e , sall.
2 . T h e n a m e s o f c o l l e c t i v e m u l l i t u d e s , i. e . o f s u c h t h i n g s , a s a r e i n r e a l i t y
individuals, b u t a p p e a r i n g a l w a y s in n u m b e r s t h e y are v i e w e d n o t as individu
als but as collective multitudes, a n d h e n c e the substantives expressing notions
o f this k i n d a r e f o r m e d b y t h e l i q u i d - a u g m e n t , e. g. e n t e t i a , e n k r a n , e m f o tie, different kinds o f ants
efivi, hair
e n h i n , a root
e n t e n n i , a blood
vessel
e n s o r r o m a , a star
e n t r a m a , cowries
e m p e t e , smallpox.
3. T h e n a m e s o f s u c h t h i n g s a s consist o f several parts, a n d a r e t h e r e f o r e
c o n s i d e r e d a s c o l l e c t i v e m u l t i t u d e s , e. g. e n t y e r r e , a l a d d e r
e n s a , the
h a n d
e n s e n n i a , a pair o f scales.
4. Abstract notions h a v e n o certain reference to t h e categories, indicated b y
the a u g m e n t s . Substantives, therefore, b y w h i c h such are expressed, are f o r m e d
b y this a n d a l s o b y t h e o t h e r a u g m e n t s , e. g. e f i k a i , m e m o r y
e n s e w , a
curse
e n t y u r i , aspersion.
U
"r
T h e
v o w e l - a u g m e n t a.
T h e
v o w e l - a u g m e n t o.
'
1 9
§. 28. T h e c a t e g o r y i n d i c a t e d b y t h e a u g m e n t a is o n o n e h a n d t h a t o f
viduality, in contradistinction to that of collective existence, o n the other
d that of passivity, in contradistinction to personality o r s p o n t a n e o u s activity.
c e t h e s u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y it g e n e r a l l y d e n o t e i n a n i m a t e t h i n g s , w h i c h
e a r in t h e f o r m o f s i n g l e i n d i v i d u a l s , e. g. a f o a , a s w o r d
a k y i n n e , a
m
a s o w , a hoe
a b e f i , a h o r n
a b e , a palmtree.
T h e limits, h o w e v e r , b e t w e e n this a n d the other categories are n o t strictly
defined. A s to a l m o s t e v e r y g r a m m a t i c a l rule o r principle, abstracted b y
reflexion, the reality of the l a n g u a g e presents a n u m b e r of exceptions, b e c a u s e
l a n g u a g e o n the w h o l e h a s not unfolded itself a c c o r d i n g to strict logical rules,
b u t w i t h the s p o n t a n e o u s liberty of a n o r g a n i c p r o d u c t i o n of nature; so also
in the present case m a n y substantives are f o r m e d b y this a u g m e n t , w h i c h b y
their notions d o not a p p e a r to b e l o n g to this class. S u c h exceptions m a y ,
h o w e v e r , a l w a y s in s o m e d e g r e e b e a c c o u n t e d for , b u t as this in the present
case w o u l d carry us too far, w e shall rest satisfied w i t h stating them.
1. It h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d a l r e a d y in t h e p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h , t h a t s u b s t a n
tives expressing abstract notions, as they d o not decidedly b e l o n g to o n e of
the three categories, are f o u n d in all of t h e m , a n d consequently such substan
t i v e s a r e f o r m e d a l s o b y t h e a u g m e n t a,, e. g . a b o r r o , d a m a g e
a f e r r e .
s h a m e
a i v u , theft
a g o r r o , a game.
2. A n u m b e r o f s u b s t a n t i v e s a r e f o r m e d b y this a u g m e n t , w h i c h f r o m their
signification e v i d e n t l y b e l o n g t o t h e c l a s s o f collectives, e. g. a b o f i , b a r k
a h a i , beer
a h u r u , foam, froth
a i v u , meat, flour
a m a n n e , resin
a s r a , snuff
a h a b a n , the w o o d , the thicket.
3. S o m e n a m e s a l s o o f p e r s o n s a n d a n i m a l s a r e f o r m e d b y this a u g m e n t ,
t h o u g h t h e n o t i o n s b e l o n g t o t h e c a t e g o r y o f s p o n t a n e o u s activity, e. g. a g y a ,
father
a k o a , a male slave
a f a n n a , a female slave
a b o a , a n animal
a k u r a , a mouse.
4. S u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y suffixes or b y c o m p o s i t i o n f r e q u e n t l y receive t h e
a u g m e n t a w i t h o u t reference to their notions. S u c h , h o w e v e r , are a l w a y s to
b e k e p t separate f r o m p r i m a r y derivatives, the a u g m e n t in this case being u s e d
f o r a different p u r p o s e , w h i c h w i l l b e s p o k e n o f in its p r o p e r p l a c e (cf. §. 62).
§. 29. T h e r e a r e still w i t h r e g a r d t o this a u g m e n t s e v e r a l v a r i a t i o n s o f its
f o r m to be noticed :
1. T h e v o w e l a h a s in s e v e r a l s u b s t a n t i v e s u n d e r g o n e a p e r m u t a t i o n i n t o e
e. g. e n i , e y e
eki, the back.
2. In a f e w substantives, t h e radical p a r t o f w h i c h c o m m e n c e s w i t h t h e
s e m i - c o n s o n a n t v, the a u g m e n t h a s a s s u m e d the f o r m of the d i p h t h o n g ai, in
s t e a d o f t h e v o w e l a , e. g. a i v u , theft
a i v u a, the sun.
3. In s o m e s u b s t a n t i v e s a l o n g a is f o u n d in t h e p l a c e o f t h e s h o r t a o f
t h e a u g m e n t , e. g. a n o , t h e m o u t h
a s e , father-in-law. T h e lengthening of
the v o w e l s e e m s to h a v e b e e n occasioned b y the w e a k n e s s of the initial
consonant. ,
indi
h a n
H e n
a p p
d r u
n ..; $ . 3 0 . T h e a u g m e n t o i n d i c a t e s t h e c a t e g o r y o f p e r s o n a l i t y o r o f s p o n t a n e o u s
activity. T h e s u b s t a n t i v e s , to w h i c h this a u g m e n t is a d d e d , a c c o r d i n g l y e x p r e s s
2 0
th
ar
th
a n
T h
e notions of such things, as n o t o n l y a p p e a r in the f o r m of individuals, but
e either living creatures, o r h a v e life a n d activity m e n t a l l y attributed to
em, in a similar w a y , as in E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s the distinction of m a s c u l i n e
d f e m i n i n e g e n d e r is transferred to s u b s t a n t i v e s d e n o t i n g i n a n i m a t e things.
e y are accordingly:
1. T h e n a m e s o f p e r s o n s , e . g . o n i p a , a m a n
o b a r r i m a , a m a n
o b e a ,
a w o m a n
o b a , a child
o k u n n u , a h u s b a n d
o y i r r e , a wife
o u r a ,
a master
o h i n n e , a prince, a caboceer.
2. T h e n a m e s o f m o s t a m m a l s , e s p e c i a l l y o f l a r g e r a n i m a l s , e. g. o g y a t a ,
alion
o s e b o , a leopard
o p o n k o , a h o r s e
o k o r r i , a n eagle
o p e t e ,
a vullure.
3. T h e n a m e s o f things, to w h i c h s p o n t a n e o u s activity is m e n t a l l y attributed,
e . g . o t u o , a g u n , i. e . a t h i n g t h a t s h o o t s , f r o m t o , t o s h o o t
o p r a i , a
b r o o m , i. c . a t h i n g t h a t s w e e p s , f r o m p r a , t o s w e e p . I n o t h e r s u b s t a n t i v e s o f
this kind, h o w e v e r , the c a u s e of their r e c e i v i n g this a u g m e n t s e e m s to lie m o r e
in the phonetical f o r m of the w o r d , than in a notional variation.
4. S u b s t a n t i v e s e x p r e s s i n g abstract notions, to w h i c h t h e attribute o f s p o n
t a n e o u s a c t i v i t y l i k e w i s e is o f t e n t r a n s f e r r e d , t h e a c t i o n o r c o n d i t i o n e x p r e s s e d
being i m a g i n e d as a p o w e r of i n d e p e n d e n t existence, e.g. o w u , death
o k o m ,
h u n g e r
o h i a , poverty.
T h e a u g m e n t o is n o t o n l y j o i n e d to p r i m a r y derivatives, b u t f r e q u e n t l y
also to substantives f o r m e d b y suffixes a n d b y c o m p o s i t i o n , especially if t h e y
e x p r e s s t h e n o t i o n s o f p e r s o n s (cf. §. 33). S o m e o f t h e p r o n o u n s a l s o r e g u
l a r l y r e c e i v e it, w h e n e v e r t h e y a r e u s e d t o d e n o t e a p e r s o n (cf. §. 9 8 ) .
S u b s t a n t i v e s w i t h o u t a u g m e n t s .
§. 31. N o t all p r i m a r y derivatives a r e f o r m e d b y a u g m e n
b e e n intimated a b o v e , m a n y a r e either n o t at all distinguished
cal verbs, or the c h a n g e s they h a v e u n d e r g o n e a r e m e r e
(cf. §. 22).
M o s t substantives of this k i n d , h o w e v e r , h a v e in certain
v o w e l a d d e d to t h e m , especially if t h e y c o m m e n c e a sentence.
a d d e d d o e s not, as the a u g m e n t s m e n t i o n e d a b o v e , indicate a n
tion, b u t is m e r e l y p h o n e t i c a l ; it is m o s t f r e q u e n t l y a n e ,
e. g. d i n , e d i f i , a n a m e
ti, eti, the h e a d
d o m , e d o m ,
e p o , the sea
s o n n o , e s o n n o , a n elephant.
II.
D E R I V A T I O N
B Y
S U F F I X E S .
%. 32. T h e f o r m a t i o n o f w o r d s b y suffixes is f a r less
n g u a g e than in the I n d o - E u r o p e a n languages. T h e la
riety of suffixes, b y w h i c h not o n l y substantives , but
v e r b s are formed. In the Oji- l a n g u a g e the n u m b e r of
mited, a n d m e r e l y substantives a n d p r o n o u n s are f o r m e d
T h e p r o n o m i n a l suffixes will b e a d v e r t e d to in the f o l
w e c o m e s p e a k of the p r o n o u n s .
l a
va
a d
li
t s , but, as h a s
f r o m their radi
l y terminational
cases a n initial
T h e v o w e l thus
y notional varia
s o m e t i m e s a n e,
a n a r m y
po,,
extensive in the
tter possess a g
also adjectives
the suffixes is
b y them.
lowing section, w
Ojireat
a n d
v e r y
h e n
,
O f the substantives thus f o r m e d there a r e t w o kinds to b e distinguished:
1 . N a m e s o f p e r s o n s f o r m e d b y t h e s u f f i x e s f o a n d n i.
2. Diminutives f o r m e d b y a suffix w h i c h a p p e a r s in different f o r m s .
S U B S T A N T I V E S
F O R M E D
B Y
T H E
S U F F I X E S
F O ! A N D
NI.
2 1
§. 33. It h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d in a f o r m e r p a r a g r a p h , t h a t t h e s u f f i x e s h a v e
originally t h e m s e l v e s b e e n independent notional w o r d s , or h a v e at least arisen
f r o m such; but b y frequent composition w i t h other w o r d s they h a v e gradually
b e c o m e terminations, expressing n o l o n g e r notions, but m e r e l y certain notional
v a r i a t i o n s rif t h e w o r d s f o r m e d b y t h e m , o r i n d i c a t i n g c e r t a i n c a t e g o r i e s , t o
w h i c h the notions of the derivatives are assigned. W i t h all other suffixes this
origin m a y m o r e or less clearly be pointed out; o n l y w i t h r e g a r d to the suf
fixes f o a n d ni w e are u n a b l e to state, f r o m W h i c h w o r d s they h a v e originated.
T h e c a t e g o r y i n d i c a t e d b y b o t h o f t h e m is t h e s a m e ; it is t h a t o f personality,
b u t n o t in t h e g e n e r a l s e n s e o f s p o n t a n e o u s activity, in w h i c h it is i n d i c a t e d
b y the a u g m e n t o; the suffixes s p o k e n of denote the derivative f o r m e d by them
a s t h e n a m e o f a real p e r s o n , a s in E n g l i s h e r e. g. t r a d e r , fisher,
a n d other
terminations. B y the suffix f o a greater n u m b e r of substantives are f o r m e d
t h a n b y n i , a n d b e s i d e s , t h o s e f o r m e d b y t h e latter r e t a i n it o n l y in t h e s i n g u
l a r , i n t h e p l u r a l t h e y a l w a y s e x c h a n g e it w i t h f o (cf. §. 91). A s s u c h s u b
stantives express the notions of p e r s o n s , they regularly receive the a u g m e n t o,
e. g. o s i s i f o , a deceiver
O b r o n n i , a E u r o p e a n , (cf. §. 30).
§. 34. T h e w o r d s f r o m w h i c h n a m e s o f p e r s o n s a r e f o r m e d b y t h e s e s u f
fixes are of various kinds:
1. T h e y a r e substantives a n d
a. m o s t f r e q u e n t l y abstract substantives, e. g.
b a i f o (ob-), a sorcerer,
f r o m b a y i , sorcery;
h i e n n i ( o h - ) , a p o o r m a n ,
h i a , poverty.
b. s o m e t i m e s c o n c r e t e substantives, e. g.
s i k a f o (os-), a rich m a n ,
f r o m s i k a , gold;
t u f o (ot-), a musketeer ,
t u o , a gun.
c. n a m e s o f c o u n t r i e s a n d p l a c e s , e. g.
K r o b o n i ( O k r - ) , a m a n f r o m the t o w n K r o b o ;
H u a f o ( O h - ) , a m a n f r o m the country H u a .
2. T h e r a d i c a l w o r d is a v e r b , e. g.
t a m f o (ot-), a n e n e m y ,
f r o m t a n , to hate;
g w a d i f o ( o g w - ) , a trader,
d i - g w a , to trade.
N a m e s of persons, h o w e v e r , s e e m to b e f o r m e d f r o m v e r b s only b y f o ; at
least n o n e f o r m e d b y n i in this w a y a r e k n o w n to us. T h e v e r b s are in s u c h
derivatives m o s t frequently t a k e n in a n active sense, e.g. t a m f o m e a n s a hating
m a n , g w a d i f o a t r a d i n g p e r s o n ; s o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , in a p a s s i v e s e n s e , e. g .
s o m a f o , a messenger, not a s e n d i n g m a n b u t a person sent.
3 . T h e d e r i v a t i v e i s a t t h e s a m e t i m e a c o m p o u n d , i. e . it i s f o r m e d b y t h e
suffixes, not f r o m a single substantive or a single v e r b , but f r o m a v e r b a n d a
substantive together , the latter standing to the f o r m e r in the relation of object,
like the English w o r d s bookbinder, shoemaker, horsedealer. In Oji as in English
the n o u n in such w o r d s usually p r e c e d e s the verb, but the reverse m a y also be
t h e c a s e , e. g.
2 2
b a n t o n i (ob-), a m a s o n , f r o m a b a n , a house a n d to, to put.
k e t e n y u n n e f o (ok-), a w e a v e r o f mats, f r o m k ? t e , a mat, a n d n y u n n e ,
to w e a v e .
n i m a d e f o Con-), a cunning m a n , f r o m n i m , to k n o w , a n d a d e , a thing.
§. 35. O n c o m p a r i n g t h e d e r i v a t i v e s w i t h t h e w o r d s f r o m w h i c h t h e y a r e
d e r i v e d , it w i l l he, s e e n , t h a t t h e latter, in b e i n g j o i n e d t o t h e s u f f i x e s , u n d e r g o
v a r i o u s m u t a t i o n s , e. g. o f h i a t h e a h a s in t h e d e r ' v a t i v e h i e n n i b e e n c h a n
g e d i n t o a n e , a n d t h e n o f t a n in t a m f o i n t o a n m . W e d o n o t d e e m it
necessary to e n u m e r a t e all the c h a n g e s , w h i c h in this w a y m a y take place,
as they will be easily perceived o n c o m p a r i n g the derivatives t h e m s e l v e s w i t h
t h e i r r a d i c a l w o r d s , a n d in m o s t c a s e s t h e c a u s e a l s o is m a n i f e s t , g e n e r a l l y
l y i n g in t h e c l a i m s o f e u p h o n y . T h e r e is a n o t h e r c h a n g e , h o w e v e r , o f a dif
ferent kind, w h i c h m u s t b e noticed. If the radical w o r d of the derivative is a
s u b s t a n t i v e , it f r e q u e n t l y h a s t h e a u g m e n t a , o r t h e l i q u i d - a u g m e n t , T h i s
g e n e r a l l y is d r o p p e d in t h e d e r i v a t i v e , a n d i n s t e a d o f it t h e a u g m e n t o a c c e d e s
t o t h e latter, e. g.
t r o f o (otr-), a liar,
f r o m a t o r r o , a lie;
h a n t a n i (oh-), a p r o u d m a n ,
a h a n t a n , pride;
S a n t e n i (Os-), a m a n f r o m Asante,
A s a n t e ;
k u n t o m p o n i ( o k - ) , a calumniator,
e n k u n t o m p o , calumny.
T h i s r u l e h a s , h o w e v e r , its e x c e p t i o n s , e. g. f r o m a n o k w a r r e , truth, t h e
d e r i v a t i v e a n o k w a f o is f o r m e d . T h e l i q u i d - a u g m e n t o c c u r s in s e v e r a l d e r i v a
tives of this kind, but t h e y are m o s t l y s u c h as d e n o t e rather collective multi
tudes of persons t h a n individuals, e.g. e n k r o f o , people
e m p o a n o f o ,
people f r o m the coast.
A s t o t h e a c c e n t u a t i o n o f t h e d e r i v a t i v e s f o r m e d b y t h e s e suffixes, it m a y b e
r e m a r k e d , that those w i t h the suffix n i are, w i t h v e r y f e w exceptions, accented
either o n the ultimate or penultimate; those f o r m e d b y f o n e v e r h a v e the
a c c e n t o n t h e i r u l t i m a t e , b u t m a y h a v e it o n a n y o f t h e t h r e e p r e c e d i n g
syllables.
. : <,
D I M I N U T I V E S .
' '. ,
§. 36. T h e suffix, b y w h i c h d i m i n u t i v e s a r e f o r m e d , h a s p r o b a b l y arisen
f r o m the substantive b a , child, a n d in the w o r d s b o b a a n d v u a m o b a , w h i c h
a r e d i m i n u t i v e s o f b o a n d v u a m o , it o c c u r s w i t h o u t a n y a l t e r a t i o n o f its o r i
ginal form. B u t generally the c o n s o n a n t h a s u n d e r g o n e a c h a n g e , in conse
q u e n c e of w h i c h the suffix a p p e a r s in the following various f o r m s :
1. I n s o m e d i m i n u t i v e s t h e o r i g i n a l m u t e o f t h e s u f f i x h a s b e e n c h a n g e d
i n t o t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g l i q u i d , a n d it h a s a c c o r d i n g l y r e c e i v e d t h e f o r m m a .
This a p p e a r s to be the case, w h e r e the substantive, f r o m w h i c h the diminutive
is f o r m e d , e n d s w i t h a liquid, a n d t w o liquids t h u s c o m i n g t o g e t h e r in t h e di
m i n u t i v e , t h a t o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e is a b s o r b e d b y t h a t o f t h e suffix, e. g. . .
a c e m a , a s m a l l c a n o e , f r o m c e fi , a c a n o e ;
n o n o m a , a small bell,
d o n , a bell.
n2. M o r e f r e q u e n t l y , h o w e v e r , t h e m u t e h a s b e e n c h a n g e d into t h e c o r r e
s p o n d i n g s e m i - c o n s o n a n t w , a n d the f o r m w a h a s resulted, w h i c h at present
m a y b e c o n s i d e r e d as t h e r e g u l a r f o r m of t h e diminutive-suffix, e. g. b e p o w a ,
f r o m b e p o ; e n i w a , f r o m eni.
. :
2 3
3. B u t in d i m i n u t i v e s f o r m e d f r o m substantives e n d i n g in t h e v o w e l a, t h e
s e m i - c o n s o n a n t h a s generally been d r o p p e d , a n d the a of the suffix contracted
w i t h t h e t e r m i n a t i o n a l a o f t h e substantive into o n e l o n g a. In this c a s e a c
c o r d i n g l y t h e o n l y m a r k o f t h e d i m i n u t i v e r e m a i n i n g is t h e l o n g v o w e l , w h e r e
t h e r a d i c a l w o r d h a s a s h o r t o n e , e. g. d u a , f r o m d u a ; a t a f r o m a t a.
S o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , b o t h the c o m p l e t e a n d the contracted f o r m of the dimi
nutive a r e u s e d e, g. a b o a w a a n d a b o a , p r o b a b l y w i t h this difference, that
the f o r m e r indicates the notional variation m o r e emphatically t h a n the latter.
In o n e w o r d , s e w , dimiuutive of a s e , the contrary c h a n g e h a s t a k e n place,
the a of the suffix h a v i n g b e e n d r o p p e d a n d the semi-consonant preserved.
T h e diminutives s o m e t i m e s receive the a u g m e n t a, t h o u g h their radical
w o r d s h a v e it n o t , e. g. a k w a i w a , f r o m k w a i ; a u r a , f r o m u r a ;
but
t h e r e v e r s e m a y a l s o b e t h e c a s e , a s is s h o w n b y t h e d i m i n u t i v e s e w , f r o m
a s e , m e n t i o n e d above.
In several diminutives also a reduplication of the
r a d i c a l p a r t o f t h e w o r d h a s t a k e n p l a c e (cf. §. 41, 2).
§. 37. T h e n o t i o n a l variation, c o n v e y e d b y the diminutive -suffix, is i n d i c a t e d
a l r e a d y b y t h e a p p e l l a t i o n g i v e n t o it , a n d i n t i m a t e d a l s o b y its e t y m o l o g i c a l
origin, as stated above. T h i s suffix accordingly c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h the termi
nations - c h e n a n d -lein of the G e r m a n o r -utus etc. o f the Latin l a n g u a g e ; in
E n g l i s h o n l y a f e w stray - s p e c i m e n s of diminutives are found, as hillock, m a n nikin. B u t of the category o f dimnuliveness o n o n e h a n d diverse variations m a y
b e d i s t i n g u i s h e d , o n t h e o t h e r h a n d it h a s b e e n e x t e n d e d t o o t h e r qualities o f
existence, w h i c h a r e in s o m e r e s p e c t r e l a t e d to it, a n d h a v e t h e r e f o r e s o m e
times b e e n d e n o t e d b y the s a m e f o r m of the substantive. H e n c e of the i m p o r t
o f this suffix several variations a r e to b e distinguished:
1. T h e d i m i n u t i v e - s u f f i x in t h e first p l a c e d e n o t e s relative littleness, e. g.
b e p o w a , a s m a l l m o u n t a i n , a hill, f r o m b e p o , a m o u n t a i n ;
a b o a w a , a small animat,
a b q a , a n animal;
a k w a i w a , u n d e r w o o d , bushes,
k w a i , a w o o d ;
d u a , a small piece o f w o o d ,
d u a * w o o d .
2. B u t s o m e t i m e s it is n o t relative littleness, b u t smallness in general, w h i c h
i s s i g n i f i e d b y t h e d i m i n u t i v e - s u f f i x , i. e . n o t i n d i v i d u a l s o f a k i n d a r e d e s i g n a t e d
a s s m a l l in c o m p a r i s o n w i t h other individuals o f the s a m e k i n d , o r if referred
to the a v e r a g e size of things of this k i n d ; but the w h o l e k i n d o f things d e n o t e d
b y t h e s u b s t a n t i v e is d e s i g n a t e d a s s m a l l in c o m p a r i s o n w i t h t h i n g s in general.
In this c a s e t h e r e is either n o o t h e r f o r m o f t h e substantive e x t a n t t h a n t h e
d i m i n u t i v e , e. g. k a (in A s a n t e k a w a ) , a f i n g e r - r i n g ; t o a , a b o x ;
or the
d i m i n u t i v e is u s e d p r o m i s c u o u s l y w i t h t h e s i m p l e f o r m o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e ,
e. g. e n i a n d e n i w a , a n eye.
3. S o m e d i m i n u t i v e s e x p r e s s notions, w h i c h b e s i d e s t h e d i m i n u t i v e v a r i a t i o n
h a v e r e c e i v e d o t h e r a c c e s s a r y qualifications, e. g. d a d e w a , a nait, i.e. a s m a l l
piece o f iron o f a certain form, f r o m d a d e , iron
a b a s a, a withered arm,
f r o m b a s a , a n arm.
'
4. A s individuals o f t h e f e m a l e s e x a r e g e n e r a l l y s m a l l e r a n d w e a k e r t h a n
t h o s e o f the m a l e sex, the f o r m e r h a s not unfrequently b e e n d e n o t e d b y the
d i m i n u t i v e - f o r m , e. g.
a t a , a twin-girl,
f r o m a t a , a t w i n - b o y ;
a u r a , a mistress,
u r a , a master;
k r 3 , a female slave destined for sacrifice,
k r a , a male slave destined for
sacrifice;
2 4
s e w ,
5. F
a b e r r e
m a n , s e
a
r o
w a
e m
m o t h e r - i n
m the s a m
, a n old
s to b e a
- l
e
w o
di
a w ,
f r o m a s e , a father-in-law.
c a u s e s o m e t i m e s old a g e is d e n o t e d b y d i m i n u t i v e s , e. g.
m a n , f r o m b e r r e , a female
also a k o k o r a , a n old
minutive.
/ / / .
R E D U P L I C A T I O N .
§. 38. T h e d e r i v a t i o n a l r e d u p l i c a t i o n o f t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e is different
e inflectional reduplication of the G r e e k , Latin a n d Sunscrit l a n g u a g e s . T h e
tter consists in the repetition o f the initial c o n s o n a n t w i t h a v o w e l ; t h e f o r m
is o r i g i n a l l y the repetition o f the w h o l e w o r d , e. g. b o b o , t y u t y u , s e r r e r r e , f r e m f r e m , n w y u n n e n w y u n n e .
T h e reduplication , h o w e v e r , h a s not a l w a y s b e e n p r e s e r v e d complete.
B e i n g frequently h e a v y a n d inconvenient to p r o n o u n c e , a n d the m o n o t o n o u s
repetition of the s a m e w o r d h a v i n g s o m e t h i n g disagreeable to the ear, s o u n d
i n g b e s i d e s m o r e like t w o w o r d s t h a n o n e : t h e r e is a t e n d e n c y , w h e r e t h e
reduplication h a s b e c o m e a current w o r d , b y a b r i d g e m e n t a n d other c h a n g e s
o f its f o r m e r part, to r e n d e r the w h o l e m o r e p l e a s a n t to t h e ear, a n d to g i v e
it m o r e t h e s t a m p o f a s i n g l e w o r d . T h e p r i n c i p a l c h a n g e s w h i c h h a v e t h u s
resulted are the following:
1. A w e a k e r v o w e l h a s s u p p l i e d t h e p l a c e o f a s t r o n g e r o n e , e s p e c i a l l y a n
e o r o h a s t h u s b e e n s u b s t i t u t e d f o r a n a , e. g.
k e k a , to bite,
f r o m k a ;
p o p a , to wipe,
p a ;
g w e n g w a n , withered,
g w a f i , to wither.
2. A terminational liquid of t h e p r e c e d i n g p a rt o f the reduplication h a s
b e e n a c c o m m o d a t e d t o t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e s u c c e e d i n g p a r t , e. g.
s e n s e n , to cut, to carve, f r o m s e n ;
s e n s a f i , to m a k e lines,
s a n ;
p o m p r o n , to wrinkle,
profi.
3. If t h e r a d i c a l w o r d is n o p r i m a r y f o r m , b u t e n l a r g e d b y a t e r m i n a t i o n a l
a u g m e n t a t i o n (cf. §. 1 6 1 8 3 , t h e fi1"s' p a r t o f t h e r e d u p l i c a t i o n h a s f r e q u e n t l y
b e e n r e d u c e d to the p r i m a r y f o r m , a n d s o m e t i m e s also a w e a k e r v o w e l substi
t u t e d , e. g.
m e m e n n e , to devour,
f r o m m e n n e ;
t e t e w , to tear to pieces ,
t e w ;
c o c o r o , to w a s h ,
c o r r o ;
k u k u r a , to lift u p ,
k u r a ;
s e s a w , to d r a w , to lake up,
s a w ;
n e n a m , to w a l k about,
n a m ;
s e s i e , to put in order,
sie;
t i t y a , to cut off, to clip,
t y a .
S o also in the adjectives: k o k r o , great, big
p i p r i , thick
f o f o r o ,
n e w
m o m o n o , r a w
d e d a w , old
t e t e r e , broad, wide.
I n t h e v e r b s p n s o a n e f r o m s o a n e t h e f o r m e r p a r t is a e u p h o n i c a l c o n
traction of the ladical verb; likewise in the w a y of e u p h o n y in p o m p r o n
the r h a s b e e n d r o p p e d , a n d in f y u f y e f r o m f y e the v o w e l u substituted
f o r e. I n d a d a , if this r e d u p l i c a t i o n is t o b e d e r i v e d f r o m d a , t h e v o w e l h a s
irregularly b e e n lengthened.
th
la
er
s e
duplication , the reduplicative syllable b e i n g repeated a g a i n at the e n d of the
w o r d , w h e r e b y the f o r m s t e t e r e t e a n d p i p r i p i h a v e b e e n p r o d u c e d .
§. 39. B y reduplication v e r b s a n d adjectives chiefly, a n d to a s m a l l e r extent
substantives h a v e b e e n formed.
T h e verbs f o r m e d by reduplication are , as to the peculiar variation of the
notions e x p r e s s e d b y them, frequentative verbs. T h e phonetical repetition, w h i c h
constitutes reduplication , is a c c o r d i n g l y s y m b o l i c a l , signifying a repetition o f
t h e a c t i o n d e n o t e d , a s i m u l l a n e o u s o r a s u c c e s s i v e f r e q u e n c y o f it. T h i s is t h e
original a n d p r i m a r y notional peculiarity indicated b y reduplication; h o w e v e r ,
o n c o m p a r i n g the notions of the reduplicated verbs w i t h those of the simple
v e r b s , f r o m w h i c h t h e y a r e d e r i v e d , it is f o u n d m o d i f i e d in different w a y s :
1. S o m e t i m e s e v e n t h e s i m p l e v e r b e x p r e s s e s t h e n o t i o n o f a n a c t i o n , w h i c h
is a c o m p l e x o f r e p e a t e d s u b o r d i n a t e actions. In this c a s e a c c o r d i n g l y t h e
s i m p l e v e r b itself is, a s t o t h e n o t i o n e x p r e s s e d , a f r e q u e n t a t i v e v e r b , a n d if a
r e d u p l i c a t i v e f o r m o f it o c c u r s , b o t h a r e u s e d p r o m i s c u o u s l y , t h e l a t t e r o n l y
i n d i c a t i n g t h e n o t i o n a l m o d i f i c a t i o n s t a t e d m o r e e m p h a t i c a l l y , e. g.
d i a n d d i d i , to e a t (i. e. r e p e a t e d i n g e s t i o n ) ;
c o r r o a n d c o c o r o , to w a s h (e. g. cloth, b y repeated r u b b i n g ) ;
p a s s e a n d p a s s e p a s s e ; to w a l k (i. e. to a d v a n c e b y r e p e a t e d steps').
2. In m o s t cases the s i m p l e v e r b expresses the notion of a simple action,
a n d the reduplication denotes a simultaneous or successive frequency qf the
s a m e a c t i o n , e. g.
b o , to beat, to break,
b o b o , to k n o c k repeatedly; to break into m a n y pieces,
to shatter, or to break m a n y things (e. g. pots) simullaneously.
b u , to break; b u b u , to break a thing in m a n y places, or to break m a n y things
(e. g. sticks) simullaneously.
3. S o m e t i m e s t h e r e d u p l i c a t i o n indicates a greater intensity o f t h e action
d e n o t e d , e. g. c e c e , to b u r n v e h e m e n t l y , f r o m c e , to b u r n .
4. I n a n u m b e r o f i n s t a n c e s it is n o t o n l y t h e f r e q u e n c y o r i n t e n s i t y o f t h e
action denoted, w h i c h distinguishes the notion of the reduplication f r o m that
o f the simple verb, but the f o r m e r h a s u n d e r g o n e other modifications, so that
it a p p e a r s a s a q u i t e d i f f e r e n t n o t i o n f r o m t h e l a t t e r , e. g .
t o t o , to roast,
f r o m t o , to put;
s u s u , to m e a s u r e , to suppose,
s o , to lay h o l d o n , to lift;
s e s i e , to p u t in o r d e r , to a r r a n g e ,
sie, to lay u p , to preserve;
p o m p r o n , to wrinkle,
p r o n , to bend;
f y u f y e , to seek, to look for,
f y e , to look at;
sisi, to d e c e w e ,
si, to place, to put.
§. 40. M a n y adjectives a r e f o r m e d b y r e d u p l i c a t i o n , e. g. d e d a w , o l d
f o f o r o , n e w
t e t e r e , b r o a d
tentefi, long
p i p r i , thick
k o k r o ,
large
k o k o , r e d
f u f u , white
t u n t u m , black. B u t a distinction is t o
b e m a d e b e t w e e n such adjectives, as are originally f o r m e d b y reduplication,
like t h o s e just q u o t e d , a n d such, as a r e originally p r i m a r y derivatives, but
n e v e r t h e l e s s o c c u r f r e q u e n t l y in a r e d u p l i c a t e d f o r m , e. g. d r u a n d d r u d r u ,
heavy
t a n a n d t a f i t a n , ugly. In this case a difference is m a d e in the use
o f t h e t w o f o r m s , w h i c h will b e p o i n t e d o u t in a n o t h e r p l a c e (cf. §. 96).
§. 41. A considerable n u m b e r of substantives also are evidently reduplica
tions, e. g. e n t u n t u m , a m o s q u i t o
h o n h o n n o , b a r k
s u n s u m , a spirit
g e g y e , noise
a t u t u , a* quarrel
a k a s a k a s a , noisy talking. B u t m o s t of
4
2 6
such substantives are p r o b a b l y to b e considered rather as derived f r o m redu
plicated verbs, than as f o r m e d themselves b y reduplication. T h e r e are, h o w e
ver, such, as a r e f o r m e d f r o m other substantives b y reduplication, especially
1. s u b s t a n t i v e s d e n o t i n g t h i n g s , w h i c h c o n s i s t o f a m u l t i t u d e o f s m a l l e r
things, e. g. e n n u k u n n u k u a , rags, f r o m d u k u (in t h e p l u r a l n n u k u ) , a h a n d
kerchief
c n v i a f i v i a b o , a sandstone, f r o m e u v i a , s a n d
e n k o n s o n k o u sofi, a chain.
2. d i m i n u t i v e s , e. g. a b a b a , a girl, a y o u n g w o m a n , f r o m b e a (in A s a n t e
n o n o m a , a small belt, f r o m d o n , a bell
a k o k o r a , a n
b a ) , a w o m a n
old m a n (cf. §. 36).
C H A P T E R
I I I .
O f C o m p o s i t i o n .
§. 42. C o m p o s i t i o n is t h e f o r m a t i o n o f n e w w o r d s by joining t w o different
w o r d s together into one, so that the c o m b i n a t i o n expresses o n l y o n e notion,
different f r o m e a c h o f t h e t w o n o t i o n s , w h i c h a r e e x p r e s s e d b y its t w o c o m
p o n e n t w o r d s .
E v e r y c o m p o u n d m u s t b e considered as a c o m b i n a t i o n of t w o w o r d s only;
b u t e a c h o f t h e s e m a y b e a s i n g l e w o r d o r m a y b e itself a c o m p o u n d , e. g.
a s u b o n t e f i , a river, is c o m p o s e d o f a s u = e n s u , water, a n d a b o n t e n , a
street; b u t a b o n t e n itself is a c o m p o u n d f r o m b r o n , a street, a lane, a n d
t e n = z t e n t e f i , long- O f t h e t w o c o m p o n e n t w o r d s o n e , a s it w e r e , p r e s e n t s
t h e m a t e r i a l s f o r t h e n e w w o r d , w h i l e t h e o t h e r g i v e s it its p e c u l i a r s h a p e ;
t h e f o r m e r is t h e f u n d a m e n t a l w o r d , a n d e x p r e s s e s a g e n e r a l notion, w h i c h is
qualified or particularized b y the latter. T h e thing d e n o t e d b y the c o m p o u n d
is a c c o r d i n g l y a particular k i n d o f that d e n o t e d b y its f u n d a m e n t a l w o r d ,
e. g. a s o n h u m a , a n elephant's hide, is c o m p o s e d o f t h e f u n d a m e n t a l w o r d
e n h u m a , a hide, a n d the particularizing w o r d s o n n o , a n elephant, w h i c h
defines t h e p a r t i c u l a r k i n d o f hide, t h a t is m e a n t .
B y c o m p o s i t i o n verbs a n d substantives" are especially formed.
I.
C O M P O U N D
V E R B S .
§. 43. T h e v e r b s f o r m e d b y c o m p o s i t i o n a r e m o s t l y imperfect c o m p o u n d s ,
i. e . t h e y a r e a c o m b i n a t i o n o f t w o w o r d s s o a s t o e x p r e s s o n e n o t i o n , b u t
generally w i t h o u t phonetical coalescence of the t w o elements into o n e w o r d .
H e n c e , the unity of the notion expressed b e i n g in m o s t cases their o n l y cri
terion, there is a n occasional perplexity to d e t e r m i n e b e t w e e n real c o m p o u n d
verbs a n d m e r e syntactical c o m b i n a t i o n o f a v e r b w i t h a n o t h e r w o r d . O f the
t w o e l e m e n t s o f a c o m p o u n d v e r b the f u n d a m e n t a l w o r d is a l w a y s a verb, the
q u a l i f y i n g w o r d is g e n e r a l l y a s u b s t a n t i v e o r a preposition. A c c o r d i n g to t h e
difference o f t h e latter a n d o f its relation to t h e f o r m e r s e v e r a l k i n d s o f c o m
p o u n d verbs m a y b e distinguished.
F I R S T
K I N D
S E C O N D
K I N D
O F
C O M P O U N D
V E R B S .
f. 44. T h e c o m p o u n d v e r b is t h e c o m b i n a t i o n O f a v e r b W i t h a n o t h e r w o r d ,
w h i c h p r o b a b l y in m o s t c a s e s is originally a s u b s t a n t i v e s t a n d i n g to t h e f o r m e r
i n t h e r e l a t i o n o f o b j e c t , e. g. d i - g w a is a c o m p o u n d o f t h e v e r b d i a n d o f
g w a , arising f r o m the substantive a g w a , w h i c h signifies originally a seat,
h e n c e a seat in the m a r k e t , a n d t h e r e f o r e d i - g w a m e a n s to t r a d e , e. g. O d i
e n t a m a g w a , H e trades in cloth. T h e r e are t w o k i n d s of s u c h c o m p o u n d s :
1. T h o s e w h i c h a r e i n t r a n s i t i v e a r e i n s e p a r a b l e ; t h e y a c c o r d i n g l y n o t o n l y
express o n e notion , but their elements h a v e also phonetically coalesced into
o n e w o r d , s o t h a t t h e y a r e p e r f e c t c o m p o u n d s , e. g. b o g w a , to a s s e m b l e
b o d a m , to be m a d
d i n i m , to be victorious, to triumph
t o n k o m , to fall
asleep
v a t i r u w a n d p a t i r u w , to slip, to slide
d i b e m , to be acquitted, to
be innocent
d i f o , to be c o n d e m n e d , to be guilly.
2. T h o s e w h i c h a r e transitive a r e i m p e r f e c t c o m p o u n d s , b e i n g s e p a r a t e d in
* the s a m e w a y as s h o w n a b o v e of d i - g w a , w h e n e v e r they are c o n n e c t e d w i t h
a n object. S u c h are: b o - a n o or b o a b o - a n o , to assemble
b o - d u a , " f o
curse
b o - f e , to w o u n d
b o - k u , to put in heaps
b o - p a , to hire
b u fo, to c o n d e m n
b u - b e m , to acquit
d i - a w u , to m u r d e r
d i - n i , to h o n o u r
d i - e k i , to follow, to persecute
d i - k a n , to precede, to g o d n before
g y ae
t a t a , to lead ( a child) in walking
y i - a d y o , to take prisoner , to kidnap
k a ( S e w , to w a r m
t u - f o , to exhort.
i
O F
C O M P O U N D
V E R B S .
§. 45. O f a s i m i l a r n a t u r e a r e t h o s e c o m p o u n d v e r b s , w h i c h c o n s i s t o f a
verb a n d a preposition, the latter, h o w e v e r , h a v i n g the p o w e r of a n adverb.
M o s t frequently the preposition m u , in, is j o i n e d w i t h a v e r b into o n e
w o r d , generally in the f o r m of a m e r e m , h a v i n g t h r o w n off the v o w e l , a n d
in the signification of together, e.g. t y p m , to d r a w together, to pass by
p a m ,
to join, to s e w
c i e m , to meet together , to assemble
b a m , to embrace. In
t h e s e c o m p o u n d s t h e v e r b is i n s e p a r a b l e f r o m t h e p r e p o s i t i o n , e. g. O p a m
a d a k a , H e m a k e s a b o x ; except t y o m , w h e n u s e d in the signification of to
d r a w together, in w h i c h case the preposition is s e p a r a t e d f r o m the v e r b , a n d
a t t a c h e d t o t h e s u b s t a n t i v e w h i c h is its o b j e c t , e. g. M i t y p k o t o k u m , / d r a w
a b a g together; a n d in t h e s a m e w a y t o m , to shut, is c o n s t r u e d , e. g. T o p o n
m u or T o p o f i m , S h u t the door.
F r o m c o m p o u n d s of this kind m e r e c o n
traction of a preposition w i t h a verb m u s t b e distinguished, occasioned b y t h e
o m i s s i o n o f t h e o b j e c t e. g. F a e n s u g u m , P o u r w a t e r in, i n s t e a d o f e. g. F a
e n s u g u a h i n n a n o m , P o u r water into the pot.
T h e prepositions so a n d ase also f o r m c o m p o u n d s w i t h verbs, s o m e of w h i c h
are separable a n d s o m e inseparable, e.g. inseparable are: d a so, to continue
t r a s e , to sit d o w n
t e a s e , to live;
separable are: g y e * s o , to reply
m a - 6 0 , to lift
t o - a s e , to-put d o w n
b r e - a s e , to put d o w n
d S s e or
d a - a s e , to thank.
2 8
T H I R D
K I N D
O F
C O M P O U N D
V E R B S .
§. 46. O f a v e r y p e c u l i a r k i n d a r e t h e c o m b i n a t i o n s o f v e r b s w i t h h u a n d
s o m e other substantives, to c o m p o u n d s w h i c h originally express the notions of
bodily actions a n d conditions, but b y a transfer f r o m the external or corporeal
to the internal or m e n t a l province , frequently a n d e v e n chiefly denote m e n t a l
actions a n d affections.
T h e c o n n e c t i o n o f t h e substantive h u w i t h a v e r b is originally a m e r e s y n
tactical c o m b i n a t i o n , a n d will b e a d v e r t e d to as s u c h at its p r o p e r p l a c e in t h e
s y n t a x (cf. §. 163). T h i s , h o w e v e r , it h a s in c o m m o n w i t h t h e t w o p r e c e d i n g
kinds of c o m p o u n d s , w h i c h h a v e likewise arisen f r o m syntactical combinations,
a n d the s a m e m a y be said to be the origin of all c o m p o u n d s . A syntactical
c o m b i n a t i o n b e c o m i n g stationary for the expression of a peculiarly qualified
notion constitutes a c o m p o u n d . T h e t w o preceding kinds of c o m p o u n d verbs
originate in the objective c o m b i n a t i o n , or in the connections a n d relations of
v e r b s w i t h their objects. T h e c o m p o u n d s f o r m e d b y h u p r o c e e d f r o m the p r e
dicative combination, or the connections of predicates w i t h their subjects, h u
b e i n g o r i g i n a l l y t h e g r a m m a t i c a l s u b j e c t o f t h e v e r b s , w i t h w h i c h it f o r m s
c o m p o u n d s .
T h e s u b s t a n t i v e h u m e a n s , in its g e n e r a l signification , the o u t w a r d a p p e a r
ance of a thing, in contradistinction to m u , the interior; in a m o r e restricted
s e n s e it d e n o t e s t h e visible b o d y o f m a n , in c o n t r a d i s t i n c t i o n t o t h e invisible m i n d .
H e n c e the c o m p o u n d s of h u w i t h v e r b s , in their p r o p e r a n d original significa
tion, e x p r e s s n o t i o n s w h i c h r e f e r t o bodily actions a n d conditions, e. g. h u - c i m
a n d h u - p o p o , to tremble ( f r o m cold etc.)
h u - y e , to be welt, to be in heallh
h u - s a , to recover
h u - y e - d e n , to be strong, stout.
F r o m t h i s s i g n i f i c a t i o n o f h u it m i g h t a p p e a r a m a t t e r o f s u r p r i s e , t h a t
s u c h c o m p o u n d s h a v e , as stated above, principally b e e n applied to express t h e
notions of mental affections. Y e t o u r l a n g u a g e s o n a closer investigation exhibit
quite a n a l o g o u s p h e n o m e n a , t h o u g h m o r e o b s c u r e d b y the phonetical a n d n o
tional transformations, w h i c h in the course of time the w o r d s h a v e u n d e r g o n e .
B u t o n tracing o u r m o s t c o m m o n expressions for m e n t a l actions a n d affections
b a c k to their source, a n d investigating the primordial significations of their
r o o t s , it w i l l b e f o u n d t h a t t h e s e l i k e w i s e r e f e r r e d t o b o d i l y a n d s e n s u a l a c t i o n s .
F o r all h u m a n l a n g u a g e is bsfced o n t h e s e n s u a l p e r c e p t i o n o f e x t e r n a l reali
ties, a n d is incapable of directly d e n o t i n g a n y t h i n g p u r e l y mental. T o effect
this it m u s t h a v e r e c o u r s e t o e m b l e m s a n d i m a g e s , it m u s t a p p l y w o r d s , w h i c h
in their p r o p e r signification express the notions of external m o t i o n a n d condi
tion, in a figurative w a y to d e n o t e the actions a n d affections of the mind.
A n d considering the intimate m u t u a l relations, w h i c h exist b e t w e e n the affec
t i o n s o f t h e b o d i l y s y s t e m a n d t h o s e o f t h e m i n d , it c a n n o t b e s u r p r i s i n g , t h a t
the f o r m e r h a v e frequently b e e n c h o s e n to represent the latter , as is the case
in the c o m p o u n d v.erbs f o r m e d b y h u a n d s o m e other substantives similarly
applied. S u c h c o m p o u n d s a r e the f o l l o w i n g :
h u - a d y u r u w , to be dejected, afflicted;
a d y u r u w is t h e perfect t e n s e
o f a v e r b d y u r u w , w h i c h , h o w e v e r , a s far as w e are a w a r e , d o e s n o t occur
e x c e p t in this c o m p o u n d ; b u t its p r o p e r signification is p r o b a b l y to be heavy,
b e i n g related to the adjective d r u , heavy;
the literal m e a n i n g of the c o m
p o u n d is a c c o r d i n g l y t h e b o d y is h e a v y ;
h u - a y e r a w , to be astonished, a m a z e d , slupified;
a y e r a w f r o m y e r a w ,
c o m m o n l y y e r a , to lose; c o n s e q u e n t l y the literal signification is: the b o d y
is lost;
h u - a d y o , to feel calm, c o m p o s e d ; a d y o f r o m the v e r b d y o , to coot, to
r e l a x f r o m a slate o f e x c i t e m e n t ; l i t e r a l l y : t h e b o d y is c o o l e d ;
h u - a t o , expressing nearly the s a m e notion as the p r e c e d i n g : to feel calm,
quiet; a t o f r o m t o o r t o , to p u t , to lay, to lie, to b e laid, h e n c e to b e c a l m ,
quiet ;
h u - a k a , to be happy, rejoiced; a k a f r o m k a , to touch,, to m o v e ; h e n c e the
o r i g i n a l signification o f t h e c o m p o u n d p r o b a b l y is : the b o d y is m o v e d , r e f e r r i n g
to j o y o u s excitement.
§. 47. T h e o t h e r substantives w h i c h a r e j o i n e d w i t h verbs to f o r m similar
c o m p o u n d s , are the following: b o , the breast
e n i , the eye
y e m , the ab
d o m e n
v i r r e , Hie skin, m o r e particularly thick skin
a s o in, the ear, m o r e
particularly the inner part o f the ear. T h e c o m p o u n d verbs f o r m e d b y these
substantives, like t h o s e f o r m e d b y h o , d e n o t e in the first place b o d i l y actions,
e. g. b o - b u , to gel o u t o f breath, literally the breast b r e a k s ; e n i - k o m , to b e
sleepy, literally the eyes g o together. B u t m o s t of t h e m h a v e b e e n transferred
t o m e n t a l a c t i o n s o r a f f e c t i o n s , e. g.
b o - a d y o a n d b o - a t o , s y n o n y m o u s w i t h h u - a d y o a n d h u - a t o
(cf. §, 4 6 ) ;
b o - f u , to get angry; f u signifies to g r o w ; the original i m p o r t of the c o m
p o u n d is p e r h a p s : the breast swells;
b o - t u , to be t h r o w n into consternation; tu signifies to tear up, to pluck out;
h e n c e t h e literal m e a n i n g o f t h e c o m p o u n d s e e m s t o b e : t h e b r e a s t is
torn u p ;
e n i - a g y e , to be glad; if a n inference m a y b e d r a w n f r o m the reduplica
tion g e g y e , to dazzle, g y e signifies p e r h a p s to glitter, to shine, t h o u g h
it h a s n o t o c c u r r e d t o u s in this s i g n i f i c a t i o n ; t h e literal m e a n i n g o f t h e
c o m p o u n d w o u l d in this c a s e b e : the e y e shines , the e y e is bright;
e n i - b e r r e , to covet; b e r r e is p r o b a b l y the s a m e as b e r e , to bring, to
fetch; the literal m e a n i n g w o u l d a c c o r d i n g l y be : the eye fetches;
e n i - d a , to h o p e , to trust in, literally: the e y e lies o r rests ( o n s o m e b o d y ) ;
e n i - s o , to h o n o u r , to e s t e e m , literally: the e y e lifts;,
i
e n i - w u , to be ashamed, literally: the eye dies;
y e m - e y e , to b e g o o d n a t u r e d , literally: the belly is g o o d ;
v i r r e - f i , to forget, literally: the skin lets o u t ;
a s o m - a d y o , to h a v e p e a c e , rest; l i t e r a l l y : t h e e a r is c o o l e d .
T o this k i n d of c o m p o u n d s b e l o n g s also k e k y e - v i r r e , to comfort (liter
a l l y to tie u p the s k i n ) , t h o u g h t h e p o s i t i o n o f t h e t w o c o m p o n e n t s is r e v e r s e d ,
t h e substantive standing to the v e r b in the place a n d relation of object. B u t
it is u s e d a l s o a s a n intransitive v e r b , a n d a s s u m e s t h e n t h e s a m e f o r m a s t h e
o t h e r c o m p o u n d v e r b s o f t h i s k i n d , e. g . N e v i r r ' - a k e k y e , H e is c o m f o r t e d .
§. 48.
m e n t i o n e d
bination o
the origin
O T H E R
Besides the di
in the p r e c e d i n
f t w o verbs so
of w h i c h f r o m
V E R B A L
fferent kinds
g p a r a g r a p h s ,
as to express
t w o v e r b s is
C O M P O U N D S .
of c o m p
there o
o n e not
p r o v e d
o u n d
ccur
ion.
b y t
verbs
single
S u c h
he cir
,
w h i c h
instances
is g i - d i ,
cumstance,
h a v
of
to
th
e b e e n
a c o m
believe,
at in a
3 0
s e n t e n c e b o t h its p a r t s h a v e t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o n n p r e f i x e d to t h e m , e. g. M i g i
n ' a s e m m i d i , / believe his w o r d ; g i as a Bimple v e r b d o e s not occur in this
f o r m , b u t is p r o b a b l y identical w i t h g y e , a n d its primitive signification to
receive; d i signifies to eat, b u t its primitive signification m a y p e r h a p s b e a si'
milar o n e to that of gi, so that b y the c o m p o u n d the idea of a c o m p l e t e recep
tion a n d a p p r o p r i a t i o n is expressed.
T h e combinations s o - f y e a n d k a - f y e ,
to try, m a y also be considered as c o m p o u n d s ; the f o r m e r signifies literally to
lay hold o f ( a n d ) look at, the latter to touch a n d took at; in a sentence b o t h
c o m p o n e n t s h a v e the personal p r o n o u n prefixed , a n d f y e a l w a y s stands in the
p e r f e c t t e n s e , e. g. M i k a a d u a f i m a f y e o r M i s o a d u a n m a f y ? , / t r y (i- e.
taste) the food.
K a k y e r r e , to telt, to i n f o r m , is a c o m p o u n d o f k a i n t h e
signification o f to s p e a k , a n d k y e r r e , to s h o w ; in s e n t e n c e s it is s o m e t i m e s
s e p a r a t e d , s o m e t i m e s n o t , e. g. M i k a k y e r r e n o a s ; m o r M i k a a s e m m i k y e r e n o , I told h i m something.
Lastly w e m a y m e n t i o n here b o - g t t , to
spout, f r o m b o , to beat, a n d g u , t o p o u r , e.g. O b o e n s u b o e n s u o g n s o r r o ,
A w h a l e spouts w a t e r into the air.
A n u m b e r of verbs s e e m f r o m their f o r m to be inseparable c o m p o u n d s of
t w o r o o t s , e. g. f a t a , to b e c o m e , to befit
h a t a , to spread
k a t a , to cover
p a t a , to join
k i t a , to lay hold o f
b n t u , to turn upside d o w n
p e t e ,
to strew
b u k a w , to b e n d
h i n t a w , to hide
s a k i r a , to c h a n g e etc.
B u t not being able, w i t h a n y certainty to point ont the origin of these verbs,
w e shall rest satisfied w i t h h a v i n g m e n t i o n e d t h e m .
II.
C O M P O U N D
S U B S T A N T I V E S .
§. 49. T h e s u b s t a n t i v e s f o r m e d b y c o m p o s i t i o n a r e in e v e r y r e s p e c t m o r e
perfect c o m p o u n d s t h a n the verbs, their notional unity b e i n g a l w a y s e x p r e s s e d
b y a c o r r e s p o n d i n g phonetical unity, consisting n o t in a m e r e o u t w a r d c o m b i
nation, but in a real coalescence of the t w o c o m p o n e n t elements into o n e w o r d ,
a s is i n d i c a t e d chiefly b y t h e a c c e n t a n d b y s o m e o t h e r p h o n e t i c a l m a r k s a n d
c h a n g e s , w h i c h will b e p o i n t e d o u t in the s e q u e l (cf. §. 5 9 6 2 ) .
T h e peculiar relation also of the t w o e l e m e n t a r y notions , consisting in the
q u a l i f i c a t i o n o f o n e b y t h e o t h e r , a s d e m o n s t r a t e d a b o v e §. 4 2 , w h i c h is, a s it
w e r e , t h e n e r v e o f c o m p o s i t i o n , is o n t h e w h o l e m u c h m o r e c l e a r l y e x h i b i t e d
b y the substantive c o m p o u n d s , t h a n b y the verbs. This assertion, h o w e v e r ,
requires a restriction. T h e r e is a limited n u m b e r o f c o m p o u n d substantives, in
w h i c h this relation o f t h e t w o c o m p o n e n t s is n o t f o u n d at all, b o t h o c c u p y i n g
the place of the qualifying w o r d , a n d the f u n d a m e n t a l notion being left to b e
supplied. T h u s t w o k i n d s o f c o m p o u n d substantives a r e in the first p l a c e to
b e distinguished, w h i c h w e m a y d e n o t e b y the t e r m s of genuine a n d spurious
compounds.
§.
f u n d a m
p o u n d
T o
50. G e n u i
e n t a l a n d
being a p
afford a
1.
G E N U I N E
S U B S T A N T I V E
n e w e call those
the other the qu
articular kind of
clear a n d c o m p r e
c o m p o u n
alifying
that d e n
h e n s i v e
d s ,
w o r d
o t e d
v i e w
C O M P O U N D S .
o n e
; t
b y
of
c o m p o
he obje
its f u n
the dif
n e n t of w h i c
ct d e n o t e d b y
d a m e n t a l c o m p
ferent w a y s ,
h is t h e
the c o m
o n e n t .
in w h i c h
c o m p o u n d s are f o r m e d , w e m u s t a g a i n divide a n d
stantive c o m p o u n d s into diverse kinds:
T h e first k i n d h a v e for their f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o
their qualifying c o m p o n e n t
a) also a substantive, or
b) a verb, o r
c) a n adjective.
T h e second kind h a v e a verb for their f u n d a m e n t
qualifying c o m p o n e n t a substantive, w h i c h stands to
a ) in the relation of object,
b ) in the relation of subject.
3 1
subdivide the g e n u i n e s u b
n e n t a substantive, a n d for
,
a l c o m p o n e n t , a n d for their
the f o r m e r
First k i n d o f g e n u i n e s u b s t a n t i v e c o m p o u n d s .
a. C o m p o u n d s consisting o f t w o substantives.
§. 51. In c o m p o u n d s consisting o f t w o substantives t h e qualifying c o m
e n t a l w a y s precedes the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , a n d t h e y so far quite
e e w i t h t h e E n g l i s h c o m p o u n d s o f t h e s a m e k i n d , e. g. a s r a t o a , a snuff
, f r o m a s r a , snuff, a n d t o a , a box. T h i s kind a r e b y far the m o s t frequent
p o u n d s in the Oji, as t h e y are in the E n g l i s h language.
T h e substantive c o m p o u n d s , as w e l l as the c o m p o u n d verbs, m a y b e refer
r e d to a syntactical combination, in w h i c h they originate, a n d h e n c e in the
E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e t h e limit b e t w e e n t h e s e t w o is f r e q u e n t l y unsettled. O n dis
s o l v i n g a c o m p o u n d of the p r e s e n t kind, its qualifying c o m p o n e n t m a y b e r e n
d e r e d b y a n a t t r i b u t i v e s u b s t a n t i v e i. e . a s u b s t a n t i v e i n t h e g e n i t i v e c a s e ,
e. g. e m p o a n o , the seashore, is t h e s a m e a s e p o a n o , Hie sea's shore. B u t
this, h o w e v e r , will a p p l y only to a m i n o r i t y of cases. Generally o n a disso
l u t i o n o f t h e c o m p o u n d t h e q u a l i f y i n g c o m p o n e n t m u s t be, t u r n e d i n t o a n attri
b u t i v e s e n t e n c e , e. g. a s r a t o a , a s n u f f b o x , c a n n o t b e d i s s o l v e d i n t o a s r a t o a ,
a b o x o f snuff, but m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y t o a a s r a v o m , a b o x in which there
is s n u f f ; g w i t e i t o a , a silver b o x , = t o a v o d e g w i t e i n a ' y e , a b o x that is
m a d e o f silver; e n s u b o a , a water -animal,
a b o a o t e e n s u m , a n animal
that lives in the water. W h e n , as in the instance last quoted, o n a dissolution
of the c o m p o u n d a preposition m u s t b e a d d e d to the qualifying c o m p o n e n t ,
the f o r m e r h a s s o m e t i m e s b e e n admitted w i t h the latter into the c o m p o u n d ,
e. g. a k w a f i m u s e m , n e w s , = a s e m v a t e v o k w a n m u , a w o r d that h a s
been h e a r d o n the road.
S o m e peculiar classes of this k i n d of c o m p o u n d s s e e m to require particu
lar m e n t i o n :
§. 52. T h e w o r d b r o , t h o u g h n o t o c c u r r i n g a s a s i m p l e n o u n , is f r e q u e n t l y
t h e q u a l i f y i n g c o m p o n e n t o f c o m p o u n d s , indicating that t h e t h i n g d e n o t e d is
E u r o p e a n , i. e . i m p o r t e d f r o m E u r o p e o r b y E u r o p e a n s , o r o f E u r o p e a n o r i g i n
a s t o i t s f o r m o r q u a l i t y , e . g . a b r o n u m a , t h e E u r o p e a n b i r d , i. e . a p i g e o n ,
f r o m b r o a n d a n u m a , a b i r d ; a b r o g w a , a E u r o p e a n c h a i r , i. e. a c h a i r w i t h
a back, f r o m b r o a n d a g w a , a seat; a b r o b e f i , a E u r o p e a n horn, i.e. a t r u m pet , f r o m b r o a n d a b e f i , a horn. In collective n o u n s b r o a s s u m e s the f o r m
m o r o , e. g. m o r o s a , r u m , b r a n d y , f r o m m o r o a n d e n s a , s t r o n g d r i n k ; m o r e u g o , E u r o p e a n oit, f r o m m o r o a n d e f i g q t , oil.
A s e c o n d w o r d occurring
p o n
a g r
b o x
c o m
3 2
as a qualifying c o m p o n e n t of c o m p o u n d s , w h i c h , as far as w e k n o w , is n o t
u s e d a s a s i m p l e n o u n , is t e t e , i n d i c a t i n g t h a t t h e t h i n g d e n o t e d a p p e r t a i n s t o
b y - g o n e t i m e s , o r h a s b e c o m e o b s o l e t e , e. g. t e t e s e m , a tale o f past times,
a tradition, a legend, f r o m t e t e a n d a s e m , a w o r d , a tale; t e t e a s o e , a
r e s t i n g - p l a c e that is n o m o r e u s e d , f r o m t e t e a n d a s o e , a resting-place o n
the road.
§. 53. B y the w o r d s n i n i , a m a l e , a n d b e r r e , a female, f o r m i n g t h e f u n
d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t o f c o m p o u n d s , t h e s e x o f a n i m a l s is indicated, e. g. o p o n k o , a horse
p o n k o n i n i , a stallion
p o n k o b e r r e , a m a r e ;
o g w a f i ,
a sheep
o d y p n n i n i , a r a m , (instead of g w a f i n i n i , f r o m d y a n n e , the f o r m
of this w o r d in the Asante-dialect) - o g w a n m e r r e . a ewe, (instead of g w a n b e r r e ) ;
a k o k o , a f o w l
a k o k o n i n i , a cock
a k o k o b e r r e , a hen.
In t h e s a m e w a y s a i , a e u n u c h , a gelding, is u s e d to d e n o t e a c a s t r a t e d a n i m a l ,
e. g. o g w a n s a i , a w e t h e r ;
b a , a child, t o d e n o t e a y o u n g o n e , e. g. o g w a f i b a , a lamb
a k o k o b a , a chicken;
t a n , w h i c h d o e s n o t s e e m to occur as
a s i m p l e w o r d , to d e n o t e a f e m a l e w h i c h h a s y o u n g o n e s , e. g. o b a t a n , a
mother, a w o m a n that has children, f r o m b e a , a w o m a n , a n d t a n
a k o k o t a f i ,
a h e n that has chickens.
T a , o t h e r w i s e a t a , a twin, as the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m
p o n e n t o f a c o m p o u n d , d e n o t e s a t h i n g t o b e d o u b l e , e. g. e f i k w a n t a , a d o u b l e w a y , i. e . t w o w a y s i n t e r s e c t i n g e a c h o t h e r , f r o m k w a n , a w a y , a n d t a
e n t u t a ,
a double-barrelled g u n , f r o m t u o * a gun, a n d ta;
a n d f u a , in the s a m e w a y
c o m p o u n d e d w i t h a n o t h e r w o r d , indicates, t h a t a single individual is m e a n t o f
t h i n g s w h i c h a r e u s u a l l y f o u n d in collective m u l t i t u d e s , e. g. b r o f u a , a single
grain o f maize, f r o m a b r o , maize, a n d f u a
b e f u a , a single palmnut, f r o m a be,
t h e p a l m t r e e a n d its fruit, a n d f u a .
§. 54. T h e s u b s t a n t i v e m u , the interior, is f r e q u e n t l y c o m p o u n d e d w i t h
other w o r d s as their f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , indicating, that the object d e n o t e d
is m e n t i o n e d w i t h especial r e f e r e n c e to its inner part, a g r e a t e r nicety a n d a c
c u r a c y o f e x p r e s s i o n b e i n g t h u s a t t a i n e d ; e. g. if in t h e s e n t e n c e M y side p a i n s
m e t h e p a i n is i m a g i n e d t o b e o u t s i d e , it is e x p r e s s e d ' in O j i M ' e m f i y e m i
y a w , b u t if t h e p a i n is i m a g i n e d t o b e i n s i d e , it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d M ' e m f i m
y e m i y a w ,
e m f i m b e i n g the c o m p o u n d of e m f i , the side, a n d m u , the
latter a l w a y s t h r o w i n g ofT the v o w e l .
O t h e r such c o m p o u n d s are: d a n m
( f r o m d a n , a house, a n d m u ) , a n o m , a s o m , h w y u n n e m , y ? m , y e f u n n u m , a h u n n u m .
b. C o m p o u n d s h a v i n g a v e r b f o r their q u a l i f y i n g c o m p o n e n t .
% 55. W h e n a c o m p o u n d h a s a s u b s t a n t i v e for its f u n d a m e n t a l , a n d a
v e r b for its qualifying c o m p o n e n t , t h e latter g e n e r a l l y p r e c e d e s the f o r m e r ,
e. g. s e r r e b o , a g r i n d s t o n e , f r o m s e w , to g r i n d , to s h a r p e n , a n d b o , a stone.
T h e w o r d q u o t e d s h o w s , that such c o m p o u n d s entirely a g r e e w i t h E n g l i s h
c o m p o u n d s of the s a m e hind , o n l y that in the latter the v e r b often h a s t h e
f o r m o f a p a r t i c i p l e , e. g. l o o k i n g g l a s s , r e a p i n g h o o k etc. O n d i s s o l v i n g s u c h c o m
p o u n d s the v e r b m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y an attributive sentence, e. g. a k a s a n u m a , p r a t t l e - b i r d , i. e. a s p a r r o w , z r a n u m a o k a s a , a b i r d w h i c h p r a t t l e s ;
a k y e d e , a p r e s e n t , = z a d e v a k y e , a thing that is p r e s e n t e d ; a s o r r e d a n ,
w o r s h i p - h o u s e i. e. a c h a p e l ,
o d a f i v o s o r r e v o m , a house in which they
w o r s h i p ; y i s e k a n , s h a v e - k n i f e i. e . a r a z o r ,
o s e k a f i v o d e y i ( b o g y e s e ) ,
a knife with whi
h a v e arisen f r o
m e n t a l w o r d pr
load, f r o m a d e
v o k y e , a thing
ch they
m the m
ecedes
v o s o a
which
sha
e r e
the
, a
they
ve ioff the
contractio
qualifying
thing which
present.
beard). S o m e t i m e s
n of such a sentenc
c o m p o n e n t , e. g. a
they carry
a d e k y
a
e,
d e
e ,
c o m p o u n d
a n d then, t
s o a or a d
apresent,
s e e m
he f u
o s o a
f r o m
3 3
* to
n d a
, a
a d e
c. C o m p o u n d s h a v i n g a n a d j e c t i v e f o r t h e i r q u a l i f y i n g c o m p o n e n t .
§. 56. W h e n t h e q u a l i f y i n g
is a l w a y s p r e c e d e d b y t h e f u n d
i. e . e v i l , s i n , f r o m a d e , t h i n g ,
chief difference f r o m c o m p o u n d s
w h i c h the adjective precedes th
T h e adjective in such c o m p o
in w h i c h it u s u a l l y o c c u r s , e. g.
f o r r o = f o f o r o , n e w
a b o n
t e n = 5 t e n t e n , long.
c o m p o n e n t o f a c o m p o u n d is a n a d j e c t i v e , it
a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , e. g. a d e b o n n e , b a d thing
a n d b o n n e , bad; this circumstance b e i n g the
of the s a m e hind in the E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e , in
e s u b s t a n t i v e , e. g. b l a c k b i r d , s w e e t m e a t etc.
u n d s h a s frequently a shorter form, t h a n that
a y e f o r r o , a bride, f r o m y i r r e , a wife, a n d
t e n , a street, f r o m b r o f i , a street, a l o n e , a n d
S e c o n d k i n d o f g e n u i n e s u b s t a n t i v e c o m p o u n d s .
§. 57. I n c o m p o u n d s w h i c h h a v e a v e r b f o r their f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , t h e
q u a l i f y i n g w o r d is a l w a y s a s u b s t a n t i v e , g e n e r a l l y p r e c e d i n g t h e for m e r . T h e y
are, a s r e m a r k e d a b o v e (§. 50 J, of t w o k i n d s :
a. T h e c o m p o u n d h a s o r i g i n a t e d f r o m a n objective c o m b i n a t i o n , o r it is t h e
c o a l e s c e n c e o f a v e r b w i t h its o b j e c t , e. g. a y e f a r r e , a d u l l e r y , f r o m f a y i r r e ,
literally to take a wife i.e. to c o m m i t adullery
a t u t u p e , quarrelsomeness, f r o m
p e a t u t u , to like quarrelling
a m a n n e h u n n u , affliction
a k a t u a , reward,
p a y m e n t
a s a b 5, d r u n k e n n e s s
a h o m m e g u , a sigh. A s to t h e position of
t h e c o m p o n e n t s a h u m o b o r r e , mercy', f r o m h u m o b o , to pity, is a n exception,
the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t in this c o m p o u n d p r e c e d i n g the qualifying c o m
ponent.
T o this class b e l o n g also the substantive c o m p o u n d s , w h i c h are f o r m e d
f r o m t h e c o m p o u n d v e r b s , s p o k e n o f in § . 4 4 , e. g. a w u d i , a m u r d e r , f r o m d i a w u , to m u r d e r
? n i d i h o n o u r , f r o m d i - n i , to honour.
b. T h e c o m p o u n d h a s o r i g i n a t e d f r o m a p r e d i c a t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , o r it is t h e
c o a l e s c e n c e o f a v e r b w i t h its s u b j e c t , e. g. a i v u a p u e , s u n r i s e , f r o m a i v u a
p u e , the s u n rises
a i v u a t o , sunset
a i v u a g i n a , noon.
T o this class b e l o n g especially those c o m p o u n d substantives, w h i c h a r e
f o r m e d f r o m t h e c o m p o u n d v e r b s t r e a t e d o f i n §. 4 6 a n d 47, e. g. a h o d y u r u w ,
dejection, f r o m h u - a d y u r u w
a n i w u , s h a m e
a b u f u , a n g e r etc.
§. 58. T
p o u n d s , a r e
o f a qualify
a c o m p o u n d
i
h o s
dis
ing
, a
2.
S P U R I O U S
e substantive
tinguished f r
a n d a qualif
particular k i
s,
o m
ied
n d
S U B S T A N T I V E
w h i c h
the g e n
c o m p o n
of that
w e d
u i n e
e n t ,
d e n o
e n o t
c o m
n o r
t e d
C O M P O U N D S .
e b
p o u
is
b y
y the
n d s ,
the o
o n e
t e
b y
bje
of
r m
th
ct,
its
of spurio
eir n o t co
d e n o t e d
c o m p o n e n
us c o m
nsisting
b y such
t s ; but
3 4
b o t h c o m p o n e n t s together o c c u p y the place of a qualifying w o r d , a n d the fun
d a m e n t a l w o r d , a l w a y s referring to a g e n e r a l idea, like m a n , animal, thing, is
left to b e supplied. C o m p o u n d s of this character are not peculiar to the Ojil a n g u a g e ' , b u t a r e f o u n d a s f r e q u e n t l y i n E n g l i s h . If w e e x a m i n e e. g. t h e
E n g l i s h w o r d t u r n k e y , it w i l l b e s e e n a t o n c e , t h a t it is o f a d i f f e r e n t n a t u r e
f r o m u s u a l c o m p o u n d s ; t h a t it d o e s n o t like w a t c h - k e y s i n g l e o u t a p e c u l i a r
k i n d o f k e y , b u t t h a t it d e n o t e s a p e c u l i a r k i n d o f m a n : a m a n that t u r n s t h e
key , a n d o u g h t if fully expressed to b e turnkey-man. L i k e this are pick-pockel,
cut-throat, dare-devil, spitfire, spend-thrifl , wag-tail, w r y - n e c k etc. T h e s p u r i o u s
c o m p o u n d s o f t h e O j l - l a n g u a g e a r e g e n e r a l l y q u i t e o f t h e s a m e c h a r a c t e r , e. g.
. a d i n a m , a fork, literally a n eat-meat,
a d e v o d e n a d i n a m , a thing with
w h i c h y o u eat m e a t
a g i n a m o a , a c a t c h - a n i m a l s i. e. a c a t ,
a b o a o k y i r r e
m m o a , a n animal that catches animals
a g y e n k w a , a preserver, saviour, =
q ^ p a o g y e e n k w a , a m a n that p r e s e r v e s life; like t h e s e a r e a b o n u a , a b o b ^ n u , a ^ r % a c e c e w e n s a , a p a g y a , k u k r u b i n s i n i , A m o s u , A m o v u a . All
t | i e £ e ^ p j > m p o u n d s consist o f a v e r b a n d its object, d e n o t i n g a p e r s o n o r t h i n g
b y e x p r e s s i n g a c h a r a c t e r i s t i c a c t i o n o f it. M o r e r a r e l y a s p u r i o u s c o m p o u n d
c o n s i s t s o f a s u b s t a n t i v e a n d a n a d j e c t i v e , e. g. in E n g l i s h h o t s p u r , r e d b r e a s t ,
i n O j i n a m o n t e n t e n , a l o n g - s t e p , i. e . a m a n t h a t t a k e s l o n g s t e p s , t h a t w a l k s
fast;
o r o f t w o v e r b s e. g. t y a s e a n a m = z a d e v o t e a s e s o n a v o n a m ,
a t h i n g o n w h i c h y o u sit d o w n a n d p r o c e e d , i. e. a c a r r i a g e
a f r i h i a , a year, =
a d e e f i n a e c i a , a thing that c o m e s forth ( f r o m a certain point) a n d meets (the
s a m e point again), indicating a circular course.
P h o n e t i c a l U n i t y o f t h e C o m p o u n d s .
§. 59. T o t h e constitution o f a perfect c o m p o u n d t w o t h i n g s a r e r e q u i r e d :
the coalescence of t w o notions into one, a n d the coalescence of the t w o w o r d s ,
b y w h i c h these notions a r e e x p r e s s e d , into one. T h e f o r m e r is the notional
unity o f t h e c o m p o u n d , a n d is effected b y t h e qualification o f o n e n o t i o n b y t h e
o t h e r , w h i c h a s r e m a r k e d a b o v e , is, a s it w e r e , t h e n e r v e o f t h e c o m p o u n d .
T h e latter is the phonetical unity, w h i c h is t h e e x p r e s s i o n o f t h e n o t i o n a l unity,
a n d , a s it w e r e , t h e s t a m p o f t h e c o m p o u n d , i n d i c a t i n g t h a t t h e t w o c o m p o n e n t s
h a v e b y coalescence a s s u m e d the character of a single w o r d . B u t the p h o n e
tical unity n e v e r quite c o m e s u p to the notional unity, b e c a u s e w o r d s , b e i n g
m o r e o f a corporeal nature, a n d h e n c e less pliable t h a n the p u r e l y m e n t a l
n o t i o n s , c a n n e v e r c o a l e s c e in t h e s a m e d e g r e e . T h e r e is a t e n d e n c y , h o w e v e r ,
to give to the c o m p o u n d , as m u c h as possible, the s t a m p of a single w o r d ,
a n d to adjust the phonetical unity , as far as the nature of w o r d s p e r m i t , to
t h e n o t i o n a l unity. T h i s is d o n e g e n e r a l l y b y the a c c e n t u a t i o n o f the c o m p o u n d s ,
frequently b y phonetical changes o f their components, a n d often b y prefixing to
t h e m the a u g m e n t a.
§. 60. T h e a c c e n t u a t i o n o f c o m p o u n d s is different in O j i f r o m t h a t in t h e
E n g l i s h o r a n y other l a n g u a g e of G e r m a n extract. T h e latter regularly accent
the qualifying c o m p o n e n t , b e c a u s e this is the active e l e m e n t of the c o m p o u n d ,
c o n v e y i n g t h e particular modification b y w h i c h a n e w n o t i o n is f o r m e d f r o m
the f u n d a m e n t a l idea. T h e accentuation, w h i c h the Oji - l a n g u a g e gives to its
c o m p o u n d s , is n o t the diametrically opposite, so as a l w a y s to accent the f u n d a
m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , b u t proceeding, h o w e v e r , f r o m a different principle. Irre
3 5
spective o f t h e logical relation o f t h e t w o c o m p o n e n t s , it treats t h e c o m p o u n d
a s a s i n g l e t e r m , a n d g i v e s it t h e s a m e a c c e n t a s i f it w e r e a s i m p l e w o r d . N o w
a s t h e a c c e n t o n t h e w h o l e t e n d s t o w a r d s t h e e n d o f t h e w o r d (cf. §. 14),
it g e n e r a l l y falls u p o n t h e s e c o n d c o m p o n e n t , w h e t h e r it is t h e q u a l i f y i n g o r
the qualified element of the c o m p o u n d , a n d u p o n the ultimate or penultimate
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e p h o n e t i c a l f o r m o f t h e w o r d (cf. §. 1 3 ) , e. g. a s o n h u m a ,
a b e n t i a , a h u m o b o r r e . S o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , phonetical w e a k n e s s of the
terminating part causes a regress of the accent to the p r e c e d i n g c o m p o n e n t
e. g. a s a d e , a b e r a n t e , o r a vacillation o f t h e a c c e n t b e t w e e n t h e u l t i m a t e
a n d penultimate, as in a s e m p a , a h i m f i , or b e t w e e n the ultimate a n d ante
penultimate, as in a s e n d u a , a b r o b e d u a .
T h e general rule, nevertheless,
r e m a i n s , t h a t the O j i - l a n g u a g e e x p r e s s e s the p h o n e t i c a l u n i t y o f its c o m p o u n d s b y
identifying their accentuation with that o f a simple word.
§. 61. T h e p h o n e t i c a l u n i t y o f t h e c o m p o u n d s , e x p r e s s e d in t h e first p l a c e
b y their a c c e n t u a t i o n , is p r o m o t e d b y phonetical c h a n g e s o f their c o m p o n e n t s ,
w h i c h t a k e p l a c e e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e i r p o i n t s o f c o n t a c t , i. e . i n t h e t e r m i n a t i o n a l
part of the preceding, a n d in the initial part of the s u c c e e d i n g c o m p o n e n t .
S u c h c h a n g e s are the following:
1. If t h e s u c c e e d i n g c o m p o n e n t h a s a n a u g m e n t , it is g e n e r a l l y t h r o w n off,
especially the v o w e l - a u g m e n t a, e.g. t e t e s e m f r o m t e t e - a s e m
a b r o b e n
f r o m b r o - a b e n
a s u b o n t e n f r o m e n s u - a b o n t e n ,
s o m e t i m e s also a
l i q u i d - a u g m e n t is t h r o w n off, e. g. m o r o s a f r o m b r o - e n s a . O r a v o w e l a u g m e n t is contracted w i t h a terminational a of the p r e c e d i n g c o m p o n e n t into
o ^ e l o n g v o w e l , e. g. a s a d e f r o m s a - a d e ,
a n d a liquid-augment contracted
w i t h a p r e c e d i n g liquid - t e r m i n a t i o n , e. g. g w a n h u m a f r o m g w a n - e n h u m a ,
a s o n h u m a f r o m s o n n o - e n h u m a .
2. A l i q u i d - t e r m i n a t i o n o f t h e p r e c e d i n g c o m p o n e n t is a c c o m m o d a t e d t o t h e
initial c o n s o n a n t of the succeeding part, e.g. a b e n t i a f r o m a b e n - t i a
a h i nk r u f r o m h i n n e - k r u
a h i m f i f r o m h i n n e - f i ; a n d if t h e latter is a m e d i a ,
it is f r e q u e n t l y a s s i m i l a t e d o r e v e n a b s o r b e d , e.g. h i m m i a f r o m h i n n e - b e a
a h i n w a f r o m h i n n e - a g w a
a s o m e n f r o m s o n n o - a b e n .
3. A s t h e p r e c e d i n g c o m p o n e n t o f t h e c o m p o u n d is g e n e r a l l y u n a c c e n t e d ,
a n d h e n c e in t h e p r o n u n c i a t i o n o f t h e w o r d p a s s e d o v e r m o r e r a p i d l y , it s o m e
times u n d e r g o e s a contraction or abbreviation, e. g. a b e r a n t e f r o m b a r r i m a tia
b e r e m p o n f r o m b a r r i m a - p o n
s a f i f r o m s a r r e - f i
a y e f o r r o f r o m
y i r r e - f o f o r o , b a k o n f r o m b a s a - k o n . O n the other h a n d the succeeding
c o m p o n e n t is s o m e t i m e s e n l a r g e d , e. g. a h u m o b o r r e f r o m h u - m o b o
a y e f a r r e f r o m y i r r e - f a .
Insertion of a connective s o u n d for the s a k e o f e u p h o n y is o f r a r e o c c u r
r e n c e , e. g. s e m o d e f r o m a s e m - d e . F o r t h e s a m e p u r p o s e in t h e c o m p o u n d
s e r r e b o f r o m s e w - b o o n e termination h a s b e e n substituted for another.
§. 62. C o m p o u n d s f r e q u e n t l y r e c e i v e t h e v o w e l - a u g m e n t a , w h i c h , o r i g i n a l l y
m a r k i n g s i m p l e substantives f o r m e d f r o m v e r b s (cf. §. 26), l i k e w i s e s e r v e s to
i n d i c a t e t h e p h o n e t i c a l u n i t y o f t h e c o m p o u n d , e. g. a p o n k o k w a n , a t o t e b o a , a y e f o r r o , a y e f a r r e , a s o r r e d a n , a h o p o p o , a g i n a m o a , a d i n a m .
S o m e t i m e s e v e n a l i q u i d - a u g m e n t of t h e first c o m p o n e n t is t h r o w n off to m a k e
r o o m f o r t h e v o w e l - a u g m e n t , e. g. a s u b o n t e n f r o m e n s u - a b o n t e n
a s e h i n n a f r o m e n s a - a h i n n a . R a r e l y a l i q u i d - a u g m e n t is a d d e d to the c o m p o u n d ,
as in the w o r d s e n k w a n t a f r o m k w a n - t a a n d e n t u t a f r o m t u o - t a , w h e r e
t h e plurality o f t h e n o t i o n e x p r e s s e d is t h e cause.
3 6
S E C T I O N
III.
O f t h e P a r t s o f S p e e c h a n d t h e i r I n f l e c t i o n s .
§. 63. A l l t h e w o r d s c o n t a i n e d in t h e l a n g u a g e a r e either notional o r rela
t i o n a l w o r d s . T h e f o r m e r e x p r e s s n o t i o n s i. e . i d e a s o f t h i n g s o r a c t i o n s ; t h e
latter m e r e l y d e n o t e the relations, into w h i c h the notions enter in the c o n n e x i o n
of a sentence. S u c h relations , h o w e v e r , are not o n l y denoted b y particular
w o r d s , b u t also b y the f o r m s o f inflection.
A n o t h e r division o f t h e w o r d s is that into the so-called P a r t s o f Speech.
O f these there are eight, w h i c h in the present section will be treated of in the
f o l lo w i n g o r d e r :
Verbs ,
Substantives,
Adjectives,
P r o n o u n s ,
N u m e r a l s ,
Prepositions ,
Adverbs,
Conjunctions.
Observ. A m o n g the parts of s p e e c h are s o m e t i m e s n u m b e r e d also the Inter
jections. A s they, h o w e v e r , neither express notions n o r denote relations, a n d
consequently a r e n o teal w o r d s in the s a m e sense as a verb or a p r o n o u n ,
they h a v e n o place in e t y m o l o g y , a n d m a y be omitted altogether.
A n o t h e r
k i n d o f w o r d s , n u m b e r e d in t h e g r a m m a r o f E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s a m o n g tiie
p a r t s o f s p e e c h , is the Article. T h o u g h in Oji certain p r o n o u n s a r e s o m e t i n r e s
u s e d so as to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h the English article, yet o n the w h o l e they h a v e
n o t lost their character of pronouns, a n d will therefore m o r e justly b e a d v e r t e d
to u n d e r that head.
C H A P T E R
O f
V e r b s .
I.
N O T I O N A L D I S P A R I T I E S O F T H E V E R B S .
§. 64. T h e v e r b s in g e n e r a l e x p r e s s t h e ideas o f actions. T h
h o w e v e r , d o e s not equally a p p l y to all verbs, but three modific
this respect to b e o b s e r v e d ; the notion expressed b e i n g
1 . t h a t o f a r e a l a c t i o n , i. e . a p e r f o r m a n c e o f a p e r s o n o r t h
i m a g i n e d a s a c o r p o r e a l o r m e n t a l m o t i o n , e. g. n a m , to w a l k
d y p n n e , to think.
2. t h a t o f a t e m p o r a r y stale o r c o n d i t i o n , c. g. d a , to lie
g i
h o m m o , to rest
y a r r e , to be sick.
3. that o f a lasting quality; this k i n d of n o t i o n s a r e g e n e r a l l y
a d j e c t i v e s , a n d it is a p e c u l i a r i t y o f t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , t h a t is h
w h i c h d e n o t e qualities, e. g. s o n , to b e l a r g e
s o a , to be small
be long
n y a f i , to be sour.
e t e r m action,
ations are in
i n g , w h i c h is
to, to throw
n n a , to stand
expressed b y
a s also verbs
v a r r e , to
D I V I S I O N S O F T H E V E R B S .
§. 65. A s to their f o r m a t i o n t h e v e r b s a r e either simple o r c o m p o u n d ; t h e
simple verbs a r e either roots or derivatives, the c o m p o u n d verbs either separable
3 7
o r inseparable. T h e s e divisions h a v e b e e n treated of in the p r e c e d i n g section,
a n d require n o farther explanation.
T h e division o f the v e r b s into transitive a n d intransitive is t h e s a m e in the
O j i a s in the E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e , a n d a s in the latter the s a m e v e r b is f r e q u e n t l y
u s e d b o t h a s transitive a n d intransitive, e. g. fi, to c o m e forth, a n d to m a k e to
c o m e forth
y e r a , to lose a n d to b e lost, to g o a s t r a y
d u m , to g o out (of a
fire), a n d to put out
b i r r i , to b e c o m e dirty, a n d to m a k e dirty.
P E C U L I A R
K I N D S
O F
V E R B S .
§. 66. T h e following peculiar kinds of verbs are to be noticed :
1. I m p e r s o n a l Verbs. T h e t e r m is u s e d s o m e t i m e s to d e n o t e v e r b s o c c u r r i n g
w i t h o u t l o g i c a l s u b j e c t , i. e . s u c h v e r b s , a s e x p r e s s a c t i o n s w h i c h a r e i m a g i n e d
t o t a k e p l a c e w i t h o u t b e i n g p e r f o r m e d b y a n y c e r t a i n a g e n t , e g . it r a i n s , it
thunders. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e has n o i m p e r s o n a l verbs in this sense of the term,
a s c o r r e s p o n d i n g e x p r e s s i o n s a l w a y s h a v e a substantive for their subject, e. g.
O s u t o , it r a i n s ( r a i n f a l l s )
O p r a n n a b o m , it t h u n d e r s ( t h e s t o r m t h u n d e r s ) .
H e n c e w e t a k e t h e t e r m in t h e o t h e r s e n s e , i n w h i c h it is u s e d , c a l l i n g i m p e r
s o n a l v e r b s such, as are u s e d w i t h o u t g r a m m a t i c a l subject; the logical subject,
h o w e v e r , being contained in a g r a m m a t i c a l object o r in a n accessary sentence.
O f this k i n d a r e e. g. a k a ( p e r f e c t t e n s e o f k a ) , to b e w a n t i n g
t y a r r e ,
to faint
hi a, to be poor, to be in distress, to stand in n e e d of
t y a , to be
necessary.
.,
* 2. Reflective Verbs. In E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , a s in t h e G e r m a n , transitive
v e r b s are frequently , b y being connected w i t h a reflective p r o n o u n as their
object, m a d e to express intransitive actions, a n d s u c h verbs are m a r k e d b y the
t e r m of reflective verbs. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s only a f e w expressions of this
kind, e.g. d e n e h u , to be a free m a n
k e k a n e h u , to m o v e (intransitive)
d a n n e h u , to turn, to be t r a n s f o r m e d into.
3. F r e q u e n t a t i v e V e r b s , d e n o t i n g a s i m u l t a n e o u s o r s u c c e s s i v e f r e q u e n c y o f
a n action, h a v e b e e n a d v e r t e d to in the p r e c e d i n g section §. 39.
R E L A T I O N A L
V E R B S .
§. 67. Relational v e r b s are v e r b s n s e d not to e x p r e s s notions, b u t m e r e l y
relations. O f this kind a r e in English those verbs w h i c h are called auxiliaries:
to have, to be, shall, will. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s n o t in this s e n s e a n y auxiliaries,
a s it f o r m s all its t e n s e s b y inflection, a n d n o n e b y c o m p o s i t i o n . B u t in o t h e r
r e s p e c t s it is o f m o r e f r e q u e n t o c c u r r e n c e in t h e latter t h a n in t h e E n g l i s h l a n
g u a g e , that verbs h a v e lost their original signification a n d h a v e b e c o m e rela
tional w o r d s . T h e y a r e of t w o kinds:
1. T h e y h a v e n o t o n l y c h a n g e d t h e i r o r i g i n a l signification, b u t h a v e a l s o
lost the character of verbs, a n d must, w h e n u s e d relationally, b e considered as
b e l o n g i n g t o a n o t h e r c l a s s o f w o r d s , e. g. fi, v o , a n d k o a r e u s e d a s p r e p o s i
t i o n s cf. §. 1 4 3 1 4 5 .
2. T h o u g h t h e y h a v e c h a n g e d their primitive signification, y e t t h e y h a v e
retained the character of verbs, a n d express relations in the w a y of predica
tion. S u c h a r e especially y e a n d si, w h i c h c o r r e s p o n d , e a c h in its o w n place,
w i t h the E n g l i s h v e r b to be, w h e n u s e d as c o p u l a ;
di, u s e d in a similar
3 8
w a y ;
d e , e m
s a m e p
press r
b y s h o
o n l y ju
syntax.
m a , C o r r e s p o n d i n g , to a certain extent, w i t h
p l o y e d in the construction o f a sentence w h i c h
redicate;
the verbs d a s o , k o , a n d the negat
elations of time. A s a clear idea of these verb
w i n g the u s e m a d e of t h e m in the constructio
st m e n t i o n t h e m here, a n d a m o r e explicit a c c
I n f l e c t i o n o f t h e
the E n g l i s h v e r b let;
h a s t w o objects to the
ive of n y a , used to ex
s c a n o n l y b e i m p a r t e d
n of sentences , w e c a n
o u n t m u s t be left to the
V e r b s .
%. 68. W i t h r e g a r d t o t h e inflection o f t h e v e r b s l a n g u a g e s differ in t w o
points, viz the relations, w h i c h are expressed b y inflection, are not quite the
s a m e in o n e l a n g u a g e as in the other ; a n d the phonetical change o f the verb,
w h i c h is t h e c o r p o r e a l e l e m e n t o f inflection, is p e r f o r m e d in different w a y s .
H e n c e in representing the inflections of the verbs of a certain language,
t w o q u e s t i o n s a r e to b e b n s w e r e d : t h e first, w h i c h a r e the relations e x p r e s s e d
b y i n f l e c t i o n , a n d w h i c h i n f l e c t i o n a l f o r m s , a c c o r d i n g l y , d o e s it p o s s e s s ?
the
s e c o n d , which are the phonetical changes o f the verb, w h e r e b y the inflection is
p e r f o r m e d ?
A s to the f o r m e r point, w e m u s t c o m m e n c e w i t h excluding f r o m the inflec
tions o f the O j i - l a n g u a g e o n e w h o l e d e p a r t m e n t , w h i c h in E u r o p e a n especially
in t h e old classic l a n g u a g e s includes a g r e a t v a r i e t y o f f o r m s . T h i s is the
P a s s i v e Voice, w h i c h is a l t o g e t h e r u n k n o w n ^ t o t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e . A n o t h e r series
o f inflectional f o r m s , o f w h i c h it is d e s t i t u t e , a r e the Participles. H e n c e t h o s e ,
w h i c h it p o s s e s s e s , m a y b e r e f e r r e d t o t h e t h r e e c a t e g o r i e s : M o o d s , T e n s e s ,
a n d Persons.
T h e Persons are, except a small deviation in the third person, in w h i c h
t h e r e is n o distinction o f m a s c u l i n e a n d f e m i n i n e g e n d e r , t h e s a m e a s in o u r
languages. T h e M o o d s a n d the Tenses require a m o r e explicit specification.
T h e
M o o d s .
§. 69. T h e v e r b s h a v e f o u r M o o d s , b y w h i c h diverse variations o f assertion
are expressed, viz.
1. T h e I n d i c a t i v e a s s e r t s t h e r e a l i t y o f a n a c t i o n , e. g . O b a , H e c o m e s .
2. T h e Negative d e n i e s the reality , o r asserts the non-reality o f a n action ;
in E n g l i s h t h e a d v e r b n o t is u s e d , e. g. O m m a , H e d o e s n o t c o m e .
3. T h e Potential asserts the m o r a l necessity o f a n action, o r m o r e particu
l a r l y , it e x p r e s s e s t h a t a n a c t i o n shall t a k e p l a c e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e w i l l o r
j u d g m e n t of the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g ; in c o r r e s p o n d i n g English expressions g e n e
r a l l y t h e v e r b shall, s o m e t i m e s m u s t o r m a y , a r e u s e d , e. g. O m m e r e , H e
shall come.
4. T h e I m p e r a t i v e e x p r e s s e s a c o m m a n d o r e n t r e a t y to t h e p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d ,
e. g. B e r a , C o m e .
T h o u g h the Infinitive, strictly s p e a k i n g , d o e s not b e l o n g to the m o o d s , yet
it m a y , f o r t h e s a k e o f c o n v e n i e n c e , b e m e n t i o n e d h e r e . It o c c u r s in t h r e e d i f
ferent forms, w h i c h h a v e n o reference to time, but, as far as w e h a v e b e e n
able to ascertain, m e r e l y to syntactical combinations.
T h e
e.
co
is
e.
to
T e n s e s .
§. 70. T h e r e a r e f o u r T e n s e s , viz.
1. T h e Aorisl, e x p r e s s i n g a n a c t i o n
g. O b a , H e c a m e o r he comes.
2. T h e Perfect, e x p r e s s i n g a n action
n t i n u i n g in t h e p r e s e n t in its effects
come.
.3. T h e Present, e x p r e s s i n g a n action
g. O r e b a , H e is c o m i n g .
4. T h e F u t u r e , e x p r e s s i n g that a n ac
c o m e , e. g. O b e b a , H e will c o m e .
§. 71.
m o o d s are
infinitive h
table will
h a v e b e e n
w i t h o u t limitation to a certain time,
as p e r f o r m e d in the past time, b u t
a n d c o n s e q u e n c e s , e. g. V a b a , H e
as just in the act of b e i n g performed,
tion will b e p e r f o r m e d
T A B L E O F T H E I N F L E C T I O N A L F O R M S
O n l y
m o r e
a v e
s h o w
able
the
or
not
the
to a
3 9
in s o m e time
O F T H E V E R B .
indicative is c o n j u g a t e d t h r o u g h al
less defective. B u t the potential, t
o n l y a positive but also a negativ
inflectional f o r m s of the v e r b w h i c
scertain them.
I. I n d i c a t i v e .
1. Aorist.
2. Perfect.
3. Present.
4. F u t u r e .
II. N e g a t i v e .
1. Aorist.
2. Perfect.
3. P r e s e n t , (Future).
HI. Potential.
1. Positive form.
a. Aorist.
b. Future.
2. N e g a t i v e form.
IV. Imperative.
1. P o s i t i v e f o r m .
2. N e g a t i v e forms.
V. Infinitive.
1. P o s i t i v e f o r m s .
2. N e g a t i v e form.
l the
he im
e for
h occ
tenses;
perative
m. T h e
ur, as
«,
ther
the
w i n g
w e
N
. ,
P H O N E T I C A L F O R M A T I O N O F T H E I N F L E C T I O N S .
§. 72. T h e p h o n e t i c a l c h a n g e s o f t h e v e r b , b y w h i c h
a r e formed, d o n o t consist in the addition of terminations,
g u a g e s . T h e y are nearly the s a m e as those, w h i c h w e
d e r i v a t i o n , c o n s i s t i n g c h i e f l y i n i n i t i a l a u g m e n t a t i o n , i. e .
v o w e l o r a liquid to t h e initial part of the w o r d . T o a
terminalional a u g m e n t a t i o n is a p p l i e d , a n d o n l y o n e inflec
prefix.
.
the o
, a n d
f o l l o
far as
its m o o
as in
h a v e
in the
m u c h
tion is
d s a n d tenses
E u r o p e a n lan
f o u n d u s e d in
addition of a
smaller extent
f o r m e d b y a s
.i. , , w i
4 0
T h e P e r s o n s ( p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s ) .
sons also are f o r m e d b y a kind of a u g m e n t s , w h i c h w e shall
m a
of personal-augments. T h e y are distinguished f r o m the other
a u
y h a v i n g a stronger f o r m , consisting not o n l y of a v o w e l
or
the third p e r s o n singular) but of c o m p l e t e syllables, liquids
o r
c o n n e c t e d w i t h vowels. T h e y are the following:
singular ,
plural ,
third person: o-, he, she;
vo-, they;
(e), W ;
s e c o n d
w o - , thou;
m u - , you;
first
mi-, J;
ye-, we.
W h e n the personal - a u g m e n t s are joined to the perfect tense of the verb,
w h i c h is f o r m e d b y t h e v o w e l - a u g m e n t a , m o s t o f t h e m t h r o w ofT their v o w
els, a n d that o f t h e third p e r s o n s i n g u l a r o- is c h a n g e d into v-, so that t h e y
in this case a s s u m e the f o l l o w i n g f o r m s :
singular,
plural,
third person: v-, he, she;
v- they;
s e c o n d
w - , thou;
m u - , you;
first
m - , J;
y-, w e ;
A c o m p a r i s o n of the personal - a u g m e n t s w i t h the independent f o r m s o f the
personal p r o n o u n s m i g h t suggest the supposition, that the f o r m e r w e r e m e r e l y
a b r i d g e d f o r m s o f t h e latter. T h i s is n o t the case.. A close consideration o f
t h e g e n e r a l p r o c e d u r e o f t h e l a n g u a g e in its d e r i v a t i o n a l f o r m a t i o n s w i l l p r o v e ,
that the stronger f o r m s h a v e arisen f r o m the w e a k e r ones, not the reverse;
a n d consequently the p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s are to be considered as the primitive
f o r m s of the pronouns, as their actual roots, a n d the independent f o r m s as the
d e r i v e d o n e s (cf. §. 99). H e n c e in o r t h o g r a p h y t h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s a r e n e v e r
to b e separated f r o m the verb, to w h i c h they belong, but a l w a y s to be written
i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h it.
§. 73.
r k b y th
g m e n t s m
a liquid
semi-con
T h e per
e t e r m
e r e l y b
(except
sonants
f G R M A T I O N O F T H E D I F F E R E N T I N F L E C T I O N A L F O R M S .
/. I N D I C A T I V E .
4. A o r i s t .
§. 74. A s t h e indicative is n o t s o m u c h a p e c u l i a r m o o d itself, b u t r a t h e r
t h e v e r b w i t h o u t t h e v a r i a t i o n o f m o d a l i t y , it h a s n o p e c u l i a r i n f l e c t i o n a l s i g n ,
b u t is distinguished f r o m ( h e o t h e r m o o d s m e r e l y b y the a b s e n c e o f m o d a l
inflection.
T h e aorist stands in the s a m e relation to the tenses, as the indicative to
the m o o d s . T h e verb, accordingly, in the aorist of the indicative h a s n o other
inflectional signs than those of the persons, the p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s b e i n g p r e
f i x e d t o t h e s i m p l e f o r m o f t h e v e r b , e. g. t h e v e r b k o h a s t h e f o l l o w i n g f o r m s :
M i k o . / g o , (or / went).
Y e k 6 . W e go.
W o k 6. T h o u goest.
M u k 6 . Y o u go.
O k 6. H e (or she) goes.
V o k o . T h e y go.
2. Perfect.
§. 75. T h e p e r f e c t t e n s e is f o r m e d b y t h e a u g m e n t a , e. g. o f k o it is
a k o , is gone. T h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s a r e p r e f i x e d in t h e a b r i d g e d o r c h a n g e d
f o r m s , w h i c h h a v e b e e n s t a t e d in g. 73.
4 1
M a k o . / a m gone.
Y a k o . W e are gone.
W a k o . T h o u art
M u a k o . Y o u
V a k o . H e ( o r she) is
V a k d . T h e y
T h e v e r b s v u a , to steat, a n d v i e , to finish, to accomplish, f o r m their p e r
fect irregularly b y the d i p h t h o n g ai a n d ei instead of a, a n d a r e thus c o n
j u g a t e d :
M a i v u a .
/ h a v e stolen.
M e i v i e .
/ have finished.
W o i v u a . T h o u hast
"
W o i v i e . T h o u hast
V a i v u a .
H e (she) h a s
V e i v i e .
H e (she) has
Y a i v u a .
W e h a v e
Y e i v i e .
W e have
M u a i v u a . Y o u have
M u e i v i e . Y o u have
V a i v u a .
T h e y have
V e i v i e . T h e y have
T h e v e r b h a , to c o m e , s o m e t i m e s f o r m s its perfect, o f w h i c h t h e r e g u l a r
f o r m is a b a , b y a t e r m i n a t i o n a l a u g m e n t a t i o n , instead o f t h e initial, t h e v o w e l
i b e i n g a d d e d t o it, w h i c h w i t h t h e v o w e l o f t h e v e r b c o a l e s c e s i n t o t h e d i p h
t h o n g a i : b a i , is c o m e
m i b a i , I a m c o m e etc. T h i s is p e r h a p s a n o b s o l e t e
w a y o f f o r m i n g t h e p e r f e c t t e n s e , a n d it s e e m s t o o c c u r s o m e t i m e s , t h o u g h
r a r e l y , in o t h e r v e r b s a l s o , a s o n y i n i , h e is g r o w n ( p r v . 1 1 2 ) , i n s t e a d o f v a n y i n , f r o m the v e r b nyifi, to g r o w .
3. Present.
§. 76. T h e p r e s e n t t e n s e is f o r m e d b y t h e in
liquid is n e v e r p e r m i t t e d to p r e c e d e a c o n s o n a n t
(cf. §. 1 2 ) , it is a l w a y s c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e v e r b
k o ) , is g o i n g (it is going).
M i r e k 6 .
I a m going.
Y e r e k o .
W o r e k o . T h o u art
M u r e k o .
O r e k o .
H e ( s h e ) is
V o r e k o .
f
w
a
the
w o r
in t
(cf.
S o
pr
e b
he
§.
W e are going.
Y o u are
They are
4. Future.
h e future tense is f o r m e d b y t h e prefix b e , the or
b e traced f r o m the v e r b b a , w h i c h a p p e a r s to h a
as a n auxiliary verb, a n d thus g r a d u a l l y coalesce
a prefix. T h e f u t u r e t e n s e o f k o is a c c o r d i n g l y
ill g o ) :
M i b e k o .
I shall go.
Y e b e k d . W e shall g
W o b e k o . T h o u w i l l
M u b e k d . Y o u will
0 b e k 6.
H e (she) will
V o b e k 6. T h e y will
m e t i m e s a s e c o n d f o r m of the future occurs, in w h i c h
e s e n t t e n s e is j o i n e d to t h e prefix b e , e. g. M i r e b e k
e k o , t h o u will g o etc. T h e r e a p p e a r s , h o w e v e r , t o b e a
m e a n i n g of the t w o forms, w h i c h will h e adverted to
178).
§. 77. T
vidently to
o r m e r times
n d b e c a m e
ill g o , (it w
e
itial a u g m e n t r; but as this
w i t h o u t a v o w e l intervening
b y the v o w e l e: r e k o (ere-
igin of
v e b e e
d w i t h
b e k o
o.
th
6 ,
sm
in
e a
I
all
a n o
w h i c h is
n u s e d in
the verb,
( e b e k o ) ,
u g m e
shall
diff
t h e r
n t of
g o
erence
place
II. N E G A T I V E ,
i. A o r i s t .
§. 78. T h e f o r m a t i o n o f t h e n e g a t i v e d e p e n d s o n t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f
t h e v e r b , a c c o r d i n g t o w h i c h a palatal, dental a n d labial f o r m o f it a r e to b e
distinguished.
'
6
4 2
1.
tal s o u
- n k o ,
does no
-fivo,
-fifye,
T h e palatal f o r m . T h o s e v e r b s , o f -which t h e initial c o n s o n a n t is a pala
n d (cf. §. 9 ) , f o r m t h e n e g a t i v e b y t h e a u g m e n t n ( e n ) e. g. k o , to go,
does not g o ;
g u , to p o u r , -figu, does not p o u r ;
ce, to burn, -nee,
t b u r n ;
h u , to see, -hhi., does not see;
v o , to bear (to bring forth),
does not bear;
w u , to die, - n w u , does not die;
f y ? , to l o o k at^
d o e s n o t l o o k at.
M i n k o .
/ do not go.
W o n k o . T h o u doest not go.
O fi k 6 .
H e (she) does not go.
Y e n k 6 .
W e d o not go.
M u f i k o .
Y o u do not go.
V o n k 6. T h e y d o not go.
O f the v e r b v o , to h a v e a n d to be at a place, n o n e g a t i v e is f o r m e d ; but
t h e p l a c e o f it is s u p p l i e d b y t h e v e r b n i , n o t to h a v e , n o t to b e a t a place,
w h i c h is c o n j u g a t e d like a n o t h e r v e r b in t h e aorist o f t h e indicative, e. g. M i n i
/ have not, W o n i , T h o u hast not etc.
2. T h e denial form. T h o s e verbs, of w h i c h the initial c o n s o n a n t is a dental
s o u n d , f o r m t h e n e g a t i v e b y t h e a u g m e n t n ( e n ) , e. g. t e , to h e a r , - n t e , d o e s
not hear;
se, to say, - n s e , does not say;
y e , to do, - n y e , does not;
n i m , to k n o w , - n n i m , does not k n o w .
M i nte.
I do not hear.
W o n t e . T h o u doest not hear.
O n t e .
H e (she) does not hear.
Y e n t e .
W e do not hear.
M u n t e .
Y o u d o not hear.
V o n t e .
T h e y do not hear.
If t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e v e r b is t h e d e n t a l m e d i a ( d ) , it is m o s t l y
a s s i m i l a t e d t o t h e a u g m e n t , e. g. d i , to eat, - n n i , d o e s n o t eat,
M i n n i , / do
not eat,
W o n n i , T h o u doest not eat etc.
3. T h e labial f o r m . T h o s e v e r b s , o f w h i c h t h e initial c o n s o n a n t is a labial
s o u n d , f o r m t h e n e g a t i v e b y t h e a u g m e n t m ( e m ) , e. g. p e , to tike, - m p e , d o e s
not like;
fa, to take, - m f a , does not take;
m a , to give, - m m a , does
not give.
M i m p e .
I d o n o t like.
W o m p e . T h o u d o e s t n o t like.
O m p e .
H e ( s h e ) d o e s n o t like.
Y e m p e . W e d o n o t like.
M u m p e .
Y o u d o n o t like.
V o m p e . T h e y d o n o t like.
If t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e v e r b is t h e labial m e d i a ( b ) , it is g e n e r a l l y
assimilated to t h e a u g m e n t , e. g. b o , to beat, - m m o , d o e s n o t beat; M i m m o ,
/ d o n o t beat etc. A n d if t h e labial m e d i a is f o l l o w e d b y t h e liquid r , a v o w e l
is i n s e r t e d b e f o r e t h e latter, e. g. b r e , to get tired, - m m e r e , d o e s n o t g e l tired.
§. 79. T h
a u g m e n t a b e
palatal , denta
Palatal f
gone; m
e perfe
i n g pre
l , a n d
o r m : k
a fiko,
ct t
fixe
labi
o ,
/ a
en
d
al
to
m
se of
t o it.
f o r m
go;
not g
2. Perfect.
t h e n e g a t i v e is f o r m e d
T h e r e is a c c o r d i n g l y
to b e o b s e r v e d , as in
aor. neg. - n k o , does n
o n e ; w a n k 6, thou art
f r
the
the
ot g
not
o m the aori
s a m e disti
f o r m e r , e.
o; perf. a f
g o n e etc.
st, b y the
nction o f a
g.
i k o , is n o t
4 3
Dental f o r m : te, to hear; aor. neg. -nte, does not hear; perf. a n t e , has
not h e a r d ; m a n t e , / h a v e not h e a r d ; w a n t e , thou hast not h e a r d etc.
L a b i a l f o r m : b a , to c o m e ; aor. neg. - m m a , does not c o m e ; perf. a m m a ,
M not c o m e ; m a m m a , / a m not c o m e ; w a m m a , thou art not c o m e etc.
F r e q u e n t l y , h o w e v e r , t h e perfect t e n s e o f t h e n e g a t i v e is f o r m e d b y terminational augmentation instead o f initial , especially in intransitive verbs. T h i s
a u g m e n t a t i o n consists in the v o w e l i b e i n g a d d e d to the concluding s o u n d of
t h e v e r b , g e n e r a l l y c o a l e s c i n g w i t h it i n t o a d i p h t h o n g , s o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r ,
r e t a i n i n g its s e p a r a t e p r o n u n c i a t i o n . S o m e t i m e s it h a s b e e n e n l a r g e d t o i e ,
a n d that a g a i n , if p r e c e d e d b y a v o w e l , is g e n e r a l l y c h a n g e d into y ? . T h e
f o r m s of this kind, w h i c h h a v e o c c u r r e d to us , are the f o l l o w i n g :
o m b a i , h e is n o t c o m e ; f r o m b a , to c o m e .
e f t k a i , is n o t w a n t i n g ; f r o m k a , perf. a k a , is w a n t i n g .
e m b o i , is n o t ripe; f r o m b o , perf. a b o , is ripe.
e n k y a i , is n o t c r o o k e d ; f r o m k y a , p e r f . a k y a , is c r o o k e d , sloping.
e m m e r r e i o r e m m e r r e y e , is n o t ripe; f r o m b e r r e , to ripen.
v o n n o a i , they h a v e n o t boiled; f r o m n o a , to boil.
o f i g y i m i e , h e is n o t s t u p i d ; f r o m g y i m i , perf. a g y i m i . is stupid.
o n n y i n i ? , h e is n o t old; f r o m n y i n , to g r o w , perf. a n y i f i , is old.
e n s a y e , is n o t d o n e ; f r o m s a , perf. a s a , is d o n e , is finished.
m i m m e y e , / a m n o t satiated; f r o m m e , perf. a n t e , is satiated.
t
t
l
w
n
e
3. P r e s e n t ( f u t u r e ) o f the Negative.
§. 80. A p r e s e n t t e n s e o f t h e n e g a t i v e , w h i c h , h o w e v e r , a
i o n o f t i m e i n d i c a t e d b y it is r a t h e r a f u t u r e , is f o r m e d f r o m
h e a u g m e n t r e (cf. §. 76). T h e r e is a c c o r d i n g l y t h e s a m e disti
atal , dental , a n d labial f o r m to b e o b s e r v e d , as in the latter.
ver, h a s sufficiently b e e n pointed out in the p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h
ill suffice to s h o w its f o r m a t i o n :
k o , to go,
aor. neg. - n k o , does not go,
fut. neg.
ot go.
M i r e n k o .
I shall not go.
W o r e n k o . T h o u will not go.
O r e n k 6.
H e (she) will not go.
Y e r e n k o .
W e shall not go.
" M u r e n k o . Y o u will not go.
V o r e n k o . T h e y will not go.
s to
the
nction
A s t
s , o n
the va
aorist
of a
hat , h
e inst
e r e n k o ,
ria
b y
p a
o w
ance
will
i
III. Potential.
1. P o t e n t i a l p o s i t i v e .
a. Aorist.
§. 81. T h e p o t e n t i a l is f o r m e d b y t h e s a m e a u g m e n t a s t h e n e g a t i v e , e. g.
k o , to go, - n k o , shall go.
M i 5 k 6. / will or shall go.
W o n k o . T h o u shall go.
O n k o .
H e (she) shall go.
Y e n k o . W e will or shall go.
M u n k d . Y o u shall go.
V o n k o . They shall go.
4 4
T h u s to the e y e there is n o difference b e t w e e n the negative a n d the p o t e n
tial. T h e r e s e e m s in p r o n u n c i a t i o n to b e a m i n u t e difference, w h i c h , h o w e v e r ,
is difficult to e x p r e s s in w r i t i n g , consisting m e r e l y in a v a r i o u s modification
o f t h e a c c e n t u a t i o n , w h i c h t o a E u r o p e a n e a r is all b u t i m p e r c e p t i b l e . T h i s
similarity of the t w o f o r m s c a n n o t but be attended b y serious inconvenience,
especially in written l a n g u a g e , w h e r e their distinction d e p e n d s entirely o n the
c o n t e x t in w h i c h t h e y o c c u r , a n d it w i l l p r o b a b l y b e c o m e n e c e s s a r y h e r e t o
a d o p t s o m e m a r k or other to facilitate their distinction.
T h e o n l y verb, o f w h i c h t h e p o t e n t i a l is c l e a r l y d i s t i n g u i s h e d f r o m its n e g a
tive, is b a , to c o m e . T h i s v e r b h a s in the i m p e r a t i v e t h e f o r m b e r a , a n d f r o m
t h a t t h e p o t e n t i a l is f o r m e d , s o that, w h i l e its n e g a t i v e is - m m a , d o e s n o t c o m e ,
its potential is - m m e r a o r g e n e r a l l y - m m e r e , shall c o m e , the v o w e l a u n d e r
g o i n g a p e r m u t a t i o n into e :
M i m m e r e .
/ will or shall come.
W o m m ere. T h o u shall come.
O m m ere.
H e (she) shall come.
Y e m m e r e . W e will or shall come.
M u m m e r e . Y o u shall come.
V o m m e r e . They shall come.
b. F u t u r e o f the Potential.
§. 82. T h e f u t u r e o f t h e p o t e n t i a l is f o r m e d f r o m t h e f u t u r e o f t h e i
tive b y the a u g m e n t m , to w h i c h the initial c o n s o n a n t of the latter f o
assimilated. O f k o a c c o r d i n g l y , o f w h i c h t h e future indicative is b e k o
future potential is - m m e k o , will h a v e to go.
T h e first p e r s o n singular of the future potential o u g h t b y this rule
m i m m e k o , b u t is a l w a y s c o n t r a c t e d into m e k o , w h i c h f o r m o c c u r s v e r
quently, w h i l e the other persons of the future potential are rarely used.
§. 83.
a n d potent
initial c o n
the s a m e
T h e f o r m s
i. P o t
T h e potential negative
ial c o m b i n e d , or b y th
s o n a n t o f t h e v e r b is a
rules, w h i c h h a v e b e e n
of the potential negati
M i n n k o .
W o f i f i k o .
O f i n k o .
Y e n n k o .
M u n n k d .
V o n n k o .
§. 84. O f t h e
negative f o r m to
1. T h e imperat
tional addition. S
s o n is prefixed to
imperati
b e distin
ive positi
o m e t i m e s
it, e. g.
e n t i a l n e g a t i v e .
is f o r m e d b y t h e a u g m e n t s
e a u g m e n t s fin, n n , or m m ,
palatal, dental, or labial s
specified in §. 7 8 w i t h r e g a r d
ve of k o are accordingly the
/ will or shall not go.
T h o u shall not go.
H e (she) shall not go.
W e will or shall not go.
Y o u shall not go.
They shall not go.
IV. I M P
ve there are
guished.
ve is the v e r
, h o w e v e r ,
of
a c c
o u n
to
f o l
ndica
r m is
, the
to be
y fre
the negative
o r d i n g as the
d , following
the negative .
l o w i n g :
E R A T I V E .
in t h e first p l a c e a positive f o r m a n d a
b in its s i m p l e f o r m , w i t h o u t a n y inflec
the personal a u g m e n t of the s e c o n d per
4 5
n
p
l
b
K o o r W o k 6. G o , (thou Shall go).
K o or M u k d .
Go, ( y o u shall go).
O n l y the v e r b b a , to c o m e , h a s a particular f o r m for the imperative, viz.
e r a , come.
2. T h e imperative negative is f o r m e d , like t h e n e g a t i v e , b y t h e a u g m e n t 5,
, o r m , a c c o r d i n g a s the initial c o n s o n a n t o f the v e r b is a palatal, dental o r
abial s o u n d , a g r e e a b l y to t h e r u l e s specified in §. 78, e. g.
E f i k o . D o n o t g o i. e. T h o u s h a l l n o t g o , o r Y o u s h a l l n o t g o ; f r o m k o , t o g o .
E n s e i . D o n o t spoil; f r o m s e i , to spoil.
N n 6 . D o not love; f r o m d o , to love.
E m fit. D o n o t t a k e ; f r o m f a , to take.
E m b 6 o r M m o. D o n o t beat; f r o m b o , to beat.
Besides this simple f o r m of the imperative negative, there occurs a c o m
o u n d f o r m o f it, p r o d u c e d b y t h e v e r b m a b e i n g j o i n e d t o t h e f o r m e r , e. g .
M a n y e . D o not; f r o m y e , to do.
M a n y e r a . D o not lose; f r o m y e r a , to lose.
Observ. In o n e of the p r o v e r b s (256) the f o r m m e y a w occurs as i m p e r a
tive n e g a t i v e o f t h e v e r b y a w , to scold, to abuse. T h i s f o r m is p r o b a b l y
a contraction of m a n y a w .
V. I N F I N I T I V E .
§. 85. O f t h e infinitive there a r e l i k e w i s e in t h e first p l a c e a positive a n d
a n e g a t i v e f o r m to b e distinguished.
1. T h e infinitive positive o c c u r s in three different f o r m s :
a. T h e first f o r m o f t h e infinitive, w h i c h is o f m o s t f r e q u e n t o c c u r r e n c e ,
is t h e v e r b in its s i m p l e f o r m , w i t h o u t a n y inflectional addition. In
m o s t c a s e s is d o e s n o t differ f r o m t h e i m p e r a t i v e , e. g. k o , to g o ; t y a ,
to cut; s e n , to h a n g ; y a r r e , to be sick.
S o m e o f t h e c o m p o u n d v e r b s , b o w e v e r , m e n t i o n e d in §. 4 4 u n d e r g o
i n t h e infinitive a t r a n s l o c a t i o n o f t h e i r c o m p o n e n t s , e. g.
d i - g w a , trades; inf. g w a d i , to trade.
d i - k a f i , precedes; inf. k a n d i , to precede.
d i - e k i , follows; inf. e k i d i , to follow.
b. T h e s e c o n d f o r m o f t h e infinitive is d i s t i n g u i s h e d f r o m t h e f o r m e r b y
t h e a u g m e n t a, e. g. a k o , to g o (going), a d i d i , to eat (eating).
c. T h e t h i r d f o r m is p r o d u c e d b y t h e a u g m e n t fi, n o r m i n t h e s a m e w a y
a s t h e n e g a t i v e (cf. §. 7 8 ) , e. g. e n k e k a , to bite ( b i t i n g ) f r o m k e k a ;
n n a , to sleep (sleeping), f r o m d a . T h i s f o r m , h o w e v e r , is o f r a r e
occurrence.
2. T h e infinitive negative d o e s n o t differ in its f o r m f r o m t h e third f o r m o f t h e
infinitive positive, e. g. e n k o , n o t to go. It s e e m s t o o c c u r o n l y a s o b j e c t
o f t h e v e r b t u m i , c a n , in t h e n e g a t i v e , e. g. M i n t u m i n h u , / c a n n o t see.
C H A P T E R
II.
O f S u b s t a n t i v e s .
D I V I S I O N S O F T H E S U B S T A N T I V E S .
§. 86. S u b s t a n t i v e s a r e in the first p l a c e d i v i d e d into Concrete, w h i c h a r e
the n a m e s of things really existing, a n d are either C o m m o n n a m e s or P r o p e r
r
4 6
n a m e s ; a n d Abstract, or the n a m e s o f ac
as things of i n d e p e n d e n t existence.
T h e concrete substantives are a g a i n
n a m e s of individual things, a n d the n a m e
these different categories are expressed
a u g m e n t s , h a s b e e n s h o w n already in t
.
In the s a m e place the division of
f o r m a t i o n , into P r i m a r y Derivatives §.
§. 3 2 3 7 , a n d C o m p o u n d s §. 42. 4 9 6 2
§. 87. T h
f o r m s o f its s
the position,
exclusively a
T h e o n l y
ject, is t h e f o
w e shall t e r m
I N F L E C T I O N
O F
tions, conditions, a n d qnalities, i m a g i n e d
divided into the n a m e s of persons
s of collective masses or mullitudes.
in the f o r m s of the substantive b
h e p r e c e d i n g section §. 2 2 3 1 .
the substantives, w i t h r e g a r d to
2 2 3 1 , Substantives f o r m e d by Su
h a s b e e n treated of.
T H E
e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s not, as
ubstantives for the different
w h i c h the substantive occup
m a t t e r of syntax.
inflection , to w h i c h the sub
r m a t i o n of a plural. T h e r e
the o n e the stronger a n d t
T h e
, the
H o w
y the
thenffixes
S U B S T A N T I V E S .
m o s t E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , inflectional
cases; these a r e indicated chiefly b y
ies in the sentence, a n d a r e therefore
stantives of the O j i - l a n g u a g e a r e sub
are t w o f o r m s of the plural, of w h i c h
he other the w e a k e r form.
s t r o n g e r p l u r a l - f o r m .
§. 88. T h e f o r m a t i v e e l e m e n t o f t h e s t r o n g e r p l u r a l - f o r m is o n e o f t h e
a u g m e n t s n, n, or m , a c c o r d i n g as the initial c o n s o n a n t of the substantive is a
palatal, a dental, o r a labial sound. If the substantive in the singular n u m b e r
h a s a v o w e l - a u g m e n t , this is s u p p l a n t e d in t h e plural b y the l i q u i d - a u g m e n t .
A s the rules, b y w h i c h the f o r m a t i o n of this plural is r e g u l a t e d , a r e in all
o t h e r r e s p e c t s t h e s a m e , a s t h o s e w h i c h h a v e b e e n specified in §. 7 8 w i t h r e g a r d
to t h e f o r m a t i o n o f t h e n e g a t i v e m o o d o f t h e v e r b , it w i l l b e sufficient if in
stances are here g i v e n of the palatal as w e l l as of the dental a n d labial varia
tion of the stronger plural-form.
1. P a l a t a l f o r m
singular.
plural.
k u k u , a pot,
e f i k u k u .
a k o k o , a fowl,
e n k o k o .
g w a n ( o g w - ) , a sheep,
e n g w a f i .
a h i n n a , a waterpot,
e n h i n n a .
a v i r i k w a w , a parrot,
e n v i r i k w a w .
a f y u f y e , a looking-glass, e n f y u f y e .
2. D e n i a l f o r m .
sing.
plur.
t o a , a b o x ,
e n t o a .
a t a, a twin,
e n t a .
safi, a key,
e n s a f i .
a y i s a , a n orphan, n y i s a .
If t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e is t h e d e n t a l m e d i a ( d ) , it
is a l w a y s assimilated to the a u g m e n t , a g.
sing.
plur.
diia, a tree,
n n u a .
a d a k a , a b o x , n n a k a .
4 7
3. Labial f o r m .
sing.
plur.
p o p a , a p a l m - b r a n c h , e m p o p a .
a p a t a , a
e m p a t a .
a f o a , a s w o r d ,
e m f o a .
If t h e initial c o n s o n a n t o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e is t h e labial m e d i a ( b ) , it is a l w a y s
a s s i m i l a t e d t o t h e a u g m e n t , e. g.
sing.
plur.
b a , a child,
m m a o r e m m a .
a b o a , a n animal ,
m m o a .
b a b e s i a , a w o m a n , m m a b e s i a .
§. 89. In t h e f o r m a t i o n o f t h e s t r o n g e r p l u r a l t h e f o l l o w i n g irregularities
a r e to b e noticed:
.
,
1. W h e n a s u b s t a n t i v e c o m m e n c e s w i t h t h e c o n s o n a n t a l c o m b i n a t i o n b r ,
t h e f o l l o w i n g v o w e l is for the s a k e o f e u p h o n y repeated in the plural before
t h e r, e. g.
sing.
plur.
a b r a m 6 , a weight,
m m a r a m o .
a b r o b t i a , a tobacco-pipe,
m m o r o b u a .
a b r u b u r u , a wild pigeon , m m u r u b u r u .
2. W h e n t h e first syllable o f a substantive is a n , a n o r a m , t h e a is o n l y
t h r o w n o f f i n t h e p l u r a l , a n d a n i n d i s t i n c t e s u b s t i t u t e d f o r it, e. g .
sing.
plur.
a n k i m , n a m e o f a bird,
e n k i m .
a n s a m , a wild g u i n e a - f o w l , e n s a m .
a m p a n , a bat,
e m p a f i .
3. T h e w o r d s n i p a (on-), a n u m a , a n d a d y p f o r m their plurals irregu
larly as follows:
sing.
plur.
n i p a (on-), a m a n ,
n n i p s .
a n u m a , a bird,
n n u m a .
a d y 6, the stone o f a p a l m - n u t , n n u a .
T h e
%. 90.
,
S o m e
t h o n g a i
v u
v u
v u
v u
f
a
r
a
w e a k e r
-plural - f o r m .
T h e f o r m a ti v e e l e m e n t of the w e a k e
sing.
b o (obo), a stone,
d a p e n , a w e e k ,
f a ( o f a ) , a half,
b e r r e (ob-), a female,
ti (eti), a h e a d ,
u r a ( o u r a ) , a master,
substantives, w h i c h c o m m e n c e w i t h a
instead o f t h e v o w e l a (cf. §. 29, 2. a
sing.
6 w (ov-), a nail,
m d ( o v - ) , a stone o n w h i c h c o r n is g
m o b a ( o v - ) , a stone with w h i c h corn
o ( o v - ) , a thief,
r plural is t h e a u g m
plur.
a b o .
a d a p e n .
a fa.
a b e r r e .
ati.
a u r a .
v , f o r m the plural
n d 75) :
plur.
a i v u r o
round,
a i v u a m
is g r o u n d , a i v u a m
a i v u f o .
e n t a , e. g.
b y the diph
w .
o .
o b a .
4 8
§.
w i t h t
these t
1.
a u g m e n
91. A m o n g
he suffixes f
he f o l l o w i n g
T h e substant
t a , e. g.
the
o a
ru
ive
substantives, w h i c h f o r m their plural in this w a y , those
n d n i (cf. §. 3 3 ) r e q u i r e t o b e p a r t i c u l a r l y noticed. T o
les apply:
s w i t h the suffix f o f o r m their plural regularly b y the
sing.
plur.
b a i f o ( o b - ) , a sorcerer,
a b a i f o .
s 6 f o (os-), a priest,
a s o f o .
t a m f o (ot-), a n e n e m y ,
a t a m f o .
2. T h o s e substantives, w h i c h in t h e s i n g u l a r h a v e t h e suffix n i , n o t o n l y
receive the a u g m e n t a in the plural, b u t substitute also the suffix f o for n i , e. g.
,
sing.
plur.
b a n t o n i (ob-), a m a s o n ,
a b a n t o f o .
p o f o n i (op-), a fisherman,
a p o f o f o .
B i b i n i ( O b - ) , a n African, a negro, A b i b i f o .
S a n t e n i (Os-), a m a n f r o m Asante , A s a n t e f o .
3. I n t h u s f o r m i n g t h e p l u r a l o f s u b s t a n t i v e s w i t h t h e suffix n i , it is o f t e n
necessary to trace t h e m b a c k to the w o r d s f r o m w h i c h t h e y h a v e b e e n derived,
as the terminations of the latter h a v e frequently u n d e r g o n e alterations in being
c o n n e c t e d w i t h the suffix, a n d in the plural the original f o r m is generally
t r e s t o r e d , e. g.
sing.
plur.
h i e n n i ( o h - ) , a p o o r m a n ,
f r o m hi a,
a h i a f o .
b u s u e n n i (ob-), a relative,
a b u s u a ,
a b u s u a f o .
b r o n n i or b r 6 n n i ( o b r - ) , a E u r o p e a n ,
b r o ,
a b r o f o .
h a n t a n i (oh-), a p r o u d m a n ,
a h a n t a n , a h a n t a f i f o .
O t h e r changes, for the s a k e of e u p h o n y , take place in the w o r d s d e t o f i n i
( o d - ) , a trader, a n d s r a w n i (osr-), a soldier, w h i c h h a v e the plurals a d e t o m f o a n d a s r a f o .
<
A p p l i c a t i o n
o f t h e p l u r a l - f o r m s .
§. 92. T h e s t r o n g e r p l u r a l - f o r m is chiefly a p p l i e d t o t h o s e substantives,
w h i c h a r e f o r m e d b y t h e a u g m e n t a (cf. §. 2 8 ) ; a n d t h e w e a k e r p l u r a l - f o r m t o
t h o s e , w h i c h in t h e s i n g u l a r h a v e t h e a u g m e n t o (cf. §. 30). A c o n s i d e r a b l e
n u m b e r o f t h e latter, h o w e v e r , t a k e t h e s t r o n g e r p l u r a l - f o r m , e. g. b a ( o b a ) ,
pi. e m m a ; b a r r i m a (ob-), pi. m m a r r i m a . A s to t h o s e substantives, w h i c h
h a v e neither of the t w o a u g m e n t s mentioned, n o rule c a n b e given.
T h e substantives derived b y the suffixes fo a n d ni, generally f o r m their
plural in the w a y m e n t i o n e d in the preceding p a r a g r a p h , b y the v o w e l - a u g m e n t .
T h e r e a r e o n l y a f e w e x c e p t i o n s , w h i c h t a k e t h e s t r o n g e r p l u r a l - f o r m , e. g.
b o d a m f o (ob-), a m a d person, pi. m m o d a m f o ; k u r a s e n n i ( o k - ) , a c l o w n
pi. e n k u r a s e f o . O f d a m f o (od-), a friend, a n d f u m n i (of-), a c l o w n , b o t h
plural-forms occur : a d a m f o a n d n n a m f o , a f u m f o a n d e m f u m f o . E n k r o f o ,
people, a n d e m f e f o , comrades, equals, are o n l y u s e d as plurals. O f e n s u a n o f o , people living near the water ( a sea, lake etc.), a n d e m p o a n o f o , people
living o n the coast, the s a m e f o r m s e e m s to b e u s e d in the singular as in the
plural.
T h e r e a r e a l s o o t h e r s u b s t a n t i v e s , o f w h i c h t w o p l u r a l - f o r m s o c c u r , e. g.
d a b o ( o d - ) , « k i n d o f antelope, pi, a d a b o a n d n n a b o . T h e substantive b a r
4 9
r i
r i
T h
e m
k w
m a (ob
m a als
e subst
p a n y i
a s i a
§. 93.
first c o m p
a stallion,
This, h o w
skin, pi. a
c o m p o u n d
s i m p l e n o
pi. n n a d e
f o l l o w i n g
-), a m a n , h a s usually the plural m m a r r i m a ; but the f o r m a b a r o o c c u r s , t h o u g h , a s it s e e m s , in a d i f f e r e n t s e n s e : f r i e n d s , cf. p r v . 97.
antive p a n y i n (op-), a n old m a n , h a s in the plural e m p a n y i n a n d
n n e f o ,
m e n n i ( o m - ) , a guest, a m e n n i a n d a m e n n i f o ,
a n d
( o k w - ) , a stupid fellow, e n k w a s i a a n d e n k w a s i a f o .
C o m p o u n d substantives generally take the s a m e plural-form, as their
o n e n t d o e s in t h e c h a r a c t e r o f a s i m p l e n o u n , e. g. p o f i k o n i n i ( o p - ) ,
h a s the plural a p o n k o n i n i , just as p . o f i k o ( o p - ) h a s a p o n k o .
e v e r , is n o t a l w a y s t h e c a s e , e. g. g w a n h u m a . , ( o g w - ) , a s h e e p ' s
g w a n h u m a , t h o u g h g w a f i ( o g w - ) h a s the plural e n g w a f i ; a n d a
m a y h a v e a plural , t h o u g h its first c o m p o n e n t in the c h a r a c t e r o f a
u n h a s n o t , e. g. d a l i e s e n , a n i r o n p o t , ( f r o m d a d e , i r o n , a n d s e n )
s e n . O f s o m e c o m p o u n d s b o t h c o m p o n e n t s a r e inflected, e. g. t h e
:
sing.
plur.
b e a g w a m a n ( o b - ) , a harlot,
m m e e n g w a m a n .
d a f i d u a ( o d - ) , timber,
n n a n n u a .
p a n y i n a s e m (op-), a history,
e m p a n y i n s e m .
a b r o b e d u a , a pine -apple -plant,
m m o r o b e n n u a .
§. 94. M a n y s u b s t a n t i v e s h a v e n o plural. T h i s is a m a t t e r o f c o u r s e w i t h
those substantives, w h i c h in their derivation h a v e received the liquid-augment
(§. 2 7 ) , e s p e c i a l l y if t h e y a r e t h e n a m e s o f m a t e r i a l s o r a b s t r a c t n o u n s e. g.
e f i g o , oil
e n s u , w a t e r
e n k w a , life; a n d in the latter case also other
s u b s t a n t i v e s , w h i c h a r e n o t d e r i v e d b y this a u g m e n t , h a v e n o plural, e. g. d a d e ,
iron
s i k a , gold
g w i t e i , silver
h i a (oh-), poverty
k o m (ok-), hunger.
If substantives derived b y the liquid-augment are the n a m e s of s u c h things, as
a r e generally v i e w e d as collective multitudes, b u t m a y also b e v i e w e d as indi
v i d u a l s , t h e s a m e f o r m is u s e d in t h e s i n g u l a r a s in t h e p l u r a l , e. g. e m f o t i e
b a a k o f i , o n e white ant, a n d e m f o t i e b e b r i , m a n y white ants
e n s a b a a kofi, o n e h a n d , a n d e n s a a b i e n , t w o h a n d s
e n s e n n i a , a pair o f scales,
a n d pairs o f scales.
But' e v e n those substantives , w h i c h f r o m their f o r m as w e l l as the notion
expressed , m i g h t h a v e a plural , are frequently u s e d in the s a m e f o r m in the
s i n g u l a r a n d in t h e p l u r a l , e. g. e n i , a n e y e a n d e y e s
t e k r e m a , a tongue a n d
tongues
e s e , a tooth a n d teeth etc.
C H A P T E R
I I I .
O f A d j e c t i v e s .
§. 95. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e is, c o m p a r e d w i t h E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , v e r y defi
c i e n t i n a d j e c t i v e s . T h e c a u s e is, t h a t it h a s n o s u f f i x e s b y w h i c h a d j e c t i v e s
a r e f o r m e d , to w h i c h the latter are chiefly indebted for their great a b u n d a n c e
o f adjectives, a s in E n g l i s h -y, -ly, -ish, - o u s etc. Besides, a n u m b e r o f notions,
w h i c h in the l a n g u a g e s m e n t i o n e d are expressed b y adjectives, are in Oji ex
p r e s s e d b y v e r b s , e . g . y a r r e , to b e sick (cf. §. 64, 2 a n d 3), o r b y t h e p e r f e c t
t e n s e o f v e r b s , e. g. a n y i n , is o l d , a b e r r e , is ripe etc.
M o s t adjectives in Oji are either p r i m a r y derivatives, f o r m e d f r o m the v e r b s
w i t h o u t a n y a u g m e n t (cf. § . 2 2 ) , e. g. p a , g o o d - d e , p l e a s a n t
fe, pretty
5 0
d r u , heavy
h a r r e , light
tia, short
b o n n e , b a d
d e n , h a r d etc.
o r r e d u p l i c a t i o n s (cf. §. 4 0 ) e. g. k o k o , r e d
f u f u , white
t u n t u m , black
d e d a w , old
f o f o r o , n e w
m o m o n o , r a w
p i p r l , thick
t e t e r e ,
b r o a d
g w e n g w a n , w i t h e r e d etc. A s m a l l e r n u m b e r h a v e t h e a u g m e n t a,
a n d s e e m t o h a v e a r i s e n f r o m t h e p e r f e c t - f o r m o f t h e v e r b , e. g. a m o n n o ,
r a w
a f o w , w e t
a t i e , straight etc. A f e w s e e m to b e f o r m e d b y the
liquid-augment, as n a m (in A s a n t e e n d a m ) sharp
m e r o w , soft
p e r h a p s
also m a , fult, a n d n a , rare
a n d s o m e , w h i c h p r o b a b l y w e r e originally s u b
stantives, a p p e a r as c o m p o u n d s , as a k o t i a , short, small
e n t o k o a n t o k o a ,
v a r i e g a t e d etc., t h e latter b e i n g a t t h e s a m e t i m e a r e d u p l i c a t i o n .
§. 96. T h e a d j e c t i v e s a r e entirely destitute o f inflection; n e i t h e r h a v e t h e y
a peculiar f o r m for the plural , as the substantives , n o r d o t h e y f o r m a c o m
parative a n d superlative as in m o s t E u r o p e a n languages.
A d i f f e r e n c e o f f o r m is, h o w e v e r , o b s e r v a b l e i n p a r t o f t h e a d j e c t i v e s , w i t h
r e g a r d to the t w o f o l d use m a d e of t h e m in sentences, the attributive a n d predi
cative. T h u s a m o n n o , r a w , is the attributive a n d m o m o n o the predicative
f o r m ; a n d the f o l l o w i n g a s s u m e , w h e n u s e d in the f o r m e r w a y , a terminational
a u g m e n t a t i o n :
Predicative form.
Attributive form.
fe, pretty,
f e w ;
d e , pleasant,
d e w ;
d e n , hard,
d e n en.
T h o s e w h i c h h a v e t h e a u g m e n t a (cf- §. 9 5 ) a r e e m p l o y e d o n l y in t h e attri
butive w a y , a n d s o m e other, as m a , full, a n d n a , rare, s e e m to b e u s e d o n l y
as predicates.
It has' b e e n r e m a r k e d in t h e p r e c e d i n g section ( § . 4 0 ) , that o f m a n y a d j e c
tives, w h i c h originally are p r i m a r y derivatives, a reduplicated f o r m also fre
q u e n t l y occurs. In this c a s e t h e s i m p l e f o r m is u s e d chiefly in t h e p r e d i c a t i v e
a n d t h e r e d u p l i c a t e d f o r m in t h e a t t r i b u t i v e w a y , e. g. p o m a d r u d r u , a h e a v y
stick, b u t D a d e y e d r u , I r o n is h e a v y . If t h e r e d u p l i c a t e d f o r m is u s e d in t h e
p r e d i c a t i v e w a y , a h i g h d e g r e e o f t h e q u a l i t y e x p r e s s e d is i n d i c a t e d b y it,
e. g. S u m p i y e d r u d r u , L e a d is v e r y h e a v y . H e n c e s o m e t i m e s , w h e n a n u n
c o m m o n l y h i g h d e g r e e o f t h e quality is to b e u n d e r s t o o d , t h e a d j e c t i v e is re
p e a t e d l y r e d u p l i c a t e d , e. g. A d ' e n o y e f e f e f e f e , T h a t thing is v e r y v e r y
beautiful.
§. 97. T h e adjectives are s o m e t i m e s , like the adjectives in Latin, G r e e k ,
G e r m a n , a n d other l a n g u a g e s , used as substantives, denoting either, w i t h the
o m i s s i o n of the substantive a d e , a thing or a n abstract idea, e.g. h u n n u (vain)
nonsense, O k a s a h u n n u , H e speaks nonsense
b o n n e ( b a d , w i c k e d ) evil, sin;
o r , w i t h t h e o m i s s i o n o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e o n i p a , a p e r s o n , e. g. a k o t i a ( s m a l l ,
short), a short m a n .
In the latter case t h e y generally take the a u g m e n t o
(cf. §. 3 0 ) e. g. o t e n t e n , {long') a tall p e r s o n , cf. p r v . 1 5
o k o k o (red) a p e r
s o n o f a r e d o r b r o w n colour, cf. p r v . 2 0 9
o d e c e (free), a free man.
C H A P T E R
I V .
O f P r o n o u n s .
§. 98. T h e p r o n o u n s a r e a k i n d o f r e l a t i o n a l w o r d s (cf. §. 6 3 ) , d e n o t i n g
persons, things, localities etc. w i t h o u t e x p r e s s i n g the idea thereof. T h e i r f o r m s
also are peculiar, b e i n g o n the w h o l e short w o r d s , m o s t l y m o n o s y l l a b l e s , a n d
consisting, as far as t h e y are simple a n d g e n u i n e p r o n o u n s , a l m o s t exclusively
o f w e a k e r s o u n d s , v o w e l s , liquids, a n d s e m i - c o n s o n a n t s (cf. §. 8).
T h e p r o n o u n s h a v e n o inflection; o n l y a p l u r a l is f o r m e d in a f e w cases,
w h i c h will b e adverted to in the sequel. Neither d o t h e y distinguish b e t w e e n
a m a s c u l i n e a n d feminine g e n d e r , w h i c h , as h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d in a f o r m e r
p l a c e (cf. §. 2 6 ) , is a l t o g e t h e r u n k n o w n t o t h e l a n g u a g e . T h e o n l y d i s t i n c t i o n
o f this k i n d is t h e s a m e , w h i c h w e h a v e f o u n d e x p r e s s e d in t h e s u b s t a n t i v e s ,
that of p e r s o n s a n d things; indicated either b y different w o r d s , as in the inter
rogative p r o n o u n s , or m e r e l y b y different a u g m e n t s . In the latter case the
reference to a p e r s o n is indicated b y the a u g m e n t o, the reference to a t h i n g
b y the a u g m e n t e.
F O R M A T I O N
O F
T H E
P R O N O U N S .
§. 99. It h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d in a f o r m e r place, t h a t t h e p r o p e r r o o t s of t h e
p r o n o u n s a r e t h e p e r s o n a l a u g m e n t s u s e d in t h e inflection o f t h e v e r b s (cf. g. 73).
F r o m these , in the first place , the i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s of the p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s
h a v e arisen, either b y m e r e separation f r o m the verb, w i t h o u t a n y phonetical
c h a n g e (cf. §. 2 2 ) , a s m i , /, w o , t h o u , a n d m u , y o u , o r b y t h e c o m m o n d e r i
v a t i o n a l p r o c e s s o f a u g m e n t a t i o n ( c f . § . 2 1 ) i. e. e i t h e r b y t e r m i n a t i o n a l a u g m e n
tation, as y e n , w e , f r o m ye-, a n d v o n , they, f r o m v o - , or b y initial a u g m e n
tation as n o , he, she, f r o m o-, a n d the d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n y i p r o b a b l y
f r o m e-. F r o m t h e p e r s o n a l a n d d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n n o s e e m s t o h a v e a r i s e n
b y a c h a n g e of the v o w e l the demonstrative p r o n o u n ni, a n d f r o m that a g a i n
a r e derived b y a u g m e n t a t i o n the other demonstrative p r o n o u n s e n n i , nefi a n d
n e a , 'and p r o b a b l y the interrogative p r o n o u n ' d e n , in w h i c h n o t o n l y a u g
m e n t a t i o n h a s t a k e n place, but the initial liquid h a s also b e e n raised to the
c o r r e s p o n d i n g mute. T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n s h a , here, h o , there, a n d the
interrogative h e (or h i n n e ) , where, a n d h e n n a , w h o , are p r o b a b l y f o r m e d in
a similar w a y , b u t it is difficult t o tell e x a c t l y h o w . O n l y t h e indefinite p r o n o u n
b i s e e m s to h a v e b e e n derived f r o m a substantive, v e r y likely f r o m b a , a per
s o n , t h o u g h it is n o w t r e a t e d e n t i r e l y a s a p r o n o u n ; a n d f r o m it a r e f o r m e d
b y terminational a u g m e n t a t i o n the indefinite p r o n o u n b i r i b i a n d p r o b a b l y the
interrogative b e n .
S e v e r a l conjunctions also, as n a , ni, e n n i , a n d the particle d e are p r o
bably, as to their origin, g e n u i n e p r o n o m i n a l folms.
§. 100. A s e c o n d w a y , in w h i c h p r o n o u n s a r e f o r m e d , is b y suffixes. T h e
p r o n o m i n a l suffixes are the f o l l o w i n g :
1. T h e t e r m i n a t i o n a r a h a s n o t , like t h e o t h e r s u f f i x e s , a r i s e n f r o m a n o
t i o n a l w o r d , b u t is o r i g i n a l l y m e r e l y a t e r m i n a t i o n a l a u g m e n t a t i o n , w h i c h h a s
consolidated a n d b e c o m e a standing termination, so as to c o n v e y a particular
v a r i a t i o n o f t h e r e l a t i o n e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p r o n o u n t o w h i c h it is j o i n e d . T h i s
variation consists generally in a n increase of the intensity of the relation, a
p a r t i c u l a r f o r c e b e i n g i m p a r t e d t o it, w h i c h , h o w e v e r , is d i f f e r e n t a c c o r d i n g
to the peculiar kind of the pronoun. J o i n e d to a personal or demonstrative
p r o n o u n , it i n c r e a s e s t h e p a r t i c u l a r i z i n g p o w e r , i n c i d e n t to t h e s e k i n d s o f p r o
n o u n s , a n d m a y b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y t h e a d v e r b e v e n o r just, e. g. m i a r a ,
just I
n o a r a , even that
h o a r a , even there ;
connected, o n the other hand,
5 2
w i t h a n indefinite p r o n o u n , it i n c r e a s e s t h e g e n e r a l i z i n g ~ p o w e r , c h a r a c t e r i s t i c
o f this class, s i m i l a r t o t h e E n g l i s h t e r m i n a t i o n s o e v e r , e. g. o b i , s o m e b o d y ,
o b i a r a , a n y b o d y , w h o s o e v e r it be. T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n n e f i is g e n e r a l l y
p r e c e d e d b y it, i n s t e a d o f h a v i n g it s u b j o i n e d (cf. §. 1 1 7 ) . B y t h i s t e r m i n a t i o n
also the n u m e r a l i n i a r a , a n d the a d v e r b s e s e a r a are formed.
2. T h e s u f f i x a n k a s a is j o i n e d w i t h p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s o n l y . T h e v a r i a t i o n
i n d i c a t e d b y it is n e a r l y allied t o t h a t c o n v e y e d b y t h e t e r m i n a t i o n a r a . It
increases the particularizing p o w e r of the p r o n o u n , indicating that t h e p e r s o n
p o i n t e d o u t b y it is m e a n t e x c l u s i v e l y w i t h o u t t h e p a r t i c i p a t i o n o f a n y o t h e r ,
a n d m a y b e r e n d e r e d i n E n g l i s h b y self, e. g. m a n k a s a , / myself. It is p r o
b a b l y derived f r o m the verb k a s a , to speak, a n d m a n k a s a m e a n s originally
/ w h o a m speaking.
3. T h e suffix h u f o r m s o n l y r e f l e x i v e p r o n o u n s , e. g. n e h u , h i m s e l f ( O k u m
n e h u , H e killed himself). Its origin is f r o m t h e s u b s t a n t i v e h u , the outside,
the body.
4. T h e suffix d e o r d e a , w h i c h h a s a r i s e n f r o m t h e s u b s t a n t i v e a d e , a
thing , is joined to a p r o n o u n , w h e n a substantive, of w h i c h the f o r m e r is attri
b u t e , is left o u t e. g. O d a n y i y e m e d e a , T h i s h o u s e is m i n e , s t a n d s i n s t e a d
o f O d a n y i y e m e d a n , T h i s h o u s e is m y h o u s e
W o d a n y e f o f o r o n a
m e d e a (i. e. m e d a n ) y e d e d a w , Y o u r h o u s e is n e w , a n d m i n e (i.e. m y h o u s e )
is old. T h i s suffix, h o w e v e r , d o e s n o t e x c l u s i v e l y b e l o n g to p r o n o u n s , b u t m a y
b e j o i n e d in t h e s a m e w a y w i t h s u b s t a n t i v e s , e. g. O d a f i y i y e h i n n e d e ,
T h i s h o u s e is the king's.
A f e w p r o n o u n s a r e c o m p o u n d s , a s a d l , this, that , f r o m the substantive
a d e a n d the demonstrative p r o n o u n yi; b e b i , s o m e w h e r e , f r o m the substantive
b e r r e a n d the indefinite p r o n o u n bi. T h e interrogative p r o n o u n d e k o d e also
is s h o w n b y its f o r m to b e a c o m p o u n d , b u t of w h a t c o m p o n e n t s w e c a n
n o t tell.
D I V I S I O N
O F
T H E
P R O N O U N S .
§. 101. T h e r e a r e f o u r k i n d s o f p r o n o u n
Demonstrative, Interrogative, a n d Indefinite p r o n
as the E u r o p e a n languages.
A s to the place, w h i c h the p r o n o u n s o c c u
substantive , or adjective , or adverbial pronouns
o f the first kind. O f the other classes s o m e
s o m e m e r e l y as adjective p r o n o u n s , other b
p r o n o u n s etc.
§.
expres
king, o
simple
102. T h
sing the
r spoken
p r o n o u n s
e disti
refere
to, o r
or f o
/. T H E P E R S O
nctive peculiarity
nce to a p e r s o n (
s p o k e n of. A s to
r m e d by suffixes.
N A L
of the
or per
their
s in the Oji- l a n g u a g e : Personal,
o u n s . It h a s n o relative p r o n o u n s
p y i
T
are
o t h
.
P R O N O
perso
sons),
etymol
n t
h e
u
as
he sentence,
personal p r
s e d m e r e l y
substantive
t h
o n
as
a
e y are either
o u n s are all
substantive,
n d adjective
U N S .
nal p r o n o u n s consists in their
either as to the p e r s o n spea
ogical f o r m s t h e y are either
i. S i m p l e f o r m s o f t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u j i s .
§. 103. T h e s i m p l e f o r m s o f t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s a r e e i t h e r c o n j u n c t i v e
or independent. T h e conjunctive forms, w h i c h a r e the roots of the latter, occur
o n l y in conjunction w i t h the v e r b
b e e n treated of u n d e r the n a m e of
i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s h a v e arisen in th
O f the independent f o r m s there
the appellation of independent f o r m s
butive forms.
of w h i c h they are the
p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s in §.
e w a y p o i n t e d o u t i n §.
are t w o variations; t
preferably , the other w
subject,
73. F r o m
99.
o the- o n e
e shall
5 3
a n d h a v e
these the
w e a p p l y
t e r m attri
I n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s .
f o r m s of the personal p r o n o u n s are the f o l l o w i n g
Y e n . W e , us.
thee.
M u . You,
H e , M m .
V o n . They, them.
S h e , her, (it).
T h e s e f o r m s are subject to the f o l l o w i n g alterations:
M i f r e q u e n t l y loses its v o w e l b y a p o c o p e , w h e n p r e c e d e d b y a v e r b e n d i n g
i n a v o w e l , o f w h i c h it is t h e o b j e c t ; a n d is c o n t r a c t e d w i t h t h e l a t t e r i n t o
o n e s y l l a b l e , e. g. O b o m , i n s t e a d o f O b o m i , H e b e a t s m e
O m a m instead of
O m a m i , H e gives me.
O n t h e o t h e r h a n d it is l e n g t h e n e d s o m e t i m e s b y t h e
v o w e l e w h e n it c l o s e s a s e n t e n c e , e. g. E n k a m i e , / a m n o t w a n t i n g .
W o s o m e t i m e s , in t h e s a m e w a y a s m i , t h r o w s off its v o w e l a n d is c o n
t r a c t e d w i t h a p r e c e d i n g v e r b , e. g. O b u a w i n s t e a d o f O b u a w o , H e a n s w e r s
y o u ; contracted thus w i t h the v e r b s f r e , to calt, a n d k y e r e , to s h o w , the
irregular f o r m s f r e o w a n d k y e r o w arise, instead of f r e w o a n d k y e r e
w o .
N o s o m e t i m e s loses its v o w e l b y a p o s t r o p h e , w h e n p r e c e d e d a n d f o l l o w e d
b y a v o w e l , e. g. V o d i n ' a f u s o , T h e y e a t it o n t h e field, p r v . 1 2 8 . F y e n ' i y e ,
A t t e n d w e l l t o it.
W h e n it is t h e s u b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , it r e c e i v e s t h e a u g
m e n t o , e . g . M i n i o n o k a s a , / a n d h e s p e a k i. e . / s p e a k w i t h h i m .
§. 10i.
T h e i
M
W
N
a.
n d e p e n d e n t
i . /, me.
o . Thou,
o ( o n o ) .
b. A t t r i b u t i v e f o r
attributive f o r m s , w h i c h c o r r e s
ct o n l y the i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s u s
third p e r s o n singular they differ
n g b e e n w e a k e n e d to e; they are
M e . M y .
W o . Thy.
N e . His, her, (its).
B e f o r e a substantive, w h i c h c o m m e n c e s w i t h
d r o p t h e i r v o w e l , e. g. m ' a g y a , m y f a t h e r ; n ' e
t h e s u b s t a n t i v e u r a t h e y r e t a i n it, e. g. n e u r a ,
m s .
p o n d w i t h o u r possessive p r o
e d a s attributes, a n d it is o n l y
f r o m the latter, the v o w e l s of
accordingly as follows:
Y e n . Our.
M u .
Your.
V o n . Their.
a v o w e l , m e a n d n e generally
n n a , his mother;
but before
his master.
§. 105.
nouns, are
in t h e first
m i a n d n o
T h e
in fa
a n d
h a v i
§. 106.
t h e persona
p r o n o m i n a l
§. 107.
p o w e r of t
r e d to w i t h
in E n g l i s h
o f the p e r s
2. P e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s f o r m e d b y suffixes.
T h e terminations a r a , a n k a s a , h u , a n d d e or d e a are joined t
l p r o n o u n s , to indicate certain modifications a n d references of th
relations, w h i c h h a v e b e e n specified in §. 100.
T h e t e r m i n a t i o n a r a (cf. §. 100, 1.) increases t h e particularizin
he personal p r o n o u n , b y intimating the identity of the p e r s o n refer
s o m e b o d y s p o k e n of or h a d in m i n d before, a n d m a y be rendere
b y t h e a d v e r b e v e n o r just. It is j o i n e d t o t h e i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m
o n a l p r o n o u n s , as follows:
o
g
s
d
e
5 4
M i a r a . J u s t I.
Y e n a r a . Justice.
W o a r a . Just thou.
M i i a r a .
Just you.
N o a r a (on-). Just he.
V 6 f i a r a . Just they.
o r she.
§. 1 0 8 . T h e s u f f i x a n k a s a Ccf. §. 1 0 0 , 2.) i n c r e a s e s t h e p a r t i c u l a r i z i n g p o w e r
of the personal p r o n o u n , b y intimating the exclusion of a n y other p e r s o n but
the o n e referred to, a n d m a y b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y myself, thyself etc. w h e n
n o t u s e d reflexively. It is j o i n e d t o t h e i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s o f t h e p e r s o n a l p r o
n o u n s , but of m i a n d n o the v o w e l s are d r o p p e d :
M a f i k a s a . I myself.
Y e n a n k a s a . W e ourselves.
W o a n k a s a . T h o u thyself.
M u a n k a s a . Y o u yourselves.
N a n k a s a (on-)- H e himself.
,
V o n a n k a s a . They themselves.
or she herself.
T h e s e m a y be u s e d as attributive p r o n o u n s also, a n d in this case a n k a s a
m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y t h e a d j e c t i v e o w n , e. g. m a n k a s a d a n , m y o w n h o u s e .
§. 109. T h e suffix h u m a k e s t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s reflexive. It is j o i n e d
to t h e attributive f o r m s (§. 105), as f o l l o w s :
M e h u . Myself.
Y e f i h u . Ourselves.
W o h i i . Thyself.
M u h u . Yourselves.
N e h u . Himself, herself.
V o f i h u . Themselves.
§. 110. T h e suffix d e a o r d e is j o i n e d t o t h e a t t r i b u t i v e f o r m s o f t h e
p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n , w h e n t h e substantive, to w h i c h t h e y refer, is left o u t
(cf. §. 100, 4.) :
M e d e a or m e d e . Mine.
Y e f i d e a or yefide. Ours.
W o d e a o r w o d e .
Thine.
M u d e a or m i i d e . Yours.
N e d e a or n e d e . His, hers.
V 6 d e a or v o d e . Theirs.
In the s a m e w a y this suffix is j o i n e d to t h e p r o n o u n s f o r m e d b y a n k a s a
(§. 1 0 8 ) , e. g. m a n k a s a d e a , m y o w n
w o a n k a s a d e a , thy o w n etc.
//. T H E D E M O N S T R A T I V E
§. 111. T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n s p o i n t
or locality. T w o of t h e m yi a n d n o are u s e d
tive p r o n o u n s ,
ni, e n n i , nefi, n e a o n l y
h o , h a , h a i as adverbial p r o n o u n s .
P R O
out
b o t
as s
N O U N
a par
h as
ubstan
S .
ticular person, thing,
substantive a n d adjec
tive p r o n o u n s ,
a n d
T h e demonstrative p r o n o u n s yi a n d no.
§ 112. Y i a n d n o , as adjective p r o n o u n s , are b o t h u s e d to point out the
particular object referred to b y the p e r s o n speaking. T h e y are distinguished
b y y i h a v i n g a s t r o n g e r particularizing p o w e r t h a n n o . H e n c e the f o r m e r is
preferably used, w h e n the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s emphatically to d e n o t e the
object referred to a s t h e particular o n e o f w h i c h h e is s p e a k i n g , a n d especially
w h e n it is t o b e d i s t i n g u i s h e d f r o m s e v e r a l o f t h e s a m e k i n d , in o r d e r t o b e
i n t e l l i g i b l e t o t h e p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d , e . g . o d a f i y i , t h i s h o u s e i. e . t h i s p a r t i c u l a r
h o u s e , to w h i c h I a m p o i n t i n g , n o t a n y o f the o t h e r h o u s e s w h i c h a r e close to it,
or which I have in m y mind. N o , o n the other h a n d , generally indicates that
it is a p a r t i c u l a r o b j e c t o f w h i c h I a m s p e a k i n g , w i t h o u t p o i n t i n g it o u t e m p h a
tically a n d in contradistinction to o t h e r o b j e c t s ; a n d is h e n c e u s e d preferably,
w h e n b y c i r c u m s t a n c e s it is m a d e easily intelligible to t h e p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d ,
w h a t p a r t i c u l a r o b j e c t is r e f e r r e d to. I n E n g l i s h , t h e r e f o r e , it m a y f r e q u e n t l y
b e r e n d e r e d b y t h e definite article, t h o u g h in o t h e r p l a c e s it m a y b e n e c e s s a r y
5 5
t o t r a n s l a t e it b y that o r this, e. g. T o p o n n o m ( i n s t e a d o f n o m i ) , S h u t
t h e d o o r (i. e. t h a t d o o r w h i c h is o p e n )
F a k a n n e a n o m a m , Give m e the light
( o r that light)
O d a f i n o y e k e s e , This h o u s e is large.
N o s o m e t i m e s h a s the irregular plural n o m , w h i c h a p p e a r s to b e used,
w h e n a p l u r a l i t y o f p e r s o n s , k n o w n a s c o n n e c t e d , is r e f e r r e d to, e. g. A d y u m a y e f o n o m , T h e l a b o u r e r s (i. e. o u r l a b o u r e r s )
e n k r o f o n o m , the people ( f r o m
this t o w n )
m e y o n k u n o m , m y friends
m ' a g y a n o m , m y forefathers
m e
n u a n o m , m y brothers a n d sisters
n e y i r r e n o m , his wives.
§. 1 1 3 . W h e n y i a n d n o a r e u s e d a s s u b s t a n t i v e p r o n o u n s , t h e d i f f e r e n c e
b e t w e e n t h e m is p r e t t y m u c h the s a m e . N o g e n e r a l l y d e n o t e s t h e particular
p e r s o n s p o k e n o f , i n c o n t r a d i s t i n c t i o n t o t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g o r s p o k e n t o ; it
is accordingly in this character a personal p r o n o u n , a n d h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d
a m o n g t h e p r o n o u n s o f this class (cf. §. 104). T h e r e f e r e n c e t o a h i n a n i m a t e
t h i n g , c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h t h e E n g l i s h p r o n o u n it, it c a n o n l y e x p r e s s a s t h e
o b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , a n d is t h e n v e r y f r e q u e n t l y left o u t (cf. §. 186, 3).
Y i , as a substantive p r o n o u n , singles out the particular p e r s o n or thing
referred to, in contradistinction to other objects of the s a m e k i n d ; the reference
to a p e r s o n b e i n g intimated b y the a u g m e n t o, a n d that to a thing b y the a u g
m e n t e , e. g. O y i a b o m , T h i s C b o y ? h a s b e a t e n m e
E y i y e m e d e a , This
is mine.
Y i a n d n o h a v e the suffix a r a a d d e d to t h e m , just as the personal p r o
n o u n s , a n d c o n v e y i n g t h e s a m e v a r i a t i o n a s s t a t e d in §. 100, 1 a n d §. 1 0 7 , e. g.
y i a r a , e v e n this, the s a m e
o y i a r a , e v e n this p e r s o n , the very s a m e p e r s o n
e y i a r a , e v e n this thing.
I n s t e a d o f e y i the c o m p o u n d a d I, m e n t i o n e d in §. 1 0 0 , is f r e q u e n t l y used.
T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n ni ( a n d vonni).
§. 1 1 4 . T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n n i is u s e d a s a s u b s t a n t i v e p r o n o u n in
t h e f o l l o w i n g cases:
1. It f o r m s t h e s u b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , d e n o t i n g a p e r s o n o r t h i n g , o f w h i c h
t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g m a k e s k n o w n w h o o r w h a t it is, e. g. M e n u a n i , T h i s
C p e r s o n ) is m y b r o t h e r
O s e b o n i , T h a t is a l e o p a r d
S i k a d a r r i n i , T h a t is a
g o l d - c o i n (cf. §. 1 6 7 ) .
2. In a s e n t e n c e w i t h i n v e r t e d c o n s t r u c t i o n , w h i c h h a s a s u b s t a n t i v e f o r its
p r e d i c a t e , it s t a n d s in t h e p l a c e o f t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b y e , to b e , e. g. M e s u m a n n i m ' e n i , M y c h a r m is m y e y e , p r v . 9 0 (cf. §. 168).
3. It s t a n d s a s t h e a n t e c e d e n t o f a n a t t r i b u t i v e s e n t e n c e , d e n o t i n g a p e r s o n ,
a n d m u s t t h e n b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y a p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n , e. g. N i o d i d i
a n a d y o o y e b a i f o , H e w h o e a t s at n i g h t is a s o r c e r e r , p r v . 86. T h i s u s e o f
n i , h o w e v e r , is u n c o m m o n , the f o r m n e a b e i n g generally applied in this case
(cf. §. 118).
§. 115. T h e p r o n o u n v o n n i a p p e a r s to b e a c o m p o s i t i o n o f n i w i t h t h e
p r e p o s i t i o n v o . It is u s e d o n l y , r e f e r r i n g to a s u b s t a n t i v e m e n t i o n e d before,
in connection w i t h a substantive attribute, in w h i c h the local existence of the
o b j e c t d e n o t e d is d e f i n e d , e. g. A t o d r u a s a , e n y e v o n n i o h i n n e e n t o a m ,
W h e n t h e p o w d e r is all c o n s u m e d , it is n o t t h a t in t h e k i n g ' s p o w d e r - c a s e , p r v . I l l
(cf. §. 205).
T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n s enni n e n nea.
§. 116. T h e p r o n o u n s e n n i , n e n , n e a h a v e all arisen f r o m n i b y a u g
m e n t a t i o n (cf. §. 99), a n d like n i t h e y a r e u s e d o n l y a s substantive p r o n o u n s .
5 6
E n n i is e m p l o y e d in t h e f o l l o w i u g c a s e s :
1. It s t a n d s a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e , r e f e r r i n g n o t s o m u c h to a single
substantive, as to a sentiment, j u d g m e n t , or piece of intelligence etc. expressed
in a p r e c e d i n g s e n t e n c e , e. g. E n n i m i n i m , / k n o w t h a t (i. e. w h a t y o u
tell m e ) .
2. L i k e n i it is u s e d e m p h a t i c a l l y i n s t e a d o f t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b y e , in a
s e n t e n c e w i t h i n v e r t e d c o n s t r u c t i o n , e. g. A d e b o n n ' a k a t u a e n n i w u , T h e
w a g e s o f sin is d e a t h (cf. §. 1 6 8 ) .
§. 1 1 7 . N e n a l w a y s s t a n d s a t t h e e n d o f a s e n t e n c e , o f w h i c h it is t h e
subject, referring to a n object expressed in a p r e c e d i n g substantive, a n d deno
t i n g e m p h a t i c a l l y t h a t t h e v e r y s a m e is s p o k e n of. T h e e m p h a s i s a l w a y s c o n
v e y e d b y jiefi, is g e n e r a l l y i n c r e a s e d a n d m a d e m o r e c o n s p i c u o u s b y a r a ,
w h i c h e l s e o c c u r s o n l y a s a t e r m i n a t i o n (cf. §. 1 0 0 , 1), p r e c e d i n g it, e. g. A k ur a te s e n a n t y u - a , a g i n a m o ' a k o a n e n or a k o ' a r a n e n , If a m o u s e w a s
a s biff a s a b u l l o c k , y e t t h e v e r y s a m e is a s l a v e o f t h e c a t , p r v . 1 1 0 cf. 4 4 . 4 6 . 115.
§. 118. N e a a l w a y s s t a n d s a s t h e a n t e c e d e n t o f a n a t t r i b u t i v e s e n t e n c e ,
a n d m u s t b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h , if referring to a p e r s o n , b y a p e r s o n a l pro
n o u n w i t h a relative, as he w h o , she w h o , they w h o ,
if referring to a thing,
b y a d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n w i t h a r e l a t i v e , a s that w h i c h , o r b y w h a t , e. g.
N e a o v o a k a n o , o s u r r o s u n s o n , H e w h o m a s e r p e n t h a s bitten is afraid
o f a s l o w o r m , prv. 100.
M e f a n e a b e b a k a n n o , / will lake w h a t comes
first (cf. §. 2 2 0 ) . I n t h e s a m e w a y it is u s e d a s a n a d v e r b i a l p r o n o u n , r e f e r r i n g
to a locality , o r c o n n e c t e d w i t h the conjunction s e d e n o t i n g a similarity ; in
t h e f o r m e r c a s e it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y ( t h e r e ) w h e r e , in t h e latter b y ( s o ) as,
e. g. W o n k o n e a v o b e k u m w o , Y o u d o n o t g o w h e r e t h e y will kill you,
p r v . 178. S e n e a a f o a t e n a b o h a te. A s the s w o r d is s o is the s c a b b a r d ,
p r v . 7 3 (cf. §. 2 2 5 . 2 2 3 ) .
D e m o n s t r a t i v e adverbial pronouns.
§. 119. T h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e a d v e r b i a l p r o n o u n s a r e h o , h a , h a i . H a m e a n s
here, referring to a nearer place, h o there, referring to a m o r e distant placeH a i is o n l y a s t r o n g e r f o r m o f h a .
W h e n h o . h a , h a i c o m m e n c e a sentence, t h e y h a v e the v o w e l e a d d e d :
e h o , e h a , e h a i , e. g. E h a n a m i y e a d y u m a , H e r e I a m w o r k i n g .
T o h o t h e t e r m i n a t i o n a r a is j o i n e d , i n c r e a s i n g its p a r t i c u l a r i z i n g p o w e r
(cf. §. 1 0 0 , 1 ) : h o a r a , j u s t there, a t that v e r y place.
III. T H E I N T E R R O G A T I V E P R O N O U N S .
§. 120. T h e i n t e r r o g a t i v e p r o n o u n s a r e e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p a r t i c u l a r p e r
son, t h i n g etc. t h o u g h t o r s p o k e n of is inquired for. T h e y a r e t h e s u b s t a n t i v e
p r o n o u n s h e n n a , defi, a n d d e k o d e , the adjective p r o n o u n b e n , a n d the a d
verbial p r o n o u n h e or h i n n e .
§. 121. H e n n a r e f e r s to a p e r s o n , a n d c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h t h e E n g l i s h p r o
n o u n w h o , e. g. H e n n a n a a b a ? W h o is c o m e ? W o f r e h e n n a ? W h o m d o y o u
call? T h e s a m e f o r m is u s e d attributively for whose, e.*g. H e n n a d a n n i ? W h o s e
h o u s e is t h a t ?
a n d in t h i s c a s e , if t h e s u b s t a n t i v e , t o w h i c h it r e f e r s , is left
o u t , t h e suffix d e o r d e a is j o i n e d t o it, j u s t a s t o t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s
(cf. §. 1 0 0 , 4. 1 1 0 ) , e. g. O d a f i n o y e h e n n a d e a ? W h o s e is this h o u s e ?
§. 122. D e n a n d d e k o d e a r e u s e d , in c o n t r a d i s t i n c t i o n t o h e n n a , w h e n
n o t a p e r s o n b u t a t h i n g is r e f e r r e d to, a n d in E n g l i s h b o t h m u s t b e r e n d e r e d
5 7
b y w h a t . T h e difference b e t w e e n t h e t w o is, that d e n is e m p l o y e d in a direct
question or in a principal interrogative sentence, d e k o d e in a n indirect question
o r in a n a c c e s s a r y i n t e r r o g a t i v e s e n t e n c e , e. g. W o y e d e n ? W h a t a r e y o u
d o i n g ? K o b i s a n o d e k o d e a y e n o , G o a n d a s k h i m w h a t ails him. W h e n
d e n c o m m e n c e s a s e n t e n c e it h a s a n e a d d e d , e. g. E d e n n i ? W h a t is t h a t ?
It is u s e d a l s o a d v e r b i a l l y f o r h o w , e. g . V o y e e f i g o d e n ? H o w is p a l m o i l
m a d e ?
§. 123. T h e adjective interrogative b e n c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h t h e E n g l i s h w h a t
o r which, w h e n u s e d adjectively, e. g. A b o f r a b e n ? W h a t b o y ? o r W h i c h b o y ?
W a t o e n t a m a b e n ? W h a t cloth h a v e y o u bought?
T h e a d v e r b i a l i n t e r r o g a t i v e h e m e a n s w h e r e , e. g. O v o h e ? W h e r e is h e ?
W o k o h e ? W h e r e a r e y o u g o i n g ? L e s s f r e q u e n t l y it o c c u r s in t h e s t r o n g e r
f o r m h i n n e . S t a n d i n g a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e , is h a s a n e a d d e d , e. g. E h e
n a o k o ? W h e r e is h e g o i n g ?
T H E I N D E F I N I T E P R O N O U N S .
§. 124. T h e indefinite p r o n o u n s d e n o t e a p e r s o n , a t h i n g , o r a locality, s o
a s t o l e a v e u n c e r t a i n w h a t p a r t i c u l a r p e r s o n etc. it is. T h e y a r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :
bi, u s e d b o t h as a substantive a n d adjective p r o n o u n , the substantive p r o n o u n
b i r i b i , a n d the adverbial p r o n o u n b e b i .
§. 125. B i a s a substantive p r o n o u n is u s e d w i t h r e f e r e n c e to p e r s o n s a s
- w e l l a s t o t h i n g s . I n t h e f o r m e r c a s e it t a k e s t h e a u g m e n t o , a n d m u s t b e
r e n d e r e d b y s o m e b o d y , a n y b o d y or a person, o r in negative sentences b y nobody,
e. g. O b i t r a h o , S o m e b o d y sits there
M i m f r e bi, I d o n o t callany b o d y
O b i
t a n w o - a , o b o w ' a b o a , W h e n a p e r s o n hates y o u , he will beat y o u r animals
prv. 251
O b i n i h o , T h e r e is n o b o d y Ihere. T h e s a m e f o r m is u s e d a t t r i b u t i v e
ly, e. g. O b i a k o a , S o m e b o d y ' s slave. R e f e r r i n g t o t h i n g s it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d
b y something, or w o r d s of similar import, in negative sentences b y nothing, a n d
t a k e s t h e a u g m e n t e, if s t a n d i n g a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e , e. g. E b i n i h o ,
T h e r e i s nothing there
D i bi n a n n i ' n i a r a , E a t something ( a quantity), but do
n o t e a t all, p r v . 1 1 6 .
C o n c l u d i n g a s e n t e n c e , it s o m e t i m e s h a s a t e r m i n a t i o n a l
e a d d e d , e. g. O m m u a m i h u b i e , H e a n s w e r e d m e nothing.
O f b i a p l u r a l is f o r m e d b y t h e a d d i t i o n o f n o m (cf. §. 1 1 2 ) , e. g. M m o a
b e b r i t e a s a s e s o , e b i n o m e n s o te e n s u m , M a n y animals live o n land, s o m e
also live in the water.
B i u s e d adjectively m a y frequently b e r e n d e r e d b y the indefinite article,
e . g . A b o a b i d o s r a d e - a , o s u a p r a k o , W h e n a n a n i m a l g r o w s f a t , it l e a r n s
f r o m the pig, prv. 149; in other cases b y s o m e or a n y , a n d in negative sentences
b y n o o r n o n e , e. g. e n s u b i , s o m e w a t e r
E n t r a m a bi n i h o , There are n o
cowries there.
§. 126. B i r i b i is u s e d o n l y substantively, m e a n i n g something, anything, in,
n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e s n o t h i n g , e. g. E y e b i r i b i , It is s o m e t h i n g , p r v . 4 6
B i r i b i
n i w o e n s e m , T h e r e is n o t h i n g in y o u r h a n d , p r v . 2 2 .
T h e adverbial p r o n o u n b e b i m e a n s s o m e w h e r e , a n y w h e r e , at or to s o m e
p l a c e , e. g. O v o b e b i , H e is s o m e w h e r e
M i n k o b e b i , / do not go anywhere.
T o all the indefinite p r o n o u n s the termination a r a m a y b e joined, c o n v e y i n g
( h e v a r i a t i o n s t a t e d in §. 100, 1, t h u s t h e f o r m s a r i s i n g : b i a r a ( o b i a r a a n d
e b i a r a ) , b i r i b i a r a , a n d b e b i a r a .
8
-
s
5 8
C H A P T E R
§. 1 2 7 . T h e n u m e r a l s
n u m b e r a n d quantity. T h e
exact n u m b e r , a n d Indefini
T h e definite n u m e r a l s
the latter arising f r o m the
O f N u m e r a l s .
r e
te
ar
f
are re
are
denot
e, as
o r m e r
lati
t w o
ing
to
b y
onal w o r d s ,
kinds of n u
a n indefinite
their form,
composition.
I. D E F I N I T E
§. 1 2 8 .
T h e p r i m a r y
e k 6
e n d
e s a
a n a f
a n u
1.
V.
P R I M A R Y
expres
m e r a l s :
n u m b e r
either
sing the relations of
Definite, denoting an
o r quantity.
P r i m a r y or C o m p o u n d ,
N U M E R A L S .
N U M E R A L S .
n u m e r a l s a r e the following:
o n e
a s i a six
t w o
a s o n seven
three
a o t y o eight
i four
a k r o f i nine
m five
e d u ten
o h a h u n d r e d
a p i m thousand.
T h e three first of these n u m e r a l s are less frequently u s e d in this f o r m
except in counting a n d in s o m e particular expressions as a f a e n u , both sides
(prv. 165)
b a e n u , t w o persons (prv. 103. 144). In other cases the c o m m o n
f o r m s are
b a a k o n one
a b i e n t w o
a b i e s a three,
w h i c h s e e m to h a v e arisen f r o m a composition of the simple f o r m s w i t h
the indefinite p r o n o u n bi. E k o occurs also in the f o r m s a k o n (prv. 228),
k o r r o Cprv. 48), a n d k r o (prv. 83). B a a k o f i u s e d substantively w i t h reference
to a p e r s o n m a y t a k e the p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t : o b a a k o f i , prv. 217.
§. 129. O f all t h e p r i m a r y n u m e r a l s , e x c e p t e k o , p l u r a l s a r e f o r m e d , w h i c h
h o w e v e r , in the dialect of A k w a p i m , are u s e d o n l y in composition. O f e d u
a n d o h a t h e p l u r a l is f o r m e d b y t h e a u g m e n t a (cf. §. 9 0 ) : a d u a n d a h a ,
of t h e r e m a i n i n g b y t h e liquid - a u g m e n t (cf. §. 8 8 ) : e n n u , e n s a , e n n a f i , e n n u m , e n s i a , e n s o n , e f i o t y o , e n k r o f i , e m p i m . O f a b i e n a n d a b i e s a the
plurals m i e n , m i e n s a occur.
In the dialect of A s a n t e b a a k o f i h a s the f o r m b i a k o n , a n d the other
p r i m a r y n u m e r a l s occur m o s t l y in the plural-form, as e n n u or m i e n n u , t w o
e n s a or m i e n s a , three
e n n a n , f o u r
e n n u m , five
e n s i a , six
e n s o n , seven
e n k r o f i , nine.
E k o o r b i a k o f i , a o t y p , e d u , o h a , a n d
a p i m a l o n e s e e m to b e u s e d as singulars.
§. 130. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s not, a s E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , a n y p e c u l i a r
f o r m s of the n u m e r a l s for d e n o t i n g the place occupied b y a thing in a series,
T o d e n o t e the simultaneous or successive repetition of a n u m b e r , the n u m e r a l
is r e p e a t e d , a n d in this c a s e b a a k o f i is u s e d in t h e p l u r a l - f o r m m m a a k o n : ,
m m a k o n m m a a k o n , o n e by one, o n e at a time.
2.
C O M P O U N D
N U M E R A L S .
5 9
§ . 1 3 1 . B y r e a l c o m p o s i t i o n i. e . b y t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f s e v e r a l p r i m a r y
n u m e r a l s to o n e w o r d , the f o l l o w i n g a r e f o r m e d :
1. T h e n u m e r a l s f r o m eleven to nineteen ' b y c o m p o s i t i o n o f e d u w i t h t h e
p l u r a l s (cf. §. 1 2 9 ) o f t h e units, b a a k o n o n l y r e m a i n i n g s i n g u l a r , a n d f o r t w o
a n d three the f o r m s m i e n a n d m i e n s a being used:
e d u b a a k o n eleven
e d u n s i a sixteen
e d u m i e n twelve
e d u n s o n seventeen
e d u m i e n s a thirteen
e d u f i o t y 6 eighteen
e d u n n a i l fourteen
e d u n k r o n nineteen.
e d u n n u m fifteen.
2. T h e tens f r o m t w e n t y to ninety b y c o m p o s i t i o n o f a d u , p l u r a l o f e d u ,
w i t h the units , the initial v o w e l o f s o m e o f the latter u n d e r g o i n g a c h a n g e :
a d u o n i i twenty
a d u o s i a sixty
a d u a s a thirty
a d u o s o f i seventy
a d u a n a n forty
a d u a o t y 6 eighty
a d u o n u m fifty
a d u a k r o n ninety.
3. T h e h u n d r e d s b y c o m p o s i t i o n of a h a , plural o f o h a , w i t h the plurals o f
t h e units:
a h a n n u t w o h u n d r e d
a h a n s i a six h u n d r e d
a h a s s a three h u n d r e d
a h a n s o n seven h u n d r e d
a h a n n a n f o u r h u n d r e d
a h a n o t y 6 eight h u n d r e d
a h a n n i i m five h u n d r e d
a h a n k r o n nine hundred.
Observ. T h e f o r m a h a s s a h a s originated b y assimilation f r o m ahansa.
4. T h e t h o u s a n d s b y c o m p o s i t i o n o f e m p i m , p l u r a l o f a p i m , w i t h t h e p l u
rals of the units, a o t y p o n l y r e m a i n i n g singular:
e m p i n n u t w o thousand
e m p i m e n s i a six thousand
e m p i n s a three thousand
e m p i m e n s o n seven t h o u s a n d
e m p i m e n n a n four thousand
e m p i m a o t y 6 eight thousand
e m p i m e n n u m five t h o u s a n d
e m p i m e n k r o n nine thousand.
Observ. T h e f o r m s e m p i n n u a n d e m p i n s a are contractions o f e m p i m e n n u a n d e m p i m e n s a .
5. B y c o m p o s i t i o n o f a p i m in t h e s h o r t e n e d f o r m o p e w i t h e d u is f o r m e d
o p e d u ten thousand,
a n d the ten-thousands b y composition of o p e d u w i t h the units:
o p e d u e n u twenty thousand
( o p e d u e s i a sixty t h o u s a n d
o p e d u a s a thirty thousand
o p e d u e s o n seventy t h o u s a n d
o p e d u a n a n forty thousand
o p e d u a o t y o eighty thousand
o p e d u a n u m fifty t h o u s a n d
o p e d u ' a k r o n ninety thousand.
L i k e o p e d u , lastly, is f o r m e d b y c o m p o s i t i o n o f o p e w i t h o h a
o p e h a a h u n d r e d thousand.
All the r e m a i n i n g n u m e r a l s are n o t f o r m e d b y composition, but are express
ed b y c o m b i n a t i o n of the higher n u m e r a l w i t h the l o w e r , the f o r m e r a l w a y s
p r e c e d i n g t h e latter, e. g. a d u o n u b a a k o n , t w e n t y o n e
a d u a n a n a b i e n ,
forty t w o
a d u a k r o n a b i e s a , ninety three
a h a s s a a d u o s i a a n u m ,
three h u n d r e d a n d sixty five.
6 0
//. I N D E F I N I T E N U M E R A L S .
§. 132. Indefinite n u m e r a l s a r e : ifiiara, b e b r i , b e b r e b e , k a k r a , k a
k r a w a b i , k e t e w a b i , a n d a h e .
I n i a r a g e n e r a l l y c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h t h e E n g l i s h all o r e v e r y , e. g. N n i p a
n i a r a , all m e n , every m a n
e n s u i n i a r a , all the w a t e r
m m o f r a n'inia r a , all the children
n ' e m m a i n i a r a , all his children
y e n i n i a r a , all o f
us, every o n e o f us. B n t the E n g l i s h w o r d whole m u s t also generally b e ren
d e r e d in O j i b y i n i a r a , e. g. k m i n i a r a , the w h o l e t o w n
a s a s e i n i a r a ,
the w h o l e earth
o d a f i i n i a r a , the whole house; t h o u g h w h e n u s e d in contra
d i s t i n c t i o n t o a piece o r f r a g m e n t , it m u s t n o t b e t r a n s l a t e d b y i n i a r a b u t b y
t h e a d j e c t i v e m u , e. g. O d i d o k o n n o m u . H e ate a w h o l e ( l o a f o f ) bread.
§. 133. B e b r i signifies a g r e a t n u m b e r o r q u a n t i t y : m a n y a n d m u c h , e. g .
M m o a b e b r i , m a n y animals
e n s u b e b r i , m u c h w a t e r . It d o e s s o m o r e
e m p h a t i c a l l y b y l e n g t h e n i n g its final v o w e l , e. g. n n i p a b e b r i , a g r e a t m a n y
m e n . B e b r e b e is d e r i v e d f r o m b e b r i b y reduplication, a n d signifies m u c h o r
too m u c h , w i t h a n e g a t i v e n o t e n o u g h , e. g. W o k u s a o d e b e b r e b e , Y o u roast
the y a m too m u c h , prv. 2 4 6
O n n i d i b e b r e b e , H e does not eat enough.
K a k r a s i g n i f i e s a s m a l l q u a n t i t y : a little, e. g. e n s u k a k r a , a little w a t e r .
R e f e r r i n g t o n u m b e r it is u s e d in t h e d i m i n u t i v e - f o r m a n d c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e
indefinite p r o n o u n b i : k a k r a w a b i , a f e w ; t h e s a m e is e x p r e s s e d b y k e t e
w a b i , e. g. m m o f r a k a k r a w a b i o r k e t e w a b i , a f e w children.
A h e is interrogative, referring to q u a n t i t y a s w e l l as to n u m b e r : h o w
m a n y , h o w m u c h , e. g. M m o f r a a h e n a v o h o ? H o w m a n y children a r e there?
W a t o e n g o a h e ? H o w m u c h oil h a v e y o u b o u g h t ?
C H A P T E R
V I .
O f P r e p o s i t i o n s ,
§. 134. T h e prepositions p r i m a r i l y e x p r e s s t h e relations o f locality a n d
causality b e t w e e n a n action, d e n o t e d b y the predicate, a n d a p e r s o n o r a thing,
d e n o t e d b y a n object of a sentence. T h e y m a y b e transferred to other rela
tions e. g. o f t i m e , o f m a n n e r etc., a n d a r e v e r y extensively t h u s e m p l o y e d in
E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , but rarely in Oji.
In the latter there a r e t w o kinds of prepositions, v e r y distinctly separated.
W e t e r m t h e m substantive prepositions a n d verbal prepositions ; the f o r m e r b e i n g
all originally substantives, or at least f o r m e d like substantives; the latter b e i n g
- v e r b s u s e d a s relational w o r d s (cf. §. 67). T h e s u b s t a n t i v e p r o p o s i t i o n s
chiefly express the relations of locality, distinguished w i t h reference to the
d i m e n s i o n s o f material objects. T h e verbal prepositions primarily express the
relations of direction, distinguished w i t h reference to actions, w h i c h are i m a
g i n e d u n d e r the f o r m of motion.
Observ. T h e substantive prepositions are actually postpositions, p l a c e d al
w a y s after the object, to w h i c h they belong, w h e r e a s the verbal preposi
tions generally stand b e t w e e n the predicate a n d the object.
/. T H E S U B S T A N T I F E P R E P O S I T I O N S .
%. 135. T h e s u b s t a n t i v e prepositions, w h i c h e x p r e s s t h e relations o f locality,
as stated in the p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h , are the following: m u , h u , e n kye.fi
6 1
s o , a s e , e n t e m , e k i , e n i m , e m f i n e m f i n i . T o the s a m e class b e l o n g s enti,
w h i c h expresses the relation of causality.
*
M o s t of these prepositions are u s e d as substantives also, quite in the s a m e
f o r m , as m u , the interior
e n k y e n , the side
a s e , the e n d
e k i , the back
e n i m , the face
e m f i n e m f i n i , the midst. T w o of t h e m h a v e u n d e r g o n e
a c h a n g e : s o f r o m the substantive s o r r o , the upper space, a n d h u f r o m the
substantive h u , the outside. B u t e n t e m a n d e n t i , t h o u g h t h e y h a v e the f o r m of
substantives, d o not, as far as w e k n o w , e v e r occur as such.
§. 136. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n m u m e a n s in, within, (into). It g e n e r a l l y t h r o w s
o f f its v o w e l , a n d is j o i n e d w i t h t h e s u b s t a n t i v e , e. g. M i t e d a f i m ( i n s t e a d o f
d a n m u ) , / sit in the h o u s e
M i k o k r u m , / g o into the t o w n ; o r if t h e s u b
s t a n t i v e h a s a n a t t r i b u t e , a n a d j e c t i v e o r a n a d j e c t i v e p r o n o u n , f o l l o w i n g it,
m u is c o n t r a c t e d w i t h t h e latter, e. g. V a k o d a f i y i m ( i n s t e a d o f y i m u ) , H e
h a s g o n e into this house. W h e n the substantive, w i t h w h i c h m u is contracted,
e n d s w i t h t h e v o w e l a, t h i s v o w e l is f r e q u e n t l y c h a n g e d i n t o e o r e, e. g. e n s a,
the h a n d , e n s e m , in the h a n d
g y a , fire, g y e m , in the fire; w h e n it e n d s
w i t h u, t h e v o w e l o is s o m e t i m e s p u t in b e t w e e n t h a t a n d t h e p r e p o s i t i o n , e. g.
a k o k o b u , a hen-coop, a k o k o b u o m , in the hen-coop.
In s o m e connections m u m u s t b e rendered b y other prepositions t h a n those
stated, t h o u g h in the l a n g u a g e itself its m e a n i n g r e m a i n s t h e s a m e . T h u s w i t h
v e r b s w h i c h m e a n to l a y hold, it m u s t b e t r a n s l a t e d b y o f e. g. K i t a p o f i n o m ,
L a y hold o f the table , literally: Catch in the table; connected w i t h k w a f i , road,
b y o n : k w a f i m , o n the road.
W h e n it s t a n d s in c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h e v e r b a l
preposition fi, the t w o are translated in English b y out o f or m e r e l y b y from,
e. g. Y i n a m n o fi k u t u m , T a k e the m e a t o u t o f t h e pot, literally: f r o m in
the pot
O c u r u fi a c e m a m o t o p o m , H e sprang f r o m the canoe into the sea.
M u is s o m e t i m e s u s e d o f o t h e r r e l a t i o n s t h a n t h a t o f l o c a l i t y , e. g. in t h e
sentence: O k a s a v o a b e t u m , H e speaks in proverbs,
w h e r e it e x p r e s s e s a
relation o f m a n n e r . T h i s , h o w e v e r , is a n exception, a n d t h e relation is g e n e
rally e x p r e s s e d in quite a different w a y (cf. §. 190. 202).
§. 137. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n h u signifies a contact with the surface o r outlines o f
a m a t e r i a l o b j e c t . It m a y g e n e r a l l y b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y on, e. g. E m f o n i n n e s e n d a n h u , T h e picture h a n g s o n the wall
M i d e e m f o n i n n e s e n
d a n h u , / s u s p e n d the picture o n the wall;
o r b y at, e. g. O t e p o n h u , H e
sits a t t h e t a b l e (i. e. c l o s e t o it, s o a s t o t o u c h it, cf. e n k y e n §. 1 3 8 ) :
or b y
to, e. g. Y a b e f i k r u n o h u , W e h a v e c o m e close to the t o w n ( s o a s t o t o u c h
its outskirts).
i
H u h a s m o r e t h a n a n y other preposition b e e n transferred to other relations
t h a n t h a t o f locality. T h u s it d e n o t e s t h e r e l a t i o n o f s p e e c h , t h o u g h t , a n d
m e n t a l affection, e. g. O k a m i h u a s e m , H e s p e a k s o f m e , cf. p r v . 131. 2 5 9 ;
M i d y o n n e m e n u a h u , / think o f m y brother
M a b r e n o h u , / a m tired
o f him.
§. 138. E n k y e n signifies vicinity: at, n e a r , e. g . M i t r a p o n e f i k y e n , /
sil a t t h e t a b l e (i. e. n e a r it, s o a s n o t t o t o u c h it, cf. h u §. 1 3 7 )
K e k y e d a
s r a m e n k y e n , T h e evening-star stands n e a r the moon. W h e n the verb expresses
a m o t i o n t o w a r d s a t h i n g , t h e p r e p o s i t i o n m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y to, n e a r to,
e. g. M i k o j n ' . e n k y e n , / w e n t to ton.
§ . 1 3 9 . S o a n d a s e . T h e f o r m e r s i g n i f i e s c o n t a c t w i t h t h e u p p e r s u r f a c e .o n ( s u p e r ) , u p o n , e. g. O t e p o n k o s o , H e sits o n t h e h o r s e
O f y e a b o n t e f i
s o , H e l o o k s u p o n the street. It is s o m e t i m e s u s e d , like h u (cf. §. 1 3 7 ) , t o e x
6 2
p r e s s t h e r e l a t i o n o f a n o b j e c t t o m e n t a l a c t i o n , e. g. M i d y p n n e a s e m s o ,
/ think o f a matter.
A s e m e a n s u n d e r , b e n e a t h , e. g. A d a k a si p o n n o a s e , A b o x s t a n d s
u n d e r the table.
§. 1 4 0 . E k i m e a n s b e h i n d , e. g. O g i n n a d u a e k i , H e s t a n d s b e h i n d a t r e e
O t r a n ' a g y a e k i , H e sits b e h i n d his f a t h e r
O k o d a n e k i , H e w e n t behind
the house.
It a l s o e x p r e s s e s a r e l a t i o n o f t i m e : after, e. g. O p r a n n a e k i n a
o s n t o d a , A f t e r t h u n d e r it a l w a y s r a i n s .
E n i m : b e f o r e , in p r e s e n c e o f , e. g. e m p a n y i n ? n i m , in the p r e s e n c e o f
g r o w n - u p people, prv. 148.
E n t e m : between, among, e.g. B e p o a b i e f i y i e n t e m o b o f i d a m , B e t w e e n
t h e s e t w o m o u n t a i n s is a valley
O g i n n a e n k r o f o e n t e m , H e stands a m o n g s t
the people.
E m f i n e m f i n i : in the m i d s t of, e. g. O d a n n o s i k m e m f i n e m f i n i , T h e
h o u s e s t a n d s i n the m i d s t o f t h e t o w n . S o m e t i m e s it is o n l y r e n d e r e d b y in o r
on, e. g. M i c i a n o v o k w a n e m f i n e m f i n i , / m e t h i m o n the r o a d .
§. 141. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n e n t i e x p r e s s e s t h e relation o f causality. T h e E u r o
p e a n l a n g u a g e s h a v e n o p a r t i c u l a r p r e p o s i t i o n f o r this r e l a t i o n , b u t e x p r e s s it
b y v a r i o u s prepositions, a c c o r d i n g to its different variations, a n d h e n c e in E n g
l i s h e n t i m u s t b e v a r i o u s l y t r a n s l a t e d , e. g. O k o m e n t i v a w n , H e h a s d i e d
o f h u n g e r
A k w a d u r r ' e n t i o h i a a h a n o s o , B y idleness he has b e c o m e
p o o r
O k e k y e e n t i o n n i d i b e b r e b e , F r o m avarice he does not eat e n o u g h
G e g y e e n t i m i n t e n ' a s e m , O n a c c o u n t o f the noise I d o not hear w h a t
h e says.
II.
T H E
V E R B A L
P R E P O S I T I O N S .
§. 142. T h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n s e x p r e s s t h e relations o f direction , distin
g u i s h e d w i t h reference to actions, i m a g i n e d u n d e r the f o r m of motion. O f the
relations o f local direction there are three: direction to a place, direction f r o m a
p l a c e , a n d n e u t r a l i t y o f d i r e c t i o n , i. e . t h e r e l a t i o n o f m o t i o n o r r e s t i n a p l a c e .
T h e s e relations a r e f r e q u e n t l y i n c l u d e d in t h e idea e x p r e s s e d b y a v e r b , e. g.
the v e r b f y e , to falt, includes t h e r e f e r e n c e to a p l a c e into w h i c h y o u a r e
falling; the v e r b fi, to issue, the reference to a place y o u are issuing f r o m ; a n d
n a m , to w a l k , a n d t r a , to sit, t h e r e f e r e n c e t o a p l a c e y o u a r e w a l k i n g a n d
sitting in. B u t w h e n t h a t is n o t t h e case, t h e r e l a t i o n s m e n t i o n e d m u s t b e p a r
ticularly e x p r e s s e d , w h i c h is d o n e b y t h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n s v o , fi, a n d k o .
A further v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n is m a , w h i c h d o e s n o t e x p r e s s a local direc
tion, but a relation of c o m m u n i c a t i o n .
§. 143. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n v o , f r o m t h e v e r b v o , to b e s o m e w h e r e , e x p r e s s e s
the relation of a n action to a place with neutrality o f direction. A s this relation
is n o t particularly e x p r e s s e d in E n g l i s h , t h e latter h a s n o w o r d c o r r e s p o n d i n g
w i t h v o , a n d it is n o t t r a n s l a t e d a t all e. g. O y e a d y u m a v o a f u s o , H e
w o r k s in the field. S o m e t i m e s it m a y s e e m a s if v o c o r r e s p o n d e d w i t h a n E n g
l i s h p r e p o s i t i o n ; e. g. in t h e s e n t e n c e : O d i g w a v o K u m a s i , H e t r a d e s i n
K u m a s i , it a p p e a r s a s if b y v o t h e E n g l i s h p r e p o s i t i o n in w a s e x p r e s s e d , b u t
this is p u r e l y a c c i d e n t a l a n d a m e r e d e l u s i v e a p p e a r a n c e , a r i s i n g in t h e s e n t e n c e
q u o t e d f r o m t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e , that in this c a s e t h e preposition in is left u n e x
p r e s s e d in O j i (cf. §. 1 9 3 ) . T h e c a s e s in w h i c h t h e p r e p o s i t i o n v o is p u t o r n o t
put, w i l l b e s t a t e d in t h e s y n t a x (cf. §. 196).
6 3
§. 144. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n fi, f r o m t h e v e r b fi to c o m e forth, e x p r e s s e s t h e
relation o f a n action to a place, w h e n t h e f o r m e r is i m a g i n e d a s issuing f r o m
t h e latter, o r it d e n o t e s the direction f r o m a place. In E n g l i s h t h e p r e p o s i t i o n
f r o m generally c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h ' f i , e.g. M i r e b a fi K u m a s i , I a m c o m i n g
f r o m K u m a s i ; o n l y it m u s t b e o b s e r v e d , t h a t fi m e r e l y d e n o t e s t h e d i r e c t i o n o f
the action, expressed in the predicate, a n d the different variations of the place
itself, d e n o t e d in the object, m a s t g e n e r a l l y b e expressed b y substantive pre
positions. T h u s for instance the sentence he c o m e s f r o m the house m u s t n o t b e
translated b y O r e b a fi d a n n o , but in Oji w e m u s t s a y either f r o m in the
h o u s e , fi d a n m { o u t o f cf. §. 136), o r f r o m n e a r the h o u s e , fi d a n e n k y e n , o r
f r o m behind the house, fi d a n e k i , or f r o m o n the house, fi d a n s o etc.
S o m e t i m e s fi is p l a c e d w i t h the object o f locality at the h e a d o f a sentence,
a n d i n this c a s e it is t r e a t e d a s a v e r b a n d t a k e s t h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t , e. g
M i f i K u m a s i n a m i r e b a , F r o m K u m a s i I a m coming.
§. 145. T h e relation o f a n action to a place, if i m a g i n e d a s a m o t i o n
tending to the latter, or the direction t o w a r d s a place, is e x p r e s s e d b y the pre.
p o s i t i o n k o , f r o m t h e v e r b k o to go. I n E n g l i s h it is e x p r e s s e d in v a r i o u s
w a y s , m o s t f r e q u e n t l y b y t h e p r e p o s i t i o n to ( u n t o , into), e. g. O b r o n n i t u k o
A b r o k i r r i , T h e E u r o p e a n w e n t off to E u r o p e , prv. 244. O k a e n g w a f i k o
d a n m , H e d r o v e the sheep into the stable.
K o is, h o w e v e r , not the o n l y v e r b u s e d as a preposition to express this
relation , b u t several other verbs, a c c o r d i n g to different variations of the rela
tion, a r e s i m i l a r l y applied, w h i c h will b e a d v e r t e d to in t h e s y n t a x ( c f . §. 196, 2 >
§. 146. T h e p r e p o s i t i o n m a , f r o m t h e v e r b m a to give, e x p r e s s e s t h e rela
tion o f a n action, w h i c h is i m a g i n e d a s a c o m m u n i c a t i o n , to a person, b y w h o m
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n is received. I n E n g l i s h it m a y g e n e r a l l y b e r e n d e r e d b y for,
e.g. O y e a d y u m a m a o b r o n n i , H e w o r k s for the E u r o p e a n
O d i e n k o m o
m a n e n u a , H e laments for his brother
M u n s u m a m , D o not w e e p for me.
If, h o w e v e r , t h e a c t i o n is t h a t o f s p e a k i n g , k y e r e is u s e d i n s t e a d o f m a , e. g .
O k a a s e m k y e r e m i , H e told m e something (cf. §. 189).
C H A P T E R
§. 147. A d v e r b s are infle
t h e predicate of a sentence, b
tions of a similar kind.
T h e Oji - l a n g u a g e h a s n o
v e r b s are formed. T h e y are
tives, or t h e y are inflectional
T h e a d v e r b s m a y b e divi
intensity, o f frequency, a n d of
1.
V I I .
O f A d v e r b s .
xible w o r d s u s e d to qualify the idea expressed in
y s t a t i n g its p l a c e , time, m a n n e r , a n d o t h e r r e l a
particular termi
either originally
f o r m s o f verbs,
ded into adverbs
modality.
nation or a u
substantives,
or c o m p o u n d
o f locality, o
g m e n t b y w h i c h a d
p r o n o u n s , or adjec
s of various kinds.
f time, o f m a n n e r , o f
A D V E R B S O F L O C A L I T Y .
§. 148. T o t h e a d v e r b s o f locality b e l o n g t h e a d v e r b i a l p r o n o u n s h o , h a ,
h a i , h e , b e b i , m e n t i o n e d a l r e a d y in the chapter o n the pronouns. O t h e r a d v e r b s of this kind are the following:
, . ,
6 4
s o r r o , above, up, o n high
a s e , below, d o w n
f a m , below, d o w n , o n the g
e k i r r i , behind, back
a d i o r a d i w , wilhout, out,
a d u o (contracted of a d i w
fie, h o m e , at home.
In composition w i t h verbs the
p o w e r o f a d v e r b s (cf. §. 45).
r o u n d
outside the house
h o ) , without, out there
prepositions m u ,
s o a n d a s e
also h a v e the
2. A D V E R B S O F T I M E .
§. 149. T h e a d v e r b s of t i m e d e n o t e either a point o f time o r a du
A point o f time is d e n o t e d b y the f o l l o w i n g a d v e r b s :
a f e y i o r a f e d i , n o w
k a f i a n d k a n n o ( e k a f i n o ) , first, b e f o r e , f o r m e r l y
e k i r r i a n d e k i r r i n o , afterwards
e m p r i n p r i n , just n o w a n d immediately
s e s e a n d s e s e a r a , immediately', instantly
e n k y e , forthwith, without delay
d e d a w , already;
e n n e , to d a y
e n a r r a , yesterday
o k a n n a , to m o r r o w
o k a n n e k i . the d a y after to m o r r o w
n e n n a e n s a , the. d a y b e f o r e y e s t e r d a y , c o m p o s e d o f e n n e n n a
d a y t h r e e d a y s i. e . o n t h e t h i r d d a y f r o m t o d a y ; i n t h e s a m e
f o l l o w i n g are f o r m e d :
n e n n a e n n a f i , f o u r days ago, the fourth d a y b a c k f r o m to d a y
n e n n a e n n u m , five days a g o
n e n n a e n s i a , six days a g o
n e n n a e n s o n , seven days a g o
n e n n a o t y § , eight days a g o
n e n n a e n k r o n , nine days a g o
n e d a d u , ten days a g o ;
d a , ever, occurs o n l y in connection w i t h a negative for never
d a b i , ever, once, recently, s o m e d a y to c o m e
d a a k i , s o m e d a y to c o m e , in future
o t o d a b i a , sometimes;
t u t u , early, u s e d only in connection w i t h a n o p a : a n o p a t u t u ,
the m o r n i n g
a h i m a d a k i , e a r l y i. e. b e f o r e s u n r i s e
a k o k o b o n i , at the cockcrowing
a d e k i a , at daybreak, in the m o r n i n g
a d e s a , in the evening
s r a m f i a ( o s r - ) 5 at the beginning o f the m o n t h
s r a m w u a ( o s r - ) , at the e n d o f the month.
A d v e r b s denoting a duration o f time are the following:
a k y e , long, a long while
d s , a l w a y s
ration.
e n s a , to
w a y the
early in
d a p i m
k a k r a
a n s a ,
k o , o n
, alwa
a n d
for a
e. g.
6 5
ys, perpetually, for ever
k e t e w a b i , a little, a s h o r t t i m e
while, in the m e a n while
K a n k o , R e a d on.
3. A D V E R B S O F M A N N E R .
§. 150. T h e f o l l o w i n g w o r d s a r e e x c l u s i v e l y o r chiefly u s e d a s a d v e r b s
o f m a n n e r :
s a o r se, thus, so
i y e , well
k w a , without cause
b r e o a n d n y a , slowly, softly
e n t e m , quickly , fast
p r e k o n , at o n c e ; m e a n i n g o n e t i m e it is a n a d v e r b o f f r e q u e n c y
e n t u , without fire, s e e m s to o c c u r o n l y in the expression d a e n t u , to
sleep without fire
a y a n y a , o n the b a c k , in the expression d a a y a n y a ( d a - y a f i y a ) , to
lie o n o n e ' s b a c k .
Besides these, adjectives a r e s o m e t i m e s e m p l o y e d as a d v e r b s of m a n n e r ,
e. g. k o m m , O d a h o k o m m , H e is lying quietly
d e n e n , hard, as a n a d v e r b
v e h e m e n t l y , e. g. O p r a n n a b o m d e n e n , It t h u n d e r s v e h e m e n t l y
k e s e , big,
a s a n a d v e r b strongly, v e h e m e n t l y , e. g. E m f r a m a b o k ? s e , It b l o w s v e h e m e n t l y
k r o n k r o n , p u r e , a s a n a d v e r b distinctly, e. g. K a s a k r o f i k r o n , S p e a k
distinctly.
4.
A D V E R B S
O F
I N T E N S I T Y .
§. 151. A d v e r b s o f intensity, d e n o t i n g a h i g h e r o r l o w e r d e g r e e , a r e t h e
f o l l o w i n g :
s e , very, very m u c h
d o d 6 , very
p a p a , m u c h , very m u c h
b e b r e b e , very m u c h , too m u c h ; in negative sentences: (not) e n o u g h
k a k r a , a little
k o r a , q u i t e , e m p l o y e d c h i e f l y i n n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e s : ( n o t ) a t all.
O f a peculiar character are the a d v e r b s e n k i i or e n k u t o a n d p e o r p e p e ;
e n k u , only, alone, b e i n g joined not only to a predicate, b u t to a subject or
object as well, d e n o t i n g exclusion of all other p e r s o n s a n d things;
a n d p o
o r p e p e , exactly, only, being put to n u m e r a l s only, signifying that the n u m b e r
s t a t e d is t h e e x a c t a m o u n t , e. g. o h a p e p e , e x a c t l y h u n d r e d
a b i e n p e ,
exactly t w o or only two.
5.
§. 152. A d v e r b s o f f
t h e following:
b i o , again
p e n , once
p r e k o n , once, o n e
a c r u , times, e m p l
times ten.
A D V E R B S O F F R E Q U E N C Y .
requency, denoting repeated or single occurrence, a r e
time
o y e d o n l y w i t h n u m e r a l s ,
e. g. e d u a c r u
9
e d u ,
ten
6 6
In o t h e r cases a definite s t a t e m e n t o f repetition is r e n d e r e d b y e m p e f i ,
t h e p l u r a l o f p e n , w i t h a n u m e r a l , e. g. e m p e f i a b i e f i , t w i c e
e m p e f i edu,
ten times.
6.
A D V E R B S
O F
M O D A L I T Y .
§. 153. A d v e r b s o f m o d a l i t y , d e n o t i n g reality or n o n - reality a n d possi
bility, are:
y u , yes
a m p a , c e r t a i n l y , t o b e s u r e , it is t r u e
d a b i , n o
d a b i d a , n o , n o t at alt, b y n o m e a n s
e b i a , perhaps.
T h e w o r d s y u a n d a m p a , d a b i a n d d a b i d a differ f r o m other a d v e r b s b y
n o t m e r e l y qualifying a predicate, b u t standing instead of a negative or affir
m a t i v e sentence. T h e use m a d e of y u a n d d a b i d o e s n o t quite coincide w i t h
that of yes a n d n o in English. T h u s especially w h e n a negative question is
replied to b y yes, in the latter t h e assertion i m p l i e d in t h e s e n t e n c e is affirmed,
e . g . I s h e n o t c o m e ? Y e s i. e . h e i s c o m e ; w h i l e i n O j i , o n t h e c o n t r a r y , i n t h e
s a m e c a s e t h e n e g a t i o n i s c o r r o b o r a t e d , e . g . 0 m b a i a n a ? Y u i. e . h e i s n o t
come. This difference, as will b e seen, arises f r o m the circumstance, that in
Oji n e g a t i o n is n o t e x p r e s s e d b y a n a d v e r b s e p a r a t e f r o m the v e r b , b u t b y a n
inflectional f o r m of the latter.
A m p a implies a m o r e e m p h a t i c a l affirmation
t h a n y u , a n d is frequently u s e d b y p e r s o n s a d d r e s s e d as a corroboration to the
statements of the p e r s o n speaking.
D a b i d a is o n l y a m o r e e m p h a t i c a l f o r m
of d a b i .
C H A P T E R
O f
V I I I .
C o n j u n c t i o n s .
§. 154. C o n j u n c t i o n s n o t e t h e c o n n e c t i o n o f t w o s e n t e n c e s t o o n e c o m p o u n d
ntence, a n d express the relations existing b e t w e e n them. A s these relations
e a m a t t e r of syntax, a m o r e detailed explanation of the conjunctions m u s t
reserved for that, a n d w e shall here o n l y give the different conjunctions
t h the c o r r e s p o n d i n g E n g l i s h or a brief statement of their use. T h e r e are
t w o kinds of conjunctions:
1. S u c h a s c o n n e c t c o o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s :
n a , noting the connection of coordinate sentences w i t h o u t distinction of
a n y particular relation b e t w e e n t h e m ; the c o r r e s p o n d i n g conjunction in
E n g l i s h is a n d , b u t it m u s t f r e q u e n t l y b e r e n d e r e d b y but, yet, a n d
s o m e t i m e s b y for or therefore
n i a n d e n n i , a n d , e m p l o y e d o n l y in contracted sentences
e n s o a n d e n s o s o , also; but in E n g l i s h s o m e t i m e s but m u s t b e substi
t u t e d f o r it
n a n s o ( c o m p o s e d o f n a a n d e n s o ) , a n d also; s o m e t i m e s it m u s t b e r e n
d e r e d b y but also, but, yet
d e is a particle e m p l o y e d t o c o n t r a s t t h e s u b j e c t o r o b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e
w i t h t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g p a r t o f a c o o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e ; it m a y g e n e r a l l y
be r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y but or h o w e v e r
e n t i a n d e y e n t i , hence, therefore, o n that account.
se
ar
be
w i
T h o u g h n o t exactly b e l o n g i n g to the conjunctions, w e m a y
also the particles n a a n d a n a ;
the f o r m e r being a d d e d to the
a n o b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e t o r e n d e r it m o r e p r o m i n e n t (cf. §. 1 5 8 ) ;
noting a sentence as a question, c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h the Latin
particles an, n u m , ne. B y c o m b i n a t i o n of a n a w i t h the conjunction
a n a se, or, e m p l o y e d in disjunctive questions.
2. S u c h a s c o n n e c t a s u b o r d i n a t e w i t h the principal s e n t e n c e :
se, that, as, if
k y e f i or s e n , than, m o r e than
a n k a , then, in this case
k a - a n k a a n d to - a n k a , if {suppose that)
then O n this c
a n s a n a , before
n a - a n s a , tilt, until.
S
T f
P A R T
W
D I V I S I O N
T
O F
II.
A
6 7
here m e n t i o n
subject or to
the latter
interrogative
s e is f o r m e d
ase)
X .
S Y N T A X .
§. 155. T h a t p r o v i n c e o f g r a m m a r , w h i c h is t e r m e d S y n t a x , treats o f S e n
tences. It points o u t t h e different k i n d s o f s e n t e n c e s , t h e p a r t s o f w h i c h a
sentence consists, the relations b y w h i c h these are c o n n e c t e d to a w h o l e , a n d
t h e f o r m s in w h i c h the different kinds of sentences, their different parts, a n d
t h e m u t u a l relations of the latter a r e expressed in the particular l a n g u a g e
r e f e r r e d to.
T h e m o s t a p p a r e n t difference o f s e n t e n c e s is t h a t o f simple a n d c o m p o u n d
s e n t e n c e s , a n d it is t h e o n e , w h i c h in t h e first p l a c e m u s t r e g u l a t e t h e d i v i s i o n
of syntax. T h e latter h a s to p r o c e e d f r o m the m o s t simple f o r m of sentences
t o t h e m o r e c o m p l i c a t e d . H e n c e w e d i v i d e it p r i m a r i l y into t h e t w o f o l l o w i n g
sections :
1. S y n t a x o f Sitnple S e n t e n c e s .
2. S y n t a x o f C o m p o u n d Sentences.
D I F F E R E N T
K I N D S
O F
S E N T E N C E S .
§. 1 5 6 . I n d e p e n d e n t l y o f t h e d i s t i n c t i o n m e n t i o n e d i n t h e p r e c e d i n g p a r a
g r a p h , sentences differ w i t h respect to the f o r m in w h i c h their contents are a d
dressed b y the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g to the p e r s o n s p o k e n to :
1. T h e y a r e d e l i v e r e d a s a n assertion; t h e s e n t e n c e is in this c a s e a n indi
c a t i v e s e n t e n c e , e. g. N y a n k u p o f i a b o n n a a s o n , G o d h a s c r e a t e d s e v e n d a y s
O k o t o b a e f i v o a n u m a , T h e daughter o f a cra^ does not give birth to a bird.
2. T h e y are delivered as a c o m m a n d , exhortation, wish or permission; the
s e n t e n c e is t h e n a n imperative, optative, or permissive sentence.
S e n t e n c e s of this kind are distinguished f r o m indicative ones m e r e l y b y the
peculiar accentuation w i t h w h i c h they are uttered, a n d b y the predicate stand
6 8
i n g in the imperative o r potential; in the f o r m e r case, m o r e o v e r , the subject is
g e n e r a l l y left u n e x p r e s s e d , e. g. S o k a n n e a , L i g h t a c a n d l e
T o w o p o n
m u d a , A l w a y s shut y o u r d o o r
M u n k o fie, Y o u shall or m a y go home.
3. T h e y a r e d e l i v e r e d a s a question; t h e s e n t e n c e is t h e n a n interrogative
sentence.
Interrogative sentences are m a r k e d b y a peculiar accentuation, as in E n g
lish; but in the collocation of their w o r d s they d o n o t differ f r o m other sen
tences, as in the latter. Instead of that the Oji- l a n g u a g e has, as the Latin,
a particular particle, w h i c h is a l w a y s p l a c e d at t h e e n d o f interrogative s e n
t e n c e s , viz. a n a (cf. §. 1 5 4 , 1 ) , e. g. V a b a a n a ? Is h e c o m e ?
A k o k o n o
a d o s r a d e a n a ? Is that f o w l fat?
W a t e d a b i s e o s a m a n a y e o n i p a
b i r i b i a n a ? H a v e y o u ever h e a r d that a ghost has d o n e a m a n a n y h a r m ?
T o
m a k e the interrogative character of the sentence m o r e p r o m i n e n t , s o m e t i m e s
t h e final a o f a n a is m a d e l o n g , e. g. W o b e k o a n a ? W i l l y o u l e a v e ?
O n l y
w h e n the sentence h a s a n o t h e r interrogative w o r d , as a n interrogative p r o n o u u
o r t h e n u m e r a l a h e , a n a is n o t e m p l o y e d , e. g. H e n n a n a a b a ? W h o is c o m e ?
O s e d e n ? W h a t does he s a y ?
W a t o e n t a m a b ? n ? W h a t kind o f stuff
have y o u bought?
W o k o h e ? W h e r e are y o u going?
E n t r a m a a h e v o
h o ? H o w m a n y cowries are there? ,
S y n t a x
S E C T I O N
o f S i m p l e
I.
S e n t e n c e s .
§. 157. In o r d e r t o illustrate t h e n a t u r e o f s e n t e n c e s a n d t o p o i n t o u t t h e i r
v a r i o u s f o r m s , it is n e c e s s a r y to dissolve t h e m into their o r g a n i c parts. T h e s e
m u s t n o t be c o n f o u n d e d w i t h the elements of w h i c h a sentence consists. T h e
latter are the different kinds of w o r d s or the parts of speech, w h i c h f o r m the
p r o v i n c e o f e t y m o l o g y . T h e parts into w h i c h a sentence is a n a l y z e d b y s y n t a x
a r e these ^Predicate, Subject, Object, Attribute.
1. A s e n t e n c e i n its s i m p l e s t f o r m is t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f a P r e d i c a t e a n d a
Subject, e. g. A b o f r a g o r r o , A c h U d plays. T h e s e t w o p a r t s a r e n e c e s s a r y t o
constitute a s e n t e n c e , a n d if t h e latter, a s m a y h a p p e n , is n o t e x p r e s s e d , it is
at least implied a n d tacitly understood. T h e syntax of simple sentences h a s
a c c o r d i n g l y , in t h e first place, to consider these parts, to point o u t the f o r m s
in w h i c h they a n d their relations are expressed. T h e predicate not o n l y o c c u
p i e s p a r a m o u n t i n t e r e s t in this c o m b i n a t i o n , b u t it is t h e h e a r t a n d t h e c e n t r e
of e v e r y sentence in general. H e n c e w e t e r m the c o m b i n a t i o n the Predicative
Combination.
2. A predicate a n d a subject a r e sufficient to constitute a sentence, b u t o n l y
in certain c a s e s , viz. if t h e p r e d i c a t e is c o m p l e t e in itself. B u t a g r e a t m a n y
verbs, w h i c h m a y a p p e a r as predicates of sentences, are not so. If y o u s a y
e. g. A b o f r a b o , A b o y b r e a k s , it w i l l b e felt d i r e c t l y t h a t s o m e t h i n g is w a n t
ing; the w o r d s will s p o n t a n e o u s l y p r o m p t the question W h a t does he b r e a k ?
Consequently, to m a k e the sentence a n d the idea expressed complete, the Object
o f t h e a c t i o n m u s t b e a d d e d , e. g. A b o f r a b o e n v a w , A b o y b r e a k s snails.
In s u c h c a s e s the object is a n e c e s s a r y p a r t o f t h e s e n t e n c e a s w e l l a s t h e
predicate a n d the subject.
B u t w h e r e it is n o t so, a n o b j e c t m a y b e a d d e d
to qualify the idea expressed in the predicate, b y stating s o m e circumstance o f
6 9
t h e a c t i o n , e. g. t h e s e n t e n c e A b o f r a g o r r o m a y b e e n l a r g e d t o A b o f r a
g o r r o v ' a b o n t e f i s o , A child plays in the street.
T h e object, accordingly
is s o m e t i m e s a n e c e s s a r y a n d integrant, s o m e t i m e s a n accidental a n d m e r e l y
qualifying part of the sentence. T h e different kinds of objects, a n d their m u
tual relations w i t h t h e predicate w e treat of u n d e r the t e r m of Objective
Combination.
3. A further e n l a r g e m e n t o f t h e s i m p l e s e n t e n c e m a y t a k e p l a c e b y a n
Attribute b e i n g a d d e d to its s u b j e c t o r object, b y w h i c h t h e s e p a r t s a r e qualified,
in a s i m i l a r w a y a s t h e p r e d i c a t e b y a n o b j e c t ; e. g. t h e s e n t e n c e A b o f r a b o
e n v a w m a y b e e n l a r g e d to A b o f r a k e t e w a b o e n v a w k e s e , A small boy
b r e a k s a large snail. A t t r i b u tes, h o w e v e r , a r e n e v e r n e c e s s a r y to the theoretical
c o m p l e t e n e s s o f a sentence, t h e y are n e v e r integrant but a l w a y s m e r e l y quali
f y i n g a n d a c c e s s a r y . T h e a t t r i b u t e w i t h its r e l a t i o n s t o t h e w o r d t o w h i c h it
is a d d e d constitutes t h e Attributive C o m b i n a t i o n .
T o the parts stated a n y sentence, h o w e v e r m u c h enlarged, m a y b e reduced.
A simple sentence h a s n e v e r m o r e t h a n o n e predicate a n d o n e subject, a n d
t h e s e a r e a l w a y s n e c e s s a r y t o m a k e it c o m p l e t e ; b u t it m a y h a v e s e v e r a l o b j e c t s
a n d s e v e r a l attributes, o r it m a y h a v e n o n e at all, w i t h t h e difference, h o w e v e r ,
that objects are at times necesssary to the theoretical c o m p l e t e n e s s of a sent e n c e , attributes n e v e r are. F r o m w h a t h a s b e e n s a i d it f o l l o w s , t h a t t h e w h o l e
o f t h e s i m p l e s e n t e n c e is c o m p r e h e n d e d u n d e r t h e s e t h r e e c o m b i n a t i o n s , a n d
that, a c c o r d i n g to the o r g a n i c d e v e l o p m e n t of the sentence, t h e y are naturally
t r e a t e d of in the f o l l o w i n g order:
Predicative Combination. Objective Combination.
Attributive Combination.
T H E
P A R T I C L E
N A .
§. 158. O f t h e different p a r t s o f a s e n t e n c e a s t r o n g e r e m p h a s i s is o f t e n
g i v e n to o n e t h a n to t h e other. T h i s is i n d i c a t e d in oral l a n g u a g e b y a s t r o n g
er accentuation, a n d frequently b y the place in the sentence allotted to the
w o r d in question. B u t besides these m o d e s , the Oji- l a n g u a g e e m p l o y s a parti
c u l a r particle f o r t h e s a m e p u r p o s e . T h i s is t h e particle n a (§. 1 5 4 ) , w h i c h is
a l w a y s p u t a f t e r t h e p a r t o f t h e s e n t e n c e t o w h i c h it is a p p l i e d , i n d i c a t i n g t h e
e m p h a s i s mentioned.
T h e p a r t t o w h i c h n a is a d d e d , is p l a c e d , w i t h r a r e exceptions, at t h e h e a d
o f t h e sentence. T h e m o r e f r e q u e n t cases o f its application a r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :
1. N a is a d d e d to t h e subject o f a s e n t e n c e , w h e n t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g
w a n t s t o r e n d e r t h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d i n it m o r e p r o m i n e n t t o t h e a t t e n t i o n , e. g .
O h i a n a m a o d e c e y e a k o a , Poverty causes a free m a n to b e c o m e a slave,
p r v . 31, cf. 1. 5. 84. 133. 157. 1 5 9 etc.
W h e n t h e subject is a n interrogative, o r a substantive c o n n e c t e d w i t h a n
i n t e r r o g a t i v e , n a a l m o s t c o n s t a n t l y f o l l o w s it, e. g. H e n n a n a a b a ? W h o is
c o m e ? N n i p a a h e n a v o h o ? H o w m a n y m e n are there? T h i s is easily a c
c o u n t e d f o r b y t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e , that in a q u e s t i o n t h e interrogative is g e n e r a l l y
t h e w o r d , u p o n w h i c h the chief stress is laid.
2. A f t e r a n integrant object (cf. §. 157, 2.) n a is s e l d o m p u t , e x c e p t w h e n
a n i n t e r r o g a t i v e o r c o n n e c t e d w i t h a n i n t e r r o g a t i v e , e. g. E n t a m a b e n n a
7 0
w o b e t o ? W h a t kind o f stuff will y o u b u y ?
H e n n a n a w o f r e n o ? W h o m
do y o u call?
3. T o a n a c c e s s a r y object (cf. 157. 1 8 3 ) , w h e n p l a c e d a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n
t e n c e , n a is a l m o s t c o n s t a n t l y a d d e d , e. g. A i v u a t o n a m i d u A k r o p o n , A t
sunset I arrived in A k r o p o n g
E n a r r a n a m i b a i , Yesterday I c a m e
E h a
n a m i y e a d y u m a , H e r e I a m w o r k i n g
S a n a y e , S o it is right.
4. A f t e r a s u b s t a n t i v e a t t r i b u t e , s t a n d i n g a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e , n a is
p u t , w h e n a s t r e s s is laid o n it, e. g. O k w a s i a n a n e g w a n t e w e m p e n
a b i e n , A f o o t s s h e e p r u n s a w a y t w i c e , i. e . H e i s a f o o l , w h o s e s h e e p e t c .
prv. 156.
O f n a being a d d e d to a predicate or to a n y part of a sentence n o t placed
at its h e a d , o n l y a f e w c a s e s h a v e o c c u r r e d to us; t h e f o r m e r is the c a s e in
p r v . 1 6 0 , a n d in p r v . 6 9 it is p u t a f t e r a n infinitive.
B e s i d e s t h e c a s e s stated, n a is f r e q u e n t l y p u t t o a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e s , a s
w i l l b e a d v e r t e d to in a n o t h e r p l a c e , cf. §. 2 1 9 etc.
C H A P T E R
P r e d i c a t i v e
I.
C o m b i n a t i o n .
C o n s t i t u e n t s .
§. 159. T h e c o n s t i t u e n t s o f t h e p r e d i c a t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n a r e t h e S u b j e c t a n d
the Predicate, a n d the relation by which these t w o are united.
T h e object o f this c h a p t e r is to p o i n t o u t t h e different f o r m s , in w h i c h t h e
subject a n d the predicate m a y a p p e a r , the use m a d e of these f o r m s , a n d the
m o d e s of expressing the predicative relation.
T h e latter, h o w e v e r , is g e n e r a l l y inherent in the p r e d i c a t e , a n d o n l y w h e n
this is n o t a v e r b , it m u s t b e e x p r e s s e d s e p a r a t e l y .
H e n c e w h a t is t o b e said o n t h e p r e d i c a t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , m a y b e c o m p r e
h e n d e d u n d e r the t w o heads:
1. F o r m s o f the Subject.
2. F o r m s o f the P r e d i c a t e .
A n additional point to b e a d v e r t e d to is t h e Construction o f t h e p r e d i c a t i v e
c o m b i n a t i o n , o r t h e Collocation o f its parts. T h i s , h o w e v e r , is g e n e r a l l y t h e
s a m e a s in E n g l i s h , t h e s u b j e c t c o m m o n l y p r e c e d i n g t h e p r e d i c a t e , a n d if t h e
p r e d i c a t i v e relation is p a r t i c u l a r l y e x p r e s s e d , t h e c o p u l a s t a n d i n g b e t w e e n t h e ,
s u b j e c t a n d t h e p r e d i c a t e , e. g. S i k a h o a , G o l d glitters
S i k a y e fe, G o l d
is beautiful. E x c e p t i o n s w i l l b e n o t i c e d in t h e sequel.
/. F O R M S O F T H E S U B J E C T .
§. 1 6 0 . T h e s u b j e c t is e i t h e r a s u b s t a n t i v e , e. g. O d o n b o , T h e c l o c k stri
kes,
o r a n adjective u s e d s u b s t a n t i v e l y (of. §. 9 7 ) e. g. A d e s a o k o k o b i r i ,
A t n i g h t a r e d - c o l o u r e d ( p e r s o n ) is b l a c k ,
o r a substantive p r o n o u n (§. 101)i
e. g. O y i a b o m , This o n e h a s b e a t e n m e ,
o r it m a y b e i n d i c a t e d m e r e l y in
t h e inflectional f o r m o f t h e v e r b b y t h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t (§. 7 3 ) , e. g. O w u ,
H e dies
W o s u , T h o u weepest
Y e s u r r o , W e are afraid.
E v e n a n i n t e r j e c t i o n m a y b e t h e s u b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , e. g. II a i ! h a i ! n a
' m m a a k r o m a ' n y e k e s e , p r v . 5 8 ; t h o u g h it s t a n d s in this c a s e ellipticallyi
instead of: T h e act o f crying hai! hai! has not suffered the h a w k to g r o w big.
7 1
G r a m m a t i c a l a n d Logical Subject.
§. 161. T h e expressions q u o t e d in the p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h , t h o u g h their
subjects differ , a g r e e in these t w o points:
e a c h of t h e m h a s a subject in d u e f o r m p r e c e d i n g the predicate; a n d
b y the w o r d w h i c h is the subject of the verb, the v e r y thing or p e r s o n
is d e n o t e d of w h i c h s o m e t h i n g is to b e stated.
This, h o w e v e r , t h o u g h g e n e r a l l y , is n o t a l w a y s t h e case. T h e r e a r e e x
pressions, a n a l o g o u s to the Latin m e pudet etc., in w h i c h the v e r b g r a m m a t i
c a l l y h a s n o s u b j e c t a t all; a n d t h e r e a r e o t h e r s in w h i c h it h a s a s u b j e c t ,
but the latter does not d e n o t e the p e r s o n o r thing, of w h i c h y o u desire to state
s o m e t h i n g .
This leads to the distinction of grammatical a n d logical subject. T h e g r a m
m a t i c a l s u b j e c t is t h e s u b s t a n t i v e o r p r o n o u n etc., w h i c h p r e c e d e s , t h e p r e d i c a t e ,
a n d m a k e s u p w i t h it a p r e d i c a t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e g r a m m a t i c a l
f o r m in w h i c h t h e s e n t e n c e is f r a m e d . T h e logical s u b j e c t is t h e p e r s o n o r
thing of w h i c h y o u desire to state s o m e action or condition, t h o u g h the w o r d
d e n o t i n g it m a y g r a m m a t i c a l l y b e a n o b j e c t o r a n attribute.
A s h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d a b o v e , the logical a n d g r a m m a t i c a l subjects are in
m o s t c a s e s identical. In Oji a difference is o b s e r v a b l e in t w o cases especially :
1. T h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t b e i n g e x p r e s s e d in a g r a m m a t i c a l object.
2. T h e logical subject b e i n g e x p r e s s e d in a n attribute of the g r a m m a t i c a l
subject.
1. T h e
logical s u b j e c t a g r a m m a t i c a l
object.
§. 162. W h e n the logical subject is e x p r e s s e d in a g r a m m a t i c a l object,
t h e r e is either n o g r a m m a t i c a l subject at all, o r t h e g r a m m a t i c a l subject t o g e
ther w i t h the v e r b logically constitute the predicate.
1. W i t h o u t g r a m m a t i c a l s u b j e c t , t h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t b e i n g e x p r e s s e d in a
g r a m m a t i c a l o b j e c t , a r e e m p l o y e d t h e i m p e r s o n a l v e r b s m e n t i o n e d i n §. 6 6 , 1.,
e. g. A k a d o k o n n o , B r e a d is t o a n t i n g
E h i a n o , H e is in distress
E t y a r r e n o , H e faints.
E h i a m i in the sense / stand in n e e d of, a n d the a n a l o g o u s expressions:
E t y a , It is n e c e s s a r y
A d u m i s o , It is m y t u r n
E y e m i f e w , It rejoices
m e ,
h a v e their subject e x p r e s s e d in a n accessory sentence, as will b e a d
v e r t e d t o in a n o t h e r p l a c e (cf. §. 2 2 1 ) .
2. In the expressions O k o m di m i , / a m h u n g r y
E n s u k o m di m i , / a m
thirsty
A v o w di m i , / feel cold
A h u h u r u di m i , / feel hot,
the g r a m
matical subjects a r e the substantives o k o m , Irunger
e n s u k o m , thirst
a v o w , cold
a h u h u r u , heat,
the predicate the verb di, a n d the object
the p r o n o u n mi. B u t logically considered, the substantives m e n t i o n e d in c o n
j u n c t i o n w i t h the v e r b di, w h i c h b y itself does not express a n y definite idea
(cf. §. 1 6 9 ) , constitute the predicate, e x p r e s s i n g t h e n o t i o n s o f t h e v e r b s : to
h u n g e r , to thirst etc. A n d the logical subject
the p e r s o n of w h o m the c o n
dition is stated
is d e n o t e d b y t h e p r o n o u n m i , w h i c h g r a m m a t i c a l l y is t h e
object. It is v e r y r e m a r k a b l e that t h e G e r m a n l a n g u a g e e x p r e s s e s t h e v e r y
s a m e ideas, except the last, so as to d e n o t e the logical subject b y a g r a m m a t i c a l
o b j e c t : M i c h h u n g e r l (literally: m e hungers'), m i c h durstet, m i c h friert. O t h e r
similar expressions in Oji are: E h u a k a m i , I a m afraid (literally: F e a r has
touched m e )
E n n i h a w ^ a k a m i / a m lazy
O h i a a k a m i , / a m poor.
'
7 2
2. T h e
logical s u b j e c t a n attribute.
§. 163. T h e s t a t e m e n t a b o v e m a d e , t h a t t h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t is s o m e t i m e s
expressed in a n attribute of the g r a m m a t i c a l subject, refers to a n idiomatical
f o r m of expression of the O j i - l a n g u a g e , consisting chiefly in the insertion of
the substantive h u into the predicative combination.
T h e s e n s e in w h i c h h u is t h u s e m p l o y e d is t w o f o l d :
1. Its g e n e r a l m e a n i n g is t h e outside; o u t w a r d a p p e a r a n c e o f a thing. W h e n
i n s e r t e d in t h i s s e n s e i n t o t h e p r e d i c a t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , it i n t i m a t e s , t h a t t h e
s t a t e m e n t m a d e in the predicate refers to the outside or to the visible surface
o f t h e t h i n g o r p e r s o n w h i c h is t h e l o g i c a l subject. H e n c e it is m a d e u s e o f
chiefly , w h e n qualities are stated , w h i c h are perceived b y the senses of sight,
feeling, a n d smelling, as colour, b e a u t y or ugliness, cleanness o r dirtiness,
s m o o t h n e s s o r r o u g h n e s s o f t h e surface, s w e e t o r d i s a g r e e a b l e smell. It is t h e n
inserted b e t w e e n the subject a n d the predicate, o c c u p y i n g the place of a g r a m
m a t i c a l s u b j e c t , a n d t h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t b e c o m i n g a n a t t r i b u t e o f it; e. g . i n s t e a d
o f s a y i n g i n O j i : O d a n n o y e f e , T h a t h o u s e is pretty,
it is c u s t o m a r y t o
s a y O d a n n o h u y e f e , literally: T h a t h o u s e ' s outside is pretty
O s e b o h u
y e v r a n v r a n , A l e o p a r d is spotted
N a n t y u n o h u y e k o k o ni f u f u , That
bullock is r e d a n d white
W o h u a y e fi, Y o u are dirty
O p o f i n o h u y e
m o n o m , T h a t table is s m o o t h
E m p a t a b e b r i v o n h u v o a b o n , a b e r r e k u r i d e n i bi, n e h u y e t r o t r o , M o s t fishes have scales, but the eel has none,
it is s m o o t h
A h o h o h u bofi, T h e ant stinks
V o n h u y e c w a m , They h a v e
a sweet smelt, prv. 139.
H u is, h o w e v e r , only u s e d w h e n individual things, n o t w h e n materials are
s p o k e n of, the latter b e i n g i m a g i n e d w i t h o u t a n y definite f o r m , a n d h e n c e in
c o m p a t i b l e w i t h t h e distinction o f a n o u t s i d e a n d a n i n t e r i o r , e. g. G o l d is fine
is r e n d e r e d b y S i k a y e f e prv. 183, n o t S i k a h u y e fe. W h e n , h o w e v e r ,
t h e n a m e s of m a t e r i a l s a r e u s e d s o as to refer to certain pieces o f t h e m , h u is
p u t , e. g. D u a n o h u y e t r o t r o , T h a t ( p i e c e o f ) w o o d is s m o o t h .
T h e adjective n a , rare, w h e n f o r m i n g the p r e d i c a t e o f a sentence, is s o m e
t i m e s c o n n e c t e d w i t h h u , t h o u g h t h e q u a l i t y d e n o t e d b y it d o e s n o t b e l o n g t o
t h e c a t e g o r i e s a b o v e s t a t e d e. g. S i k a h u y e n a , G o l d is r a r e .
In s o m e e x p r e s s i o n s the substantive m u , the interior, is u s e d in the s a m e
w a y a s h u , e. g. A s u b o n t e n n o m u d o , T h e r i v e r is d e e p
t e r o w , to be
b r o a d
m u t e r o w , to be wide
A d a k a n o m u t e r o w , T h a t b o x is w i d e .
2. W i t h special r e f e r e n c e to m a n h u d e n o t e s the' visible b o d y in c o n t r a
distinction t o t h e invisible m i n d , a n d is u s e d in t h e w a y m e n t i o n e d in e x p r e s
s i o n s b y w h i c h q u a l i t i e s o r c o n d i t i o n s o f b o d i l y c o n s t i t u t i o n a r e s t a t e d , e. g .
M e h u c i m or M e h u p o p o , / tremble
W o h u t e ' d e . 6 ? H o w are y o u ?
O h i n n e h u y e , T h e k i n g is w e l l
N e h u y e ; d e n , H e is heallhy, s t r o n g
N e
h u a s a , H e has recovered.
T h a t expressions , f o r m e d b y h u a n d s o m e other substantives a c c o r d i n g to
this standard, h a v e frequently b e e n transferred f r o m the corporeal to the m e n t a l
province, so as to d e n o t e actions a n d affections of the mind, h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d
in a f o r m e r p l a c e (cf. §. 4 6 a r d 4 7 J , b e i n g in this c a s e n o l o n g e r m e r e s y n t a c
tical combinations, but stationary expressions a n d to b e considered as a peculiar
k i n d of c o m p o u n d verbs.
//.
F O R M S O F T H E P R E D I C A T E .
Constiluents o f the Predicate.
7 3
§. 164. I n t h e p r e d i c a t e t h e r e a r e t w o constituents t o b e d i s t i n g u i s h e d :
t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a , i. e . t h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d i n t h e p r e d i c a t e ; a n d
t h e p r e d i c a t i v e r e l a t i o n , i. e. t h e r e l a t i o n e x i s t i n g b e t w e e n t h e p r e d i c a t i v e
idea a n d the subject, consisting in the f o r m e r b e i n g attributed to the
latter, as a n act to its a g e n t etc.
D e p e n d i n g o n this distinction, there are primarily t w o f o r m s of the predi
cate to be o b s e r v e d :
1. E a c h o f t h e t w o c o n s t i t u e n t s is e x p r e s s e d separately, t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a
b y a substantive or a n adjective, the predicative relation b y a relational
w o r d (§. 6 3 ) w h i c h is t e r m e d t h e copula.
2. B o t h c o n s t i t u e n t s a r e e x p r e s s e d in o n e w o r d viz. in a verb.
In addition to these different f o r m s of the predicative, the variations o f the
predicative relation w i t h r e g a r d to modality, to time, a n d to the persons, m u s t
b e adverted to , 'which are expressed b y the inflections of the v e r b o r b y rela
tional w o r d s .
1.
T h e
c o n s t i t u e n t s o f t h e p r e d i c a t e e x p r e s s e d separately.
§. 165. W h e n e a c h o f t h e c o n s t i t u e n t s o f t h e p r e d i c a t e is e x p r e s s e d s e p a r a
t e l y , the predicative idea is either a quality attributed to the subject, e. g. I r o n is
h a r d ; o r a p e r s o n o r t h i n g identified w i t h t h e s u b j e c t , e. g. T h i s m a n is a k i n g ; o r
a n a c t i o n a s c r i b e d to the subject (cf. §. l(fD). I n t h e s e c a s e s it is e x p r e s s e d b y a n
adjective or b y a substantive; but instead of the latter a p r o n o u n m a y stand,
identifying the subject w i t h a definite or indefinite individual, or a numeral,
stating the n u m b e r of the persons or things d e n o t e d b y the subject.
T h e predicative relation is e x p r e s s e d b y o n e o f t h e relational v e r b s y e , si
o r di, a c c o r d i n g to the particular character of the predicate. T h e c o p u l a y e
is s o m e t i m e s left out, a n d in certain c a s e s its p l a c e is s u p p l i e d b y a d e m o n s t r a
tive p r o n o u n .
T h e c o p u l a s y e a n d si.
§. 166. T h e c o p u l a y e is e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a is a q u a l i t y
e x p r e s s e d b y a n adjective, a n d w h e n it is a p e r s o n o r t h i n g , w i t h w h i c h t h e
s u b j e c t is identified, e x p r e s s e d b y a substantive, e. g. D a d e y e d e n , I r o n is
h a r d
A d r u n y e d e , M e d i c i n e is n o t s w e e t
A k o a n o y e sisifo, This
f e l l o w is a s w i n d l e r
A n u m a y i y e a k r o m a , T h i s b i r d is a h a w k . T h e s a m e
c o p u l a is e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p r e d i c a t e is a p r o n o u n , e. g. O d a n n o y e m e d e a , T h i s h o u s e is m i n e
E n y e b i r i b i , It is n o t h i n g , p r v . 46.
B e f o r e a n a d j e c t i v e y e o r e y e is s o m e t i m e s c o n t r a c t e d to e, e . g . A b r o b e
n o e d e ( i n s t e a d o f y e d e ) , This p i n e - a p p l e is s w e e t
E f e (instead of e y e fe),
It is pretty, p r v . 23.
T h e c o p u l a si is e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p r e d i c a t e is a n u m e r a t , e. g. M m o f r a
a h e n a v o h o ? V o s i a d u o n u m , H o w m a n y b o y s a r e t h e r e ? T h e r e a r e fifty.
Observ. F r o m the relational v e r b to be, u s e d as c o p u l a to attribute a q u a
lity to t h e s u b j e c t , o r t o identify a t h i n g o r p e r s o n w i t h it, m u s t b e
carefully distinguished the notional v e r b to be, m e a n i n g to be in a place ;
1 0
7 4
a n
a n
H e
O n
d in Oji the l
d w h e n u s e d
is h e r e , O v o
i d a f i m
T
atter m u s t
negatively
h a
H e
h e r e is n o t
n e v
b y
is n
hing
e r b e r
ni, H e
ot there,
in his h
e n d
is
O n
a n d
e r
in
i
,
e d b y y e but a l
in K u m a s i , O v o
h o
H e is n o t
B i r i b i ni n ' e n s
w a y s b y v o ,
K u m a s i
in the house,
e m .
O m i s s i o n of the c o p u l a ye.
§. 1 6 7 . T h e c o p u l a y ? is s o m e t i m e s left o u t in o r d e r t o g i v e m o r e e m p h a
sis t o t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a , e. g. A d e n o f e f e f e , T h i s t h i n g is v e r y beautiful.
A regular omission, h o w e v e r , s e e m s to occur o n l y in connection w i t h a n
inverted construction. T h u s in the f o l l o w i n g cases:
1. T h e a d j e c t i v e e s o n n o , p e c u l i a r , w h e n f o r m i n g t h e p r e d i c a t e o f a s e n
t e n c e , p r e c e d e s its s u b j e c t , a n d t h e c o p u l a is left o u t , e. g. A n u m a t e a f i r i m
n o e s o n n o n e k a s a e n k u , literally: A bird (which") is in a s n a r e , peculiar
its c r y , p r v . 2 6 0 .
2. W h e n t h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n n i (cf. §. 114, 1 ) is s u b j e c t , a n d t h e
p r e d i c a t e is a s u b s t a n t i v e o r a p r o n o u n , t h e latter a l w a y s p r e c e d e s t h e f o r m e r
w i t h o u t c o p u l a , e. g. A k o k o n i , This is a f o w l
A b e r r i k i ni, e n y e o g w a f i tefi, This is a goat, n o t a sheep
M i n i , It is I.
3. T h e s a m e c o n s t r u c t i o n a l w a y s a t t e n d s t h e p r o n o u n n e n (cf. §. 1 1 7 ) , viz.
i n v e r s i o n a n d o m i s s i o n o f t h e copula-, e. g. A g i n a m o' a k o ' a r a n e n , E v e n
that is the cat's slave, p r v . 1 1 0 , cf. 115. 44. A n e x c e p t i o n is t h e p r o v e r b 4 6 :
E n y e b i r i b i , n a e y e b i r i b i a r a n e n , It is n o t h i n g , e v e n that is s o m e t h i n g ;
h e r e t h e c o p u l a is p u t , b e c a u s e t h e a f f i r m a t i o n is e m p b a t i c a l , b e i n g p l a c e d in
opposition w i t h the p r e c e d i n g negation.
P r o n o u n s u s e d instead of the copula.
§. 168. T h e p l a c e o f t h e c o p u l a y e is s o m e t i m e s s u p p l i e d b y t h e d e m o n
strative p r o n o u n s n i a n d e n n i , (cf. §. 114, 2. 116, 2).
1. I n a s i m p l e s e n t e n c e , t h e p r e d i c a t e o f w h i c h is a s u b s t a n t i v e , t h e p r o n o u n
n i is f r e q u e n t l y u s e d a s c o p u l a , a n d g e n e r a l l y a t t e n d e d w i t h i n v e r t e d c o n s t r u c
tion ; it a p p e a r s , t h a t a g r e a t e r e m p h a s i s is t h u s g i v e n to t h e s u b j e c t t h a n b y
t h e o r d i n a r y f o r m o f e x p r e s s i o n , e. g. M e t r a b e r r e n i A k r o p o n , M y p l a c e
o f r e s i d e n c e is A k r o p o n g , i n s t e a d o f : A k r o p o n y e m e t r a b e r r e ;
M e s u m a n n i m ' e n i , M y c h a r m is m y e y e , p r v . 9 0 ;
O h i e n n i a s o m e n ni b a t a . f o s e , A p o o r m a n ' s i v o r y is a h o g ' s - t o o t h , p r v . 1 4 7 .
T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n is n o t
i n v e r t e d , w h e n t h e e m p h a s i s o f t h e s u b j e c t is i n d i c a t e d b y t h e a d v e r b e n k u ,
e. g. M i e n k u n i k u a f o , / a l o n e a m a planter , prv. 12.
T h e p r o n o u n e n n i is u s e d in t h e s a m e w a y , w h e n a s t r o n g e r e m p h a s i s is
t o b e g i v e n t o t h e p r e d i c a t e a s w e l l a s t o t h e s u b j e c t , e. g. A d e b o n n ' a k a t u a e n n i w u , T h e w a g e s o f sin is death.
2. I n a s e n t e n c e , o f w h i c h t h e p r e d i c a t e is a s u b s t a n t i v e , a n d t h e s u b j e c t
expressed in a p r e c e d i n g accessary sentence, the s a m e p r o n o u n s are u s e d instead
o f t h e c o p u l a , e n n i i n d i c a t i n g a s t r o n g e r e m p h a s i s t h a n n i , e. g. N e a o k o m
g y e n i m e , W h a t h u n g e r desires, is s a t i s f y i n g , p r v . 1 5 5 ;
N e a ' k o n e y e m ,
e n n i n e d e , W h a t h a s g o n e into his belly, is his, p r v . 27.
T h e c o p u l a di.
§. 169. W h e n t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a is a n a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in a s u b s t a n t i v e ,
t h e v e r b d i is u s e d a s c o p u l a . P r e d i c a t e s o f this k i n d m a y g e n e r a l l y b e r e n
d e r e d in E n g l i s h s i m p l y b y a verb,
a b u a d a , fast, O d i a b u a d a . H
V o d i a v i r r e h o s e m , They converse
quarrel.
D i is originally a transitive v e r b
to e a t (cf. §. 48). B u t in c o n n e c t i o n s
original signification, a n d n o longer
o n l y the predicative relation, togethe
i d e a is referred to the subject. H e n c
a s if it w e r e a s i m p l e v e r b , a s is p
A v o w di m i etc. a d v e r t e d to in a f
2.
T h e
7 5
e. g. a t o r r o , a lie, O d i a t o r r o , H e lies;
e fasts;
a v i r r e h o s e m , conversation.,
;
a t u t u , a quarrel, V o d i a t u t u , T h e y
, a n d
like
b y i
r w i t
e a p
r o v e d
o r m e r
p r o b a b l y identical w i t h
t h o s e h e r e r e f e r r e d to, it
tself expresses a n y definit
h the f o r m in w h i c h the
r e d i c a t e o f this k i n d is
b y the expressions O k
p a r a g r a p h (§. 162, 2.).
constituents o f t h e p r e d i c a t e e x p r e s s e d in o n e
the v e r b di,
h a s lost its
e idea, but
predicative
treated just
o m di m i ,
w o r d .
§. 170. W h e n t h e p r e d i c a t e is a v e r b , it n o t o n l y c o n t a i n s t h e p r e d i c a t i v e
idea but the predicative relation also , at the s a m e time expressing t h e f o r m e r
a n d a t t r i b u t i n g it t o t h e s u b j e c t , e. g. A b o f r a s u , T h e b a b y cries,
A k o k o
b o n , T h e cock crows.
In Oji t h e predicative idea is f r e q u e n t l y e x p r e s s e d b y a verb, w h e r e in o t h e r
l a n g u a g e s a n a d j e c t i v e is u s e d , e. g. M e n u a y a r r e , M y b r o t h e r is sick
A s u b o n t e f i n o d p , T h i s r i v e r is d e e p
A n k a n y a n , A lime is s o u r
E k r n
n o s o a , T h i s t o w n is s m a l l (cf. §. 64. §. 1 7 6 ) . S o m e t i m e s t h e s a m e i d e a m a y b e
e x p r e s s e d b y a v e r b as well as b y a n adjective, e.g. B e p o n o s o n a n d B e p o
n o y e k e s e , This m o u n t a i n is large. I n this c a s e t h e latter f o r m o f e x p r e s s i o n
i m p l i e s a s t r o n g e r e m p h a s i s t h a n the f o r m e r ; a n d h e n c e t h e v e r b is u s e d w h e n
t h e i d e a is s i m p l y to b e stated, e g. A n k a n y a n , A lime is s o u r ,
w h i l e the
a d j e c t i v e is e m p l o y e d p r e f e r a b l y , w h e n a stress a t t a c h e s t o it e. g. b y b e i n g
contrasted w i t h a n o t h e r idea e.g. A b r o b e y e f r e m f r e m , n a a n k a y e n y a f i i
A p i n e - a p p l e is s w e e t , b u t a lime is sour.
3.
V a r i a t i o n s o f t h e p r e d i c a t i v e relation.
§. 171. T h e p r e d i c a t i v e r e l a t i o n is diversified b y r e f e r e n c e t o m o d a l i t y , t o
time, a n d to person. T h e variations thus arising are indicated b y inflectional
c h a n g e s o f t h e v e r b , o r if t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a is e x p r e s s e d b y a s u b s t a n t i v e o r
adjective, of the copula.
T h e m o o d s , tenses, a n d persons, for w h i c h the O j i - l a n g u a g e possesses p a r
ticular inflectional f o r m s , a n d the different phonetical c h a n g e s of the v e r b b y
w h i c h these inflections are f o r m e d , h a v e b e e n stated in the f o r m e r part in the
c h a p t e r o n v e r b s . It r e m a i n s h e r e m o r e explicitly t o p o i n t o u t t h e u s e m a d e
o f these forms.
Variations of time a n d modality, h o w e v e r , are n o t exclusively indicated b y
inflections, but also b y relational verbs, w h i c h in the predicative c o m b i n a t i o n
a s s u m e the place occupied in other cases b y the copula.
a. U s e o f t h e M o o d s .
Indicative, Imperative, Negative.
§. 172. T h e Indicative a n d t h e I m p e r a t i v e a r e u s e d a s in E n g l i s h : t h e f o r m e r
s i m p l y t o a s s e r t t h e r e a l i t y o f a n a c t i o n , e. g. A g i n a m o a k y i r r ' e n k u r a ,
7 6
A cat catches mice
M e n u a a b a , M y b r o t h e r is c o m e
D u a n o b e f y e f a m ,
This tree will fall d o w n ;
the latter to c o m m a n d or exhort a p e r s o n to p e r f o r m
a n action, e. g. T o w o p o i i m u d a , A l w a y s s h u t y o u r d o o r
E n s i r o w a k o t i a , D o n o t d e r i d e a s h o r t m a n , p r v . 6. T h e c o m p o u n d f o r m o f t h e i m p e r a t i v e
negative (§. 84, 2) a p p e a r s to b e e m p l o y e d , w h e n the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s
to express a n exhortation m o r e in the w a y of entreaty than c o m m a n d .
T h e N e g a t i v e is e m p l o y e d , w h e r e v e r t h e r e is a n e g a t i o n , c o n s e q u e n t l y w h e r e
in E n g l i s h a n y o f t h e w o r d s not, n o , n o b o d y , n e v e r etc. is u s e d e. g. O n i p a
m f o n k w a , A m a n d o e s n o t f a d e w i t h o u t c a u s e , p r v . 7.
O b i n t o n a n t y u
n a m o n , N o b o d y will b u y the footsteps o f a bullock prv. 66.
O n y a r r e d a , H e
is n e v e r sick.
Potential.
§. 1 7 3 . T h e u s e o f t h e p o t e n t i a l v a r i e s i n s o m e d e g r e e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e
particular p e r s o n in w h i c h t h e v e r b is e m p l o y e d .
1. I n t h e first p e r s o n s i n g u l a r o f t h e aorist t h e p o t e n t i a l s e e m s r a r e l y to
o c c u r in a s i m p l e sentence. V e r y f r e q u e n t is its u s e in the first p e r s o n singular
o f the f u t u r e , in t h e c o n t r a c t e d f o r m m e n t i o n e d in §. 82. T h i s is e m p l o y e d ,
w h e n e v e r the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s to state a n action , w h i c h h e is g o i n g to
perform, as o n e intended b y him. N o w as this reference to his volition is al
m o s t c o n s t a n t l y i m p l i e d , w h e n e v e r a p e r s o n is s t a t i n g a f u t u r e a c t i o n q f himself,
it is c l e a r t h a t this f o r m m u s t in c o n v e r s a t i o n a l l a n g u a g e b e o f v e r y f r e q u e n t
o c c u r r e n c e , e. g. M e t r a h a a d a p e f i a n a n , I shall stay h e r e f o u r w e e k s
M e f a n e a b e b a k a f i n o , I will take w h a t e v e r c o m e s first
W o f a n i f a , m e f a
b e n k u m , I f y o u g o to the right , I shall g o to the left
S e o m m a , m e c ? n o n a
v a b a , If he does not come, I will c o m p e l h i m to come.
In the first p e r s o n plural o f the aorist t h e potential is e m p l o y e d , w h e n the
p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s to invite or to s u m m o n other persons jointly to p e r f o r m
a n a c t i o n w i t h h i m , e. g. B e r a n i y e n k o , C o m e a n d let u s g o
Y e n k o y e n
t r a b e r r e y e n s e s i e y e f i h u , Let us go to o u r seats,- a n d put ourselves in
readiness.
2. In the s e c o n d p e r s o n t h e p o t e n t i a l is e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g
w a n t s to express, that, a c c o r d i n g to his will or j u d g m e n t , the p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d
m u s t d o s o m e t h i n g , e. g. W o n t r a h a n a m e n u a m m e r a a n s a , Y o u m u s t
stay here M l m y brother c o m e s
M m o f r a , m u n k o fie, n a a d e a s a , Children,
y o u m u s t g o h o m e , f o r it is late.
3. M o s t f r e q u e n t l y t h e p o t e n t i a l o c c u r s in the third p e r s o n . It is h e r e e m
ployed, w h e n e v e r the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s to express, that a p e r s o n s p o k e n
o f s h a l l o r m u s t d o s o m e t h i n g , e. g. V o m m e r e , T h e y shall c o m e
K o k a k y e r r e s o d o n i s e o m f a a d u a n m m e r e , G o a n d tell the c o o k to b r i n g the
f o o d
M m o f r a n n i v o n e n n a ni v o n a g y a ni, Children m u s t h o n o u r their
parents.
4. O c c u r r i n g in a n interrogative sentence t h e p o t e n t i a l indicates a r e f e r e n c e ,
not to the will of the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g , but to that of the p e r s o n addressed.
It is t h u s e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e f o r m e r desires to b e i n f o r m e d , w h e t h e r , a c c o r d
i n g to the will or j u d g m e n t of the latter, h e m a y or shall d o s o m e t h i n g , e. g.
Y e m m e r e a n a , M a y w e c o m e ?
M i n s o k a n n e a a n a ? Shall I light a c a n d l e ?
T h e auxiliary verb ma.
7 7
§. 1 7 4 . W i t h t h e m o o d s m a y b e c l a s s e d t h e u s e m a d e o f t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b
to r e n d e r a predicate causative.
T h e p r o p e r m e a n i n g o f t h e v e r b m a , w h e n u s e d as a n o t i o n a l v e r b , is to
give. B u t in t h e f o r m o f e x p r e s s i o n r e f e r r e d to , it is e m p l o y e d a s a relational
v e r b , to d e n o t e in a general w a y , that the action expressed in the predicate
is c a u s e d or a d m i t t e d b y the m o r a l or material influence of a n o t h e r subject.
I n E n g l i s h it m a y b e r e n d e r e d b y to let, to c a u s e , o r to suffer. A s t o t h e c o n
struction of such sentences, t w o cases are to b e o b s e r ve d :
1. I n i m p e r a t i v e s e n t e n c e s t h e p r e d i c a t i v e v e r b , w h i c h is p r e c e d e d b y m a ,
a l w a y s s t a n d s i n t h e p o t e n t i a l , e . g . M a v o n k o , L e t t h e m g o , i. e . S u f f e r t h e m
to g o or C a u s e t h e m to g o
M a m i n k o , L e t m e g o i. e. L e t m e a l o n e
M a
o m f o r r o n a , Let h i m climb, prv. -160
M a v o m f a n o n k o , Let them c a r r y
h i m off, prv. 2 5 8
M a m i n f y e a k o k o n o s e v a d o s r a d e a n a , Let m e see
w h e t h e r the f o w l is f a t
E n k w a n n o y e c e w d o d o , m a n t r a h o k a k r a
n a n n y o , T h i s s o u p is v e r y h o t , let it s t a n d a w h i l e a n d c o o l
M a w o n t r a
h a ( b y contraction generally p r o n o u n c e d : m o n t r a h a ) , Stay here (literally:
L e t y o u stay here').
2. In a n indicative sentence t h e predicative v e r b a g r e e s w i t h m a in m o o d
a n d t e n s e , e. g. N y a n k u p o n a c i r a n o , v a m a n e ti a f u d y p f i , G o d h a s
blessed him, he has c a u s e d grey hairs to g r o w o n his h e a d
H a i ! h a i ! n a
' m m a a k r o m a ' n y e k e s e , ( n e cry) hai! hai! has not suffered the h a w k to
g r o w big
O m a n e b a f y e e m f o n i n n e , H e lets his child l o o k at a picture
A v o w v o e m f r a m a m , e m a m e h u c i m , T h e w i n d is c o l d , it c a u s e s m e t o
shiver.
W h e n t h e s u b j e c t o f t h e v e r b is a p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n , it a p p e a r s t h a t
s o m e t i m e s t h e c o n j u n c t i v e f o r m s , a n d s o m e t i m e s t h e i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m s (cf. §. 1 0 3 )
a r e u s e d , e. g. O m a n o k o , N e let h i m g o
D u a k o n t o n k y e n a m a y e h u
d y o m f o , A c r o o k e d stick causes us to k n o w the carpenter, prv. 159.
m a
b.
U s e
o f t h e
Aorist.
T e n s e s .
§. 175. It h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d in §. 7 0 , t h a t t h e v e r b in t h e f o r m o f t h e
a o r i s t e x p r e s s e s a n a c t i o n w i t h o u t l i m i t a t i o n t o a c e r t a i n t i m e , i. e. w i t h o u t
r e f e r r i n g it strictly either t o t h e past, p r e s e n t , o r f u t u r e time. Its use, a c c o r d i n g
to this definition, m a y b e c o m p r e h e n d e d u n d e r the f o l l o w i n g heads.
1. T h e a o r i s t is e m p l o y e d , w h e n a n i d e a is t o b e e x p r e s s e d a s a g e n e r a l
truth, valid w i t h o u t a n y limitation to a certain time; a n d w h e n a n action or
a q u a l i t y is t o b e attributed to a s u b j e c t a s its g e n e r a l p r o p e r t y , either a l w a y s
i n h e r e n t i n it, o r i n c i d e n t t o it i n c o n s t a n t r e p e t i t i o n a t c e r t a i n i n t e r v a l s , e. g.
O k r o v o h a r r e n o a f a e n u , A c a n o e is r o w e d o n b o t h sides, p r v . 1 6 5
W o d e
d u a c e g y e m - a , e n k y e n a e d a n g e b i r u , W h e n y o u p u t w o o d in to the fire,
it s o o n t u r n s to c o a l
A k o a e m p a w u r a , A slave does not choose his master,
prv. 216.
A b e r r i k i v o m m e f i , A goat has horns
A g i n a m o a k y i r r '
e n k u r a , A cat catches mice
A i v u a d e k a n n e a n i a h u h u r u m a a s a s e ,
T h e s u n gives light a n d w a r m t h to the earth.
2. T h e aorist is e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e i d e a to b e e x p r e s s e d , t h o u g h in t h e
m i n d o f the p e r s o n s p e a k i n g referred to the present time, is either n o t strictly
7 8
limited to that, or h e d o e s n o t feel impelled explicitly to point out this limita
tion, e. g. M i d a w ' a s e , / t h a n k y o u
M i y e a d y u m a v o h a , / a m w o r k i n g
here
A i v u a c e m e ti, T h e s u n burns m y h e a d
O t r a a b r o g w a n o so,
H e is sitting o n that c h a i r
N n u m a b e b r i sisi d u a n o s o , M a n y birds are
sitting o n this tree. H e n c e v e r b s especially, w h i c h e x p r e s s actions that f r o m
their n a t u r e are of a longer duration, as conditions a n d qualities, t h o u g h re
ferred to the subject only w i t h r e g a r d to the present time, are rarely u s e d but
in t h e f o r m o f t h e a o r i s t , e. g. O y a r r e , H e is s i c k
O d a f i a s e , H e is in
prison
A d a k a si p o f i n o a s e , A b o x stands u n d e r this table.
3. T h e p a s t time is e x p r e s s e d b y t h e a o r i s t , w h e n a n a c t i o n is t o b e s t a t e d
s i m p l y a s o n e t h a t h a s o c c u r r e d a n d is n o w p a s t (cf. §. 1 7 6 ) ; it is a c c o r d i n g l y
t h e t e n s e o f n a r r a t i o n a s in E n g l i s h t h e i m p e r f e c t , in L a t i n t h e p e r f e c t , e. g.
M i c i a n o v o k w a f i e m f i n e m f i n i , / m e t h i m o n the r o a d
O d a f i n ' e n i n a
o g w a n , H e turned r o u n d a n d fled
M i h u n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n , / s a w
him there just n o w .
4. E v e n a f u t u r e a c t i o n m a y b e e x p r e s s e d in t h e f o r m o f t h e aorist, w h e n
t h e f u t u r i t y is s u f f i c i e n t l y i n d i c a t e d i n s o m e o t h e r w a y , e. g. O k a n n a n a m i k o , T o m o r r o w I (shall) depart
W o k o E n k r a n n a m i d e m e t r a h a , Y o u
Cwill) g o to Accra, but I shall stay here.
Perfect.
§. 176. T h e p a s t t i m e is e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p e r f e c t , w h e n a n a c t i o n is t o b e
stated a s o n e t h a t h a s b e e n p e r f o r m e d in t i m e p a s t , b u t is. at p r e s e n t n o t
s i m p l y p a s t , b u t r a t h e r c o m p l e t e d (cf. §. 175, 3 ) , a n d c o n t i n u i n g either a s a
c o n d i t i o n o r quality, o r in its effects a n d c o n s e q u e n c e s , e.g. V a y e r a n e s e k a f i ,
H e has lost his knife
M a f r o b e p o tentefi, e n t i m a b r e , I have ascended
a high mountain, therefore I a m tired
M a s e s i e m e d a n m , / have put m y
house in order
N y a n k u p o n a b o a d e , G o d has created the world.
T h e definition given of the use of the perfect will sufficiently a c c o u n t for
the circumstance, that verbs in this tense frequently express conditions a n d
qualities, a n d m u s t b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y adjectives, e. g. V a w u , H e is
d e a d
M ' e n t a m a a f o w , M y clothes are w e t
Y a b e n k r u n o h u , W e a r e
n e a r this t o w n
N ' e n i a b e r r e , His eyes are r e d
A k u t u n o a b e r r e , This
o r a n g e is ripe
W ' a t a d e a b i r r i , Y o u r coat is dirty
O s u a m u n a , T h e
clouds are d a r k
O p o n a b u e , T h e d o o r is o p e n
O p o n a t o m , T h e d o o r is
shut
V a n y a n , H e is a w a k e
A v o w a d i m ' e n s a , M y h a n d is cold.
S o m e t i m e s a v e r b in the perfect h a s a s s u m e d a signification, w h i c h s e e m s alto
g e t h e r d i f f e r e n t f r o m its o r i g i n a l m e a n i n g , e. g. V a n y a , H e has, p o s s e s s e s , f r o m
n y a , to get
V a n y i n , H e is o l d , f r o m n y i n , to g r o w
V a h u , H e u n d e r
stands, f r o m h u , to see (cf. olSa f r o m tfSa)
V a d a , H e sleeps, f r o m d a , to
lie
O d e a b o , T h e y a m is ripe, f r o m b o , to beat
M ' a t a d e afi, M y coat
is c l e a n , f r o m fi, to c o m e f o r t h
A k a d o k o n n o , B r e a d is w a n t i n g , f r o m k a ,
to touch
A d u m i s o , It is m y t u r n , f r o m d u , to a r r i v e
O s o r r o a t e w ,
T h e s k y is clear a n d N ' e n i m a t e w , H i s c o u n t e n a n c e is s e r e n e , f r o m t e w
to tear.
T h e c o p u l a y e (§. 1 6 6 ) also is s o m e t i m e s p u t into t h e perfect; this is d o n e ,
w h e n it is t o b e i n t i m a t e d , t h a t t h e s u b j e c t h a s f o r m e r l y n o t b e e n w h a t is e x
pressed in the predicate, but h a s b e c o m e so, t h o u g h in English in c o r r e s p o n d i n g
c a s e s t h e v e r b to b e is g e n e r a l l y u s e d i n t h e p r e s e n t t e n s e , e. g. V a y e a k o k o r a , H e is a n o l d m a n
W ' a t a d e a y e fi, Y o u r d r e s s is dirty
Oda.fi n o
a y e g o ,
All his go
A n i
a d v e r t e d
T h i s h o u s e is
l d is spent, h e
diomatical use
to in a n o t h e r
out
is a
m a d
plac
of rep
p o o r
e of
e (cf.
7 9
air
N e s i k a i n i a r a a s a , v a y e h i e n n i
m a n .
the perfect in a c o m p o u n d sentence, will b e
§. 2 1 4 ) ,
Present.
§. 177. A s b y t h e p e r f e c t a n a c t i o n is r e p r e s e n t e d a s c o m p l e t e d , s o b y t h e
p r e s e n t it is r e p r e s e n t e d a s n o t y e t c o m p l e t e d b u t g o i n g o n ; a n d t h e latter is
e m p l o y e d o n l y , w h e n it is e x p r e s s l y to b e stated a s just n o w in the act o f
b e i n g p e r f o r m e d (cf. §. 175, 2 ) , c o r r e s p o n d i n g g e n e r a l l y w i t h t h e c o m p o u n d
p r e s e n t o f t h e E n g l i s h , e. g. O g y a r e d e w , T h e fire is blazing
M ' e n s a reh u n , M y h a n d is s w e l l i n g
D u a encure.fi e r e g u f a m , T h e blossoms of the
tree are s h o w e r i n g d o w n
E f i g u r a r e f u v o a s a s e n o s o , W e e d s are shoot
ing u p o n this l a n d
K o r a n o a s e i , e r e f i w y u n n e , T h i s c a l a b a s h is b r o k e n )
it is l e a k i n g ; cf. p r v . 4 2 . 4 3 . 1 9 6 .
A s the perfect, in a m a n n e r , c o m b i n e s the past time a n d the present, so
the present tense d o e s the present time a n d the future ; since of a n action, w h i c h
is j u s t n o w p e r f o r m i n g , p a r t a l w a y s b e l o n g s t o t h e latter. It is e v e n v e r y
p r o b a b l e , that in a f o r m e r period of the l a n g u a g e the present tense w a s u s e d
to express futurity also, the future tense n o w existing being of later origin;
a n d it h a s b e e n r e m a r k e d in a f o r m e r p l a c e , t h a t in t h e n e g a t i v e t h e p r e s e n t
t e n s e s e e m s still t o b e t h u s e m p l o y e d (cf. §. 80). E x p r e s s i o n s a l s o o c c u r , in
w h i c h i n t h e i n d i c a t i v e a n action, w h i c h h a s n o t y e t b e g u n , is e x p r e s s e d in t h e
p r e s e n t t e n s e , t h e latter in this c a s e i n d i c a t i n g , t h a t it w i l l b e p e r f o r m e d i m
m e d i a t e l y a n d w i t h c e r t a i n t y , e. g . M i r e b a , / a m c o m i n g i. e. / s h a l l c o m e ( i m m e d i a t e l y a n d certainly). R e l a t e d t o this u s e is a n o t h e r , w h e n t h e p r e s e n t is e m
p l o y e d to d e n o t e the certain a n d i m m e d i a t e succession of o n e action u p o n
a n o t h e r , e. g. O p e t e t e f u n n u e n k a n a o r e b a , W h e n t h e v u l l u r e s m e l l s a
c a r c a s s , it c o m e s ( s u d d e n l y a n d c e r t a i n l y ) . It w i l l b e o b s e r v e d , t h a t i n t h e r e l a
tional variation, e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p r e s e n t in the c a s e s m e n t i o n e d , t h e r e is a
t o u c h o f m o d a l i t y as well as of time: certain reality b e i n g indicated as w e l l
as i m m e d i a t e succession; w h i c h arises f r o m the fact, that to o u r imagination
o n l y w h a t is p r e s e n t is o f c o m p l e t e a n d certain reality (cf. §. 178). T h i s is
e v e n m o r e e v i d e n t , w h e n t h e p r e s e n t is e m p l o y e d n e g a t i v e l y in t h e w a y last m e n
t i o n e d , d e n o t i n g t h e n t h e c e r t a i n t y o f o n e a c t i o n n o t s u c c e e d i n g a n o t h e r , e. g.
E n s u t a g y a s o - a , e r e n n y o d a , W h e n w a t e r is p l a c e d o v e r t h e f i r e , it w i l l
(certainly) never cool.
a
a
t
N
O
a
e
q
Future.
|. 178. T h e f u t u r e t e n s e is e m p l o y e d , w h e n a n a c t i o n is to b e r e p r e s e n t e d
s o n e t h a t w i l l b e p e r f o r m e d in s o m e t i m e t o c o m e (cf. §. 1,75, 4. 1 7 7 ) , e. g.
k a n n a o b e b a b i o , T o m o r r o w he will return
W o m m e r e , y e b e d u h o
n t e m , D o not get tired, w e shall arrive there s o o n
O n i p a , o y e b o n n e , o d e
m a n n e b e b a n o s o , A m a n w h o d o e s evil, will b r i n g affliction u p o n h i m s e l f
e a m a n e a m a t y p m , n a a s a s e d e b e t r a h o d a , Things pass a w a y o n e
fter another, but the earth will remain for ever.
A s a future event a l w a y s p a r t a k e s o f uncertainty, a n d future reality is fre
uently identical w i t h present possibility or necessity; the future tense s o m e
imes expresses the latter rather t h a n the former,
the relational variation
8 0
i n d i c a t e d b y it a s s u m i n g i n this c a s e a t o u c h o f m o d a l i t y , in a s i m i l a r w a y a s
m e n t i o n e d a b o v e o f t h e p r e s e n t (cf. §. 1 7 7 ) . H e n c e it is f r e q u e n t l y e m p l o y e d ,
w h e r e a n action is i m a g i n e d as i n t e n d e d rather, t h a n as o n e o f future reality,
except the first p e r s o n singular, w h i c h h a s a particular f o r m for this variation
(cf. §. 173, 1 ) ; it m a y t h e n b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y i n t e n d to, desire to, w a n t
t o , e. g . O n i p a a b a h a o b e m a w o a k y e , A m a n h a s c o m e , w h o w i l l (i. e.
desires to) p a y his respects to y o u
W o b e b u m i - a bu, n a m e y a w m i , If
y o u w i l l (i. e. i n t e n d t o ) b r e a k m e , d o it, b u t d o n o t a b u s e m e , p r v . 2 5 6 , cf. 5 2 .
107. 112. 206. V e r y c o n s p i c u o u s is the application o f the future to e x p r e s s m o
dality, in the particular use m a d e of the future tense of the verb s e (to be
Vke),
this being e m p l o y e d adverbially in connection w i t h a numeral, to indi
cate that t h e n u m b e r stated is n o t fully ascertained, b u t o n l y t h e a m o u n t p r o
b a b l e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e e s t i m a t e o f t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g , , e. g. M m o f r a b e s e
a d u o n u m n a v o h o , literally: B o y s , m a y b e like fifty, a r e there i.e. T h e r e a r e
a b o u t fifty b o y s there
M a t o e f i k o k o b e s e a d u a s a , literally: / h a v e bought
f o w l s , m a y b e l i k e t h i r t y i. e . / h a v e b o u g h t a b o u t t h i r t y f o w l s .
T h e s e c o n d f o r m o f t h e future, m e n t i o n e d in §. 7 7 , t o w h i c h t h e a u g m e n t
o f t h e p r e s e n t t e n s e is a d d e d , a p p e a r s to b e e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e p e r s o n s p e a k
ing w a n t s to d e n o te a future action as c o m i n g o n certainly a n d immediately,
e. g. O g y a r e b e d u m , T h e fire is g o i n g o u t
O d a n n o a y e g o , y e r e b e b u ,
T h i s h o u s e is r u i n o u s , w e a r e g o i n g to b r e a k it d o w n .
Relation o f time expressed by relational verbs.
§. 179. T h e f o l l o w i n g v e r b s a r e e m p l o y e d , w i t h r e f e r e n c e t o t h e p e r s o n
s p e a k i n g t o d e n o t e either d u r a t i o n o f a n a c t i o n o r t h e t i m e w h e n it is c o m i n g
to pass, assuming, in the predicative combination, the place o t h e r w i s e occupied
b y the predicative v e r b itself, a n d f o l l o w e d b y the latter either in the nota u g m e n t e d f o r m o f t h e infinitive (§. 85, 1. a.), o r a g r e e i n g w i t h it in m o o d ,
tense , a n d p e r s o n :
1. T h e v e r b d a s o d e n o t e s o f a n a c t i o n , w h i c h c o m m e n c e d in t h e t i m e past,
the unremitting continuation a t t h e p r e s e n t time. It is p u t after t h e s u b j e c t , a n d
f o l l o w e d b y t h e p r e d i c a t i v e v e r b in t h e infinitive. I n E n g l i s h it m u s t b e r e n
d e r e d b y t h e a d v e r b still, e. g . O d a s o y a r r e , H e is still s i c k .
2. T h e v e r b n y a p r e c e d e s t h e predicative verb, b o t h s t a n d i n g in t h e n e g a
tive, a n d a g r e e i n g in t e n s e a n d p e r s o n . It t h u s d e n o t e s the c o n t i n u a t i o n o f the
n o n p e r f o r m a n c e o f t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in t h e latter , o f w h i c h it is e x p e c t e d
t h a t it w i l l c o m e t o p a s s , a n d m u s t b e r e n d e r e d i n E n g l i s h b y n o t y e t , e. g.
O n n y a o m b a i , H e is n o t y e t c o m e
O y e a b o f r a , o n n y a o m f u b o g y e s e
H e is a boy, h e h a s g o t n o b e a r d yet.
3. T h e v e r b k o , f o l l o w e d b y t h e p r e d i c a t i v e v e r b in t h e infinitive, d e n o t e s
the immediate futurity of the action expressed in the latter ; or m o r e particularly,
t h a t its p e r f o r m a n c e is j u s t p r e p a r i n g , a s in E n g l i s h t h e e x p r e s s i o n s is a b o u t to,
is g o i n g to, e. g. A d e - a , w o k o y e y i , d y o n h u i y e , C o n s i d e r w e l l w h a t y o u
are going to do
A i v u a p u e n a e k o t o - a , e f e se, W h e n the s u n rises a n d
w h e n it is g o i n g t o s e t , it is b e a u t i f u l .
C.
U s e
o f t h e P e r s o n s .
§. 180. O n t h e u s e o f t h e inflectional f o r m s o f t h e v e r b f o r t h e different
p e r s o n s singular a n d plural, v e r y little n e e d b e said, b e i n g o n t h e w h o l e the
8 1
s a m e in all l a n g u a g e s . T h i s refers m o r e particularly to t h e first a n d s e c o n d
person, in the use of w h i c h w e are n o t a w a r e of a n y difference f r o m the E n g
lish, e x c e p t that in a d d r e s s i n g a single p e r s o n t h e s i n g u l a r is a l w a y s , t h e plural
n e v e r e m p l o y e d . W i t h r e g a r d to the third person, h o w e v e r , a f e w r e m a r k s
s e e m to.be required.
O f t h e v e r b i n t h e t h i r d p e r s o n , i. e . r e f e r r i n g t o a t h i n g o r p e r s o n s p o k e n
of, t h e r e a r e t h r e e f o r m s t o b e d i s t i n g u i s h e d : 1. t h e v e r b w i t h o u t a n y a u g m e n t ,
e x c e p t s u c h a s d e n o t e m o o d a n d t e n s e , e. g. - b a , c o m e s , o r c o m e ( p l u r a l ) ; - b e b a , will c o m e ; - m m a, does not come, or do not come;
2. w i t h t h e p h o n e tical
a u g m e n t e , o r n e u t r a l - a u g m e n t , e. g. e b a ( i Q c o m e s , o r ( t h e y ) c o m e
e b e b a ,
(it) will come, or (they) will c o m e
e m m a , (it) does not c o m e , or (they) do
not c o m e ;
3. w i t h t h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t o , in t h e p l u r a l v o , e. g. o b a , h e
c o m e s
v o b a , they c o m e
o b e b a , he will c o m e
v o b e b a , they will c o m e
o m m a , he does not c o m e
v o m m a , they do not come.
O f the perfect, h o w e v e r , w h e n f o r m e d b y the a u g m e n t a, there r e m a i n but
t w o f o r m s : the neutral-form w i t h o u t a n y other a u g m e n t but those indicating
t e n s e a n d m o o d , e. g. a b a , is c o m e o r a r e c o m e
a m m a , is n o t c o m e , o r a r e
not c o m e ;
a n d t h e p e r s o n a l - f o r m w i t h t h e a u g m e n t v - , e. g . v a b a , h e U
c o m e or they are c o m e
v a m m a , h e is n o t c o m e o r t h e y a r e n o t c o m e .
N o w in the e m p l o y m e n t of these f o r m s there are t w o cases to be o b
s e r v e d :
T h e first is, w h e n t h e v e r b is i m m e d i a t e l y p r e c e d e d b y its subject. It is
t h e n p u t w i t h o u t a n y a u g m e n t e x c e p t s u c h a s i n d i c a t e m o o d a n d t e n s e , e. g .
O k o m b a , A famine c a m e
E s o n n o b e b a , A n elephant will c o m e
N ' a s e m
ni a s e , H i s w o r d s are senseless
K w a m i n m m e r e , K w a m m shall c o m e . If,
h o w e v e r , the s o u n d s concluding the subject a n d c o m m e n c i n g the verb, are such
as c a n n o t euphonically b e p r o n o u n c e d together, the v e r b takes the phonetical
a u g m e n t e , e. g. O d o n e r e b o , T h e c l o c k is striking.
T h e s e c o n d c a s e is, w h e n the v e r b is n o t i m m e d i a t e l y p r e c e d e d b y its s u b
ject, t h e latter b e i n g either n o t e x p r e s s e d a t all, o r a t least s e p a r a t e d f r o m t h e
p r e d i c a t e . T h e latter t h e n t a k e s t h e p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t if r e f e r r i n g to a p e r s o n ,
o r a thing personified ; a n d the n e u t r a l - a u g m e n t e , except perfects c o m m e n c i n g
w i t h a , w h e n r e f e r r i n g t o a t h i n g , e. g. O b i a k o f o n a m - a , o d i a t r o , W h e n
a m a n t r a v e l s a l o n e , h e tells lies, p r v . 2 0 4
N e a v a h u bi p e n s e v o k i , T h e y
w h o h a v e s e e n a t h i n g o n c e , s a y t h e y l o a t h e it, p r v . 1 0 1
W ' a g y a a k o a t y a
d u a o s e e y e m e r o w , W h e n y o u r f a t h e r ' s s l a v e is c h o p p i n g w o o d , h e s a y s it is
soft, prv. 7 0
O h i e n n i b u b e - a , e f i c e , W h e n a p o o r m a n m a k e s a p r o v e r b , it
does not spread, prv. 136.
A s t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e h a s n o p a s s i v e voice, the third p e r s o n plural is f r e q u e n t l y
e m p l o y e d , w h e r e in E n g l i s h t h e p a s s i v e is u s e d , e. g. V o t o f i w o - a , w o n t o
t u o , W h e n y o u ( y o u r s e l f ) a r e sold, y o u d o n o t b u y a g u n , p r v . 93. cf. 49. 57.
62. 1 6 2 etc.
C H A P T E R
O b j e c t i v e
II.
C o m b i n a t i o n .
Constituents. C o n s t r u c t i o n . F o r m s o f t h e Object.
§. 181. T h e constituents o f t h e o b j e c t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n a r e t h e Object,
t h e p r e d i c a t e in its r e l a t i o n s to t h e object.
1 1
a n d
8 2
T h e different kinds of objects, the f o r m s in w h i c h they are represented,
the m o d e s of expressing the m u t u a l relations b e t w e e n the predicate a n d the
object,
are the points to be treated of in this chapter.
T h e c o m m o n construction o f the objective combination is the s a m e as in E n g
lish,
t h e predicate b e i n g g e n e r a l l y f o l l o w e d b y its object, e.g. O n o m e n s u ,
H e drinks w a t e r
O k u m b a t a f o v o n ' a f u s o , H e killed a h o g in his planta
tion. D e v i a t i o n s f r o m this rule will b e n o t i c e d u n d e r t h e particular kinds
of objects.
,
T h e object, generally considered, m a y a p p e a r in three different forms, being
1 . a s u b s t a n t i v e , i. e . a s u b s t a n t i v e p r o p e r , o r a n y w o r d e q u i v a l e n t t o a
substantive, as a substantive pronoun, a n adjective used as a substantive, or an
infinitive, e. g. O s i d a n , H e buill a h o u s e
O f r e m u , H e calls y o u
O h u
t u m m , H e s a w ( s o m e t h i n g ) black, p r v . 1 9 5 O s u a k a f i , H e is l e a r n i n g to read.
2. a substantive w i t h a preposition, e. g. O t r a a b r o g w a s o , H e is silling
o n a chair.
3. a n a d v e r b , e. g. O k a s a k r o A k r o n , H e s p e a k s distinctly
O b e b a o k an.
n a , H e will c o m e to m o r r o w
O f y e a s e , H e fell d o w n .
Observ. In o n e case a n adjective also m a y b e the object o f a sentence
(cf. §. 1 8 7 , 3 >
Different K i n d s o f O b j e c t s .
§. 182. O f p r i m a r y c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a s to t h e f o r m a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n o f the
objective c o m b i n a t i o n , a r e the different kinds o f objects.
T h e g e n e r a l i m p o r t o f tlie o b j e c t is a q u a l i f i c a t i o n o f t h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d in
the predicate. N o w w i t h r e g a r d to the particular k i n d of qualification, w h i c h
a n object m a y contain, there are the following kinds of objects:
1. T h e o b j e c t is a n O b j e c t o f A c t i v i t y , w h e n it d e n o t e s a t h i n g o r a p e r s o n ,
w h i c h is s u f f e r i n g t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e , o r p r o d u c e d b y it, o r
w i t h t h e s u b j e c t r e c i p r o c a l l y p a r t i c i p a t i n g in it, e. g. O b o a h i n n a , H e b r o k e
a pot
O f i y u n n e t a m , H e w e a v e s cloth
M i c i a w o n u a , / m e t your
brother.
2. It is a n Object o f M a n n e r , w h e n it states a p a r t i c u l a r qualification of
t h e p r e d i c a t i v e i d e a a s t o q u a l i t y , q u a n t i t y , o r c a u s a l i t y , e. g. O n a m e n t e m ,
H e w a l k s fast
O s u k a k r a , H e w e p t a little
E n s a f i e n t i o y a r r e , H e has
b e c o m e sick by contagion.
3. It is a n O b j e c t o f L o c a l i t y , w h e n it d e n o t e s t h e p l a c e , t o w h i c h t h e a c t i o n
e x p r e s s e d i n t h e p r e d i c a t e is r e f e r r e d , e. g. A k r o p o n d a b e p o s o , A k r o p o n g
is situated o n a m o u n t a i n
O k o w u r a m , H e w e n t into the forest.
4. It is a n O b j e c t o f T i m e , w h e n it d e n o t e s e i t h e r t h e p o i n t o f t i m e , w h e n
t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e is p e r f o r m e d , o r its d u r a t i o n , e. g. E n a r r a n a o b a i , H e c a m e yesterday
O b e t r a h a u n a a n a f i , H e will stay here
four days.
§. 183. A n o
idea expressed
sulting, b e t w e e
1. T h e i d e a
A c c e s s a r y
t h e r diffe
in the pred
n the predi
e x p r e s s e d
rence o
icate,
cate a n
in the
a n d I n t e g r a n t O b j e c t s .
f o
a n d
d t
pre
bjects refers to the notional f o r m o f the
the particular k i n d of relation, h e n c e re
he o b j e c t
d i c a t e is c o m p l e t e in itself, a n d d o e s n o
8 3
include a n y o t h e r relation b u t that to its subject. W e t e r m s u c h p r e d i c a t e s
subjective predicates, a n d verbs of this kind subjective verbs; their external cri
t e r i o n is t h a t t h e y m a y b e e m p l o y e d w i t h o u t a n y o b j e c t a t a l l , e. g. D a d e y e
d e n , I r o n is h a r d
A b o f r a s u , T h e baby cries.
A predicate of this kind m a y , h o w e v e r , be particularized b y the addition
o f a n o b j e c t , t h o u g h it d o e s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e q u i r e it f o r its t h e o r e t i c a l c o m
p l e t e n e s s (cf. §. 157, 2). T h e r e l a t i o n o f s u c h a n o b j e c t t o t h e p r e d i c a t e is o n e
o f qualification m e r e l y , a n d h e n c e w e t e r m it a q u a h f y i n g o r a c c e s s a r y object,
e. g . A b o f r a n o s u d a , T h i s child is a l w a y s c r y i n g
M u n s u m a m , D o not
w e e p for me.
2. T h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e is n o t c o m p l e t e in itself, b u t i n c l u d e s
a relation to a n object, a n d requires that object to b e a d d e d in order to render
it c o m p l e t e , e. g. H e killed d e m a n d s t h e a d d i t i o n o f w h a t w a s killed: O k u m
b a t a f o , H e killed a h a g (cf. §. 157, 2). In this c a s e t h e v e r b is a n objective
v e r b , t h e r e l a t i o n o f t h e o b j e c t t o it is o n e o f c o m p l e t i o n o r integration , a n d t h e
object itself a n integrant object.
O f the different kinds of objects those of m a n n e r a n d of time are a l w a y s
accessary; objects of activity a r e w i t h rare exceptions integrant, a n d objects
of locality either accessary or integrant. S o m e objective v e r b s require t w o
i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t s , e. g. H e g i v e s d e m a n d s a n o b j e c t s t a t i n g w h a t , a n d a n o t h e r
stating to w h o m he gives ; a n d H e puts d e m a n d s o n e stating w h a t , a n d a n o t h e r
stating w h e r e h e puts.
B e t w e e n subjective a n d objective verbs, h o w e v e r , the line of d e m a r c a t i o n
is n o t v e r y strictly defined. T h e r e are a considerable n u m b e r o f v e r b s w h i c h
a r e u s e d in either w a y , either w i t h or w i t h o u t a particular modification of
their m e a n i n g . This, h o w e v e r , is m o r e frequently the case in E n g l i s h t h a n in
Oji; a n d in the latter, o n the w h o l e , the difference of accessary a n d integrant
objects d e m a n d s a m u c h greater attention than in the f o r m e r , w i t h r e g a r d
especially to objects of locality, a n d to the construction of m o r e complicated
objective combinations.
S i m p l e a n d
C o m p o u n d
O b j e c t i v e
C o m b i n a t i o n .
§. 184. T h e o b j e c t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n is simple w h e n
it is c o m p o u n d w h e n s e v e r a l objects a r e r e f e r r e d to
A s the objects w h i c h m a y occur in a c o m p o u n d
o f the s a m e character w i t h those of simple combinat
for a strict separation of the two. H e n c e in this cha
different kinds of objects separately, a n d then adver
t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n in p a r t i c u l a r , b u t a s f a r a s it is
f o r m s of construction.
§.
b e dis
1.
c o n c e i
2.
a s the
I.
O B J E C T
185. O f objects o f activity (§. 182
tinguished.
T h e object is a passive object,
v e d as, itself inactive, suffering t
It is a resullivetobject, w h e n t h e
product, effect, or result of the
O F
containing but o n e object,
the s a m e predicate.
o b j e c t s c o m b i n a t i o n are
i o n s , t h e r e is n o o c c a s i o n
p t e r w e c o n s i d e r first t h e
t to the c o m p o u n d objec
distinguished b y peculiar
A C T I V I T Y .
, 1) there are three particular kinds to
w h e n t h e t h i n g ( o r p e r s o n ) d e n o t e d is
he action expressed in the predicate.
t h i n g ( o r p e r s o n ) d e n o t e d is c o n c e i v e d
action.
8 4
3. It is a reciprocal object, w h e n t h e p e r s o n f o r t h i n g ) d e n o t e d is c o n c e i v e d
as w i t h the subject reciprocally participating in the action expressed in the
predicate, or p e r f o r m i n g a c o r r e s p o n d i n g action.
In G e r m a n a n d other l a n g u a g e s these different kinds of objects are in part
distinguished b y the cases. T h e Oji, as w e h a v e r e m a r k e d in a f o r m e r place,
is destitute o f inflectional f o r m s for t h e cases. T h e necessity, n e v e r t h e l e s s , of
distinguishing the different objects mentioned, will a p p e a r f r o m the sequel, the
construction of c o m p o u n d objective combinations especially in a g r e a t m e a s u r e
d e p e n d i n g o n those differences.
Observ. A f e w w o r d s of explanation s e e m to be required w i t h r e g a r d to
the t e r m -resullive object". In m o d e r n G e r m a n g r a m m a r the t e r m Jaclitive" h a s b e e n e m p l o y e d to denote the s a m e kind of objects. W e h a v e
hesitated, h o w e v e r , to transfer this t e r m to the English
as K. F. B e c k e r
d o e s in his G r a m m a r o f the G e r m a n L a n g u a g e , t h o u g h w i t h a difference
i n t h e e x t e n t o f m e a n i n g g i v e n t o it
b e c a u s e it a p p e a r s t o u s a n ir
regular formation, a n d w e d o not find a n y w o r d to w h i c h , b y the c o m
m o n l a w s o f e t y m o l o g i c a l d e r i v a t i o n , it c a n b e referred. T o t h e t e r m
resuttive, w e s h o u l d t h i n k , t h e r e c a n b e n o o b j e c t i o n , e x p r e s s i n g w h a t it
is m e a n t to c o n v e y , a n d b e i n g regularly referable to the v e r b to resull,
in the s a m e w a y as relative to the v e r b to relate, or to the s u p i n e of the
L a t i n v e r b resilio, in the s a m e w a y as passive to the s u p i n e o f potior.
T h e distinction b e t w e e n passive a n d resullive objects is o f i m p o r t a n c e a l s o
for the p u r p o s e of explaining h o w o n e a n d the s a m e verb h a s c o m e to
express various notions, w h i c h s o m e t i m e s s e e m v e r y different, as this
d i f f e r e n c e m a y o f t e n b e r e f e r r e d t o t h e d i s t i n c t i o n m e n t i o n e d ; e. g. t h e
v e r b b o originally expresses the idea of violent m o t i o n , a n d h e n c e in
c l u d i n g t h e r e f e r e n c e t o a p a s s i v e o b j e c t it m e a n s to t o u c h b y a violent
m o t i o n i. e . t o s t r i k e , t o b e a t , t o b r e a k ,
but including the reference to
a r e s u l t i v e o b j e c t it signifies to p r o d u c e b y a violent m o t i o n , a n d h e n c e to
p r o d u c e , to create, to manufacture.
1.
P a s s i v e O b j e c t .
§. 186. T h e p a s s i v e o b j e c t is a l w a y s i n t e g r a n t . A s t o its f o r m , it is e i t h e r
a substantive , or a n y other w o r d equivalent to a substantive. T h e p l a c e allot
t e d t o it i n a s e n t e n c e is g e n e r a l l y i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e p r e d i c a t e , e. g . V a t o
a k o k o , H e has bought a fowl.
T o g i v e m o r e e m p h a s i s t o it, it m a y b e p u t a t t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e ,
e. g. O s u c e f a v o m m u a , A h a l f r o o f they d o n o t p u t o n , p r v . 1 6 7 ,
t h o u g h
t h a t s e e m s t o b e a l l o w a b l e o n l y w h e n t h e s u b j e c t is n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y e x p r e s s e d ,
b u t i n d i c a t e d m e r e l y b y t h e f o r m o f t h e v e r b ; a n d e v e n t h e n it is g e n e r a l l y
v i c a r i o u s l y r e p e a t e d b y a p r o n o u n in its u s u a l p l a c e , e. g. O k r o v o h a r r e n o
a f a e n u , A c a n o e t h e y r o w (it) o n b o t h sides, p r v . 1 6 5 . cf. 10. 238.
A s to the omission o f a passive object there a r e several deviations o f the
Oji f r o m the E n g l i s h to b e o b s e r v e d :
1. W h e n t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g w a n t s t o s t a t e a p a r t i c u l a r a c t i o n a s t h e
p r o p e r t y o f a certain subject, t h o u g h the v e r b is transitive a n d t h e o r e t i c a l l y
o u g h t t o h a v e a n o b j e c t , y e t in E n g l i s h it is p u t in t h i s c a s e w i t h o u t a n y o b
j e c t , e. g. A k n i f e cuts, A d o g bites. In O j i s u c h a n o m i s s i o n o f t h e o b j e c t o f
a transitive v e r b is n o t a l l o w a b l e ; h e r e either, w h e n t h e t h i n g a c t e d u p o n is
c o n c e i v e d a s i n a n i m a t e , a d e , thing, is p u t a s o b j e c t , o r w h e n it is c o n c e i v e d
a s a p e r s o n , o n i p a , m a n , is p u t , e. g. O s e k a f i t y a a d e , A k n i f e c u t s ( t h i n g s ' )
O k r o m f o v u 'ade, A thief steals (things)
O v o k a n i p a , A serpent
biles ( m a n ) .
8 5
2. A n o m i s s i o n of the passive object often takes place in sentences, w h i c h
d o not, like those quoted, state general properties, but refer to certain cases,
w h e r e t h e o b j e c t is c o n c e i v e d to b e a p a r t i c u l a r t h i n g , b u t w h i c h is either left
indefinite, or m a y easily b e g u e s s e d f r o m the context or f r o m circumstances,
e. g. E h w y u n n e n y a n a . e n i w a n y a , I f the n o s e gets (viz. a n y t h i n g ) , the
e y e gets (it too), prv. 1 3 4
W o m a m i s e w o m a w o b a , a n k a m a m e , If
y o u h a d given me"(viz. f o o d ) as y o u g a v e y o u r child, I s h o u l d be satisfied, prv. 3 6
O b i m p r a n a o b i n s e s a w , W h e n o n e sweeps, another does not carry a w a y
(viz. t h e s w e e p i n g s ) , p r v . 54. cf. 15. 24. 30. 2 0 0 .
, # « 3 . W h e n t h e o b j e c t o f a t r a n s i t i v e v e r b is a n i n d i v i d u a l p e r s o n o r t h i n g ,
w h i c h h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d j u s t b e f o r e , it is d e n o t e d in E n g l i s h m e r e l y b y a
p r o n o u n , e . g . A b o o k i s l y i n g o n t h e t a b l e , g o a n d f e t c h it. T h e s a m e i s t h e c a s e
in O j i w h e n t h e o b j e c t is a p e r s o n , e. g. W o n u a n n y a o m b a i , k o f r e n o ,
Y o u r b r o t h e r is n o t c o m e yet, g o a n d call h i m ; b u t if it is a t h i n g , t h e p r o n o u n
is g e n e r a l l y left out, e. g. O s r a m a y e r a , m i n h u b i o . T h e m o o n h a s v a n i s h e d
I see (it) n o m o r e
A d a k a s i p o n a s e , y i f i a d i , A b o x is s t a n d i n g u n d e r
the table, fetch (it) out
O d a n n o a y e g o , y e r e b e b u , T h i s h o u s e is g o i n g
to decay, w e will break (it) d o w n , prv. 101. 142. 188.
2. R e s u l t i v e O b j e c t .
§. 187. O f o b j e c t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n s , w h i c h h a v e a resultive o b j e c t , s e v e r a l
variations are to be distinguished:
1. T h e p r e d i c a t e is a t r a n s i t i v e v e r b , w h i c h m e a n s to m a k e , to p r o d u c e
s o m e t h i n g , a n d t h e o b j e c t d e n o t e s the t h i n g w h i c h is t h e p r o d u c t o f the action,
e. g. y e a h u r u , to m a k e f o a m , to f o a m
t o n n o a s o w , to forge a h o e
n y u n n e t a m , to w e a v e cloth
s e n a k o f i w a , to c a r v e a c h a i r (i. e. to m a k e
a chair by carving). T h e difference of the resultive f r o m the passive object
will b e easily perceived b y c o m p a r i n g expressions as t o n n o a s o w , to forge a
h o e , i. e. t o m a k e a h o e b y h a m m e r i n g , a n d t o n n o d a d e , t o h a m m e r i r o n . I n
t h e p r e s e n t c a s e , n e v e r t h e l e s s , a resultive object d o e s n o t differ in its f o r m
f r o m a passive object, a n d the rules given w i t h r e g a r d to the latter a p p l y to
t h e f o r m e r as well.
2. T h e v e r b d a n , in the m e a n i n g to transform, a n d f r e a n d t o , to call
(i. e. to g i v e a n a m e to) r e q u i r e t w o o b j e c t s , a p a s s i v e a s w e l l a s a r e s u l t i v e ,
o f w h i c h t h e f o r m e r a l w a y s p r e c e d e s t h e latter, e. g. O b a i f o d a n n e h u o s e b o , A sorcerer transforms himself into a leopard
M a t o m e b a A d o , / have
called m y child A d o
O f r e w o a v e , H e calls y o u c o m r a d e , prv. 108. A s to
t h e v e r b t o , h o w e v e r , s e e §. 201, 2.
3. T h e p r e d i c a t e is a n intransitive v e r b , e x p r e s s i n g t h e i d e a o f b e c o m i n g
something, a n d the object states the result of the action; h e n c e t h o u g h the v e r b
is i n t r a n s i t i v e , y e t it is o b j e c t i v e ( § . 1 8 3 , 2 ) a n d r e q u i r e s a n i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t .
S u c h a r e t h e v e r b s d a n , to b e c o m e ( b y s u d d e n t r a n s f o r m a t i o n ) , to t u r n to, a n d
n y i n , to b e c o m e ( b y a g r a d u a l p r o c e s s ) to g r o w , to w a x , e. g. D u a d a n g e b i r u , W o o d turns to coal
V a n y i n a k o k o r a , H e has b e c o m e a n old m a n .
A n adjective also m a y be the object of these verbs, e . g . O m a m f e r e n n i
n n y i n k r o n k r o n , l i t e r a l l y A f o r e i g n s e t t l e r d o e s n o t b e c o m e p u r e i. e. a p e r f e c t
native, prv. 172.
T h e object a n infinitive.
,
§. 188. S e v e r a l v e r b s m a y t a k e a n infinitive a s their object. S u c h v e r b s
are: s u a , to learn
k y e r r e , to leach
n i m , to k n o w , h e n c e c a n
a h u ,
8 6
to u n d e r s t a n d (perfect tense of h u , to see)
g y a i , to leave off
v i e , to
finish, to complete
p e , to wish, will
t u m i , to be able, can.
T h e f o r m of the infinitive, e m p l o y e d w h e n standing as a n integrant object,
is g e n e r a l l y t h a t w i t h o u t a n y a u g m e n t (cf. §. 8 5 ) , e. g. O s u a k a f i , H e l e a r n s
to r e a d
O k y e r r e n o k a n , H e teaches him to r e a d
O n i m k o n , H e c a n
fight
A b o f r a a n h u g w a d i , A boy does not u n d e r s t a n d h o w to trade
O n g y a i k a s a , H e does not leave off talking. T h e v e r b s p e a n d t u m i , h o w e v e r ,
w h i c h m o r e f r e q u e n t l y h a v e a n o t h e r c o n s t r u c t i o n (cf. §. 2 2 1 ) , if c o n s t r u e d w i t h
a n infinitive, r e q u i r e t h e f o r m w i t h t h e a u g m e n t a (cf. §. 85, i, b ) , e. g. O t u m '
a y e a d e b e b r i , H e c an do m a n y things
W o p e a k a a s e m a k y e r e N y a n k u p o n - a , I f y o u w a n t to s a y a n y t h i n g to G o d , p r v . 79. cf. 2 4 7 . W h e n t u m i is
e m p l o y e d in t h e n e g a t i v e , it g e n e r a l l y t a k e s t h e infinitive , w h i c h is p u t in t h e
n e g a t i v e also, e. g. Y e n t u m i n y e b a a k o n , W e c a n n o t a g r e e
O n t u m i n y e
m i f y e , H e cannot do anything to me.
W h e n the infinitive, w h i c h is the object o f t h e p r e d i c a t e , is a transitive
v e r b , it m a y itself t a k e a n o t h e r o b j e c t , a n d if so, it is p r e c e d e d b y t h a t o b j e c t ,
O n i m e n t r a m a k a n , H e c a n count cowries
M i n n i m a k y i n n e k a , / c a n
not, beat the d r u m
V a g y a i t a n o m , H e h a s left off s m o k i n g t o b a c c o
O b i
n g y a i e s o n n o e k i d i , N o b o d y leaves off pursuing a n elephant, prv. 174
V e i v i e n ' a d y u m a y e , H e has fimshed Qto do) his w o r k .
R e c i p r o c a l
O b j e c t .
§. 189. R e c i p r o c a l o b j e c t s a r e n o t a l w a y s i n t e g r a n t , like t h e p a s s i v e a n d
resultive objects, but m a y b e accessary also.
1. O f i n t e g r a n t r e c i p r o c a l o b j e c t s t h e r e a r e s e v e r a l v a r i a t i o n s t o b e d i s t i n
guished :
a. In t h e p r e d i c a t e a n a c t i o n is e x p r e s s e d , w h i c h is c o n c e i v e d a s m u t u a l
b e t w e e n the subject a n d the object. In this case a reciprocal object a l o n e is
required, w h i c h as to its f o r m a n d position d o e s n o t differ f r o m the p a s s i v e
o b j e c t . A s e n t e n c e o f t h i s k i n d m a y g e n e r a l l y b e i n v e r t e d , i. e . t h e o b j e c t m a y
b e transferred to the place of the subject a n d vice versa, w i t h o u t its s e n s e
b e i n g m a t e r i a l l y a l t e r e d , e. g. A b o f r a n o s e n ' a g y a , T h i s b o y is like his
f a t h e r , is n o t m a t e r i a l l y d i f f e r e n t f r o m A g y a n o s e n e b a , T h i s f a t h e r is like
his son
M i c i a n o v o k w a n m , I m e t him o n the r o a d
A s e m b o n n e
f a t a h i e n n i , H a r d w o r d s a r e fit f o r t h e p o o r .
b. T h e p a r t i c u l a r n o t i o n e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e m a y b e r e f e r r e d t o t h e
general idea of a c o m m u n i c a t i o n m a d e b y the subject to the object , a n d the
latter is c o n c e i v e d a s p e r f o r m i n g t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g a c t i o n o f r e c e i v i n g w h a t is
c o m m u n i c a t e d . In this case t w o objects are a l w a y s required, a reciprocal d e
n o t i n g t h e p e r s o n t o w h o m , a n d a p a s s i v e d e n o t i n g t h e t h i n g w h i c h is c o m m u
nicated. T h e reciprocal a l w a y s precedes the passive object. V e r b s of this
character are m a , to give
k y e , to present
k y e r r e , to s h o w , to teach
b e r e , to b r i n g , e. g. O m a m i s e k a f i , H e g a v e m e a k n i f e
O k y e r r e m i
e m f o n i n n e , H e s h o w e d m e a p i c t u r e ; (cf. §. 2 0 1 , 1.)
c. S o m e v e r b s , t h o u g h t h e y d o n o t in t h e i r p r i m a r y s i g n i f i c a t i o n i n c l u d e
the relation to a reciprocal object, m a y b y a modification of the f o r m e r b e
i n v e s t e d w i t h it, a s y e , to d o , in t h e m e a n i n g to inflict, to d o C h a r m ) to a p e r son, e. g. M i n t e s e o s a m a n a y e o n i p a b i r i b i d a , / h a v e n e v e r h e a r d that a
spectre has d o n e a m a n a n y ( h a r m ) ;
g y a w , to leave, V a d i i n i a r a n a vafig y a w m i b i r i b i , H e h a s eaten all a n d left m e nothing.
d. A predicate, in w h i c h a b o d i l y o r m e n t a l affection is e x p r e s s e d , often
takes a p r o n o u n , denoting the p e r s o n affected, as a reciprocal object, as in
E n g l i s h It pains m e
It g i v e s m e p a i n , e. g. M ' e m f i m y e m i y a w , M y side
pains m e
M e ti b e n m i , M y h e a d aches
M e u u a d y u r u w m i , / feel
dejected
M e h u a y e r a w m i , / a m amazed.
2. A r e c i p r o c a l o b j e c t m a y b e a d d e d to a p r e d i c a t e , t h o u g h t h e latter d o e s
n o t i n a n y w a y i n c l u d e a r e l a t i o n t o it. It is t h e n a n a c c e s s a r y r e c i p r o c a l object,
a n d t h e r e l a t i o n c o n n e c t i n g it w i t h t h e p r e d i c a t e m u s t b e p a r t i c u l a r l y e x p r e s s e d .
O f this case there are t w o variations.
a. T h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n o f the subject to the object, to w h i c h the action
e x p r e s s e d i n t h e p r e d i c a t e m a y b e r e f e r r e d (cf. 1, b), c o n s i s t s in t h e l a t t e r b e i n g
p e r f o r m e d f o r the benefit o f o r out o f s y m p a t h y with t h e object. T h e relation is
t h e n e x p r e s s e d b y t h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n m a ( c f §. 1 4 6 ) , w h i c h in E n g l i s h m a y
g e n e r a l l y b e r e n d e r e d b y f o r , e. g. O g u g u a b r o m a e n k o k o , H e p o u r s c o r n
out for the fowls
O y e a d y u m a m a n o , H e w o r k s for h i m
O y i m e b o g y e s e m a m , H e shaves m y b e a r d (for m e )
H u m ' e n i s o m a m , B l o w u p o n
m y e y e ( f o r m e ) , p r v . 64, cf. 2 0 0
O s u m a n e n u a , H e w e e p s for his brother.
b. If, h o w e v e r , in t h e p r e d i c a t e t h e n o t i o n o f s p e a k i n g is e x p r e s s e d , a n d
t h e relation to the object, accordingly, is o n e o f oral c o m m u n i c a t i o n merely, the
l a t t e r is e x p r e s s e d b y k y e r e , e. g. O k a s a k y e r e m i , H e s p o k e t o m e
O k a
a s e m k y e r e m i , H e told m e something.
II.
O B J E C T
O F
M A N N E R .
§. 190. T h e o b j e c t o f m a n n e r is , a s t o t h e p a r t i c u l a r q u a l i f i c a t i o n o f t h e
p r e d i c a t e s t a t e d b y it, e i t h e r a n object o f q u a h t y , a n o b j e c t o f quantity, o r a n
object o f c a u s a h t y (cf. §. 182, 2). It is n e v e r i n t e g r a n t , b u t m e r e l y a c c e s s a r y .
1. T h e object o f quality states a particular c h a r a c t e r o r c i r c u m s t a n c e o f t h e
action expressed in the predicate, a n s w e r i n g to the question h o w , in w h a t way,
b y w h a t m e a n s . It is a l w a y s p l a c e d after t h e p r e d i c a t e , a n d if t h e latter h a s
a n i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t , it is p r e c e d e d b y t h a t a l s o . A s t o its f o r m it is e i t h e r a n
a d v e r b o f m a n n e r (cf. §. 1 5 0 ) , o r a s u b s t a n t i v e , o r a n infinitive, e. g. O p r a n n a
b o m d e n e f i , It thunders vehemently
K a s a k r o f i k r o n , S p e a k distinctly
F y e w o a d y u m a i y e , L o o k well to y o u r w o r k
O k r o v o h a r r e n o a f a
e n u , A c a n o e is r o w e d o n b o t h sides, p r v . 1 6 5 . V e r y r a r e l y a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h
a p r e p o s i t i o n is a n o b j e c t o f q u a l i t y , a s is c o m m o n in E n g l i s h , e. g. O k a s a v o
a b e b u m , H e s p e a k s in p r o v e r b s . If it is a n infinitive, t h e a u g m e n t e d f o r m o f
it is a l w a y s u s e d (cf. §. 8 5 a n d 1 8 6 ) , e. g. W o s e f i m i a d i d i - a , m i s e n w o
n n a , I f y o u s u r p a s s m e in eating, I s u r p a s s y o u m sleeping, p r v . 71. If, h o w e v e r ,
t h e i n f i n i t i v e itself h a s a n i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t p r e c e d i n g it (cf. §. 1 8 8 ) , t h e f o r m
w i t h o u t a n y a u g m e n t is u s e d , e. g. O b i n s e f i f a s u a k o t o k u s e n , N o b o d y
surpasses a wall in bearing bags, prv. 231.
W h e n t h e object o f quality is a s u b s t a n t i v e d e n o t i n g t h e instrument o r
m e a n s , b y w h i c h a n a c t i o n is p e r f o r m e d , o r t h e materials f r o m w h i c h a t h i n g
is m a d e , t h e auxiliary v e r b d e is g e n e r a l l y e m p l o y e d in the construction o f t h e
s e n t e n c e (cf. §. 202). I n s o m e e x p r e s s i o n s , h o w e v e r , a s b o o r t o a n a n k u t i ,
s o t o r r e ,
k u t r u k u ,
t w y e r r e , to beat w i t h the foot, w i t h the p a l m etc.
8 8
t h e o b j e c t is p u t i m m e d i a t e l y after t h e i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t , e. g. O b o a b o f r a
s o t o r r e , H e struck the b o y with the p a l m ( o f his hand).
2. T h e object o f q u a n t i t y states t h e intensity o r f r e q u e n c y o f t h e a c t i o n e x
pressed in the predicate , a n s w e r i n g to the question in w h a t degree, h o w much,
o r h o w often. A s t o its f o r m it is e i t h e r a n a d v e r b o f intensity o r f r e q u e n c y , o r
a n u m e r a l , o r a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h a n u m e r a l ; a s t o t h e p l a c e o c c u p i e d b y it, it
d o e s n o t differ f r o m t h e o b j e c t o f q u a l i t y , e. g. O k w a n n o v a r r e d o d o , T h e
w a y is v e r y l o n g
N e h u y e d e f i s e , H e is v e r y s t r o n g
E n n i h a w a k a w
k a k r a , Y o u a r e a tittle l a z y
O k u s a o d e b e b r e b e , H e roasts the y a m too
m u c h , prv. 2 4 6
N e g w a f i t e w e m p e n a b i e n , H i t sheep r a n a w a y twice,
prv. 156.
3. T h e object o f causality states t h e c a u s e , t o w h i c h t h e o r i g i n o f t h e a c t i o n
or condition expressed in the predicate is o w i n g , a n s w e r i n g to the question
w h y , f r o m w h a t c a u s e , t h r o u g h w h a t , o r o n a c c o u n t o f w h a t . A s t o its f o r m , it
is g e n e r a l l y a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h t h e p r e p o s i t i o n e n t i (cf. §. 141), a n d is a l w a y s
p l a c e d a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , e. g. E n s a n e n t i o y a r r e , T h r o u g h c o n t a
g i o n h e is sick
A k w a d u r r ' e n t i o h i a a b a n o so, T h r o u g h idleness p o v e r t y
has c o m e u p o n him
O b r e e n t i m i n t u m i n y e a d y u m a , F r o m weariness I
cannot w o r k
N ' a t u t u p e e n t i o b i a r a m p e n ' a s e m , O n account o f his
quarrelsome disposition n o b o d y will h a v e a n y t h i n g to do with h i m
E n k e k y e
e n t i o n n i d i b e b r e b e , F r o m avarice he does not eat e n o u g h
T a n o w a m a
m i e n t i n a m i d a w ' a s e , / thank y o u for the tobacco y o u g a v e me. W h e n the
c a u s e o f a n a c t i o n is a p u r p o s e o f its s u b j e c t , it is n o t e x p r e s s e d in a s i n g l e
substantive, b u t iu a sentence, to w h i c h t h e p r e p o s i t i o n e n t i is r e f e r r e d in a
s i m i l a r w a y , a s i n E n g l i s h a p r e p o s i t i o n m a y b e j o i n e d t o a p a r t i c i p l e , e. g.
Y e p e - a y e b e . h ' u e n t i n a y e k e k y i r r e b o a , F o r the sake o f finding (things)
w h e n w e w a n t (them), w e m a k e parcels, prv. 2 2 2
H u m ' e n i s o m a m e n t i
n a a t y p a b i e n n a m , literally: F o r the sake o f \ b l o w u p o n m y e y e for m e " ,
t w o l e o p a r d s w a l k ( i n c o m p a n y ) , i. e . T h a t o n e m a y b l o w t h e o t h e r u p o n h i s
e y e etc.
III.
O B J E C T
O F
L O C A L I T Y .
§. 191. T h e o b j e c t o f locality d e n o t e s a p l a c e , to w h i c h t h e a c t i o n e x
p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e is referred.
T h e object of locality requires m o r e than ordinary attention in the Ojil a n g u a g e , b e c a u s e there are m o r e idiomatical peculiarities in the f o r m s of this
t h a n of a n y other k i n d of object. S u c h m a y be said m o r e particularly w i t h
r e g a r d to the peculiar w a y of d e n o t i n g the diverse relations of direction b y
the verbal prepositions (§. 134. 142.) , a n d t h e r e b y distinguishing a n integrant
f r o m a m e r e l y accessary object of locality. In order, h o w e v e r , to give a m o r e
e x a c t e x p l a n a t i o n o f it, w e t r e a t first o f its v a r i o u s f o r m s w i t h o u t r e f e r e n c e t o
the relations of direction (§. 1 9 2 - 193), a n d revert a f t e r w a r d s to the latter in
particular (§. 1 9 4 1 9 6 ) .
F o r m s o f t h e o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y .
§. 192. A s t o its f o r m , t h e o b j e c t o f locality is g e n e r a l l y e i t h e r a n a d v e r b
o f locality o r a substantive with a preposition. A f e w verbs are joined in a simi
lar w a y w i t h a n infinitive.
8 9
1. A d v e r b s o f locality d e n o t e a p l a c e in a direct a n d in a n abstract w a y ,
n o t i n g it b y its r e l a t i o n t o a p e r s o n , m o s t l y t o t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g , e. g. M i t r a h a , / a m sitting here
O g i n n a h o , H e is s t a n d i n g t h e r e
O k o fie,
H e v e n t home.
2. Substantives in g e n e r a l d o n o t , like a d v e r b s , in a direct w a y d e n o t e a
place. T h e y express the n a m e s of persons or things, w h i c h serve as a substra
t u m f o r s p e c i f y i n g t h e p l a c e t o b e indicated. T h e p l a c e itself is c o n c e i v e d to
b e in, o r on, o r u n d e r , o r before, o r behind, o r n e a r t h e t h i n g o r p e r s o n d e n o t e d
b y the substantive, a n d m u s t therefore b e expressed separately, according to
t h e v a r i a t i o n s m e n t i o n e d , b y t h e s u b s t a n t i v e - p r e p o s i t i o n s (cf. §. 1 3 4 a n d 1 3 5 1 4 0 ) .
A substantive with a preposition denotes a place in a concrete w a y , expressing
t h e t h i n g o r p e r s o n w h i c h s e r v e s f o r s p e c i f y i n g it, e. g. O v o d a o m , fle is is
the house
O t r a a b r o g w a s o , H e is sitting o n a chair.
3. T h e v e r b k o , to go, is f r e q u e n t l y c o n n e c t e d w i t h a n infinitive, s o that
t h e latter theoretically is e q u i v a l e n t to a n o b j e c t o f locality. N o w a n infinitive,
o f course, c a n n o t a c t u a l l y d e n o t e a place. It e x p r e s s e s a n action, the p e r f o r
m a n c e o f w h i c h is i n t e n d e d b y t h e a c t o f g o i n g , in t h e s a m e w a y a s in o t h e r
cases the arrival at the place denoted. T h e s a m e l o r m of the infinitive is e m
p l o y e d , a s w h e n it is u s e d a s a n o b j e c t o f a c t i v i t y (cf. §. 1 8 8 ) , viz. t h a t w i t h o u t
a n y a u g m e n t , e. g. O k o t o e n k o k o , H e w e n t to b u g f o w l s
O b i d e c e k o
s u m - a , W h e n a f r e e p e r s o n g o e s to s e r v e , p r v . 2 5 0 , cf. 19. 21. 152. 153. 2 0 5 .
T h e v e r b s s o m a , to send, a n d n a m , to g o , a r e s o m e t i m e s in the s a m e w a y
c o n n e c t e d w i t h a n infinitive, e. g. O b i s o m a b i a f i r i f y e , S o m e b o d y s e n d s a
p e r s o n to look after a snare, prv. 137
V o n a m b a e n u s u m a f i r i , T w o
p e r s o n s g o to lay a snare, prv. 1 4 k
O m i s s i o n o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e p r e p o s i t i o n s .
§. 193. I n t h e p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h t h e r e m a r k h a s b e e n m a d e , t h a t s u b
stantives in general c a n n o t b y themselves be objects of locality, but only in
connection w i t h a substantive- preposition. F r o m this rule, h o w e v e r , there are
exceptions, certain substantives being e m p l o y e d , just like adverbs, in a direct
w a y to d e n o t e a place, w i t h o u t a preposition. S u c h are the following:
1. P r o p e r n a m e s o f c o u n t r i e s a n d t o w n s a r e r e g u l a r l y p u t a s o b j e c t s o f
l o c a l i t y w i t h o u t p r e p o s i t i o n s , e. g. O k o A b r o k i r r i , H e w e n t to E u r o p e
O t e A s a n t e , H e is living ( i n ) A s a n t e
O v o K u m a s i , H e is (in) K u m a s i .
S o m e p r o p e r n a m e s , h o w e v e r , a r e c o n n e c t e d w i t h p r e p o s i t i o n s , e. g. M i t e A b i b i r i m (instead of A b i b i r i m u ) , / a m living in Africa.
In the s a m e w a y the
c o m m o n n a m e a k u r a , a village in a plantation, is a l w a y s u s e d w i t h o u t a p r e p o
sition, e. g. O k o a k u r a , H e w e n t to the p l a n t a t i o n , a n d O t e a k u r a , H e lives
(in) the plantation; a n d s o m e t i m e s m a n , a town, a n d b o n , the d e n o f a n animal
e. g . M i k o m a n b i m a b a , / w e n t to a t o w n a n d h a v e r e t u r n e d , cf. p r v . 177.
2. S u b s t a n t i v e s , w h i c h d e n o t e p a r t o f a thing, n a m e d f r o m its local rela
tion to the w h o l e , a n d c o m p o u n d s of w h i c h such substantives f o r m the, f u n d a
m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t s , are rarely j o i n e d w i t h substantive-prepositions. S u c h sub
stantives are a s e , the nether part, the nether end, h e n c e e n s u a s e , the bottom
o f the water, prv. 2i2.
f i a s e , a cellar, a prison;
eni, eye, m e a n i n g sur
face, e n s u e n i , the surface of the water, prv. 62;
a n o , m o u t h , denoting the
ftps, p r v . 132, a n d h e n c e e d g e , point, a s e m p o a n o , the s e a s h o r e
a s u b o n t e i l a n o , the shore o f a river
p e a w a n o, the point o f a spear,
a n d opening as
d a n a n o , the housedoor;
e m f i n e m f i n i , the midst;
m u , the interior, w h i c h
1 2
9 0
o c c u r s in a n u m b e r o f c o m p o u n d s , cf §. 5 4 ;
e. g. O d a f i a s e , H e is ( i n )
prison
O n a m e m p o a n o , H e is w a l k i n g ( o n ) the s e a s h o r e
O g i n n a n e
d a f i a n o , H e is s t a n d i n g (in) his h o u s e - d o o r .
3. T h e substantive fi, h o u s e , h o m e , n e v e r t a k e s a substantive - preposition,
b e c a u s e it d e n o t e s a h o u s e n o t , l i k e d a n , i n a c o n c r e t e w a y , a s a t h i n g o f e x
ternal reality, b u t in a n abstract w a y , as a place w h e r e a m a n is living (cf. fi
i n t h e v o c a b u l a r y ) , e. g. O t e m e fi, H e is living ( i n ) m y h o u s e
B e r a m e fi,
C o m e (into) m y house. T h e s a m e is t h e c a s e w i t h c o m p o u n d s , o f w h i c h t h e
s u b s t a n t i v e b e r r e , in t h e m e a n i n g place, is t h e f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t , a n d
w i t h substantives as a y i , custom, public feast, w h i c h d e n o t e actions, n o t c o n
c r e t e realities, e. g . V a t r a m e t r a b e r r e , H e is sitting (in) m y p l a c e
O k o
a y i , H e w e n t to the custom, prv. 35. 45.
R e l a t i o n s o f d i r e c t i o n .
§. 194. T h e o b j e c t o f locality, w h e t h e r r e p r e s e n t e d b y a n a d v e r b o r b y
a substantive w i t h or w i t h o u t a substantive-preposition, denotes only the place
to w h i c h the action e x p r e s s e d in the predicate is referred. T h e relation itself
b e t w e e n the predicate a n d the object of locality, w h i c h w e t e r m the local rela
tion, r e m a i n s to b e considered.
W i t h r e g a r d to the local relation of the predicate t w o points are to b e
a d v e r t e d to:
1. T h e l o c a l r e l a t i o n c o m p r i s e s t h r e e different relations. T h e a c t i o n e x
p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e , w h i c h is r e f e r r e d t o a n o b j e c t o f locality, is c o n c e i v e d
generally as a motion, or as the contrary of m o t i o n , as rest in a place. M o r e
p a r t i c u l a r l y it is c o n c e i v e d e i t h e r a s a m o t i o n o r r e s t in a p l a c e , o r a s a m o
tion to a place, or as a m o t i o n f r o m a place. H e n c e the local relation is either
a r e l a t i o n w i t h neutrality o f direction, o r it is t h e direction to a p l a c e , o r it is
t h e direction f r o m a p l a c e (cf. §. 142).
2. T h e l o c a l relation, a c c o r d i n g t o o n e o f t h e v a r i a t i o n s m e n t i o n e d , is e i t h e r
i n c l u d e d a l r e a d y in t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p r e d i c a t e , o r it is s u p e r a d d e d
t o it in t h e w a y o f qualification. In t h e f o r m e r c a s e t h e o b j e c t o f locality is
integrant, in the latter m e r e l y accessary. T h i s difference is o f little i m p o r t a n c e
in E n g l i s h g r a m m a r , the f o r m of expression being the same, w h e t h e r the object
o f locality is i n t e g r a n t o r accessary. In Oji, o n t h e c o n t r a r y , it m u s t b e c a r e
f u l l y a t t e n d e d t o , a s it c o n s t i t u t e s a c o r r e s p o n d i n g d i f f e r e n c e i n t h e f o r m o f
expression.
I n t e g r a n t o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y .
§. 195. W h e n t h e o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y is i n t e g r a n t , t h e l o c a l r e l a t i o n o f t h e
p r e d i c a t e is n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y e x p r e s s e d , b e i n g i n c l u d e d in t h e a c t i o n d e n o t e d b y
the latter.
T h e verbs, w h i c h include the local relation, a n d h e n c e t a k e integrant o b
jects, are in general s u c h as express actions w h i c h in t h e m s e l v e s a r e c o n c e i v e d
either as a m o t i o n or rest in a place, or as a m o t i o n to or f r o m a place. T h i s
g e n e r a l rule, h o w e v e r , is n o t sufficient to d e t e r m i n e , w h i c h object o f locality
is i n t e g r a n t a n d w h i c h a c c e s s a r y . It is n e c e s s a r y t o k n o w w h a t p a r t i c u l a r
verbs, a c c o r d i n g to the u s a g e of the l a n g u a g e , are construed w i t h integrant
objects.
. ,.
, i ,'
;
1. V e r b s w h i c h i n c l u d e t h e l o c a l relation with neutrality o f direction ( 8 . 1 9 4 , 1),
9 1
a n d h e n c e t a k e a n integrant object of locality, a r e the following: n a m , to w a l k
(in a place)
k i n n e , to r u n about, to rove (in a place)
v o , to be (in a
place)
ni, not to be (in a place)
t e , t o sit, t o live ( i n a p l a c e )
tra,
t o sit, t o s t a y
g i n n a , to stand (of p e r s o n s )
t a a n d si, to stand, to be pla
c e d ( o f things)
s i s i , to sit, t o p e r c h
d a , to lie ( o f a s i n g l e t h i n g o r p e r s o n )
g n , to lie ( o f a c o l l e c t i v e m u l t i t u d e )
s e n , to h a n g
t u a , to be applied
to, to stick to
b o , to stick, to be fastened o n
b u t u , to s t a n d o r lie u p s i d e
d o w n
t y e r r e , to lean against;
e. g. A b o a n a m p o f i s o , A n insect is
crawling o n the table
O s e b o k i n n e k w a i m , T h e leopard roves in the forest
T 5 b i v o k o t o k u m , T h e r e is s o m e t o b a c c o i n t h e b a g
O n i d a n m , H e is
not in the house
A k w a p i m o h i n n e te A k r o p o n , T h e chief o f A k w a p i m
resides at A k r o p o n g
O t r a a b r o g w a s o , H e is sitting o n a c h a i r
O s e k a n
d a p o n s o , A k n i f e is lying o n the table
E n t r a m a b e b r i g u h o , M a n y
cowries are lying there
E m f o n i n n e s e n d a n h u , A picture h a n g s o n the
w a l l etc.
2. O f v e r b s w h i c h include the local relation as a direction to a place, there
are t w o classes to b e distinguished :
a. Intransitive v e r b s , e x p r e s s i n g actions w h i c h a r e c o n c e i v e d a s a m o t i o n
t o w a r d s a place, as f y e , to fall
g u , to fall ( o f a collective multitude, to
p o u r )
b a , to c o m e
k o , to go
si a n d d r u , to descend, to strike into
to,
to fall, to t h r o w oneself
do*, to arrive
f y e , to look into
y e r a , to g o
astray
m i a, to press u p o n
b e n , to c o m e n e a r to
k o t o , to squat, to kneel
d o w n
fiti, to pierce
t y a , to pass through
h u , to blow into o r u p o n
f i t a , to blow into
e. g. A b o f r a f y e e n s u m - a , o w u , I f a child falls into
t h e w a t e r , it w i l l p e r i s h
D u a e n c u r e n g n f a m , T h e blossoms o f the tree are
falling to the g r o u n d
O b a r r i m a bi a b a h a , A m a n has c o m e here
V a k o
k r u m , H e has g o n e into the t o w n
O p r a n n S si d u a m or d m d u a m , T h e lightning struck (into') the tree
O f i a c e m a m o t o e n s u m , H e threw himself
f r o m the canoe into the water
E n n e n a m a d u A k r o p o n , T o day I h a v e
arrived in A k r o p o n g
F y e a d a k a m s e a b o d o v o m a n a , L o o k into the closet
( a n d s e e ) w h e t h e r t h e r e is b r e a d i n it etc.
b. T r a n s i t i v e v e r b s w h i c h n o t o n l y in t h e s a m e w a y include t h e relation to
a n object o f locality, b u t at the s a m e time that to a passive object, as c e , to
p u t ( s o m e t h i n g into a place)
g u , to p o u r
si a n d ta, to place
t o , to
throw, to put
t u a , to a p p l y to, to fix
f r a , to m i x
s e n , to h a n g , to sus
p e n d
t y e r r e , to l e a n (i. e. to p u t a t h i n g s o a s to l e a n a g a i n s t a n o t h e r )
bo,
to tie r o u n d , to dip into. S e n t e n c e s , w h i c h h a v e o n e o f t h e s e v e r b s f o r t h e i r
predicate, are regularly construed w i t h the auxiliary v e r b d e , as will be a d
v e r t e d to u n d e r t h e c o m p o u u d objective c o m b i n a t i o n , see §. 201, 3.
3. T h e l o c a l r e l a t i o n a s a direction f r o m a p l a c e is i n c l u d e d o n l y b y t h e v e r b
fi, w h e n m e a n i n g to b e f r o m a place, e. g. O h i n n e n o fi A k w a m , This chief
is f r o m A k w a m .
d
t
r
a
w
A c c e s s a r y o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y
§. 196. W h e n a p r e d i c a t e is qualified b y a n o b j e c t
o e s not, as the verbs m e n t i o n e d in the preceding p a r a
local relation,
t h e o b j e c t is m e r e l y a c c e s s a r y (§.
e l a t i o n m u s t b e p a r t i c u l a r l y e x p r e s s e d , w h i c h is d o n e
ions (§. 1 4 2 1 4 3 ) . T h e s e prepositions are a l w a y s pu
h i c h t h e y refer.
.
of local
g r a p h , i
194, 2),
b y the v
t before
ity,
n itse
a n d
erbal
the
t h o n g h
lf inclu
the loc
prepos
object
it
de
al
i
to
9 2
1. T h e l o c a l r e l a t i o n w i t h n e u t r a l i t y o f d i r e c t i o n (cf. §. 1 9 4 , 1 ) is e x p r e s s e d
b y the preposition v o (§. 143),
e. g. E n g u r a r e f u v o a s a s e n o s o , W e e d s
are shooting u p o n this l a n d
M i f u a a b o f r a v o m ' a b a s a s o , / a m carrying
a child o n m y a r m
M m e a m m o f r a g o i r o v ' a b o n t e n s o , T h e girls are
playing in the street
M i h u n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n , / s a w h i m there just
n o w
M a g y a w m e p o m a v o n e d a n m , / h a v e left m y stick in his h o u s e
O d i g w a v o b e b i , H e is t r a d i n g s o m e w h e r e .
T h e p r e p o s i t i o n v o is_ h o w e v e r , s o m e t i m e s left out, t h o u g h t h e o b j e c t o f
locality is a c c e s s a r y . T h u s e s p e c i a l l y in t h e f o l l o w i n g c a s e s :
a. T h e o m i s s i o n o f v o is c o m m o n in s e n t e n c e s w h i c h r e q u i r e b r e v i t y o f e x
p r e s s i o n , h e n c e p a r t i c u l a r l y in p r o v e r b s , e. g. O b i n t o a k o k o n i n i , n a o m m o n o b i a k u r a , N o b o d y b u y s a c o c k to let h i m c r o w in a n o t h e r m a n ' s p l a n t a
tion, p r v . 4 1 , cf. 7 6 77. 97. 123. 128. 148. 157. 2 4 3 .
,, :
b. W h e n a predicate h a s a n object of activity (§. 1 8 5 ) as w e l l as a n a c c e s
sary object of locality, the c o m m o n construction is, that the latter takes the
p r e p o s i t i o n v o a n d is p u t a f t e r t h e f o r m e r , e. g. O d y p n n e b o n n e v o n ' a k u m a m , H e is d e v i s i n g evil in his h e a r t . T h e o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y m a y , h o w e v e r , b e
put i m m e d i a t e l y after the predicate, so as to p r e c e d e the object of activity, a n d
then the preposition v o is left out, e.g. O d y p n n e n ' a k u m a m b o n n e
Otit y a d u a h u a b o n , H e cut off the b a r k f r o m a tree
D a d e w a a t e w m ' a t a d e m t o k r u , A nail has torn a hole in m y coat.
. .,
c. W h e n t h e a c c e s s a r y o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y is. a n a d v e r b , it m a y b e p u t a t
t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e s e n t e n c e , w i t h o m i s s i o n o f t h e p r e p o s i t i o n v o , e. g. E h a
n a o y e a d y u m a i n s t e a d o f O f e a d y u m a v o h a , H e is w o r k i n g h e r e
E h e
n a e y e w o y a w ? W h e r e do y o u feel p a i n ?
d. V / h e n a n object, t h o u g h n o t d e n o t i n g a place, is as to its f o r m a n object
o f l o c a l i t y , i. e . c o n s i s t i n g o f a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h a p r e p o s i t i o n , t h e p r e p o s i t i o n
v o s e e m s m o r e f r e q u e n t l y o m i t t e d e. g. M i d y o n n e m e n u a h u , / a m t h i n k i n g
about m y brother
O k a m e h u a s e m , H e talks about me,,ci. prv. 131, 2 5 9
M a b r e n o h u C o r M a b r e v o n o h u ) , / a m tired o f h i m
O s e r r e w o h u
a d e , H e begs (things) o f you, prv. 68.
2. T h e local relation, c o n c e i v e d a s a direction t o w a r d s a place, is m o s t fre
quently expressed b y the v e r b k o , u s e d like v o as a verbal preposition (§.145),
e. g. V o s i k a n n e t u t u m i r i k a k o A d a m i m , T h e y r a n a r a c e to A d a m i
O k a e n g w a n k o d a n m , H e drove the sheep into the p e n
O n a m e m f e n s r e m k o d a n m , H e w e n t through the w i n d o w into the house
V o k e k y i r r e
n ' e n s a k o n'eki, T h e y tied his h a n d s behind his backK o , h o w e v e r , is n o t t h e o n l y v e r b u s e d t h u s t o e x p r e s s t h e d i r e c t i o n
t o w a r d s a place. W h e n t h e m o t i o n e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p r e d i c a t e is c o n c e i v e d a s
directed t o w a r d s t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g , t h e v e r b b a is e m p l o y e d instead o f k o ,
e. g. O d a f i n e h u b a h a i , H e t u r n s this w a y
O g w a r r e b a e m p o a n o , H e
s w a m to the shore. A n d in the s a m e w a y in certain cases the v e r b s t o , g u,
a n d t y a a r e e m p l o y e d ; the first, w h e n t h e m o t i o n is c o n c e i v e d a s d i r e c t e d f r o m
a h i g h e r to a l o w e r place;
t h e s e c o n d w h e n the object m o v i n g is c o n c e i v e d
not as a single thing, hut as a collective multitude;
the last w h e n the m o t i o n
is to b e d e n o t e d a s n o t o n l y t e n d i n g to a p l a c e , b u t p a s s i n g t h r o u g h it;
e.g. O c u r u fi a c e m a m t o p o m , H e sprang f r o m the canoe into the sea;
O p a m d o m i n i a r a g u a h a b a f i m , H e chased the whole a r m y into the forest
Y e b e b u d a n i n i a r a g u f a m , W e will break the whole house d o w n ;
O g w a r
r e t y a a s u b o n t e n , H e s w a m through the river. T h e fact is, that w h e r e w e
d e n o t e t h e d i r e c t i o n in a g e n e r a l w a y b y a p r e p o s i t i o n , or, c o n s i d e r i n g it a s
i m p l i e d in a n a d v e r b , d o n o t e x p r e s s it a t all, in O j i it is c o n c e i v e d a s a s e p a r a t e
action a n d e x p r e s s e d b y different v e r b s a c c o r d i n g to its particular character.
3. T h e l o c a l r e l a t i o n , c o n c e i v e d a s t h e direction f r o m a p l a c e , is e x p r e s s e d
b y t h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n fi, e. g. M i r e b a fi K u m a s i , I a m c o m i n g f r o m K u masi
O f y e f a m fi d u a s o , H e fell d o w n f r o m a tree
O y i h o n fi d o m p e m n a o d i , H e l o o k t h e m a r r o w o u t o f t h e b o n e a n d a t e it.
T h e p r e p o s i t i o n fi, w i t h t h e o b j e c t t o w h i c h it b e l o n g s , is s o m e t i m e s p l a e e d
a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , a n d is t h e n t r e a t e d m o r e a s a v e r b , h a v i n g t h e
p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t a d d e d a s w e l l a s t h e p r e d i c a t e itself, e. g. M i f i K u m a s i n a
m i r e b a
O f i d u a s o o f y e f a m . T h i s is t h e r e g u l a r c o n s t r u c t i o n w h e n a
s e c o n d o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y is r e f e r r e d t o t h e s a m e p r e d i c a t e , e. g. O f i K u m a s i
o k o A k r o p o n , H e w e n t f r o m K u m a s i to Akropong.. :
P o s i t i o n o f t h e o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y .
§. 197. T h e r e g u l a r p l a c e o f t h e o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y in a s e n t e n c e , w h e t h e r
it is i n t e g r a n t o r a c c e s s a r y , is i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e p r e d i c a t e . If, h o w e v e r ,
a g r e a t e r e m p h a s i s is t o b e g i v e n t o it, it is o f t e n p u t at t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n
tence; t h o u g h in this a difference is o b s e r v a b l e b e t w e e n the different k i n d s o f
o b j e c t s o f locality, w h i c h m a k e s it n e c c e s s a r y t o a t t e n d to t h e f o l l o w i n g
particulars :
. , <
. 1. Integrant objects o f locality s e e m v e r y r a r e l y to deviate f r o m their r e g u l a r
p o s i t i o n , w h e n t h e local relation o f t h e p r e d i c a t e is c o n c e i v e d a s a d i r e c t i o n
(§. 195, 2. 3.). W h e n it is o n e w i t h neutrality o f direction, s e v e r a l p a r t i c u l a r
cases are to b e distinguished:
a. A substantive w i t h t h e preposition m u ( m ) is often p u t at the h e a d o f
a sentence, a n d the p r e p o s i t i o n g e n e r a l l y j o i n e d to t h e v e r b also, w h i c h is t h e
p r e d i c a t e o f t h e s e n t e n c e , e. g. K o t o k u y i m ( = : y i m u ) e n t r a m a v o m
( = z v o m u ) , I n this b a g there a r e c o w r i e s
E n h u m a y i m e m f o n i n n e e d u m i e n v o m , I n this p a p e r there a r e twelve pictures. S o m e t i m e s the p r e p o s i t i o n
s e e m s t o b e p u t t o t h e latter o n l y , e. g. A d u a n n o e n k y i n n e n i m , I n this
f o o d t h e r e is n o sall. If t h e s u b s t a n t i v e h a s t h e p r e p o s i t i o n e n t e m , i n s t e a d o f
t h a t b e i n g r e p e a t e d , m u is j o i n e d t o t h e v e r b , e. g. B e p o a b i e n y i e n t e m
o b o f i d a m , B e t w e e n these t w o m o u n t a i n s there is a valley.
i <, i
' .:.
b. In the s a m e w a y a substantive w i t h the prepositions s o a n d a s e m a y
b e p u t at the h e a d of a sentence, but instead of a repetition of the preposition,
t h e a d v e r b h o is p u t a f t e r t h e verb, e . g . A s a s e s o e h o m m e n i h o , O n e a r t h
t h e r e is n o rest
O p o n n o a s e a d a k a si h o , U n d e r the table a b o s stands.
T h i s rule, probably, will a p p l y to the other prepositions also.
, .s.l
c. W h e n a s u b s t a n t i v e , w h i c h is a n o b j e c t o f l o c a l i t y , h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d
i n a p r e c e d i n g p a r t o f t h e s e n t e n c e , it is n o t r e p e a t e d , b u t t h e p r e p o s i t i o n
b e l o n g i n g t o it m e r e l y j o i n e d t o t h e v e r b , e. g. O b i n h u t u m m e n t i e m
( = e n t i a m u ) , A p e r s o n seeing a b l a c k spot will not step into (it) prv. 195. cf. 4.
154. 181;
118. 139. 160. 193. This refers, h o w e v e r , b u t to s u c h objects as
d e n o t e t h i n g s , w h e r e a s , w h e n a p e r s o n is d e n o t e d , a p r o n o u n is p u t a s in
E n g l i s h (cf. §. 186, 3).
d. A n a d v e r b of locality, w h i c h is t h e i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , is
n o t often placed before the predicate. Sentences, h o w e v e r , w h i c h h a v e the verb
v o for their predicate, m a y h a v e a n a d v e r b p l a c e d at their h e a d , but t h e n the
9 4
p r e d i c a t e is left o u t , e. g. E h a i n a m ' a k u r S c e , H e r e a r e the b o u n d a r i e s o f
m y plantation,- instead of M ' a k u r S c e v o ha.
'
2. A c c e s s a r y objects o f locality, w h e n t h e local relation is c o n c e i v e d a s a
d i r e c t i o n t o w a r d s a p l a c e , a r e a l w a y s p u t a f t e r t h e p r e d i c a t e , o r , if it h a s a n
object o f activity, after the latter (cf. 196, 2). T h e position o f objects w i t h
t h e p r e p o s i t i o n f i h a s b e e n a d v e r t e d t o in §. 196, 3. S u b s t a n t i v e s w i t h t h e
preposition v o are generally put after the predicate, or after a n object of acti
vity, w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n m e n t i o n e d in §. 1 9 6 , 1, b. T h a t a n a d v e r b o f locality,
w h i c h is a c c e s s a r y object, m a y b e p u t a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , w i t h o m i s
s i o n o f t h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n , h a s b e e n s t a t e d in §. 196, 1, c.
'l t
', i
,
"
1 , "*
i
ic; '« . i .
,
",
IV. O B J E C T O F T I M E .
§. 198. T h e o b j e c t o f t i m e d e n o t e s e i t h e r the p o i n t o f time, w h e n t h e a c t i o n
e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e is p e r f o r m e d , o r t h e d u r a t i o n o f time, h o w l o n g it
continues.
A s to its f o r m t h e o b j e c t o f t i m e is e i t h e r a n a d v e r b o f t i m e (§. 1 4 9 ) , o r a
substantive, r a r e l y a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h a p r e p o s i t i o n (cf. §. 1 3 4 a n d 1 4 0 ) , e. g.
E n n e a i v u a p a i d o d o , T o d a y the s u n is shining v e r y h o t
O t e h o ilS o n k o
b e b i , H e is a l w a y s sitting t h e r e a n d g o e s n o w h e r e
N i o d i d i a n a d y o o y e
b a i f o , H e w h o eats in the night is a s o r c e r e r
O b e t r a h a n n a a b i e s a , H e
will stay here three days
O p r a n n S e k i n a o s u t o d a , A f t e r t h u n d e r it
always rains.
T h e position o f t h e object o f t i m e in a s e n t e n c e differs a c c o r d i n g t o its
signification.
, L W h e n it d e n o t e s a p o i n t o f lime, it is m o r e f r e q u e n t l y p u t a t t h e h e a d o f
t h e s e n t e n c e , t h o u g h in m o s t c a s e s it m a y b e p u t after t h e p r e d i c a t e also, o r
a f t e r a n o t h e r o b j e c t , e. g. E n a r r a n a m i b a i , Y e s t e r d a y I a r r i v e d
N e n n a e n s a n a o k o E f i k r a n , T h e d a y before yesterday he w e n t to A c c r a
O k a n n a
a n o p a t u t u y e b e k o , T o m o r r o w m o r n i n g w e shall leave
A n a d y o n a y a O b e b a
d a , a i v u a n a y a n y a f i , In the night w e sleep, in the day w e w a k e ;
o k a n n a , H e will c o m e to m o r r o w
M i d u h a e n a r r a a n a d y o fa, / arrived
here yesterday e v e m n g
M i r e b a e m p r i f i p r i f i , / a m c o m i n g immediately
M i h u n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n , / s a w hime there just n o w
W a m m a e n t e m
e n n e , Y o u did not c o m e s o o n to day.
T h e a d v e r b s a d e s a , a d e k i a , s r a m w u a ( o s r - ) , s r a m f i a ( o s r - ) , w h i c h in fact are but contracted conditional
s e n t e n c e s , n e v e r o c c u p y a n y o t h e r p l a c e t h a n t h e h e a d o f a s e n t e n c e , e. g.
A d e s a o k o k o b i r i , I n the e v e n i n g a r e d p e r s o n is b l a c k
O s r a m w u a n a
o b e b a , H e will c o m e at the e n d o f the month.
O n the other h a n d the a d v e r b
d a , ever, is a l w a y s p u t a t t h e e n d o f a s e n t e n c e , e. g. O n k o b i a f u m d a , H e
never w e n t to another m a n ' s plantation
M i n t e s e o s a m a f i a y e o n i p a b i r i b i
d a b i a r a d a , / never heard, that a ghost ever did a n y h a r m to a m a n ( d a in this
sentence b e l o n g s to m i n t e : / never heard).
2. W h e n t h e o b j e c t o f t i m e d e n o t e s a d u r a t i o n , it is g e n e r a l l y p u t a f t e r
t h e p r e d i c a t e o r a f t e r a n o t h e r o b j e c t , e. g. N e a m a n e a m a t y p m , n a a s a s e
d e b e t r a h o d a , Things pass a w a y , o n e after another, but the earth will r e m a i n
for ever
M i k o h o m m e k a k r a , / a m g o i n g to r e s t a little
V a d a a k y e ,
H e is sleeping a l o n g time. T h e a d v e r b d a , h o w e v e r , t h o u g h b y itself d e n o t i n g
a duration, w h e n connected w i t h a substantive or a d v e r b w h i c h denotes a point
of t
a f o
the
L e.
ime, is p a t w i
r r e m a o b o
fetish
D a
at the e n d o f
V .
t h
s o
o s
ev
it
m ,
r a
ery
at the
A l w a y
m w u a
m o n t h
h e a d of the s
s in the m o r n i
o n y a n ' a k a
he receives hi
C O M P O U N D
9 5
e n t e n c e , e. g . D a S n o p a t u t u o b o
n g i. e . e v e r y m o r n i n g h e s a c r i f i c e s t o
t u a , A l w a y s at the e n d o f the m o n t h
s salary.
.
O B J E C T I V E
C O M B I N A T I O N .
§ . 1 9 9 . W h e n a s e n t e n c e h a s a c o m p o u n d o b j e c t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , i. e . w h e n
to its p r e d i c a t e s e v e r a l o b j e c t s a r e referred, t h e r e a r e t w o different f o r m s in
W h i c h it m a y b e f r a m e d :
1. I n m o s t c a s e s o n e o b j e c t m a y b e p u t a f t e r t h e o t h e r . O f t h e different
kinds of objects, h o w e v e r , a certain o r d e r of succession m u s t b e k e p t up, w h i c h
is r e g u l a t e d b y t h e f o l l o w i n g rules:
a. A n integrant o b j e c t , w h e t h e r it is o n e o f activity o r o n e o f locality
(§. 182), regularly precedes a n accessary object. O n e exception, w h i c h m a y
o c c u r , h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d in §. 196, 1. b.
b. A n i n t e g r a n t reciprocal o b j e c t t a k e s p r e c e d e n c e o f e v e r y o t h e r k i n d o f
o b j e c t , cf. §. 1 8 9 , 1. b.
c. A passive o b j e c t is p u t b e f o r e a resullive o r a n y o t h e r k i n d o f o b j e c t e x
c e p t a n i n t e g r a n t r e c i p r o c a l , cf. §. 187, 2, w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n , h o w e v e r , r e f e r r e d
to u n d e r a.
d. A n object o f quality p r e c e d e s a n y other k i n d o f a c c e s s a r y object, a n d a n
o b j e c t o f time is m o s t l y p u t after all o t h e r objects.
A s to the r e m a i n i n g varieties of accessary objects, the older of succession
s e e m s to be less positive, b e y o n d w h a t h a s been stated in the p r e c e d i n g p a r a
g r a p h s . It h a s a l s o b e e n t h e r e r e m a r k e d , t h a t m o s t k i n d s o f o b j e c t s a r e m o r e
o r less frequently put at the h e a d of the sentence.
2. I n s e v e r a l c a s e s the auxiliary v e r b d e (§. 67, 2 ) is e m p l o y e d in t h e c o n
struction of a c o m p o u n d objective combination, a n d in the s a m e w a y the v e r b
f a , as a substitute for the f o r m e r in negative a n d imperative sentences. A s
this w a y o f f r a m i n g a s e n t e n c e is o n e of the m o s t p r o m i n e n t idiomatical fea
t u r e s o f t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e , it r e q u i r e s a m o r e d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n .
' -. ,
q
w
t
o
l
m
D
i
g
t
a
t
f
t
T h e auxiliary verb de.
§. 200. T h e u s e o f d e a s a n a u x i l i a r y v e r b in t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f s e n t e n c e s
i t h a c o m p o u n d o b j e c t i v e c o m b i n a t i o n , a p p e a r s , o n a first v i e w , a s a c o n s e
u e n c e o f t h e l a c k o f inflectional f o r m s f o r t h e different cases. It is o b v i o u s ,
hat this defect m u s t at times c a u s e the i m m e d i a t e succession of several objects,
n e to another, to b e felt as a h e a v y a n d u n w i e l d y f o r m of expression. A n a
ogies of the English l a n g u a g e m a y be instanced, to render the truth of this
o r e evident. If the G e r m a n sentence E r g a b d e m K i n d die O r a n g e or the Latin
edil p u e r o m a l u m b e r e n d e r e d v e r b a t i m b y H e g a v e the child the orange, a de
r e e o f a w k w a r d n e s s will b e felt in this expression, o f w h i c h t h e r e is n o trace
n the t w o other l a n g u a g e s m e n t i o n e d , arising f r o m the circumstance, that in
h e f o r m e r , in c o n s e q u e n c e o f t h e l a c k o f inflection, t h e r e is n o difference in t h e
o r m of the t w o w o r d s the child a n d the orange, t h o u g h e a c h of t h e m stands in
d i f f e r e n t o b j e c t i v e r e l a t i o n t o t h e p r e d i c a t e ; a n d h e n c e it w i l l b e p r e f e r r e d
o r e n d e r the s e n t e n c e in this f o r m H e g a v e the o r a n g e to the child. N o w in Oji
h e case is similar, t h o u g h the f o r m c h o s e n in e x c h a n g e for the m o r e simple
9 6
expression differs; instead of s a y i n g O m a abofra akutu the auxiliary v e r b d e
being e m p l o y e d , a n d the sentence f r a m e d thus O d e a k u t u m a a b o f r a ;
T o obtain a clear insight, h o w e v e r , into the real origin a n d nature of this
c o n s t r u c t i o n , it is n e c e s s a r y t o i n q u i r e i n t o t h e o r i g i n a l m e a n i n g o f t h e v e r b
d e . A s a n o t i o n a l - w o r d it h a s o c c u r r e d t o u s b u t in a f e w e x p r e s s i o n s , i n
m e a n i n g s w h i c h are evidently s e c o n d a r y , a n d b y themselves d o n o t present
a n y c o m p e t e n t c l u e t o its p r i m a r y signification. B u t t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e , t h a t in
n e g a t i v e a n d i m p e r a t i v e s e n t e n c e s t h e v e r b f a is s u b s t i t u t e d f o r it (§. 199, 2),
justifies the supposition , that the original m e a n i n g of d e m u s t b e o n e similar
to that of fa. T h e latter signifies to take, a n d o n c o m p a r i n g w i t h that the
s e c o n d a r y m e a n i n g s , in w h i c h d e is still e m p l o y e d a s a n o t i o n a l v e r b (cf. d e
in t h e v o c a b u l a r y ) , it b e c o m e s v e r y p r o b a b l e , t h a t its p r i m a r y s i g n i f i c a t i o n is
to c a r r y o r to hold. A n d this i n f e r e n c e i n d e e d is w e l l qualified to e x p l a i n t h e
a u x i l i a r y u s e o f d e in question. N o t h i n g is m o r e s i m p l e a n d o b v i o u s t h a n t h a t
O d e a k u t u m a a b o f r a m a y originally h a v e signified H e held a n orange a n d
g a v e it to the child. A n d w h e r e v e r d e is e m p l o y e d , s u c h a p r e v i o u s h o l d i n g o r
carrying the object of the action expressed in the predicate m a y either b e
t h o u g h t actually or at least i m a g i n e d figuratively to t a k e place. A s to the
p r i m e o r i g i n o f this c i r c u m s t a n t i a l f o r m o f e x p r e s s i o n , h o w e v e r , it is t o b e
traced to a t e n d e n c y of l a n g u a g e in general, m o r e particularly of l a n g u a g e s in
their earlier stages of d e v e l o p m e n t , to represent a n y action or p e r f o r m a n c e in
all its c o n c r e t e circumstantialities, so as to e x p r e s s n o t o n l y the s i m p l e action,
w h i c h in fact is m e a n t a l o n e to b e stated, b u t also the a c c o m p a n y i n g actions,
as in the present case that of previously holding or carrying the object w h i c h
is t o b e g i v e n ,
a t e n d e n c y w h i c h in Oji especially frequently b e c o m e s visible.
B u t t h o u g h that be the real origin, the circumstance m e n t i o n e d a b o v e , viz. the
defect of inflectional f o r m s for the different cases, a n d in c o n s e q u e n c e the ca
sual a w k w a r d n e s s in the i m m e d i a t e succession of different kinds of objects, h a s
u n d o u b t e d l y b e e n instrumental in causing this m o d e of expression in certain
cases to b e c o m e a c o m m o n f o r m of construction, a n d the v e r b d e thus to be
c o m e a m e r e relational a n d auxiliary v e r b , so as in the present stage of the
l a n g u a g e n o t to e x p r e s s a n y definite i d e a o f its o w n , b u t to b e m e r e l y s u b
servient to the construction of the sentence, denoting the relation b e t w e e n the
o b j e c t , a t t a c h e d t o it, a n d t h e p r e d i c a t e .
T o this relational c h a r a c t e r of t h e v e r b d e is p r o b a b l y to b e attributed,
t h a t it h a s a l m o s t lost t h e c a p a c i t y o f inflection, a n d p e r s o n s o n l y a r e f o r m e d
o f it, b u t n e i t h e r m o o d s n o r t e n s e s . T h e l a t t e r a r e i n d i c a t e d i n t h e v e r b o n l y ,
w h i c h is the p r e d i c a t e o f the s e n t e n c e , d e a l w a y s retaining t h e f o r m o f t h e
aorist, e. g. O d e e m f o n i n n e b e m a a b o f r a , H e will give a picture to the child.
A n d in sentences, the predicate of w h i c h stands in a n y other m o o d b u t the in
dicative, d e is n o t a d m i t t e d at all, b u t , a s s t a t e d a b o v e (§. 199, 2), f a substi
t u t e d f o r it.
T h e c o m p o u n d objective c o m b i n a t i o n s , in t h e construction of w h i c h d e is
e m p l o y e d , m a y be referred to t w o classes, b e i n g either such as h a v e t w o inte
grant objects, or such as h a v e o n e integrant a n d one accessary object.
1. U
§. 201.
a l w a y s a p
object, or
s e o f d e i
O f the t w
assive object
a n object of
n a s e n t e
o integran
, a n d the
locality. T
n c e w i t h t
t objects in
other either
h e passive o
w o i n t e
sentences
a recipro
bject is
g r a n t o b j e
f r a m e d b y
cal object, o
a l w a y s atta
c t s .
d e , o n e is
r a resullive
ched to d e ,
9 7
a n d p u t w i t h it a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , a n d t h e r e a l p r e d i c a t e f o l l o w s
w i t h the s e c o n d object.
1. W h e n o f t h e t w o o b j e c t s t h e s e c o n d is a reciprocal (cf. §. 1S9, 1. b), d e
m a y o r m a y n o t b e e m p l o y e d . T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h o u t d e is p r e f e r a b l y used,
w h e n t h e r e c i p r o c a l o b j e c t is a p r o n o u n , e. g. O k y e n o a k a t a i v u a , H e g a v e
h i m a n u m b r e l l a ; a n d e v e n if it is a s u b s t a n t i v e , t h e s a m e c o n s t r u c t i o n m a y b e
used, though, w h e r e v e r a n y heaviness in the f o r m of the sentence w o u l d ensue
f r o m t h e i m m e d i a t e succession o f t h e objects, the c o n s t r u c t i o n b y d e is p r e
f e r r e d , e. g . O k y e n ' e m f e f o i n i a r a a d e n a o m m a m b i , o r : O d e a d e k y e
n ' e m f e f o i n i a r a n a o m m a m bi, H e g a v e presents to all his friends, but h e
g a v e nothing to m e
O b e r e n e n u a o g y a , or: O d e g y a b e r e n e n u a , H e
b r o u g h t fire to his brother
A i v u a d e k a n n e a e n n i a h u h u r u m a a s a s e ,
T h e s u n gives light a n d w a r m t h to the earth.
In imperative sentences w i t h a
c o m p o u n d objective c o m b i n a t i o n of this k i n d , f a is a l m o s t c o n s t a n t l y used,
e. g. F a s e k a n n o m a m , H a n d m e that knife
F a o g y a b e r e m , Bring
m e fire.
2. W h e n a p a s s i v e a n d a resullive o b j e c t a r e c o m b i n e d in a s e n t e n c e , a s is
g e n e r a l l y the case in connection w i t h the v e r b s dafi, to transform, a n d f r e a n d
t o , to call, t h e f o r m e r is m o s t l y f o l l o w e d b y t h e latter (cf. §. 187, 2). T h e last
o f t h e v e r b s m e n t i o n e d , h o w e v e r , m a y b e c o n s t r u e d w i t h d e also, e. g. W o d e
w o b a t o W u a w u , Y o u call y o u r son W u a w u , prv. 124.
3. S e n t e n c e s , w h i c h , besides a p a s s i v e object, h a v e a n integrant object o f
locality, are a l w a y s f o r m e d b y the auxiliary v e r b de. In a f o r m e r place the
v e r b s h a v e b e e n specified, w h i c h include the d o u b l e relation to the t w o objects
m e n t i o n e d (§. 195, 2. b ) ;
e. g. O d e d a d e s i f i c e g y e m , H e p u t a p i e c e o f
iron into the fire
M i d e m ' e n s a m i c e m e k o t o k u m , / put m y h a n d into m y
pocket
O d e k a n n e a si p o n s o , H e p l a c e d a light o n the table
O d e e n s u
o f r a e n s a f u f u m , H e m i x e d water with the p a l m w i n e
M i d e a s a w a m i b o
e n g o m , / dip cotton into oil;
F a e n s u g u a h i n n a n o m , P o u r water into
this pot.
T h e intransitive v e r b s : b a , to c o m e
k o , to g o
t r a , to sil
f y e , to
fall ,
a r e in the s a m e w a y construed w i t h d e , a s s u m i n g transitive m e a n i n g s ,
viz. b a , to bring (hither)
k o , to conduct (to a n o t h e r place)
t r a , to seat
f y e , to t h r o w d o w n , e. g. N e a o y e b o n n e o d e a m a n n e b e b a n o s o , H e
w h o d o e s evil, will b r i n g m i s e r y u p o n h i m s e l f
O d e p o n k o a k o E f i k r a f i , H e
has conducted a horse to A c c r a
O d e n o t r a p o n k o s o , H e seated h i m u p o n
the horse
E m f r a m a b o k e s e , n a m i s u s u s e o d e m e d a n b e f y e f a m ,
T h e w i n d blew vehemently, a n d I thought U w o u l d t h r o w m y house d o w n .
B a
a n d k o retain this construction, t h o u g h they h a v e n o object of locality a d d e d ,
e. g. O d e g w a f i a b a , H e h a s b r o u g h t a sheep. H e n c e the v e r y f r e q u e n t i m
p e r a t i v e e x p r e s s i o n s F a b e r a . B r i n g , a n d K o f a b e r a , Fetch, e. g. F a k a n
n e a n o b e r a , B r i n g the light
B r u k u d a p o n s o , k o f a b e r a , A b o o k is
l y i n g o n t h e t a b l e , f e t c h it.
2. U s e o f d e i n a
a n
§. 202. W h e n a sentence,
cessary object d e n o t i n g the m e
in the predicate is p e r f o r m e d ,
t h e integrant object is m a d e ,
s e n t e n
a c c e s
besides
a n s or
o r the
it is
c e w i t h o n e i n t e g r a n t a n
s a r y o b j e c t .
a passive or resultive object,
instrument, b y w h i c h the actio
materials , of w h i c h the thing
a l m o s t constantly construed b
1 3
d
h a s a n ac
n expressed
d e n o t e d b y
y the auxi
9 8
liary v e r b d e , a f e w expressions o n l y excepted , w h i c h h a v e b e e n stated in
§. 1 9 0 , 1. I n t h i s c a s e t h e a c c e s s a r y o b j e c t is a t t a c h e d t o d e K a n d p u t w i t h it
at the h e a d of the sentence, the predicate f o l l o w i n g w i t h the integrant object
In English different prepositions are e m p l o y e d , as with, b y , o f etc., to denote
the particular relation of the accessary object to the predicate, indicated in
O j i b y t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b , e. g. O A e a d a r r e o t y a d u a b a s a , H e c u t off a
b r a n c h with a hoo k
O d e a h o h y u a y e r a n e n e a m a i n i a r a , B y d e b a u c h e r y
he h a s lost all his properly
V o d e a f i r i n a yi a n u m a , With a snare they
catch a bird
M i d e n e d i n m i f r e n o , / called h i m b y his n a m e
V o d e
e n s e n n i a v o k a r i s i k a , In scales they weigh gold
V o d e a b r o b u a n a
n o m ta, In a pipe they s m o k e tobacco
V o d e e n t r a m a n a t o d o k o n n o ,
F o r cowries they buy bread
O d e a b u f u a k u m n o , H e has killed h i m in anger ;
V o d e e n h u m a n a p a m k o t o k u , O f leather they m a k e a bag
V o d e
d a d e n a b o a s o w , O f iron they forge a hoe
V o d e d u a n a p a m a d a k a ,
O f w o o d they m a k e a box.
A s s h o w n b y the sentences q u o t e d , the accessary object m a y or m a y not
b e c o n n e c t e d w i t h the predicate b y the conjunction n a (_and). It m a y stand
a l s o a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , a n d t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b a f t e r it j u s t b e f o r e t h e
p r e d i c a t e , e. g. E f i h u m a v o d e p a m k o t o k u , O f leather t h e g m a k e a b a g
A d e n o w o d e b e y e d e n ? W h a t will y o u do with that thing?
S o m e t i m e s the
a u x i l i a r y v e r b is r e p e a t e d b e f o r e t h e p r e d i c a t e , t h o u g h is s t a n d s b e f o r e t h e
a c c e s s a r y o b j e c t , e. g. M i d e a b o n u a m i d e t y a d u a , I a m c h o p p i n g w o o d
with a n a x e
A b a n t o f o d e a b o ni d o t e n a v o d e to a b a f i , T h e m a s o n s
build a house of stones a n d m u d .
W h e n the accessary object h a s b e e n m e n
t i o n e d j u s f b e f o r e , it is n o t r e p e a t e d , b u t t h e r e f e r e n c e o f t h e p r e d i c a t e t o it
d e n o t e d m e r e l y b y t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b s t a n d i n g b e f o r e t h e p r e d i c a t e , e. g. A b e r r i k i v o m m e n - a o d e k u g y e n e h u , T h e g o a t h a s h o r n s w i t h w h i c h it d e f e n d s
itself.
T h e accessary object denoting a m e a n s or instrument, s o m e t i m e s retains
t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h d e , t h o u g h t h e r e is n o i n t e g r a n t o b j e c t t o t h e p r e d i c a t e ,
e. g. O d e n ' e n s a b e n k u m o d i d i , H e eats w i t h his left h a n d ; a n d in t h e s a m e
w a y t h a t w i t h f a , in n e g a t i v e a n d i m p e r a t i v e s e n t e n t e s , e. g. W o m f a w o
e n s a a b i e f i n n i d i , Y o u do not eat with both hands, prv. 56.
C H A P T E R
C O N S T I T U E N T S .
A t t r i b u t i v e
III.
C o m b i n a t i o n .
V A R I A T I O N S
O F
T H E
§. 203. T h e principal constituent o f t h e attributive c
bute, w h i c h is r e f e r r e d either to t h e subject, or to t h e
ject of a sentence, or e v e n to a n o t h e r attribute.
O f the attribute there are three principal variations t
1. A n attributive adjective, e. g. B e p o k e s e , a l a r g e
2. A n attributive substantive, e. g. O h i n n e d a n , the
3. A s u b s t a n t i v e in apposition, e. g. A b o a k o k o s e k i
A T T R I B U T E .
o m b i n a t i o n is the Attri
predicate, or to a n o b
o b e distinguished :
mountain.
king's house.
, T h e animal vullure.
i.
Attributive A d j e c t i v e .
9 9
§. 204. T h e attributive a d j e c t i v e is r e g u l a r l y p u t a f t e r t h e s u b s t a n t i v e t o
w h i c h it is r e f e r r e d , e. g. O n i p a p a , a g o o d m a n
a d e s o a d r u d r u , a h e a v y
load. T h e adjective e s o n n o , h o w e v e r , m a k e s a n exception to this rule, b e i n g
placed before the substantive, e.g. E s o n n o k a s a b e b r i v o a s a s e s o , There
are m a n y different languages o n earth.
S e v e r a l other kinds of w o r d s , w h e n in this w a y referred to a substantive,
are theoretically equivalent to attributive adjectives, viz :
1. T h e a d j e c t i v e - p r o n o u n s y i , n o , b e n , b i , e. g. K r u y i , this t o w n
k a n n e a n o , this light
e n t a m a b e n , w h a t cloth.
2. T h e n u m e r a l s , e . g . N a n t y u b a a k o f i , o n e bullock
m m o f r a a d u o n u ,
twenty children
n n i p a i n i a r a , o i l m e n
e n k o k o a h e h o w m a n y fowls.
T h e n u m e r a l s are not a l w a y s placed i m m e d i a t e l y after the substantive to w h i c h
t h e y refer, but the predicate of the sentence or a n a d v e r b m a y be put b e t w e e n ,
e. g. M e s e t u t u i n i a r a , All m y teeth a r e falling o u t
E n k r o f o v o h o
b e b r i , There are m a n y people there
M i h u a p o n k o v o h o e d u n n u m , I s a w
fifteen horses there
M a t o e n k o k o b e s e a d u o n u m , I have bought about
fifty fowls.
3. T h e a d v e r b e f i k u o r e f i k u t o , only, alone, w h e n p u t t o a s u b s t a n t i v e o r
a s u b s t a n t i v e - p r o n o u n , e. g. M i e f i k u n i k u a f o , / a l o n e a m a planter, p r v . 12.
T h e adverbial p r o n o u n s h a a n d h o also, w h e n referred to a substantive
w h i c h is a n object of locality, a r e e q u i v a l e n t to a n attributive a d j e c t i v e viz. to
t h e a d j e c t i v e - p r o n o u n s this a n d that, e. g. M a b a k r u m h a e m p e f i a b i e s a ,
/ h a v e b e e n t h r e e t i m e s i n t h e t o w n h e r e i. e . i n t h i s t o w n .
W h e n t w o adjectives are referred as attributes to the s a m e w o r d , they
a r e j o i n e d b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n i o r e n n i (cf. §. 2 1 5 ) , e . g . O h u b i r i b i t e n t e f i
n i fita, H e s a w something long a n d white.
2.
Attributive S u b s t a n t i v e .
§. 205. T h e attributive s u b s t a n t i v e is p l a c e d i m m e d i a t e l y b e f o r e t h e w o r d
c h is qualified b y it, the close c o n n e c t i o n of the t w o b e i n g indicated, n o t
a n y c h a n g e of f o r m , as in m o s t E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s , since in Oji there is
i n f l e c t i o n o f c a s e (cf. §. 8 7 ) , n o r b y a p r e p o s i t i o n , a s in E n g l i s h b y o f , b u t
e l y b y the position, a n d b y b o t h being joined u n d e r o n e accent, w h i c h , as
h e y f o r m e d a c o m p o u n d t o g e t h e r (cf. §. 60), h a s t e n s o v e r t h e attribute, a n d
s u p o n t h e w o r d t o w h i c h it is a t t a c h e d , e. g . O w u a d a r r e , d e a t h ' s s c y t h e
f u n n u ti, the corpse's h e a d
o k o t o e n i , the crab's eye. S o m e t i m e s ,
h o w e v e r , m o r e p a r t i c u l a r l y if t h e attribute is a p r o p e r n a m e , o r a t least d e n o t e s
a c e r t a i n i n v i d u a l , a p o s s e s s i v e p r o n o u n is i n s e r t e d a f t e r it, e. g . K w a k u n e
d a n , K w a k u ' s house
O b r o n n i n e y i r r e , the European's wife, literally:
K w a k u his house
the E u r o p e a n his wife.
L i k e substantives, substantive p r o
n o u n s a l s o m a y s t a n d a s a t t r i b u t e s , e. g. O b i a f u , s o m e b o d y ' s p l a n t a t i o n
y e n a k u r a , o u r hamlet
m a f i k a s a d a n , m y o w n house
H e n n a p o n k o
n i ? W h o s e h o r s e is t h a t ?
T h e cases , in w h i c h this k i n d of attributive c o m b i n a t i o n is applied , a r e
generally the s a m e as in English; the attributive relation, d e n o t e d in the latter
b y t h e genitive case o f t h e attribute, o r b y the p r e p o s i t i o n of, b e i n g either that
o f a n o w n e r t o h i s p r o p e r t y , e. g. w ' a g y a a k o a , y o u r f a t h e r ' s slave,
or of
w h i
b y
n o
m e r
if t
fall
i
1 0 0
a w h o l e t o o n e o f its p a r t s , e. g . b e p o e t i f i , t h e s u m m i t o f t h e m o u n t a i n ,
or
o f a n a g e n t t o h i s a c t i o n , e. g. b a e n u a d y u m a , t w o m e n ' s w o r k
o n i p a
a d y p n n e , man's thoughts,
o r t h a t o f a p e r s o n a l a n d social c o n n e c t i o n , e. g.
m e n u a b a , m y brother's son
o h i n n e n e y i r r e , the caboceer's wife. B u t in
O j i a q u a l i f i c a t i o n o f l o c a l i t y , o f t i m e , a n d o f p u r p o s e a l s o is s o m e t i m e s e x
pressed in the simple f o r m of a substantive attribute, w h e r e in E n g l i s h a n ad
j e c t i v e o r a s u b s t a n t i v e w i t h a p r e p o s i t i o n is e m p l o y e d , e. g. A b r o k i r r i g w a f i ,
a E u r o p e a n sheep o r a sheep f r o m E u r o p e
n e u r a f i k w a n , the w a y to his
master's house, prv. 78
o k w a n k y e n m a k o , the peppertree by the side o f the
road, prv. 2 5 6
a n a d y o ' b o a , v e n i s o n o f t h e n i g h t i. e . v e m s o n g o t i n t h e
night, nocturnal venison, prv. 1 8 2
s i k a a d y u m a, w o r k for gold.
S o m e
times, h o w e v e r , in O j i a l s o a s u b s t a n t i v e attribute, w h i c h d e n o t e s a p l a c e , is
c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e w o r d q u a l i f i e d b y t h e v e r b a l p r e p o s i t i o n s fi a n d v o , e. g.
o h i n n e b i fi b e b i , a c a b o c e e r f r o m s o m e p l a c e , cf. p r v . 2 1 2
a d e v o s u m ,
t h e t h i n g s in (i. e. s t a n d i n g i n ) t h e r a i n , p r v . 4 9 . If i n t h i s c a s e t h e w o r d , t o
w h i c h t h e attribute is r e f e r r e d , is n o t t o b e e x p r e s s e d , b u t to b e d e n o t e d m e
rely b y a d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n , the f o r m v o n n i is e m p l o y e d , w h i c h includes
t h e p r e p o s i t i o n v o (cf. § . 1 1 5 ) , e. g. A t o d r u a s a , e n y e v o n n i o h i n n e
e n t o a m , W h e n ( t h e y s a y t h a t ) t h e p o w d e r is c o n s u m e d , it is n o t t h a t i n t h e k i n g ' s
powder-case, prv. 111.
W h e n t h e w o r d , t o w h i c h a n attribute is referred, h a s b e e n m e n t i o n e d j u s t
b e f o r e , it m a y b e o m i t t e d in O j i a s in E n g l i s h ; b u t in t h e f o r m e r t h e t e r m i n a
tion d e o r d e a (cf. §. 100, 4) is t h e n a l w a y s a t t a c h e d t o t h e attribute, d e n o t i n g
the attributive relation, e.g. N a n t y u a b e n v a r r e k y e f i a b e r r i k i d e , A bul
lock's h o r n is l o n g e r t h a n a g o a f s
E h a o p o n k o e n t u m i r i k a s e A b r o k i r r i d e a , T h e horses here do not r u n so fast as the E u r o p e a n
M e s e k a n
y e n a m , n a w o d e e n y e n a m , M y k n i f e is s h a r p , b u t y o u r s is n o t s h a r p , c f
prv. 27. 34. 39. 259.
3.
S u b s t a n t i v e in A p p o s i t i o n .
§. 2 0 6 . A s u b s t a n t i v e in a p p o s i t i o n is a l w a y s p u t i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e
s u b s t a n t i v e o r p r o n o u n , t o w h i c h it is r e f e r r e d , e. g. O h i n n e K w a k u D u S '
the king K w a k u D u a
w o v a n s a n , thou antelope, prv. 61.
T w o cases of apposition, W h i c h m o r e frequently occur, m u s t b e pointed out
in particular:
1. T h e substantives f o r m e d b y t h e suffix f o (§. 33) a r e f r e q u e n t l y p u t in
apposition to other substantives, w h i c h d e n o t e p e r s o n s or at least a n i m a t e
beings, a n d m u s t b e r e n d e r e d in English either b y a n adjective, o r both w o r d s
t o g e t h e r b y o n e s u b s t a n t i v e , e. g. A k o a s i s i f o , a deceitful f e l l o w o r a d e c e i v e r
b a n i m a d e f o , a cunning person, prv. 211
a n u m a n i f i r i f o , a sharpsighted bird, prv. 242.
2. S u b s t a n t i v e s , w h i c h d e n o t e a p e r s o n w i t h o u t d i s t i n g u i s h i n g its s e x , a s
n u a brother a n d sister
b a , son a n d daughter
a b o f r a , b o y a n d girl etc.,
h a v e often o n e of the substantives b a r r i m a a n d b e a a d d e d in apposition, the
f o r m e r d e n o t i n g t h e m a l e , t h e l a t t e r t h e f e m a l e s e x , e. g. n u a b a r r i m a , b r o
ther
n u a b e a , sister;
o b a b a r r i m a , son
o b a b e a , daughter;
a b o f r a b a r r i m a , b o y
a b o f r a ' b e a , girl.
In the s a m e w a y a b o f r a is
a d d e d t o d e n o t e y o u t h , e. g. o b a r r i m a a b o f r a , a y o u n g m a n , a b o y
o b e a
a b o f r a , a y o u n g i w o m a n , a girl.
S y n t a x
o f
S E C T I O N
C o m p o u n d
C O - O R D I N A T I O N A N D
II.
1 0 1
S e n t e n c e s .
S U B O R D I N A T I O N .
§. 2 0 7 . C o m p o u n d s e n t e n c e s a r e f o r m e d b y t w o o r m o r e
connected into one. This connexion m a y take place in t w o w a y
1. T h e s e n t e n c e s a r e c o n n e c t e d b y w a y o f C o - o r d i n a t i o n , a
Co-ordinate Sentences, w h e n b y o n e as w e l l as b y the other the
m a k e s a direct s t a t e m e n t ; a n d c o n s e q u e n t l y t h e c o n n e x i o n is n o
dency, b u t of conjunction o n equal terms.
2. T h e y a r e c o n n e c t e d b y w a y o f S u b o r d i n a t i o n , w h e n b y o
is t h e P r i n c i p a l S e n t e n c e , t h e p e r s o n s p e a k i n g m a k e s a d i r e c t
the other, w h i c h is a n A c c e s s a r y Sentence, supplies the p l a c e of
of the subject, or of a n object to the principal.
C H A P T E R
W A Y S
sentences
s .
n d consequ
p e r s o n s p e
t o n e of d
being
ently
a k i n g
e p e n
n e only , w h i c h
statement; a n d
a n attribute, or
I.
C o - o r d i n a t i o n .
O F
C O - O R D I N A T I O N .
§. 208. T h e c o n n e x i o n o f c o - o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s is a l w a y s p e r f o r m e d o n t h e
ground o f s o m e internal relation, either existing b e t w e e n the ideas expressed
in the s e n t e n c e s in g e n e r a l , o r r e f e r r i n g p r i m a r i l y t o p a r t i c u l a r c o r r e s p o n d i n g
parts o f t h e m . T h i s relation in its g e n e r a l i t y w e m a y t e r m t h e conjunctive
relation. Its different variations m a y b e r e f e r r e d to three categories: t h e c o p u
lative, t h e a d v e r s a t i v e , a n d t h e c a u s a l relation. In E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s t h e r e is
a settled distinction o f t h e s e t h r e e variations, e a c h h a v i n g its o w n p a r t i c u l a r
c o n j u n c t i o n s , e. g. in E n g l i s h t h e c o p u l a t i v e r e l a t i o n b e i n g e x p r e s s e d b y t h e
c o n j u n c t i o n s a n d , also etc., t h e a d v e r s a t i v e b y but, y e t etc., t h e c a u s a l b y for
a n d h e n c e o r therefore e t c In O j i this is n o t k e p t u p in t h e s a m e m e a s u r e , t h e
adversative relation b e i n g generally not distinguished f r o m the copulative, a n d
the causal only in part. T h e particulars m a y be referred to the following
heads :
T h e c o n j u n c t i v e r e l a t i o n in its g e n e r a h t y , e x p r e s s e d b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n a.
Particular relations expressed by e n s o a n d n a n s o , d e , enti.
C o n n e x i o n o f sentences without conjunctions.
Contraction a n d Abbreviation of co-ordinate sentences.
§. 2 0 9 . B y t h e
generality, w i t h o u t
distinguished. N o w
in E n g l i s h , b u t t h e
junctions applied,
but, f o r etc., e. g. O
him again
E n t e
1. T h e C o n j u n c t i o n n a .
conjunction n a the conjunctive relation is
r e f e r e n c e t o t h e p a r t i c u l a r v a r i a t i o n s o f it
a s t h e s e v a r i a t i o n s a r e n o t in t h e s a m e w a y
distinction k e p t u p , a n d a c c o r d i n g to t h e m
n a m u s t in o n e sentence be rendered b y and,
g y a w m i n a m i n h u n o b i o , H e left me, a n
m e y e n a o g u m e y e , Q u i c k n e s s is g o o d ,
d e n o t e d in its
w h i c h m a y b e
left u n h e e d e d
different c o n
in a n o t h e r b y
d I did not see
a n d s l o w n e s s is
1 0 2
good, prv.119.
E s i k r e y e f r e m f r e m , a d r u y e
S u g a r is s w e e t , m e d i c i n e is bitter, a n d a l i m e is s o u
o m m o a k e k i r e , A child will crush a snail, but
m i n n y a s i i m f u d y g n , / a m o l d b u t still I h a v e
f e w s e y a d u h a , n a m e b o a b u , / a m glad
o f breath
E n k o t r a m , n a e f a m a f o w , D o
g r o u n d is wet,
2.
S w
r;
not
no
that
not
y u n n e , n a
A b o f r a
a tortoise
gray hairs
w e are her
go into the
a f i k a y e n y
b o e f i v a w ,
M a n y i n ,
yet;
E y e
e, for I a m
g a r d e n , for
a n ,
n a
n a
m i
out
the
C o n j u n c t i o n s e n s o , n a n s o , d e , e n t i .
E n s o a n d n a n s o .
§. 210. T h e c o n j u n c t i o n e n s o d o e s n o t c o n n e c t c o - o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s in
t h e s a m e g e n e r a l w a y a s n a , b u t is r e f e r r e d p r i m a r i l y t o a p a r t i c u l a r p a r t o f
a s e n t e n c e , t h e s u b j e c t , a n o b j e c t , o r a n attribute. It is p u t after t h a t part,
g i v i n g a n e m p h a s i s t o it , a n d n o t i n g it a s a n a d d i t i o n t o t h e p a r a l l e l p a r t o f
t h e p r e c e d i n g s e n t e n c e . T h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g E n g l i s h c o n j u n c t i o n is also, e. g.
N n o w o y o n k u n o m e n k u , n a d o w ' a t a m f o e n s o , L o v e not o n l y y o u r
friends, but love also g o u r enemies
M m o a b e b r i te a s a s e s o , e b i n o m
e n s o t e e n s u m , M a n y animals live o n land, s o m e also h v e in the water. A s ,
h o w e v e r , as stated above, the Oji d o e s not, like E u r o p e a n languages, k e e p u p
a distinction b e t w e e n copulative a n d adversative connexion,
e n s o is often
e m p l o y e d , w h e r e in E n g l i s h also is n o t a d m i s s i b l e , b u t a n a d v e r s a t i v e c o n j u n c
t i o n m u s t b e s u b s t i t u t e d f o r it; e. g. O d e n k y e m d a e n s u m , m a m p a m e n s o
d a w u r a m , T h e crocodile lives in the water, but the g u a n a in the w o o d
O d a f i
n o n ' e k i y e f e , n e m u e n s o y e t a n t a n , T h e o u t s i d e o f this h o u s e is fine, its
inside, h o w e v e r , is n a s t y .
N a n s o is a c o m p o u n d o f n a a n d e n s o . e x p r e s s i n g t h e s a m e m e a n i n g a s
t h e latter, b u t r e f e r r i n g t o t h e s t a t e m e n t in g e n e r a l , a n d is p u t at t h e h e a d o f
the sentence. Its literal translation is a n d also, h u t in E n g l i s h a s i m p l e c o p u l a
tive o r a d v e r s a t i v e c o n j u n c t i o n is g e n e r a l l y u s e d , w h e r e in O j i n a n s o is put,
e. g. E S k r u b e b r i n a t e n ' a s e m , n a n s o v o y e n e m a r a , M a n y t o w n s a r e
subject to him, a n d o b e y his laws
W o f a n i f a , m e f a b e n k u m ; n a n s o w o f a b e n k u m - a , m e f a n i f a , If y o u g o to the right, I shall g o to the left; but if
y o u g o to the left, I shall g o to the right. S o m e t i m e s e n s o is r e p e a t e d a f t e r t h e
p r e d i c a t e , e. g. O n i m O t y i k a s a ; n a n s o o k a s a , o f o m e n s o b e b r i , H e
k n o w s Oji; w h e n he speaks, however, he m a k e s m a n y blunders.
m
b
o
r
s
b
o
d
k
g
T h e
T h e C o n j u n c t i o n de.
§. 2 1 1 . T h e c o n j u n c t i o n d e is a l w a y s p u t a f t e r t h e w o r d t o w h i c h it p r i
a r i l y refers, p u t t i n g it e m p h a t i c a l l y in o p p o s i t i o n t o t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g p a r t
f t h e p r e c e d i n g sentence, w h i c h s o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , is n o t e x p r e s s e d , b u t m e
e l y i m p l i e d . In E n g l i s h it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y a n a d v e r s a t i v e c o n j u n c t i o n a s
u t o r h o w e v e r , e. g. E m p a t a b e b r i v o n h u v o a b o f i , a b e r r e k u r i d e n i
i , n e h u y e t r o t r o , M o s t fishes h a v e scales; the eet, h o w e v e r , h a s n o n e , it is
mooth
O n i p a y ' a m e k y e w a , o t e a s a s e s o k e t e w a b i n a o w u ; N y a n u p o n d e o n y e a m e k y e w a , o t e h o d a , M a n is m o r t a l , h e lives a s h o r t t i m e
n earth, a n d dies; b u t G o d is n o t m o r t a t , h e lives f o r e v e r
W o b e k o , n a m i
e m e t r a h a , Y o u will depart, but I shall stay here
A i v u a fi a n o p a a i v u a i n a e g i n n a y e n etifi, a n a d y o f a n a eto; a n a d y o d e e m p a i k o r a , n a
1 0 3
e f i a s a s e f a s o b e b i , T h e s u n r i s e s i n t h e m o r n i n g , a t n o o n it is i n o u r z e n i t h ,
in t h e e v e n i n g it s e t s ; b u t i n t h e n i g h t it d o e s n o t s h i n e a t all, b u t r i s e s o n s o m e
other part o f the earth
O b a r r i m a bi w u - a , n ' e m m a n a di n ' a d e , e h a i
d e n e v o f a s e w a n a di, e n y e n ' e m m a , W h e n a m a n dies, his children inherit
his g o o d s ; here, h o w e v e r , his n e p h e w inherits, n o t his children.
S o m e t i m e s d e is
put also after tbe c o r r e s p o n d i n g part of the p r e c e d i n g sentence, a n d the d o a b l e
d e m a y t h e n b e c o m p a r e d t o t h e G r e e k fiev-Se, e. g. M i d e m i t e d a n m , n a
m e n u a d e o y e a d y u m a v o a d i w h o , / a m sitting in the house, b u t m y brother
is w o r k i n g o u t s i d e .
T h e C o n j u n c t i o n enti.
§. 2 1 2 . A r e l a t i o n o f c a u s a l i t y m a y f o r m t h e l i n k o f c o - o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s
in t w o w a y s , it b e i n g o f t h e t w o s e n t e n c e s e i t h e r t h e o n e p r e c e d i n g o r t h e o n e
f o l l o w i n g , b y w h i c h a c a u s e is a s s i g n e d f o r t h e s t a t e m e n t m a d e in t h e other.
If it is t h e l a t t e r , it is i n E n g l i s h r e f e r r e d t o t h e p r e c e d i n g s e n t e n c e b y t h e
c o n j u n c t i o n f o r ; in O j i t h e r e is n o p a r t i c u l a r c o n j u n c t i o n f o r this relation, b u t
the g e n e r a l c o n j u n c t i o n n a is e m p l o y e d , a s s h o w n in §. 209. If, o n t h e o t h e r
hand, t h e c a u s e is stated b y the p r e c e d i n g sentence, a n d b y the f o l l o w i n g the
c o n s e q u e n c e , in O j i t h e c o n j u n c t i o n e n t i is u s e d , c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h t h e E n g
lish h e n c e o r therefore, e . g . M a f r o b e p u t e n t e f i , e n t i m a b r e , / h a v e
a s c e n d e d a h i g h m o u n t a i n , ll e r e f o r e I a m t i r e d
M a n a n t e w v o s u m , e n t i m ' a t a d e a f o w , / h a v e w a l k e d in the rain, therefore m y clothes are wet.
3.
C o n n e c t i o n o f s e n t e n c e s w i t h o u t a n y c o n j u n c t i o n .
§. 2 1 3 . T w o s e n t e n c e s a r e f r e q u e n t l y c o n n e c t e d b y w a y o f c o - o r d i n a t i o n ,
without the c o n n e x i o n b e i n g indicated b y a conjunction ; the conjunctive rela
tion b e i n g left unexpressed. This a p p e a r s to be tbe case, w h e n the particular
relation , e x i s t i n g b e t w e e n t h e s e n t e n c e s , is b y itself m a n i f e s t f r o m t h e i d e a s
e x p r e s s e d in t h e m , e. g. E k a n n o v o t y o m a n s o , a f e y i v o y e b a a k o n , F o r
merly they w e r e at variance, n o w they agree
A d u a f i n o y e m o m o n o , v o n n o a i , T h i s f o o d is r a w , it h a s n o t b e e n b o i l e d
V a n y i n , n e ti a f u d y o f i , N e
is o l d , t h e r e a r e g r e y h a i r s o n h i s h e a d
A v o w v o e m f r a m a m , e m a m e h u
c i m , T h e w i n d is c o l d , it m a k e s m e t r e m b l e
N ' a s e m i n i a r a y e e n t y u r i ,
m i n d y p n n e s o , A l l h e s a y s is c a l u m n y , I d o n t m i n d it
W o a k a e k i r r i , m a
w o n a n s o , Y o u stop behind, m a k e haste
K o y i w o b o g y e s e , e v a r r e
d o d o , G o a n d s h a v e o f f y o u r b e a r d , it is v e r y l o n g .
§. 2 1 4 . S e v e r a l p e c u l i a r c a s e s o f s e n t e n c e s b e i n g t h u s c o n n e c t e d r e q u i r e a
particular notice.
1. W h e n o f t h e s a m e s u b j e c t s e v e r a l s u c c e s s i v e a n d c o h e r e n t a c t i o n s a r e
stated, the predicates b y w h i c h they are expressed generally f o l l o w in cor
responding succession, w i t h o u t being connected b y conjunctions, a n d the reference
to t h e s u b j e c t b e i n g i n d i c a t e d o n l y in t h e first o f t h e p r e d i c a t e s , e. g. W o k o
fa bi a t o p e , k o y e a d y u m a , literally: Y o u g o to take somebody's hoe, g o to
work, prv. 193
O b i n n o a a d u a f i , e n k o ta e n k w a n t a e n f y u f y e m e n n i ,
l i t e r a l l y : O n e d o e s n o t c o o k f o o d , d o e s n o t g o t o p u t it o n t h e r o a d , d o e s n o t l o o k
for a guest, prv. 19.
O f the s a m e character are the v e r y frequent expressions:
F a b e r a , T a k e , c o m e , i. e . B r i n g ,
a n d K o f a b e r a , G o , t a k e , c o m e , i. e . F e t c h ,
e. g. K o f a e n s u b e r a , F e t c h w a t e r .
1 0 4
2. T w o negative sentences especially are frequently thus c o n n e c t e d , w h e n
t h e m e a n i n g t o b e c o n v e y e d is. t h a t t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in o n e s e n t e n c e e x c l u
des that expressed in the other; or, m o r e particularly, that the t w o actions,
being incompatible w i t h o n e another, are not p e r f o r m e d together. In rendering
such sentences into English, they m u s t of course a l w a y s be c h a n g e d into'anot h e r c o n s t r u c t i o n , e. g. O s r a m e m f i d a k o r r o , e n t y a m a n m , literally: T h e
n e w - m o o n d o e s n o t a p p e a r o n o n e d a y , d o e s n o t p a s s o v e r t h e t o w n , i. e . W h e n
t h e n e i e - m o o n a p p e a r s , it d o e s n o t p a s s o v e r t h e t o w n o n t h e s a m e d a y , p r v . 4 8
O b i n t u a n u m a , e f i k o k y e r r e p a n y i n , literally: O n e does not p l u c k a bird,
d o e s n o t g o t o s h o w it t o a n o l d m a n , i. e . A p e r s o n d o e s n o t p l u c k a b i r d , w h i c h
h e is g o i n g to s h o w to a n o l d m a n ( t o i n q u i r e f o r its n a m e ) , p r v . 1 4 2 . cf. 65.
178. 202.
If sentences of this kind, h o w e v e r , h a v e different subjects, t h e y are con
n e c t e d b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n a , e. g. A k o s u a m m o m u s u , n a A k u a m f a ,
literally : A k o s u a does not do mischief, a n d A k u a does not take (the punishment),
i. e. W h e n A k o s u a d o e s m i s c h i e f , A k u a is n o t p u n i s h e d f o r it , p r v . 5 5 , cf. 9 4
O b i n t o a k o k o n i n i , n a o m m o n o bi a k u r a , literally: O n e does not buy a
c o c k , a n d h e d o e s n o t c r o w i n o n e ' s p l a n t a t i o n , i. e . A m a n d o e s n o t b u y a c o c k
to let h i m c r o w in a n o t h e r ' s p l a n t a t i o n , p r v . 41. cf. 1 3 7
O b i m p r a n a o b i
n s e s a w , O n e d o e s n o t s w e e p , a n d o n e d o e s n o t t a k e u p , i. e . W h e n o n e p e r s o n
sweeps, another does not take u p (the sweepings a n d carry them out), or : The same
person, w h o sweeps, will carry out the sweepings, prv. 54.
3. A n o t h e r i d i o m a t i c a l f o r m o f c o - o r d i n a t e c o n n e x i o n is t h e s u e c e s s i o n of
o n e predicate to a n o t h e r in the perfect tense w i t h o u t conjunction. This form
a p p e a r s to b e used, w h e n t w o actions are conceived as connected n o t only b y
i m m e d i a t e succession, b u t so that the o u e p r e c e d i n g is d o n e o n l y w i t h a v i e w
to the o n e following, the p e r f o r m a n c e of the latter being intended b y that o
t h e f o r m e r , a n d , a s it w e r e , a l r e a d y c o m p l e t e d b y it, e. g . M i k o m a b a , l i t e r a l l y
I g o I h a v e c o m e , i. e . / g o ( w i t h t h e i n t e n t i o n ) t o r e t u r n a g a i n i m m e d i a t e l y
M i s o r r e m a t i e m e m u , / rise to stretch m y b a c k
M i s e r r e a d u a n m a d i ,
/ beg for f o o d to eat
M i s e r r e e n s u k a k r a m a n o m , / b e g f o r a httle w a
ter to drink
M i h u a m t a m a t e s e e y e a n a , / smell the tobacco, to perceive
w h e t h e r it is g o o d
M i s o a d u a n m a f y e , / t a k e t h e f o o d t o l o o k a t , i. e. /
taste it (cf. §. 4 8 ) .
T h e v e r b c e in the m e a n i n g to compel, a n d the expression
f y e iy e, take care, h a v e both a n o t h e r predicate attached in this form, w i t h the
difference h o w e v e r , that the c o n j u n c t i o n n a is p u t in, as in the f o r m e r case
t h e r e is a c h a n g e o f s u b j e c t , in t h e l a t t e r a c h a n g e o f m o o d , e. g. M e c e n o
n a v a b a , I will compel h i m to c o m e
F y e i y e n a w a m m o a h i n n a no,
T a k e care that y o u do not break the pot
F y e w o h u i y e n a w a f i f y e a s e ,
T a k e c a r e o f y o u r s e l f that y o u d o n o t fall.
.4
C o n t r a c t i o n a n d A b b r e v i a t i o n o f c o - o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s .
T h e c o n j u n c t i o n s ni a n d enni.
§. 215. W h e n t w o c o - o r d i n a t e s e n t e n c e s h a v e t h e s a m e predicate, a n d
differ o n l y as to o n e of their parts, t h e y are generally contracted, so as to
a s s u m e t h e a p p e a r a n c e o f o n e s i m p l e s e n t e n c e ; e. g. M y f a t h e r is c o m e a n d m y
b r o t h e r is c o m e is c o n t r a c t e d i n t o M y f a t h e r a n d m y b r o t h e r a r e c o m e . T h i s c o n
traction t a k e s p l a c e in Oji as in English, b u t it is to b e noticed a s a peculiarity
o f t h e f o r m e r , t h a t in s e n t e n c e s t h u s c o n t r a c t e d it n e v e r e m p l o y s t h e s a m e c o n
1 0 5
junction n a , w h i c h in o t h e r c a s e s is u s e d for t h e c o n n e x i o n of c o - o r d i n a t e
sentences, bat for this particular case h a s the particular conjunctions ni a n d
e n n i , e. g. M ' a g y a e n n i m e n u a a b a , M y f a t h e r a n d m y b r o t h e r a r e c o m e
A i v u a d e k a n n e a n i a h u h u r u m a a s a s e , T h e s u n gives light a n d w a r m t h
to the earth.
N i a n d e n n i are originally the s a m e w o r d , the latter being but a stronger
f o r m o f t h e f o r m e r . T h e r e is a difference, h o w e v e r , in their u s e , w h i c h c o n
sists in n i indicating a m o r e , e n n i a less i n t i m a t e c o n n e x i o n ; t h e latter, w h i l e
c o n n e c t i n g , l e a v i n g a s e p a r a t e e m p h a s i s t o e a c h o f t h e t w o w o r d s , s o t h a t e. g.
A i v u a d e k a n n e a e n n i a h u h u r u m a a s a s e w o u l d a p p r o a c h to the English
The s u n gives light as well as w a r m t h to the earth.
H e n c e e n n i is p r e f e r a b l y u s e d , w h e n o f t h e t w o c o n n e c t e d p a r t s t h e o n e
f o l l o w i n g is a d d e d b y w a y o f a c l i m a x , e. g. N y a n k u p o n a b o v u a s e e n n i
a d e v o m i n i a r a , G o d h a s c r e a t e d the w o r l d a n d all that is therein;
a n d w h e n
they a r e p u t in o p p o s i t i o n to o n e a n o t h e r , e. g. E s e t e n t e n e n n i e s e a k o tia e d i d i b a a k o n , L o n g teeth a n d short teeth eat the s a m e (food), prv. 235.
N i , o n the other h a n d , m u s t b e e m p l o y e d , w h e n the t w o parts are not
only accidentally connected, but conceived as essentially b e l o n g i n g together,
e. g . M m o f r a n n i v o n e n n a n i v o n a g y a n i , C h i l d r e n m u s t h o n o u r t h e i r
mother a n d their father;
a n d in connecting t w o subjects, w h i c h are conceived
as reciprocally or jointly p e r f o r m i n g the action expressed in the predicate,
e. g . O p e t e n i a k r o m a e n s e , T h e v u l l u r e a n d t h e e a g l e d o n o t r e s e m b l e ( e a c h
other). In t h e latter c a s e in E n g l i s h t h e preposition with is g e n e r a l l y e m p l o y e d ,
for w h i c h the Oji, h a v i n g n o c o r r e s p o n d i n g preposition, a l w a y s uses the con
n e x i o n b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n i , e. g. M i n i o n o k a s a , / s p e a k w i t h him, literally
/ a n d he speak
M i n i o n o b o e n k o m o , / converse with h i m
M i ni o n o
si k a n n e t u m i r i k a , / r a n a race with h i m
W o ni w o a g y a a k o a t y a
a b e , Y o u cut d o w n a palm-tree with y o u r father's slave, prv. 108.
Observation. A s exceptions f r o m the general rule, a f e w cases h a v e occur
r e d to us of ni a n d e n n i b e i n g e m p l o y e d in not-contracted sentences,
t h e f o r m e r t o c o n n e c t t w o s h o r t i m p e r a t i v e s e n t e n c e s , e. g . B e r a n i
y e n k o , C o m e a n d let u s g o ,
the latter to join t w o sentences w h i c h
h a v e the s a m e predicate, a n d the contraction of w h i c h h a s b e e n omitted
f o r t h e p u r p o s e o n l y o f c o n v e y i n g a g r e a t e r e m p h a s i s , e. g. E y a w n i
h o e n n i a m a n n e h u n n u n i h o k o r a , T h e r e is n o p a i n a n d n o affliction
at all there.
T h e c
contraction
rallel parts
h in this c
b e n , k o k
o n j
of
of
ase
o a
u n c t i o n
co-ordinat
w h i c h are
correspon
n a s e t u
a n a
e sent
joine
ds to
n t u m
se.
enc
d b
th
,
§. 216. A n o t h e r
es takes place in disjunc
tive questions , t h e p a
y the c o m p o u n d c o n j u n c
tion a n a s e , w h i c
e English conjunction or,
e. g . W o b e t o t a m
W h a t cloth do y o u w a n t to
buy , r e d or- black ?
O b s e r v a t i o n . It m a y o n this o c c a s i o n b e r e m a r k e d , t h a t , e x c e p t in t h e c a s e
m e n t i o n e d , the Oji-language s e e m s to h a v e n o conjunction a n s w e r i n g to
t h e English or, w h i c h , therefore, in other cases m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y a
paraphrase.
A b b r e v i a t i o n o f a c o o r d i n a t e n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e .
§. 217. A n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e , a t t a c h e d b y w a y o f c o - o r d i n a t i o n t o a p o s i
t i v e s e n t e n c e , f r o m w h i c h in o t h e r r e s p e c t s it differs o n l y b y h a v i n g a different
1 4
1 0 6
s u b j e c t o r o b j e c t , is s o a b r i d g e d , t h a t t h o s e p a r t s , w h i c h it h a s in c o m m o n
-with the preceding positive sentence, are left u n e x p r e s s e d , a n d , instead of a
r e p e t i t i o n o f t h e v e r b in n e g a t i v e f o r m , t h e n e g a t i v e o f t h e c o p u l a y e is p u t
w i t h t h e different s u b j e c t o r o b j e c t for its predicate. In E n g l i s h the s a m e
a b b r e v i a t i o n is u s e d , w i t h the difference, that, instead o f t h e v e r b y e in the
n e g a t i v e , m e r e l y t h e a d v e r b n o t is p u t , e. g. O b a r r i m a b i w u - a , n e v o f a s e w a n a d i n ' a d e , e n y e n ' e m m a , W h e n a m a n dies, his n e p h e w inherits his
goods, not his children
O k w a f i v a r r e - a , v o d e v o n n a n n a t y a , e n y e
a b o n u a , W h e n a w a y is l o n g , it is s h o r t e n e d b y t h e f e e t , n o t b y a n a x e , p r v
1 5 0 cf. 49.
C H A P T E R II.
D I V I S I O N
O F
S u b o r d i n a t i o n .
A C C E S S A R Y
S E N T E N C E S .
§. 128. O f t w o s e n t e n c e s , w h i c h a r e u n i t e d b y w a y o f s u b o r d i n a t i o n , o n e
is a l w a y s t h e principal , a n d t h e o t h e r a n a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , t h e latter being
a c t u a l l y b u t t h e subject, o r a n attribute, o r o b j e c t o f t h e f o r m e r (§. 207, 2).
T h e a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , a c c o r d i n g l y , is virtually e q u i v a l e n t to a n a d j e c t i v e , a
substantive, o r a n a d v e r b f o r m i n g part of a simple sentence; a n d h e n c e the
different k i n d s of accessary sentences m a y m o s t appropriately b e referred to
the f o l l o w i n g heads:
1. T h e a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e is a n A d j e c t i v e S e n t e n c e , w h e n it is a t t a c h e d t o a
s u b s t a n t i v e o r a s u b s t a n t i v e p r o n o u n a s its a n t e c e d e n t , a n d is v i r t u a l l y e q u i v a
lent to a n attributive or a substantive adjective.
2. It is a S u b s t a n t i v e S e n t e n c e , w h e n , l i k e a s u b s t a n t i v e , it s u p p l i e s t h e p l a c e
o f t h e subject o r o f a n object o f activity (cf. §. 1 8 2 M 8 5 ) to its principal.
3. It is a n A d v e r b i a l S e n t e n c e , w h e n it s u p p l i e s t h e p l a c e o f a n o b j e c t o f
m a n n e r , o f time, o r o f locality (cf. §. 182. 1 9 0 1 9 8 ) t o its principal.
1. A d j e c t i v e S e n t e n c e .
§. 219. T h e g e n e r a l theoretical characteristic o f a n adjective s e n t e n c e c o n
sists in its b e i n g r e f e r r e d t o a s u b s t a n t i v e o r a s u b s t a n t i v e p r o n o u n , w h i c h is
t e r m e d its antecedent. In E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e s t h e relation o f the a d j e c t i v e s e n
t e n c e to its a n t e c e d e n t is g e n e r a l l y e x p r e s s e d b y a relative p r o n o u n . It h a s
b e e n m e n t i o n e d in a f o r m e r p l a c e (§. 101), that t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e is destitute of
this k i n d o f p r o n o u n , a n d h e n c e t h e a d j e c t i v e s e n t e n c e is a t t a c h e d t o its a n t e
cedent w i t h o u t the relation being particularly expressed. T h e reference of the
a n t e c e d e n t to t h e adjective sentence, h o w e v e r , is indicated b y t h e v o w e l a
( o r a ) b e i n g a d d e d t o it, e. g . M i - a m i d a - ' y a n y a , / w h o a m l y i n g o n m y b a c k ,
prv. 53
W o - a w o g w a f i , Thou, w h o art fleeing, prv. 161
M a h u k o n t r o m f i - a , n e yirr' a w u , / have seen a m o n k e y , w h o s e wife w a s dead, prv. 61
A b e r r i k i v o m m e n - a o d e g y e n e h u , T h e g o a t h a s h o r n s b y w h i c h it
d e f e n d s itself. If t h e a n t e c e d e n t e n d s w i t h a , t h e a a t t a c h e d c o a l e s c e s w i t h it
t o a , e. g. O n i p a ( i n s t e a d o f o n i p a - a ) , o y e . b o n n e , o d e a m a n n e b e b a n o
s o , A m a n w h o does evil will bring affliction u p o n himself
D u a (instead of
d u a - a ) , a n a n s e a d i a w u , l i t e r a l l y : A t r e e t h e s p i d e r h a s e a t e n h a s d i e d , i. e.
A tree f r o m which the spider has eaten a n d died in consequence, prv. 118.
1 0 7
A t the e n d of the adjective sentence the personal p r o n o u n n o or the d e m o n
strative y i is f r e q u e n t l y p u t , a n d s o m e t i m e s t h e particle n a (cf. §. 1 5 8 ) , t h e
latter for the p u r p o s e of giving a greater e m p h a s i s to the idea e x p r e s s e d in
it, e. g . A n u m a , t e a f i r i m n o , e s o n n o n e k a s a e n k u , A b i r d , w h i c h i s i n
a snare, has a peculiar cry, prv. 2 6 0
A d e - a , m a y e yi, m ' e n i a w u , T h e
thing, I h a v e done, I a m a s h a m e d o f
A d e - a , w o k o y e yi, d y p f i h u iye,
The thing y o u a r e going to do consider well
N n i p a a b i e n - a , v o k o y i , s e
pe, T h e t w o m e n w h o a r e w a l k i n g (there) a r e like e a c h other
A d e - a , e n y e
n o n a , v o y e n ' i y e , A thing, w h i c h is n o t g o o d , they m e n d , p r v . 2 6 1 .
§. 2 2 0 . I n t h e c a s e s m e n t i o n e d t h e a d j e c t i v e s e n t e n c e h a s t h e p o w e r o f a n
attributive adjective, qualifying the p e r s o n or thing d e n o t e d b y the antecedent
In this p o i n t a n adjective sentence, w h i c h h a s for its a n t e c e d e n t the d e m o n s t r a
tive p r o n o u n n e a (cf. §. 1 1 8 ) , differs, b e i n g e q u i v a l e n t , n o t t o a n a t t r i b u t i v e
adjective, b u t to a s u b s t a n t i v e a d j e c t i v e , w h i c h is t h e s u b j e c t o r o b j e c t o f a
sentence, a n d the a n t e c e d e n t n e a b e i n g its m e r e l y theoretical representative in
its r e l a t i o n s t o t h e p r i n c i p a l . I n E n g l i s h t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n s h e ( w h o ) , s h e
( w h o ) , o r t h e y ( w h o ) a r e in this c a s e p u t a s a n t e c e d e n t s , o r , if a t h i n g is r e
ferred to, that (which), or what. In Oji the distinction b e t w e e n a p e r s o n a n d a
thing a n d the s i n g u l a r a n d plural n u m b e r is m a d e , n o t b y t h e f o r m o f the a n t e
cedent, b u t b y t h e p r e d i c a t e t a k i n g , w h e n a p e r s o n is r e f e r r e d to, t h e p e r s o n a l a u g m e n t o- for its subject, o r t h e p e r s o n a l p r o n o u n n o o r v o n for its object,
w h e r e a s , w h e n a t h i n g is r e f e r r e d to, t h e r e is n o p a r t i c u l a r i n d i c a t i o n o f either,
e. g . N e a o t a w o , H e w h o p e r s e c u t e s y o u , p r v . 1 6 1 ;
N e a o v o a k a no,
H e w h o m a serpent h a s bitten, prv. 1 0 0
N e a o v o a k a v o n , They w h o m a ser
pent has bitten;
N e a v o d o m e n s e m , W h a t is in the h a n d o f the e n e m y , p r v 233
F a n e a w o p e , T a k e w h a t y o u like.
T h e adjective s e n t e n c e w i t h n e a is either t h e subject o r o b j e c t o r attri
b u t e o f t h e principal. W h e n it is t h e s u b j e c t o r a t t r i b u t e , it a l w a y s p r e c e d e s
it, e. g . N e a o t a w o o m m e r e , H e w h o p e r s e c u t e s y o u i s n o t t i r e d , p r v . 1 6 1
N e a v o n e y e m , e n n i n e d e a , W h a t is in his belly, is his, p r v . 2 7
N e a
n'eni a b e r r e , v o m m o n ' ? n i so, literally: H e w h o s e eyes are red, they do not
beat u p o n his eyes, prv. 98;
w h e n it is a n o b j e c t it is s o m e t i m e s p u t b e f o r e ,
a n d s o m e t i m e s after t h e p r i n c i p a l , e. g. N e a v o d o m e n s e m n a o y i m a ,
W h a t is in the e n e m y ' s h a n d , h e c a n give a w a g , prv. 2 3 3
M e f a n e a b e b a
k a n n o , / will take w h a t c o m e s first
O k o t o n e a w o f e r r e n o e k i , H e sits
d o w n behind h i m w h o m y o u respect, prv. 80.
2.
S u b s t a n t i v e S e n t e n c e .
§. 221. A s u b s t a n t i v e s e n t e n c e is virtually e q u i v a l e n t to a n a b s t r a c t s u b
stantive, a n d is e i t h e r t h e s u b j e c t o r t h e o b j e c t o f its principal. I n b o t h c a s e s
it is s u b j o i n e d t o t h e l a t t e r , a n d m o s t l y c o n n e c t e d w i t h it b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n
s e , in E n g l i s h that.
V e r b s , w h i c h frequently h a v e their objects e x p r e s s e d in this form, are the
following: te, to h e a r
h u , to see
n i m , to k n o w
s u r r o , to fear, to be
afraid
s u s u , to suppose
p e , to like, to w i s h
t u m i , to be able, c a n
k a k y e r r e , to tell
c e a s e , to p r o m i s e
t u - f o , to exhort
g e g y e , to
seduce
ce, to compel
s i w k w a f i , to hinder, to prohibit etc.
e. g. M e
y o n k u te s e m i s u , M y friend heard that I w a s crying
M i t e s e a k o k o
r e b o n , / hear the cock crowing
O h u s e e n y e b i r i b i , H e s a w , t h a t it w a s
1 0 8
no
o u
ne
he
thing
Y e n i m s e m o g y a v o y e n a n o m , W e k n o w that there is b l o o d in
r mouth, prv. 20
W o n s u r r o d a b i s e w o b e n a n t e w v o s u m , Y o u were
ver afraid o f walking in the d a r k
M i s u s u
o b e b a o k a n n a , / suppose
will c o m e to m o r r o w
M i p e s e m i t e n ' a s e m , / like to hear h i m speaking
M i t u m i s e m i y e . a d e b e b r i , / a m able to d o m a n y things
O k a k y e r r e
m i s? v o r e k o f i b i o , H e told m e that they again have w a r
O c e m ' a s e se
o b e t o t u o m a m , ' H e p r o m i s e d to b u y a g u n for me.
T u - f o , to exhort, a n d
the f o l l o w i n g verbs m e n t i o n e d require the predicate of the accessary sentence
t o b e p u t in t h e p o t e n t i a l m o o d , e. g. O t u n o f o s e o n y e p a p a , H e e x h o r l e d
h i m to behave well
O g e g y e n o s e o n y e b o n n e , H e s e d u c e d h i m to d o evil
O c e m i se m i n n o m a d r u , H e compelled m e to take the medicine
O s i w
m i k w a n s e m i n y e a d y u m a , H e prohibited m e f r o m doing m y w o r k .
T h e
v e r b s e , to s a y , h a s the a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e s u b j o i n e d w i t h o u t c o n j u n c t i o n , as
it m a y h a v e in E n g l i s h a l s o , e. g. K o k a k y e r r e n o s e o m m e r e , literally:
G o , tell him, s a y , h e shall c o m e
O d u a c e f i se, n e a ' k o n e y e m , e n n i n e d e ,
T h e m o n k e y s a y s , ( t h a i ) w h a t h a s g o n e into his b e l l y is his, p r v . 2 7 . cf. 52. 101107. 112. 1 4 6 etc.
T h e p l a c e o f t h e subject is o c c u p i e d b y t h e a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , w h e n the
p r e d i c a t e o f t h e p r i n c i p a l is o n e o f t h e i m p e r s o n a l v e r b s o r e x p r e s s i o n s : h i a
a n d t y a , it is n e c e s s a r y
e y e m i f e w , it r e j o i c e s m e , I a m g l a d
a d u m i
s o , l i t e r a l l y : it h a s a r r i v e d o n m e , i. e. it is m y t u r n ,
e. g. O k o m b a , n a
e t y a s e v o b e k o a s a s e b i s o k o t o a b r o , A f a m i n e c a m e , a n d it w a s n e c e s
sary that they should g o to another country to b u y c o r n
A b o f r a y e m e r o w ,
n a e h i a n o s e o b i b e f y e n o s o , A c h i l d is w e a k , a n d it is n e c e s s a r y t h a t
s o m e b o d y t a k e c a r e o f it
E y e m i f e w s e y a d u h a . / a m glad that w e have
arrived here
A f e y i a d u m i s o s e m i k a n , N o w it is m y t u r n t o r e a d .
T h e c o n j u n c t i o n s e is e m p l o y e d also w h e n t h e a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e is inter
r o g a t i v e , a n d m u s t t h e n b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y if o r w h e t h e r , e. g. M i b i s a
n o s e v a b a k r u m h a p e n a n a , / a s k e d h i m w h e t h e r h e h a d ever b e e n in this
t o w n
K o f y e a d a k a n o m s e d o k o n n o v o m a n a , G o a n d look into that
c l o s e t ( t o s e e ) w h e t h e r t h e r e is b r e a d i n it.
3. A d v e r b i a l S e n t e n c e .
a. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f condition.
§. 2 2 2 . A n a d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e , i n w h i c h a c o n d i t i o n is e x p r e s s e d , a l w a y s
p r e c e d e s its principal. Its distinctive m a r k is n o t g e n e r a l l y a c o n j u n c t i o n , a s
in E n g l i s h , but, a s it w e r e , a n inflection o f t h e s e n t e n c e , a n a o r a b e i n g a d d e d
t o t h e last w o r d o f it, e. g. W o n i m d i - a , I f y o u c a n eat. If t h e l a s t w o r d
o f the s e n t e n c e e n d s in a, t h e a m a r k i n g the conditional s e n t e n c e is c o n t r a c t e d
w i t h it i n t o a , e. g. W o n k o a f u m d a , ( i n s t e a d o f d a - a ) , I f y o u n e v e r w e n t
into a plantation, prv. 12.
In E n g l i s h three variations of conditionality are distinguished b y t h e three
c o n j u n c t i o n s if, w h e n , a n d t h o u g h ; t h e first b e i n g e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e a c t u a l
p e r f o r m a n c e o f t h e c o n d i t i o n a l a c t i o n is c o n c e i v e d a s d o u b t f u l ,
the s e c o n d
w h e n it is c o n c e i v e d a s a c t u a l l y t a k i n g p l a c e , t h o u g h a t a n i n d e f i n i t e t i m e ,
the third, w h e n the consequential action stands to the conditional in a n a d v e r
s a t i v e r e l a t i o n , i. e . w h e n t h e f o r m e r i s c o n c e i v e d a s t a k i n g p l a c e i n s p i t e o f
t h e latter. In Oji t h e r e is g e n e r a l l y n o distinction b e t w e e n t h e s e t h r e e cases,
1 0 9
t h e s a m e f o r m b e i n g u s e d i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y , e. g . W o t o a d r u - a , e b i k a w ' S n o ,
If y o u p u t p o i s o n , s o m e will t o u c h y o u r m o u t h , p r v . 2. cf. 4. 6. 12. 16. 22. 24.
25 etc.
A k o k o di w o y o n k u a i v u - a , p a m n o , W h e n a f o w l eats y o u r
n e i g b o u r ' s c o r n , d r i v e it a w a y , p r v . 3 4 . cf. 4 3 . 45. 4 9 etc.
O k o m d i w o - a ,
w o m f a w o e n s a a b i e n n n i d i , T h o u g h y o u are h u n g r y , y o u do not eat with
both h a n d s , p r v . 56. cf. 76. 103. 110. 1 3 2 etc.
F o r the purpose, h o w e v e r , of stating a condition m o r e forcibly, the con
j u n c t i o n s e is s o m e t i m e s p u t a t t h e h e a d o f t h e c o n d i t i o n a l s e n t e n c e , e. g. S e
o m n i a , m e c e n o n a v a b a , If he does not come, I will compel h i m to c o m e
S e w o p e s e w o d u h o e n t e m - a t u t u m i r i k a , If y o u wish to arrive there
in time, y o u m u s t m a k e haste.
W h e n t h e w h o l e i d e a e x p r e s s e d is c o n c e i v e d as m e r e l y i m a g i n a r y , t h e
principal a l w a y s takes the conjunction a f i k a , then, in M s case, a n d the condi
t i o n a l s e n t e n c e s o m e t i m e s k a o r t o , if, s u p p o s e ( t h a t ) , e . g . W o m a m i s e w o m a w o b a , a n k a m a m e , If y o u h a d given m e as y o u g a v e y o u r child, I should
h a v e e n o u g h , p r v . 36. cf. 11. 122. 1 2 8 . 2 4 7 ;
K a a k e k i r e e n n i e f i v a w efik u - a , a n k a o t u o n t o v o w u r a m d a , If there w e r e only snails a n d tortoises,
no g u n w o u l d ever be fired in the forest, prv. 26;
T o a t a m f o e n k u - a , a n k a
v a k u m m i , S u p p o s e I h a d only enemies, then I s h o u l d h a v e been killed, prv. 162.
b. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e s o f c o m p a r i s o n .
T h e c o n j u n c t i o n s s e a n d s e n e a .
§. 223. A n a d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f c o m p a r i s o n is c o n n e c t e d w i t h its p r i n c i p a l
b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n s e , as, w h e n a n e q u a h t y in d e g r e e is t o b e d e n o t e d , e. g .
W o m a m i s e w o m a w o b a , Y o u g a v e m e as y o u g a v e y o u r child. W h e n the
accessary sentence h a s the s a m e predicate w i t h the principal, they are generally
c o n t r a c t e d , t h e p r e d i c a t e b e i n g e x p r e s s e d o n l y o n c e , e. g, O y e h u s e a k o k o ,
H e is a s t i m i d a s a f o w l
O y e n i f i r i s e a k r o m a , H e is a s k e e n s i g h t e d a s a
h a w k
A k u r a te s e n a n t y u - a , If a m o u s e w e r e as (big as) a bullock,
prv. 110.
T h e conjunction s e , in connection w i t h the a d v e r b e n k u o r e f i k u t o , is
e m p l o y e d also , as in English but , to d e n o t e a restriction of a negative state
m e n t , e. g. O n n i b i r i b i s e d u a b a e f i k u t o , H e eats n o t M n g but fruit.
T h e
restrictive sentence, h o w e v e r , m a y also be connected w i t h the negative sentence
b y w a y o f c o - o r d i n a t i o n , b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n a , e. g. E n y e b i r i b i n a e y e
t a m , It w a s nothing but (it w a s ) a g a r m e n t .
W h e n the connective relation consists in a n equality in m a n n e r or a simi
larity, it is e x p r e s s e d b y t h e c o m p o u n d c o n j u n c t i o n s e n e a , e.g. A s e m n o b a i
se n e a m i k a m i k y e r e w o , T h e event has c o m e as I told you. T h e accessary
s e n t e n c e w i t h s e n e a m a y also p r e c e d e its principal, a n d h a s t h e n t h e particle
o f e m p h a s i s n a a d d e d , e. g. S e n e a a f o a t e n a b o h a t e , A s t h e s w o r d is
so is t h e s c a b b a r d , p r v . 73.
T h e
§. 2 2 4 . T h e c o n j u n c t i o
virtually the s a m e , m e a n i n
e m p l o y e d , accordingly, w h
difference in degree.
c o n j u n c t i
ns s e n a n d
g m o r e than,
e n t w o thin
o n s e n o r k y e n .
k y e n , t h o u g h differing in f o r m , a r e
better than, w o r s e than etc., a n d being
gs or actions are c o m p a r e d to express a
1 1 0
W h e n t w o things a r e c o m p a r e d , the s e n t e n c e is contracted as in English,
the predicate being expressed only once. B u t t w o w a y s of f r a m i n g the sentence
are admissible, the predicate being either put in the usual w a y after the sub
ject of the principal, a n d s e n f o l l o w i n g w i t h the other subject, or the predi
c a t e b e i n g p u t a f t e r b o t h s u b j e c t s , a n d , if it is a n adjective, w i t h o m i s s i o n of
t h e c o p u l a , e. g. O p o n k o y e k e s e s e n n a n t y u o r O p o n k o s e n n a n t y u
k e s e , A h o r s e is b i g g e r t h a n a b u l l o c k
A h u e d e n e y e k y e f i s i k a or A h u e d e f i k y e f i s i k a e y e , H e a l l h is better t h a n g o l d
M u a n y i n s e n m i , Y o u
are older than I
M u t u t u m i r i k a s e n m i , Y o u ( c a n ) r u n f a s t e r t h a n I.
W h e n t w o actions a r e c o m p a r e d , s e n o r k y e n is c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e c o n
j u n c t i o n o f s u b s t a n t i v e s e n t e n c e s s e (cf. §. 2 2 1 ) , e. g. O p e s e o b o k r o n n o
s e n s e o y e a d y u m a , H e likes better to steal than to w o r k
O y e k w a s i a
s e n s e o y e b o n n e , H e is m o r e s t u p i d t h a n w i c k e d
W o t o b o a s e y i s e n
s e w o f a a b u f u , I f y o u h a v e p a t i e n c e , t h a t is better t h a n that y o u g r o w a n g r y .
T h e c o n j u n c t i o n s k y e f i a n d s e n a r e a c t u a l l y v e r b s , m e a n i n g to excet, to
surpass ; a n d therefore they m a y occur also in the negative , a n d are then to
b e r e n d e r e d b y n o t s o a s o r n o t m o r e t h a n , e. g. B i r i b i e n k y e f i o g y a k o k o ,
N o t h i n g is so r e d a s fire, p r v . 28.
(
l
a
t
t
e
§. 225. A n
ocality, takes
s a n adverbial
w h e r e ) , e. g.
hey will kill him
he latter takes
h o n a a d i d i
c. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e o f locality.
adverbial sentence, w h i c h occupies the place of a n object of
t h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e n e a , w h i c h - in this case is to b e c o n s i d e r e d
p r o n o u n (cf. §. 1 1 8 ) , m e a n i n g there ( w h e r e ) , in o r to the place
O b i n k o n e a v o b e k u m n o , N o b o d y will g o to a place w h e r e
. W h e n t h e a d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e w i t h n e a p r e c e d e s its principal,
t h e a d v e r b i a l p r o n o u n h o , e. g. N e a a b o g y a b u m v o n o ,
v o , W h e r e t h e r e is p l e n t y o f blood, there is feasting, p r v . 178.
d. A d v e r b i a l s e n t e n c e s o f lime.
§. 226. T h e O j i - l a n g u a g e s e e m s t o h a v e n o c o n j u n c t i o n s t o d e n o t e c o n t e m
p o r a r y o c c u r r e n c e , a n s w e r i n g to the E n g l i s h w h e n , as, whilst. Instead of these
it u s e s e b e r r e n o , at the t i m e ( w h e n ) , o r e d a n o , o n the d a y ( w h e n ) , e. g.
E b e r r e n o - a , v a v o a b o f r a n o , m a n s o v o y e n ni E n k r a n f o e n t e m , At
the time, w h e n this child w a s b o r n , there w a s w a r b e t w e e n u s a n d the A c c r a people.
T h e o n l y cases o f adverbial sentences of time, w h i c h h a v e o c c u r r e d to us,
are the t w o following:
1. T h e c o m p o u n d c o n j u n c t i o n a n s a n a n o t e s t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in the
principal as preceding that of the accessary sentence, like before in English.
T h e p r e d i c a t e o f t h e l a t t e r a p p e a r s t o b e a l w a y s put, in t h e p e r f e c t t e n s e , e. g.
T o m f e n s r e m u a n s a n a e s u m a b a , S h u t t h e w i n d o w s , b e f o r e it g e t s d a r k
Y e n s e s i e y e n h u a n s a n a y e n u r a a b a , Let us put ourselves in readiness,
before o u r master c o m e s
W o b e k y e r o w e f i h u m a yi m a a n s a n a w a g y a i a n a , Will y o u w r i t e that p a p e r full b e f o r e y o u leave off? cf. prv. 1 1 2 .
2. T h e c o m p o u n d c o n j u n c t i o n n a - a n s a d e n o t e s a duration o f t h e action,
expressed in the principal, until the p e r f o r m a n c e of the action e x p r e s s e d in the
a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , a n s w e r i n g t o t h e E n g l i s h tilt, until. N a is p u t a t t h e h e a d
a n d ' a n s a a t t h e e n d o f t h e a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , e. g. W o n t r a h a n a m e n u a
m m e r a a n s a , Y o u s h a l l s t a y h e r e till m y b r o t h e r c o m e s
T o b o a s e n a m i n k y e r o w m ' e f i h u m a a n s a , H a v e p a t i e n c e till I h a v e w r i t t e n m y letter.
P R O V E R B S
W I T H A
O F
T H E
N A T I V E S
T R A N S L A T I O N A N D
O F
T H E
E X P L A N A T O R Y
O J I - T R L B E ,
N O T E S .
M m e b u s e m .
Proverbs.
1. A b e b a a k o n n a s e i e n s a . O n e p a l m - t r e e s p o i l s t h e p a l m - w i n e .
2. W o t o a d u r - a , e b i k a w ' a n o . If y o u l a y p o i s o n , s o m e w i l l t o u c h y o u r
m o u t h .
3. A b o f r a b o e n v a w , n a o m m o a k e k i r e . A c h i l d m a y c r u s h a s n a i l ,
b u t it w i l l n o t c r u s h a tortoise.
4. A b o f r a n t e n ' e n n a n i n ' a g y a a s e m - a , o d i a d u a n - a e n k y i n n e n i m
If a child d o e s n o t o b e y its p a r e n t s , it shall e a t f o o d w i t h o u t salt.
5. T e k r e m a n a k u m o n i p a , n a t e k r e m a n a g y a i n i p a . T h e t o n g u e
kills m a n , a n d the t o n g u e saves m a n .
6. W o y e a b o f r a , e n s i r o w a k o t i a .
If y o u a r e a child, d o n o t deride a
short m a n .
7. O n i p a m f o n k w a ; o k o m e n n i n o - a n a , o d i e k a w . A m a n d o e s n o t
f a d e w i t h o u t cause; if h e d o e s n o t suffer h u n g e r , h e is in debt.
8. A s e m m o n n e f a t a h i e n n i . H a r d w o r d s a r e fit f o r t h e p o o r .
E X P L A N A T O R Y N O T E S .
1. T h e p a l m - w i n e is g o t in the f o l l o w i n g w a y . A n u m b e r o f trees a r e
felled at the s a m e time, a n d a hole b e i n g cut in each, the p a l m w i n e distils into
a s m a l l p o t o r b o t t l e , p l a c e d u n d e r it. T h e p r o d u c e is g e n e r a l l y r e m o v e d t w i c e
a day, a n d o n that occasion the contents of all the single pots or bottles p o u r e d
into o n e l a r g e r vessel, s o that if b u t o n e o f t h e trees h a s y i e l d e d a b a d p a l m w i n e , t h e w h o l e w i l l h e i n f e c t e d b y it. T h e m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b is a c c o r d
i n g l y A little l e a v e n l e a v e n e l h t h e w h o l e l u m p " .
2. a d u r - a stands instead of
a d r u - a , cf. G r . §. 2 2 2 ;
t o a d r u , t o l a y p o i s o n , i. e . o n p u r p o s e t h a t a p e r s o n
m a y g e t it, h e n c e : to poison, o r to attempt p o i s o n i n g a person. T h e m e a n i n g is
H e w h o d i g s a p i t f o r h i s c o m p a n i o n , w i l l f a l l i n t o it h i m s e l f '."
Z. S e e m s intended
to c o n v e y t h e r u l e : D o n o t a t t e m p t w h a t is b e y o n d y o u r s t r e n g t h ; a n i n f e r i o r
p o w e r m a y e f f e c t its o b j e c t s w i t h i n its p r o p e r s p h e r e , b u t if it g o e s b e y o n d it,
it w i l l e x e r t i t s e l f i n v a i n .
\. Literally : If a child does not hear his mother's
a n d his father's w o r d , h e Q s h a l Q eat f o o d , ( w h i c h ) sall is n o t in, cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 .
5. T e k r e m a n a , cf. G r . §. 1 5 8
the p o w e r of the t o n g u e , represented also
i n t h e P r o v e r b s o f S c r i p t u r e , 12, 18. 15, 4. cf. J a m e s 3, 5.
6. B e c a u s e , as
long as y o u a r e not g r o w n up, y o u d o n o t k n o w , w h e t h e r y o u will not y o u r
self o n c e b e in the s a m e p r e d i c a m e n t
7. O k o m e n n i n o , cf. G r . §. 1 6 9
a n d 162.
8. A s e m m o n n e , instead o f a s e m b o n n e , b y assimilation.
1 1 2
9. S i k a b e n w o - a , e h o a . W h e n g o l d c o m e s n e a r t o y o u , it glitters.
10. O n i p a w o n n o n o u n a ' n i a r a . Y o u d o not a l w a y s love (the s a m e ) man.
11. V o d e k o k r o k o n a di e m m i m - a , a n k a s o n n o b e b a fie. If b y bodily
strength violence w e r e c o m m i t t e d , a n elephant w o u l d c o m e into the town.
12. W o f i k o b i a f u m d a , w o s e : m i e n k u n i k u a f o . If y o u n e v e r w e n t
into a n o t h e r m a n ' s plantation, y o u will say: I a m the only planter.
13. D i d i m e n a y i b r o n n i n a n s i n adi.
A feast uncovers a European's
w o o d e n leg.
14. T a p o n i a b a n m . T h e r e is n o t a h a l f p e n n y in (his) palace.
15. D a b i o t e n t e n b e n y a , a k o t i a n n y a . A n o t h e r time the l o n g o n e will
g e t (it), a n d t h e s h o r t o n e w i l l n o t g e t (it).
,
16. W o n y i m ' a y e - a , e n s e i m e din. If y o u will n o t praise m e , d o not spoil
m y n a m e .
17. A k e k i r e se: e n s a k o n a e n s a ba. T h e tortoise says: If y o u d r a w b a c k
y o u r h a n d , I d r a w b a c k mine.
18. O h i e n n i n i y o n k u . A p o o r m a n has n o friend.
19. O b i n n o a a d u a f i , e n k o t a e n k w a o t a , e f i f y u f y e m e n n i .
N o b o d y
c o o k s f o o d , a n d p l a c e s it o n t h e r o a d , t o s e e k a guest.
9 . T h e m e a n i n g p r o b a b l y is: it a l l u r e s ; a n a t t r a c t i v e o b j e c t p l a c e d b e f o r e y o u r
e y e s , s t i m u l a t e s a d e s i r e t o p o s s e s s it; a k i n to ^ O p p o r t u n i t y m a k e s the thief.
1 0 . L i t e r a l l y : A m a n y o u d o n o t l o v e h i m all d a y s , cf. G r . §. 1 8 6 ;
inclina
tions a n d affections are inconstant, pass f r o m o n e object to another.
11. V o d e ,
cf. Gr. §. 200. 2 0 2 ;
a n k a , §. 2 2 2 .
T h e m e a n i n g is: if n o t l a w s , but
s t r e n g t h a n d v i o l e n c e w e r e t o r u l e , t h e e l e p h a n t w o u l d b e m a s t e r , w h o is the
s t r o n g e s t o f all.
12. E v e r y p e r s o n will j u d g e f r o m his o w n experience,
a n d f r o m the sphere in w h i c h h e h a s m o v e d ;
d a i n s t e a d o f d a - a , cf. G r
§. 2 2 2 ;
n i i n s t e a d o f y e , cf. G r . §. 1 6 8 .
'IS. D i d i m e , a feast, conceived
here as f o l l o w e d b y intoxication, w h i c h m a k e s the E u r o p e a n lose his usual
dignified behaviour, a n d thus e x p o s e to v i e w his defects, w h i c h at other times
h e is intent u p o n k e e p i n g secret. I n vino veritas.
1 4 . T a p o is t w e n t y cowries,
a b o u t as m u c h as a h a l f p e n n y ; a b a n , a h o u s e built of stone, as the E u r o p e
a n s h a v e , h e n c e a large a n d beautiful h o u s e , a palace, in contradistinction to
d a n , a h o u s e built of sticks a n d m u d , as those of the negroes. T h e m e a n i n g
js a c c o r d i n g l y : a vain s h o w of g r e a t riches in spite of the u t m o s t indigence;
a k i n t o o u r p r o v e r b v G r e a t c r y a n d little w o o l " .
15. T h e r e m u s t b e supplied:
This time the short o n e has got (it), but another time etc.;
w i l l g e t i. e . w i l l
g a i n the object of their c o m m o n pursuit. T h e m e a n i n g is: at o n e time, one
p e r s o n , at a n o t h e r t i m e a n o t h e r is s u c c e s s f u l ; f o r t u n e is fickle.
16. Name,
i. e . r e p u t a t i o n , c h a r a c t e r .
1 7 . It is a p e c u l i a r f e a t u r e o f t h e O j i - p r o v e r b s ,
t h a t t h e y a r e o f t e n r e f e r r e d to a n i m a l s , cf. 27. 33. 89. 90. 119. 121. 1 9 0 etc.
E n s a k o n a e n s a b a , l i t e r a l l y : T h e h a n d g o e s a n d t h e h a n d c o m e s , i. e . I f t h e
h a n d goes, o r : if y o u d r a w b a c k y o u r h a n d ,
the h a n d comes, or: I d r a w back
m i n e , i. e . I f y o u g i v e m e n o p r e s e n t s , I s h a l l g i v e y o u n o n e , o r m o r e g e n e r a l l y :
A s y o u b e h a v e to me, so I shall b e h a v e to you.
19. A s to the f o r m of the
s e n t e n c e , cf. G r . §. 2 1 4 .
T o p r e p a r e the f o o d first, a n d then to l o o k for a
guest, w o u l d b e to turn things upside d o w n , a n d to p u r s u e just the reverse of
t h e p r o p e r c o u r s e ; t h e g u e s t will c o m e first into y o u r house, a n d t h e n y o u will
h a v e f o o d p r e p a r e d f o r h i m . T h e m e a n i n g is a c c o r d i n g l y : Y o u d o n o t begin
1 1 3
20. Y e n i m s $ m o g y a v o y e n a n o m , n a y e f i e n t e s u . W e k n o w , t h a t
there is b l o o d in o u r m o u t h , b u t w e t h r o w o u t spittle.
21. O b i n k o t o a h a h i n n i v o n e b o f i a n o , n a o n s e n s e : w o h i bofi.
N o b o d y assails a h a h i n n i at the d o o r of his den, a n d says to h i m : y o u
stink.
22. B i r i b i n i w o e n s e m - a , e m m u a n o , n a m m o f r a n t i t i e k i . If t h e r e is
n o t h i n g in y o u r hand, d o not shut.it, a n d let the children pick outside.
23. E f e , n a e n y e a n i b e r r e . It is fine, b u t excites n o desire.
24. W o n i m t u - a , t u w o d y p f i . If y o u c a n pull o u t , pull o u t y o u r o w n
g r e y hairs.
25. W a n y a w o h u - a , t o w o p o f i m u d a . If y o u a r e rich, a l w a y s s h u t
y o u r door.
26. K a a k e k i r e e n n i e f i v a w e n k u - a , a n k a o t u o n t o v o w u r a m d a . If
there w e r e o n l y snails a n d tortoises, n o g u n w o u l d ever b e fired in
the w o o d .
27. O d u a c e n se, n e a ' k o n e y ? m n o , e n n i n e d e ; n a n e a v o n ' a f o n n o m
n o , e n y e . n e d e a. T h e m o n k e y s a y s , that w h a t h a s g o n e into his belly,
is his; b u t w h a t is in his m o u t h , is n o t his.
28. B i r i b i e n k y e n o g y a k o k o . T h e r e is n o t h i n g s o r e d a s fire.
29. O b i n k y e r r e b i n s e : t o e f i k y i n n e di. A p e r s o n will n o t s a y to a n o
ther: b u y salt ( a n d ) eat.
30. W o e n s a d a m - a , v o n n i e n g y a w . If y o u r h a n d is in ( t h e d i s h ) , t h e y
will n o t eat s o as to leave n o t h i n g (for you).
a thing at the end.
2 0 . M o r e intelligibly e x p r e s s e d : T h o u g h it is a fact,
t h a t t h e r e i s b l o o d i n o u r m o u t h , y e t w e t h r o w o u t s p i t t l e o n l y , i. e . W e d o
not give a w a y all w e have, the best things in o u r possession w e k e e p for o u r
o w n use, cf. 2 4 3 .
2 1 . H a h i n n i is a k i n d o f l a r g e b l a c k ant.
T h e m e a n i n g
p r o b a b l y is : If y o u a r e a n g r y w i t h a p e r s o n , y o u will v e n t y o u r a n g e r u p o n
him, w h e n a n opportunity offers, in the street or at s o m e other place, but not
g o to his o w n h o u s e for the p u r p o s e . A m a n ' s h o u s e is his s a n c t u a r y , w h e r e
he m u s t r e m a i n unmolested.
T h e v e r b bofi generally takes h u for its g r a m
m a t i c a l s u b j e c t , cf. G r . §. 163.
T h e v e r b s e is r e p e a t e d , a s is u s u a l l y t h e
c a s e , w h e n it s t a n d s in t h e n e g a t i v e .
22. T o present a closed h a n d to
children, w o u l d c o n v e y to t h e m the p r o m i s e of s o m e present t h e y w e r e to
receive, a n d c a u s e t h e m d i s a p p o i n t m e n t , if f o u n d to contain nothing. T h e i m
p o r t o f t h e p r o v e r b , a c c o r d i n g l y , is t h e m o r a l r u l e : D o n o t t a n t a l i z e a n y p e r
son,
or: D o not excite h o p e s or g i v e promises, w h i c h y o u d o not m e a n to
fulfil.
2 3 . E f e i n s t e a d o f e y e f e , cf. G r . §. 1 6 6 . T h e p r o v e r b is a p p l i c a b l e
to p e r s o n s or things, w h i c h w i t h excellent qualities unite so m a n y d r a w b a c k s ,
as to m a k e t h e m objects of aversion rather than of desire.
2 4 . T h e m e a n i n g
is: A t t e n d t o y o u r o w n faults, b e f o r e y o u r e p r e h e n d o t h e r p e r s o n s .
26. B e
cause snails a n d tortoises m a y be c a u g h t w i t h o u t a g u n being required; w a y s
and m e a n s m u s t be a d e q u a t e to the object in view.
A b o u t k a - a n k a
cf. G r . §. 2 2 2 .
2 7 . A b o u t n e a cf. G r . §. 220, a b o u t e n n i §. 1 1 6 a n d 168.
T h e m e a n i n g is : A n y e x t e r n a l p o s s e s s i o n is uncertain, h o w e v e r w e l l secured.
28. O r :
m o r e red than fire;
a b o u t e n k y e n cf. G r . §. 224.
2 9 . i. e . I t
is u n n e c e s s a r y t o c o m m a n d o r e x h o r t a p e r s o n t o t h a t , w h i c h h i s o w n m o s t
pressing necessities will enforce.
30. V o n n i e n g y a w , literally: they eat
n o t , l e a v e n o t , i. e . t h e y e a t n o t s o a s t o l e a v e n o t h i n g ( f o r y o u ) ; y o u a r e s u r e
1 5
1 1 4
31. O h i a n a m a o d e c e y e a k o a .
P o v e r t y causes a f r e e m a n to b e c o m e
a slave.
32. A s u m v o s o a m i " . A t the w a t e r p l a c e t h e y s a y H e l p m e " .
33. N w a n s a n a s e : n e a ' k a e k i r r i n a , e d o s o . T h e fly s a y s : W h a t is left
b e h i n d is a g r e a t deal.
34. A k o k o di w o y o n k u a i v u - a , p a m n o ; d a b i o b e d i w o d e . W h e n a
f o w l e a t s y o u r n e i g h b o u r ' s c o r n , d r i v e it a w a y ; a n o t h e r t i m e it w i l l e a t
yours.
35. W o d e k o k r o b e t i k o a y i - a , v o d e s o t o r r e b u a w . If y o u g o to the
c u s t o m w i t h y o u r t h u m b (-stretched forth), t h e y will a n s w e r y o u with
blows.
36. A y i s a v a m e a n a , o s e : w o m a m i s e w o m a w o b a , a n k a m a m e . T h e
o r p h a n , ( w h e n a s k e d ) w h e t h e r h e h a d h a d enough, said : If y o u h a d given
m e as y o u g a v e y o u r ( o w n ) child, I s h o u l d h a v e e n o u g h .
37. W o y e m y e - a , w o m f a w o y i r r e fikye. If y o u are good-natured, you
will n o t give a w a y y o u r wife.
38. A b o f r a e n i a n s o p a n y i n - a , o f r e e m p o p a s e h a h a . If a child does
n o t h o n o u r t h e a g e d , it w i l l call a p o p a a h a h a .
39. O p e t e , w o d i bi b i n , n a o b i n n i w o d e . Vulture, t h o u eatest anybody's
excrements, but n o b o d y eats thine.
40. H a m m a h a m m a k y i r r e k e t e b o . String ( a d d e d to) string will bind
(even) a leopard.
41. O b i n t o a k o k o n i n i , n a o m m o n o b i a k u r a . N o b o d y b u y s a cock to
let h i m c r o w in another's plantation.
of. g e t t i n g y o n r share. T h e n e g r o e s eat w i t h their fingers f r o m a c o m m o n dish
or pot, a r o u n d w h i c h they are seated.
3 2 . Literally: T h e waterplace has Jift
(for) me". A t the place, w h e r e the w o m e n fetch water, e a c h assists the other
t o lift t h e w a t e r - p o t u p o n h e r h e a d , t h i s b e i n g t h e u s u a l w a y o f c a r r y i n g it
h o m e . T h e m e a n i n g p r o b a b l y is, t h a t i n t h e n e c e s s i t i e s o f h u m a n life t h e w a n t
o f m u t u a l a s s i s t a n c e is felt.
3 3 . T h e p r a c t i c e o f t h e fly is a l l u d e d to, of
t r i m m i n g i t s e l f w i t h its h i n d - l e g s . T h o u g h l o n g e n g a g e d i n t h i s p r a c t i c e , it
d o e s n o t tire o f c o n t i n u i n g it , a s l o n g a s it c o n s i d e r s t h a t s o m e t h i n g is left to
b e d o n e . T h e p r o v e r b , a c c o r d i n g l y , a p p e a r s t o b e a n e x h o r t a t i o n , n o t to tire
o f c a r r y i n g o n a w o r k , a s l o n g a s a n y t h i n g is left t o b e d o n e , t h o u g h it m a y
require l o n g a n d assiduous exertion.
35. T o stretch forth the t h u m b at a
p e r s o n , is a s i g n o f m o c k e r y a n d insult. A y i is a public festival o f t h e negroes,
w h i c h collects multitudes of p e o p l e in the street; custom', f r o m the Portuguese
w o r d c o s t u m e , it is c a l l e d in t h e E u r o p e a n s e t t l e m e n t s o n t h e c o a s t . A s t o t h e
m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b , it c o r r e s p o n d s t o t h e F r e n c h p r o v e r b L e m o i n e r e p o n d
c o m m e I'a b b e c h a n t e .
b u a w instead of b u a w o .
3 7 . i. e . A g o o d m a n is
strongly attached to his family.
3 8 . P o p a is the b r a n c h o f a palm-tree,
h a h a i s n o w o r d o f a n y m e a n i n g . T h e m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b p r o b a b l y is,
that a child so perverse, as not to give to a n old m a n the respect d u e to him,
is c a p a b l e o f a n y p e r v e r s e n e s s a n d absurdity.
39. Is a d d r e s s e d to spungers, w h o desire to receive presents a n d to b e entertained b y e v e r y b o d y , but
never think of m a k i n g a n y return.
4 0 . i. e . I f m a n y s t r i n g s a r e a p p l i e d , t h e
strength of e v e n the fiercest a n i m a l will b e o v e r c o m e ; united strength and
r e p e a t e d efforts w i l l efl'ect g r e a t t h i n g s ; a k i n to G u t t a c a v a t lapidem.
4 1 , cf.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
1 1 5
O b a i f o r e k o e ! o b a i f o r e k o e ! " ~ n a w o n y e b a i f o - a , w o n t y a w o
eni.
T h e r e g o e s a w i t c h ! there g o e s a w i t c h ! "
but if y o u a r e n o
witch, y o u will not turn round.
O n i p a r e b a , w o n s e n s e : b e r a . W h e n a m a n is c o m i n g , y o u will n o t
s a y : C o m e .
W o s e e n y e - a , n e a w o t a f o r o e k i r r i , a r a n e n . T h o u g h y o u r teeth
are bad, they are just w h a t y o u lick.
S a s a b o n s a m k o a y i - a , o s o e b a i f o fi. W h e n t h e D e v i l g o e s t o t h e
custom, h e takes u p his lodgings w i t h the sorcerer.
E n y e b i r i b i , n a e y e b i r i b i a r a n e n .
It is n o t h i n g , e v e n that is
something.
O g y a n i a t o d r u n n a . Fire a n d g u n p o w d e r d o n o t lie together.
O s r a m e m f i d a k o r r o , e n t y a m a f i m . W h e n t h e n e w - m o o n a p p e a r s , it
d o e s not p a s s o v e r the t o w n the s a m e day.
O s u t o , n a v o n y i y i a d e v o s u m - a , e n y e v o n n i b o . W h e n it rains,
a n d the things e x p o s e d to the rain m u s t b e r e m o v e d , y o u d o n o t r e m o v e
the stones w i t h them.
I
V o n t u e n k i n n e ! v o n t u e n k i n n e ! "
n a y e r e d a e n t u . ( W h e n t h e y
c r y o u t : ) T h r o w it a w a y ! t h r o w it a w a y ! "
then w e shall s o o n sleep
w i t h o u t fire.
Gr. §.214, 2.
4 2 . T o b e s u p p l i e d : W h e n the c r y is r a i s e d : T h e r e g o e s , etc.
43. M e a n i n g the s a m e as the E n g l i s h p r o v e r b D o n t spur a willing horse.
4 4 . T h e a p p l i c a t i o n is : T h o u g h y o u r relatives, n e i g h b o u r s , f e l l o w - c i t i z e n s etc.
are disagreeable people, y o u d o not d r o p the intercourse w i t h them.
4 5 . T h e
s a s a b o n s a m . m e a n i n g the devil o f the earth ( f r o m a s a s e a n d a b o n s a m ) , is
a m o n s t r o u s being, i m a g i n e d to live in the deepest recess of the forest, inimical
to m a n , especially to the priests, but in intimate connection w i t h sorcerers a n d
witches. T h e p r o v e r b is o f t h e s a m e m e a n i n g w i t h t h e E n g l i s h : B i r d s o f a
feather flock together.
4 6 . // is n o t h i n g is o f t e n s a i d in a n s w e r t o a q u e s t i o n ,
w h e n t h e p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d is n o t i n c l i n e d t o g i v e t h e d e s i r e d i n f o r m a t i o n . T o
this e x p r e s s i o n t h e p r o v e r b p r o b a b l y refers, a n d is t h e r e p l y o f h i m , w h o is
not content w i t h that evasive a n s w e r .
4 7 . T h e a d v e r b together is n o t e x
pressed in Oji, but m u s t b e considered as implied in the conjunction ni, w h i c h
d e n o t e s a m o r e i n t i m a t e c o n n e c t i o n t h a n t h e E n g l i s h a n d , cf. G r . §. 215.
n n a
is t h e n e g a t i v e o f d a , t o lie.
48. Literally: The m o o n does not appear o n o n e
day, d o e s n o t p a s s the t o w n , cf. G r . §. 214, 2. T h e m e a n i n g is, t h a t a w o r k is
n o t c o m p l e t e d o n t h e s a m e d a y it is b e g u n ; R o m e w a s n o t buill in a d a y .
4 9 . L i t e r a l l y : W h e n r a i n falls, a n d t h e y m u s t r e m o v e t h e t h i n g s i n t h e r a i n , it is
not t h e m a n d ( o r together with) the stones. V o n y i y i is t h e potential o f y i y i ,
cf. G r . §. 1 7 3 , 3 ;
a d e v o s u m , cf. §. 2 0 5 ;
e n y e etc. cf. §. 2 1 7 ;
v o n
instead o f v o n , b y assimilation to the n of ni.
T h e m e a n i n g is: in d o i n g a
thing useful a n d necessary, to overstep the p r o p e r bounds, a n d together w i t h
it d o w h a t i s u s e l e s s a n d u n r e a s o n a b l e .
5 O . T h e n e g r o e s g e n e r a l l y lie d o w n
to s l e e p b y t h e s i d e o f a fire, t o g u a r d a g a i n s t t h e c o l d o f t h e night. N o w it
frequently happens, that t h e y are a n n o y e d b y s m o k e , a n d then call out to the
person next to the fire, that h e shall r e m o v e the s m o k i n g piece of w o o d . If
that, h o w e v e r , is d o n e r e p e a t e d l y , the w h o l e fire will at last d i s a p p e a r , a n d
the cold b e c o m e m o r e t r o u b l e s o m e , t h a n the s m o k e w a s before. T o this cir
c u m s t a n c e t h e p r o v e r b refers, a n d its m e a n i n g is: to i n c u r a g r e a t e r evil b y
t l 6
51. O b i n t y a a k o k o lino, e m m a a k y e . N o b o d y says g o o d m o r n i n g b e f o r e
tbe cock.
52. K w a t e r r e k w a s e o b e m a w o e n t a m a , tie n e din. W h e n a r a g a
muffin says, that h e will give y o u a coat, inquire for his name..
53. M i - a , m i d a - ' y a f i y a , m i n h u N y a n k u p o f i , n a w o w o b u t u h o . I w h o
lie o n m y b a c k d o n o t see the sky, a n d y o u a r e lying o n y o u r belly.
54. O b i m p r a , n a o b i n s e s a w . W h e n o n e s w e e p s , a n o t h e r d o e s n o t carry
(the s w e e p i n g s ) a w a y 55. A k o s u a m m o m u s u , n a A k u a m f a . W h e n A k o s u a d o e s mischief, A k u a
i s n o t p u n i s h e d f o r it.
56. O k o m d i w o - a , w o m f a w o e n s a a b i e n n'nidi. T h o u g h y o u a r e h u n
gry, y o u d o n o t eat w i t h b o t h hands.
57. D a s e ' n n e e n t i n a v a y e a i v u r o w . F o r a d a y like t h e present the
nails are m a d e .
58. H a i ! h a i l n a ' m m a a k r o m a ' n y e k e s e . ( T h e cry:) H a l ! hai! h a s not
suffered the h a w k to g r o w big.
injudiciously ridding oneself of a smaller one.
V o n t u e n k i n n e , t h e poten
tial of t u a n d k i n n e , literally: they shall pull out, t h r o w a w a y viz. t h e s m o k i n g i
piece of w o o d .
51. Literally: A n y (person) does not get a h e a d o f the cock
d o e s n o t g i v e s a l u t a t i o n , c f . G r . § . 2 1 4 , 2 . i. e . N o b o d y w i l l g o o u t b e f o r e t h e
c o c k h a s c r o w e d , a n d bid other people g o o d m o r n i n g . E v e r y t h i n g m u s t be
d o n e at its p r o p e r time.
8 2 . T i e i n s t e a d o f t e , h e a r h i s n a m e , i. e . b e f o r e
y o u t r u s t h i m , s e e k i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t w h o a n d w h a t h e is, t h a t y o u m a y k n o w
w h e t h e r y o u m a y rely u p o n his promise. B e careful w h o m y o u trust, particu
l a r l y w h e r e t h e r e is j u s t c a u s e o f suspicion.
5 3 . M i a , cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 ;
d a - ' y a f i y a i n s t e a d o f d a a y a n y a , to lie o n o n e ' s b a c k ;
N y a n k u p o n ,
G o d , m e a n s h e r e the s k y , the f i r m a m e n t , a s it is f r e q u e n t l y u s e d , G o d b e i n g
identified w i t h the visible e x p a n s e of the h e a v e n s , as in E n g l i s h h e a v e n is s o m e
times said instead of G o d ;
a n d y o u , i. e. h o w is it p o s s i b l e t h a t y o u s h o u l d ,
as y o u are lying o n y o u r belly. If one, w h o h a s the best opportunities of effect
i n g a n o b j e c t , is n o t a b l e t o d o it, t h e r e is v e r y little p r o b a b i l i t y o f a p e r s o n
attaining it, w h o is destitute o f t h e s e a d v a n t a g e s .
5-4. Literally: A p e r s o n
d o e s n o t s w e e p , a n d a n o t h e r d o e s n o t t a k e u p , i. e . T h e s a m e p e r s o n , w h o s w e e p s ,
m u s t t a k e u p a n d c a r r y a w a y t h e s w e e p i n g s , cf. G r . §. 2 1 4 , 2.
T h e m e a n i n g
is t h e s a m e a s o f 5 5 a n d 9 4 : Q u o d q u i s q u e intrivit, ipsi est e x e d e n d u m .
55. Li
terally: A k o s u a d o e s n o t mischief, a n d A k u a d o e s n o t t a k e (it), cf. Gr. § . 2 1 4 , 2 ;
m e a n i n g the s a m e as 5 4 a n d 94: N o b o d y is p u n i s h e d for the offences o f another
person.
5 6 . i. e . E v e n t h o u g h a p r e s s i n g n e c e s s i t y i s u r g i n g , t h e b o u n d s o f
propriety m u s t b e o b s e r v e d ;
w o m f a is the n e g a t i v e o f f a , to take, a n d
n n i d i the n e g a t i v e of d i d i , to eat; f a - d i d i , to eal with, in n e g a t i v e a n d i m
perative sentences, cf. Gr. §. 2 0 0 a n d 202.
57. L'terally : F o r the sake of a
d a y like t o - d a y they h a v e m a d e the nails.
Is a threat, uttered b y o n e w h o has
b e e n offended, a n d h a s n o opportunity of taking i m m e d i a t e r e v e n g e , m e a n i n g :
I too h a v e the p o w e r of injuring, a n d s o m e future d a y will afford the o p p o r
tunity o f exercising it, in r e v e n g e for t h e i n j u r y I h a v e just received.
5 8 . H a i is a n interjection, u s e d t o d r i v e off b i r d s o f p r e y , a n d o n similar o c c a
sions;
m a , cf. Gr. §. 1 7 4 .
If the h a w k h a d b e e n permitted to take as
m a n y f o w l s , a s it liked, it w o u l d h a v e b e c o m e m u c h b i g g e r a n d m o r e d a n g e r o u s
t h a n i t a c t u a l l y i s , i. e . I f e v i l w e r e l e f t u n r e s t r a i n e d , w e s h o u l d s o o n b e o v e r -
95. N e a o g w a f i d o n a , o d e n e f u f u sie.
his favourite places.
60. O b i y e n e b i r i b i - a , m u m a o n y e . n a
h i s b u s i n e s s , l e t h i m d o it, f o r d e a t h is c
61. M a h u k o n t r o m f i - a , n e y i r r ' a w u ,
v a n s a f i d e , w o f a h u d e n ?
I h a v e
dead, a n d h e w o r e l o n g hair; but t h o u a
62. A k w a u m u s e m d e w e n t i n a v o f i e n
k o . W h e n in c o n s e q u e n c e of g o o d n e w s
o f t h e w a t e r , t h e a k a w i l l s n a t c h it u p .
63. W o u r a t a n w o - a n a , o f r e w o a k o a
h e calls y o u a freeman.
64. H u m ' e n i s o m a m e n t i n a a t y p a b i e
other u p o n his eye, t w o antelopes w a l k
65. O b i f i h u b i k o a b e r a n , e f i c r u n s i . N
a s t r o n g slave of another.
66. O b i n t o n a n t y u n a m o n . N o b o d y will
67. V o s e : m a n y a ,
n a v o n s e n s e : y a n y
w e have.
68. O b i d o w ' - a n a , o s e r r e w o h u a d e .
o f you.
69. D u a b a t a b o , e y e t y a n a . A ' p i e c e o f
b e a r a stroke.
1 1 7
A s h e e p puts his w h i t e w o o l o n
o w u b e n
o m i n g on.
n a v a s
seen a b a
ntelope, w
t e s u to
spittle is
d e c e
.
W h e n a p e r s o n d o e s
i w a t
b o o n ,
h a t is
e n s u e n
t h r o w n
i m u m ;
w h o s e
that to
i - a ,
u p o n
n a
wife
t h e e
a k a
the su
?
w o
w a s
b e f a
rface
If y o u r m a s t e r h a t e s y o u
n n a m .
T h a t o n e m a y b l o w the
(in c o m p a n y ) .
o b o d y j u m p s (for j o y ) o n seeing
b u y the footsteps of a bullock.
a . Y o u say: I have,
a n d not:
If a n y b o d y loves you, h e will b e g
w o o d lying close to a stone will
p o w e r e d b y it.
89. Literally: W h a t a sheep loves, (there) he puts his white.
T h e s h e e p is i m a g i n e d a s s p o t t e d , a n d t h e w h i t e p a r t s c o n s i d e r e d a s prettier
than t h e b l a c k ones. T h e m e a n i n g is : Y o u r best gifts y o u will b e s t o w u p o n
those, w h o m y o u love a n d prefer.
60. Literally: W h e n a person does his
something, etc. It is a c h a r a c t e r i s t i c e x p r e s s i o n o f t h e i n d o l e n c e o f t h e n e g r o e s :
let e v e r y b o d y c o n d u c t his o w n b u s i n e s s a s h e likes , a n d d o n t interfere w i t h
h i m ; a s life is s o s h o r t , it is o f n o g r e a t c o n s e q u e n c e , h o w a n y b o d y acts.
61. K o n t r o m f i - a , cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 ; s i w a t i m u m , to w e a r l o n g hair, a s i g n o f
m o u r n i n g . T h e m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b is n o t v e r y intelligible; it s e e m s t o b e
directed against i m p r o p e r m e d d l i n g w i t h the affairs of other persons.
6 2 . A k a is a river-fish. T h e m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b is o b s c u r e .
63. A d
dressed to a slave: b y the v e r y act of hating y o u , y o u r m a s t e r declares y o u
to b e a f r e e m a n , for n o b o d y hates his property.
64. Literally: F o r the sake
of b l o w u p o n m y e y e f o r m e " t w o a n t e l o p e s w a l k , cf. G r . §. 190, 3,
i. e . t h e y
w a l k in c o m p a n y w i t h a v i e w to m u t u a l assistance in cases of e m e r g e n c y ; the
case h e r e referred to being that of o n e of the antelopes getting dust into his
e y e , w h i c h t h e o t h e r is t o r e m o v e b y b l o w i n g u p o n it. T h e g e n e r a l i d e a t o b e
c o n v e y e d b y t h i s s i m i l e is, t h a t a s s o c i a t i o n s a r e f o r m e d f o r t h e s a k e o f m u t u a l
support.
6 5 . cf. Gr. § . 2 1 4 , 2 ;
of the t w o w o r d s e f i c r u e n s i , w h i c h h e r e
signify to j u m p for joy, c r u expresses the act of j u m p i n g , a n d si that of re
suming y o u r position a g a i n o n the ground.
T h e m e a n i n g is : Y o u d o n o t
rejoice at a n a d v a n t a g e , in w h i c h y o u yourself h a v e n o share.
6 6 . T h e foot
s t e p s o f a b u l l o c k , i. e . a t h i n g y o u c a n n o t t u r n t o a n y u s e .
6 7 . i. e . O n e m a n
is m a s t e r o f a f a m i l y , n o t s e v e r a l p e r s o n s a t o n c e .
6 8 . B e g g i n g is a s i g n
of love, b e c a u s e , a c c o r d i n g to the ideas of the n e g r o e s , m u t u a l l y giving a n d
receiving presents chiefly constitutes friendship.
6 9 . E y e t y a , l i t e r a l l y : it is
1 1 8
70. W a g y a a k o a t y a d u a , o s e : e y e m e r o w . W h e n y o
is c h o p p i n g w o o d , h e s a y s : it is soft.
71. W o s e f i m i a d i d i - a , m i s e f i w o n n a
If y o u surpass
surpass y o u in sleeping.
72. W o p a t a a d a b a n a b i e n c e g y e m - a , b a a k o f i c e w .
pieces o f i r o n t o g e t h e r into t h e fire, o n e will b e b u r n e d .
73. S e n e a a i o a t e n a , b o h a te. A s t h e s w o r d is s o is th
74. A y o n k u g o r r ' e n t i n a o k o t o n n y a ti. I n c o n s e q u e n
w i t h his friends, the crab h a s n o head.
75. W o h u k o t o e n i - a , w o s e : e y e d u a . W h e n y o u see th
y o u will s a y : t h e y are splinters of w o o d .
76. E s o n n o a f o n - a , w o n g w a n o b e r o w so. T h o u g h a n
yet y o u will n o t c a r v e it o n a palm-leaf.
u r father's slave
m e
in eating, I
If y o u put t w o
e scabbard.
c e of b a n q u e t i n g
e eyes o f a crab,
elephant b e thin,
g o o d t o c u t , i. e . i t i s g o o d o r s t r o n g e n o u g h t o b e a r b e i n g c u t , t o r e s i s t a
stroke.
T h e i d e a i m p l i e d is : E v e n a f e e b l e p e r s o n m a y b e r e n d e r e d p o w e r
ful, b y l e a n i n g u p o n h i m w h o is s t r o n g for support.
7 0 . F o r if h e s a i d it
is h a r d " , it w o u l d s o u n d a s a c o m p l a i n t , w h i c h w o u l d o f f e n d h i s m a s t e r , a n d to
himself b e of evil consequences. T h e n e g r o e s are generally v e r y astute in
practising, regardless of truth, the rule c o u c h e d in this p r o v e r b , viz. A c c o m
m o d a t e y o u r t o n g u e to time a n d circumstances.
7 1 . i. e. D o n o t b o a s t a s if
y o u alone w e r e possessed of excellence; for not all gifts are united in one
p e r s o n ; if y o u excel others in o n e respect, y o u are deficient in another.
a d i d i a n d n n a a r e differently f o r m e d infinitives of the verbs d i d i a n d da,
cf. G r . §. 8 5 a n d 190, 1.
7 » . g y e m i n s t e a d o f g y a m u , cf. G r . §. 1 3 6 .
It
is a d d r e s s e d t o a s m i t h ; if h e p u t s t w o p i e c e s o f i r o n into t h e fire a t t h e s a m e
time, o n e will b e b u r n e d , w h i l e h e is e n g a g e d in h a m m e r i n g the other. T h e
m e a n i n g is: in p e r f o r m i n g a w o r k , its different p a r t s m u s t b e t a k e n in h a n d in
d u e s u c c e s s i o n , i m p a t i e n t acceleration, i n s t e a d o f furthering, w i l l d e f e a t its o w n
object.
7 3 . s e n e a , cf. G r . §. 1 1 8 a n d 223. T h e i d e a t o b e c o n v e y e d is p r o
bably, that t w o persons of o n e fraternity m a y be s u p p o s e d to be alike in prin
ciples a n d m a n n e r s .
7 4 . A y o n k u g o r r o , literally friends-playing i.e. p l a y i n g
w i t h friends, feasting, drinking, d a n c i n g a n d such like, w h i c h a p e r s o n institu
tes w i t h his friends a t his o w n e x p e n s e . T h e c r a b is said t o h a v e n o h e a d ,
b e c a u s e its h e a d d o e s n o t visibly jut out f r o m the r e m a i n i n g part of the body,
a n d is a l l e g e d b y t h e p r o v e r b t o h a v e l o s t it b y a y o n k u g o r r o . It is i n t e n d e d ,
accordingly, to enforce a w a r n i n g against practices like those m e n t i o n e d , by
pointing to the evil consequences w h i c h m a y ensue f r o m them. In order fully
t o c o m p r e h e n d t h e b e a r i n g o f s u c h a w a r n i n g , it m u s t b e s t a t e d , t h a t t h e n e
g r o e s are often passionate g a m b l e r s as w e l l as drinkers, a n d s o m e t i m e s stake
not only their property , but e v e n their o w n persons , b e c o m i n g slaves b y the
t h r o w . T h i s p r o b a b l y m a y h a v e b e e n o f m o r e f r e q u e n t o c c u r r e n c e , t h a n it is
at present, as l o n g as the slave-trade w a s carried o n o p e n l y o n the Goldcoast.
75. T h e eyes of the crab m a y b e said to b e like splinters of w o o d ,
b e c a u s e t h e y a r e p l a c e d o n stalks o r pedicles. T h e m e a n i n g is : A p p e a r a n c e s
are deceitful.
7 6 . T h o u g h , cf. G r . §. 2 2 2 .
T h e idea to be c o n v e y e d b y the
simile, is p r o b a b l y , t h a t t h e h i g h a n d t h e n o b l e , t h o u g h in a fallen state, a r e
still v e r y different f r o m t h o s e w h o o r i g i n a l l y a r e o f a m e a n a u d servile condi
tion, a n d will not submit to a n y treatment u n b e c o m i n g their elevated rank.
77. B r o f e r r ' - a n n y a ' m m e r r e s o r r o , n a n n y a n y e d e . A p a p
h a s n o t g r o w n ripe o n t h e tree, is n o t y e t s w e e t .
78. W o b o a b e r r i k i - a n a , w o h n n e n r a fi k w a f i . If y o u b e a t
y o u w i l l find t h e w a y to its m a s t e r ' s h o u s e .
79. W o p e a k a a s e m a k y e r e N y a n k u p o n - a n a , w o k a k y e r r e e m
If y o u w a n t t o tell a n y t h i n g t o G o d , tell it t o t h e w i n d .
80. N e a w o m f e r r e n o , o k o t o n e a w o f e r r e n o e k i . H e , w h o m
not respect, will seat himself b e h i n d h i m w h o m y o u respect.
81. E n i w a f u f u n k u m a n u m a . A w h i t e e y e d o e s n o t kill a bird.
82. A b o a k o k o s e k i k a s a k y e r r e b o n u k y e r r e f o - a , o t e . W h e n
t u r e s p e a k s t o t h e b i g d r u m , h e h e a r s it.
83. T e k r e m a k r o c i a t e k r e m a a p i m - a , e t o p i t i . If o n e t o n g u
a t h o u s a n d t o n g u e s , it f a i n t s .
84. O b r o f o t e f o n a o m a b r o n n i y e a y e . H e w h o c a n s p e a k w i t h
ropean, m a y induce h i m to d o good.
85. E t i n t e t e w - a , w o f i g y a i e k y o w s o a . If ( y o u r ) h e a d is n o t
pieces, y o u d o not leave off w e a r i n g a hat.
86. N i o d i d i m e o s e : n i o d i d i a n a d y o , o y e b a i f o .
H e w h o h
e a t i n g w i l l s a y : h e w h o e a t s a t n i g h t is a sorcerer.
1 1 9
a w that
a goat,
f r a m a
y o u d o
the vul
e m e e t s
the E u
torn to
a s d o n e
77. Literally: A p a p a w that has not yet ripened o n high etc
a b o u t n n y a
cf. Gr. §. 179.
a m m e r r e , perfect n e g a t i v e o f b e r r e , to ripen.
T h e m e a n i n g
is: T h e g o o d q u a l i t i e s o f a t h i n g o r p e r s o n c a n n o t a p p e a r , b e f o r e it h a s g o n e
t h r o u g h t h e different s t a g e s o f its d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d a r r i v e d a t a state o f p e r
fection.
7 8 . N e u r a fi k w a f i , literally: his m a s t e r ' s h o m e ' s w a y , cf. G r . § . 2 0 5 .
B e a t i n g a g o a t is a m e a n s of finding the w a y to its o w n e r ' s house, b e c a u s e
the goats, w h e n frightened, r u n off to get h o m e . T h e g o a t s are generally left
b y the n e g r o e s to r a m b l e in the streets of the t o w n .
T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to
b e : T h e f a r t h e s t w a y a b o u t is o f t e n t h e n e a r e s t w a y h o m e ; o r : I n g e n u i t y w i l l
devise m a n y w a y s to attain its ends.
7 9 . W o p e a k a etc., cf. G r . §. 1 8 8 .
T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to b e pretty m u c h the s a m e as that of 78.
8 0 . i. e . t o
seek his protection w h e n y o u are g o i n g to assail him. T h e feeble s e e k the
protection of those w h o are strong.
81. A white eye s e e m s to denote hatred
or ill-will: L o o k s of hatred m a y be m e n a c i n g , but they c a n not hurt you.
8 2 . L i t e r a l l y : W h e n the a n i m a l vullure etc. cf. Gr. §. 206.
T h e vulture is a
bird s a c r e d to the fetish. T h e big d r u m g a r n i s h e d w i t h the skulls of slain
chiefs o f the enemies, d a u b e d w i t h the b l o o d of h u m a n sacrifices, a n d the h o l l o w
s o u n d o f w h i c h is h e a r d o n all state - o c c a s i o n s , is a l s o s a c r e d , a n d i m a g i n e d
as initiated into the mysteries of fetishism. H e n c e the m e a n i n g s e e m s to be>
that those w h o are initiated m u t u a l l y u n d e r s t a n d e a c h other, a n d c o m m u n i c a
tion m a y p a s s b e t w e e n t h e m w h o l e l y u n o b s e r v e d b y the multitude.
84. O b r o
f o t e f o , l i t e r a l l y : a E u r o p e a n - u n d e r s l a n d e r , i. e. o n e w h o u n d e r s t a n d s a n d c a n
talk the l a n g u a g e of the E u r o p e a n ;
t o d o g o o d , i. e . h e m a y p e r s u a d e h i m
to give presents , the object constantly held in v i e w b y the negroes in their
i n t e r c o u r s e w i t h t h e E u r o p e a n s . T h e m e a n i n g is : T o g e t all possible profit o u t
of a t h i n g o r p e r s o n , y o u m u s t k n o w it t h o r o u g h l y .
8 5 . i. e . A s l o n g a s
y o u live, y o u f o l l o w the fashion.
8 6 . i. e. A p e r s o n w i l l n o t j u d g e s e v e r e l y
o n t h e failings o f a n o t h e r , b u t w h e n h e h i m s e l f is o u t o f t e m p t a t i o n :
a b o u t
1 2 0
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
O b i m m u a n ' a n o , o n n i f o . N o b o d y shall s h u t bis m o n t h , w h o is innocent.
D u a b a a k o n g y e e m f r a m a , e b u. O n e tree r e c e i v i n g (all) t h e w i n d
w o u l d break.
K o n t r o m f i s e : o b e r a n w u n e k o k o . T h e b a b o o n says: a strong m a n
dies only f r o m his chest ( b e i n g hurt).
K o n t r o m f i s e : m e s u m a f i n i m ' e n i . T h e b a b o o n s a y s : m y c h a r m is
m y eye.
A d a r r e b o b o - a , n a n k a s a n a tua. W h e n a h o o k beats a stone, itself
( m u s t ) suffer.
N e a o k o a s u n a o b o a h i n n a . H e w h o fetches w a t e r b r e a k s the pot.
V o t o f i w o - a , w o n t o t u o . If y o u (yourself) are sold, y o u d o not b u y
a gun.
O s u k w a s e a n u m a n k o di K r o b o a i v u , n a v o n k y i r r e S a n t e n i ent u a e k a w .
W h e n a f o w l f r o m O s u k w a s e eats the c o r n of K r o b o ,
they d o not catch a m a n f r o m Asante, a n d m a k e h i m p a y the d a m a g e .
W o k o a s u a m m a , v o m m i s a a h i n n a . W h e n y o u g o to (fetch) w a t e r
a n d d o n o t return, they d o not inquire f o ^ the pot.
E n s u f a K r a m o - a , v o m m i s a n ' a d u r a d e . W h e n a M o h a m m e d a n is
d r o w n e d t h e y d o not inquire for his dress.
W o f a a b a r r i m a k w a n m - a , w o s e k a f i y e r a . If y o u m a k e friends on
the road, y o u r knife will be lost.
n i cf. G r . §. 1 1 4 , 3.
8 7 . or: N o b o d y shuts his m o u t h , etc.
8 8 . i. e . I f t h e
w h o l e force of the w i n d , s h a k i n g but not s u b d u i n g the forest, w e r e directed
a g a i n s t o n e single tree , it w o u l d n o t b e a b l e to s t a n d it C o l l e c t i v e s t r e n g t h
will b e t r i u m p h a n t w h e r e single resistance w o u l d b e iu vain. Divide et impera.
8 9 . K o n t r o m f i is t h e l a r g e s t a n d s t r o n g e s t s p e c i e s o f m o n k e y f o u n d in
t h o s e p a r t s ; it is u s e d t h e r e f o r e t o r e p r e s e n t a m a n i n t h e f u l l e n j o y m e n t a n d
consciousness of his strength, w h o in battle or o n a n y other occasion d o e s not
m i n d a s t r o k e o r a w o u n d , u n l e s s his b r e a s t , t h e v e r y s e a t o f life, is d a n
gerously hurt.
cf. G r . §. 1 9 0 , 1.
9 0 . M e s u m a n n i m ' e n i , cf. G r . §. 168.
T h e n e g r o e s frequently h a n g their bodies w i t h c h a r m s , to secure t h e m s e l v e s
f r o m the influence of sorcerers a n d evil spirits. T o this c u s t o m t h e p r o v e r b
refers, the i m p o r t of w h i c h is, that a s t r o n g m a n will trust for his security
to his o w n strength a n d vigilance.
91. substantially the s a m e w i t h 5 4 a n d
55.
9 2 . i. e . W h e n t h e w a t e r p o t i s b r o k e n , i t i s l i k e l y t h a t h e h a s b r o k e n
it, w h o w e n t w i t h it t o f e t c h w a t e r , n o t a n o t h e r w h o h a d n o t h i n g t o d o w i t h
it at t h e time.
9 3 . B e c a u s e o n e w h o is b o r n a f r e e m a n is n o t s o l d , e x c e p t
h e be deeply in debt, a n d unable either himself to p a y , or to prevail u p o n
a n o t h e r to trust h i m w i t h a n y advances.
94. Literally: A n O s u k w a s e - b i r d
does not g o to eat the Krobo-corn, a n d they do not catch a n A s a n t e - m a n , p a y s not
the debt, cf. Gr. §. 214, 2.
a i v u is g r o u n d I n d i a n corn, flour;
O s u k w a s e
a n d K r o b o are n a m e s of towns.
T h e m e a n i n g is p r e t t y n e a r l y t h e s a m e a s
of 54, 55 a n d 91.
9 5 . i. e. N o t t h e p o t , b u t y o u a r e i n q u i r e d f o r ; a t r i f l i n g
l o s s is n o t t h o u g h t of, w h e n it is m e r e l y a c c e s s a r y t o o n e o f s e r i o u s c o n s e
quence.
9 6 . Literally: W h e n the w a t e r takes a M o h a m m e d a n . T h e m e a n i n g is
the s a m e as of the preceding proverb.
9 7 . is a w a r n i n g a g a i n s t e n t e r i n g
u p o n t e r m s of intimacy w i t h u n k n o w n persons, to m a k e friends o n the r o a d
m e a n i n g t o c o n c l u d e f r i e n d s h i p w i t h s t r a n g e r s . Y o u r k n i f e w i l l b e lost, i. e . y o u r
1 2 1
98. N e a n ' e n i a b e r r e , v o m m o n ' e n i s o . Y o n d o n o t b e a t h i m u p o n his
eyes, w h o s e e y e s are ( a l r e a d y ) red.
99. N e a o k u m T a b i r i f o n a , o f a n ' e n t o k o t a .
H e w h o kills T a b i r i f o '
gets his shoes.
100. N e a o v o a k a n o , o s u r r o s u n s o n .
H e , w h o m a serpent h a s bitten,
dreads a s l o w - w o r m .
101. N e a vab.fi b i p e n , s e v o k i .
T h e y w h o h a v e seen a thing once, say,
t h e y l o a t h e it.
102. A s a f o e n i - s a a k u r a . T r o o p s select t h e plantations.
103. W o h u e d e n - a , w o n y e b a e n u a d y u m a .
T h o u g h y o u are strong,
y o u will not d o the w o r k of t w o persons.
104. A k o k o e n i s a b r o f u a . A f o w l selects a single grain.
105. A t y o a b i e f i b o r r o v u . T w o s m a l l antelopes will beat a b i g one.
106. O p a n y i n d u e
m a n t e m a n t e " . A g r a n d e e m u s t cultivate forbearance.
107. N e a v o d i e n k o k o n t e s e v o b e d i s e m m i n a , w o n g y e n ' a k i n g y e .
If t h e y w h o e a t e n k o k o n t e s a y t h e y w i l l e a t s o a p , y o u d o n o t d o u b t it.
u n k n o w n friends m a y p r o v e deceivers a n d thieves, w h o will a b u s e the confi
dence p u t in t h e m a n d steal y o u r property.
98. Literally: H e w h o s e eyes are
red, they d o not beat u p o n his eyes,
r e d eyes signifying anger, a n d the m e a n i n g
being: still m o r e to irritate h i m w h o is a l r e a d y a n g r y , z = o l e u m a d d e r e camino,
to p o u r oil into the fire.
9 9 . T a b i r i f o is said to b e t h e n a m e o f a m a n
of note f r o m A s a n t e , w h o w a s publicly executed. T h e m e a n i n g is: H e , w h o
d o e s t h e w o r k , is entitled t o its p r o d u c e .
1 0 0 . S u n s o n is a k i n d o f s e r p e n t ,
w h i c h is n o t poisonous, p r o b a b l y the s a m e w i t h o u r s l o w - w o r m or b l i n d w o r m .
T h e m e a n i n g is s u b s t a n t i a l l y t h e s a m e a s o f o u r p r o v e r b A b u r n t child d r e a d s
the fire, b u t m o r e s t r o n g l y e x p r e s s e d , t h e O j i - p r o v e r b s i g n i f y i n g , t h a t a p e r s o n
w h o h a s b e e n injured, will n o t o n l y henceforth d r e a d the identical c a u s e or
a u t h o r o f h i s a f f l i c t i o n , b u t e v e n t h e m e r e a p p e a r a n c e o f it.
1 0 1 . i. e . Y o u
m a y h a v e too m u c h of a g o o d thing. N e quid nimis.
1 0 2 . viz. for their attack.
A k u r a is t h e h a m l e t in a plantation, w h e r e its o w n e r k e e p s his f a m i l y , his
slaves, a n d the phief part of his p r o p e r t y , in contradistinction to m a n or k r u
the t o w n , w h i c h is t h e c o m m o n c e n t r e o f a g r e a t e r o r s m a l l e r n u m b e r o f p l a n
tations. T h e m e a n i n g is: A hostile attack will b e directed u p o n that point,
w h e r e the least resistence a n d m o s t spoil m a y b e expected.
1 0 3 , i. e . E v e n
e x t r a o r d i n a r y s t r e n g t h h a s its b o u n d s .
1 0 4 . viz. f r o m a h e a p of rubbish.
T h e m e a n i n g is p r o b a b l y : W h a t is g o o d a n d p r o f i t a b l e m u s t b e s e l e c t e d f r o m
the trash, a n d not the smallest thing useful m u s t be despised.
1 0 5 . T y p is
the n a m e o f a smaller, v u o f a l a r g e r k i n d o f antelope. T h e m e a n i n g is: U n i o n
is s t r e n g t h .
1 0 6 . Literally : A g r a n d e e (or a n old m a n ) practises / have not
heard I h a v e not heard" ; m a n t e b e i n g the perfect negative of the v e r b te, to
hear, a n d standing instead of a n abstract substantive, for forbearance. T h e
m e a n i n g is: It d o e s n o t b e c o m e t h e dignity o f a n o l d a n d v e n e r a b l e m a n to
take c o g n i z a n c e of e v e r y w o r d or act of levity of y o u n g p e r s o n s , that h e m a y
h a p p e n t o o b s e r v e , ' b u t h e m u s t o f t e n f e i g n n o t t o h a v e n o t i c e d it a t all.
1 0 7 . E n k o k o n t e is a k i n d o f f o o d , t h a t l o o k s like s o a p , a n d t h e r e f o r e o n e
e a t i n g e n k o k o n t e w i l l s o m e t i m e s s a y w a g g i s h l y , t h a t h e is e a t i n g s o a p .
N o w if the p e r s o n a d d r e s s e d w o u l d t a k e the jocular assertion for g o o d earnest,
a n d o p p o s e it a s s u c h , h e w o u l d b e l a u g h e d at. H e n c e t h e m e a n i n g s e e m s t o
be: A j o k e or a figurative s p e e c h m u s t b e u n d e r s t o o d as such, not verbally.
1 6
1 2 2
108. W o ni w o a g y a a k o a t y a a b e - a , o f r e w o a v e . W h e n y o u cut
d o w n a palm-tree w i t h the slave of y o u r father, h e will call y o u friend.
109. M o g y a m p a t e n t i r r i m o d a . B l o o d is n e v e r w a n t i n g in t h e h e a d o f
a horse-fly.
110. A k u r a t e s e n a n t y u - a , a g i n a m o ' a k o a n e n . T h o u g h a m o u s e w e r e
( a s b i g ) a s a b u l l o c k , y e t it w o u l d b e t h e s l a v e o f t h e cat.
1 1 1 . A t o d r u a s a , e n y e v o n n i A k o w u a e n t o a m . W h e n t h e p o w d e r is
g o n e , it is n o t t h a t i n A k o w u a ' s p o w d e r - c a s e .
112. O s u n s o n s e , o b e n y i n a n s a n a v a f i e n i ; o n y i n i , n a o d e n e ti
p e m p e m . T h e b l i n d - w o r m said, h e w o u l d g r o w before h e g o t his eyes;
h e is g r o w n , b u t (still) h e thrusts his h e a d about.
113. O t u m f o v r o k a - a , o v r o f a w o m e t i . W h e n a strong m a n pushes
y o u r ring, h e p u s h e s it to t h e s h o u l d e r .
114. E n i b a a k o i l e f i f y e k r a , e f i f y e a s i b e . O n e e y e d o e s not (at the s a m e
time) l o o k o n a k r a a n d o n a n a s i b e .
115. B a t a f o s e , e n y e n ' a n o , e n y e n ' a n o , n a n ' a n o a r a n e n . T h e h o g
s a y s , it is n o t h i s m o u t h , it is n o t h i s m o u t h , b u t still it is h i s m o u t h .
116. W o n i m d i - a , d i bi, n a n n i 'fiiara. If y o u c a n eat, eat a quantity,
b u t d o n o t e a t all.
117. E n i w a n n i m a v i r r e h o . T h e e y e k n o w s n o t h i n g of grief.
118. D u a a n a n s e a d i a w u , e n t e k u m a e n t r a a s e , e n t o n k o m . A n e n t e k u m a will n o t lie d o w n to s l e e p u n d e r t h e v e r y tree, f r o m e a t i n g o f w h i c h
the a n a n s e h a s died.
1 0 8 . i. e . I f y o u e n t e r u p o n t e r m s o f i n t i m a c y w i t h y o u r i n f e r i o r s , t h e y w i l l
t h r o w off the respect d u e to y o u , a n d treat y o u as their c o m r a d e ; akin to
t h o u g h not so strongly expressed as the E u r o p e a n p r o v e r b Y o u cant touch pitch
without being defiled.
1 0 9 . B e c a u s e t h e h o r s e - f l y m a k e s it his s o l e b u s i n e s s
to s u c k blood. Equivalent to: A robber's d e n will never be f o u n d e m p t y of
stolen goods.
1 1 0 . i. e - A b o r n s l a v e w i l l r e t a i n a s e r v i l e m i n d , h o w e v e r
m u c h h e m a y b e exalted in o u t w a r d condition.
1 1 1 . A k o w u a is t h e n a m e
of a f o r m e r k i n g of A s a n t e ;
a b o u t v o n n i cf. G r . §. 115. 205.
T h e r e m u s t
b e s u p p l i e d : W h e n they say t h a t t h e p o w d e r is c o n s u m e d , t h e y d o n o t m e a n o r
i n c l u d e t h a t i n t h e k i n g s p o w d e r - c a s e , i. e . T h o u g h a l l o t h e r s m a y b e i n w a n t ,
t h e k i n g p r o b a b l y is still supplied. N u l l a r e g u l a sine exceptione.
1 1 2 . T h e
s u n s o n , cf. 1 0 0 , is s a i d to b e blind.
H e thrusts his h e a d about, viz. to feel
h i s w a y , i. e . h e i s s t i l l b l i n d .
T h e m e a n i n g is : N e c e s s a r y a c q u i r e m e n t s ,
w h i c h a p e r s o n d o e s n o t obtain in his youth, h e will not b e able to possess
h i m s e l f o f in after life, a n d will suffer f r o m his n e g l e c t in o l d age.
1 1 3 . A
r i n g w o r n a b o u t t h e w r i s t is referred to. T h e m e a n i n g is: T h e p e c u l i a r c h a
racter of a m a n will express itself in all h e does.
114. K r a a n d a s i b e are
t w o different kinds of m o n k e y .
Literally: O n e eye does not look o n a k r a ,
d o e s n o t l o o k o n a n a s i b e , i. e . i t d o e s n o t l o o k o n b o t h a t t h e s a m e t i m e Y o u c a n n o t d o t w o things at a time.
1 1 5 . T o it is n o t h i s m o u t h m u s t b e
supplied: w h i c h has laid waste the plantation. T h e m e a n i n g is: T h e w o r d o f a
rascal c a n n o t b e d e p e n d e d u p o n ,
or: H e w h o is rascal e n o u g h to c o m m i t
a c r i m e , w i l l a l s o b e r a s c a l e n o u g h t o d e n y it.
1 1 6 . i. e . I n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n
of a n y p o w e r o b s e r v e moderation.
1 1 7 . i. e . i t w i l l s l e e p i n s p i t e o f y o u r
grief. Y o u r bodily w a n t s require to b e satisfied, t h o u g h y o u r m i n d is l a b o u r i n g
u n d e r affliction.
1 1 8 . A n a n s e a n d e n t e k u m a are t w o different k i n d s of
1 2 3
119. O b u s m a k e t e w se: e n t e m e y e n a o g a m e y e . T h e c h a m e l e o n says:
s p e e d is g o o d a n d s l o w n e s s is g o o d .
120. O h i e n n i n y a a d e - a , o m a n bo. W h e n a p o o r m a n b e c o m e s rich, the
t o w n g o e s to ruin.
121. A k e k i r e se: o b a r r i m a m f e r r ' a g w a n .
T h e tortoise says: a m a n
m a s t n o t b e a s h a m e d to r u n a w a y .
122. P a n i n i m p a m - a , a n k a n e t o n n a t o k r u .
If a n e e d l e c o u l d s e w , it
w o o l d n o t h a v e a h o l e o n its b a c k .
123. W o t y a w o t e k r e m a s o t o t o v i - a n a , w o n n y a n a m . If y o u cutoff
f r o m y o u r t o n g u e , a n d r o a s t , a n d e a t it, y o u h a v e n o m e a t .
124. W o d e w o b a t o W u a w u - a , o w u . If y o u call y o u r c h i l d D e a t h , it
will die.
125. O d o n k o n y a a d e - a , o b o d a m .
W h e n a D o n k o b e c o m e s rich, h e
r u n s m a d .
126. E s o n n o t i a a f i r i s o - a , e n h w a n .
W h e n a n elephant treads u p o n a
s p r i n g e , it d o e s n o t s n a p u p .
127. O k o t o b a f i v o a r m m a .
T h e d a u g h t e r of a crab does n o t give birth
to a bird.
spiders. Literally: A tree the a n a n s e has eaten has died, the e n t e k u m a does
n o t sit u n d e r , d o e s n o t fall asleep, cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 . T h e m e a n i n g is : a t h i n g , a p l a c e ,
or a step, w h i c h h a s p r o v e d fatal to y o u r friend or relative, y o u will b e care
ful to a v o i d .
1 1 9 . i.e. e a c h at its p r o p e r t i m e a n d place;
o b u s m a k e t e w ,
cf. p r v . 17.
1 2 0 . B e c a u s e he b e c o m e s insolent, a n d d o e s n o t k n o w h o w to
deport himself in his n e w condition.
1 2 1 . T o r u n a w a y viz. in cases of
distress, w h e r e flight is t h e o n l y m e a n s o f safety left. T h e w o r d s a r e p r o b a b l y
attributed to the tortoise o n p u r p o s e to render t h e m m o r e emphatical, b e c a u s e
the tortoise itself f r o m its tardiness is u n a b l e to e s c a p e b y flight, b u t w o u l d
fain d o s o if it c o u l d .
1 2 2 . a n k a n e t o n n a t o k r u is a n u n u s u a l c o n s t r u c
tion i n s t e a d of: a n k a t o k r u n n a n e t o , cf. G r . §. 197.
It r e f e r s t o s u c h
p e o p l e a s a r e h a b i t u a l l y a d d i c t e d t o c e n s u r i n g o t h e r s ; if t h e y w e r e r e a l l y
skilled in reforming, they t h e m s e l v e s w o u l d be rid of their defects.
1 2 3 Y o u
h a v e n o m e a t , i. e. Y o u h a v e g a i n e d n o t h i n g b y t h i s p r o c e e d i n g , y o u h a v e n o t
a c q u i r e d a n y t h i n g b e y o n d w h a t y o u h a d b e f o r e . It is p o i n t e d a t s u c h p e r s o n s
as carry o n lawsuits against m e m b e r s of their o w n family.
1 2 4 . W u a w u
is f o r m e d f r o m w u , to die. T o c a l l a c h i l d t h u s w o u l d b e a c h a l l e n g e t o d e a t h ,
this n a m e , a s it w e r e , m a r k i n g t h e c h i l d f o r his p r o p e r t y . H e n c e t h e p r o v e r b
m e a n s : H e w h o w a n t o n l y challenges a disaster, will certainly b e visited w i t h
it b e f o r e l o n g .
1 2 5 . O d o n k o is t h e n a m e o f a n e g r o - t r i b e in t h e m o r e
interior parts of W e s t e r n Africa, w h i c h furnishes the Oji- tribe w i t h m o s t of
their s l a v e s ; t h e w o r d is a c c o r d i n g l y h e r e e q u i v a l e n t t o slave, w i t h t h e addition,
h o w e v e r , t h a t a D o n k o is c o n s i d e r e d also a s naturally dull a n d stupid. B y a
sudden c h a n g e of fortune h e w o u l d be so puffed u p w i t h stupid conceit, as to
h a v e his h e a d t u r n e d b y t h e e m o t i o n , cf. 2 4 9 a n d 120.
1 2 6 . t h o u g h it d o e s
s n a p u p w h e n a b i r d t r e a d s u p o n i t , i. e . t h e s a m e a c t p e r f o r m e d o r w o r d
spoken b y different persons, m a y be attended w i t h a v e r y different effect.
1 2 7 . i. e . T h e o f f s p r i n g m u s t e v e r b e o f t h e s a m e n a t u r e w i t h t h e g e n i t o r ; t h e
w o r d s of scripture m a y b e c o m p a r e d : D o m e n gather g r a p e s o f thorns o r figs o f
1 2 4
128. V o b e d i k e k o a m o n n o - a , a S k a v o d i n' a f u so. If t h e k o k o w a s
e a t e n r a w , t h e y w o u l d e a t it in t h e p l a n t a t i o n .
129. O b i m f a a f e t r e f e t r e , e n k o H u a m . N o b o d y carries prepuces to H u a .
130. N e a o t y a w o t y e t i a , e n n i w o a d y o m pa. H e w h o circumcises you,
will not (exactly) m a k e g o o d carpenter's w o r k .
131. E f i k y i n n e n s e n e h u u s e : m i y e de. T h e salt w i l l n o t s a y o f itself: I
h a v e a pleasant taste
132. A b e n e n y e d e - a n a , e t u a n i p ' a no. T h o u g h a h o r n h a s a b a d sound,
y e t it is a p p l i e d t o a m a n ' s m o u t h .
133. M a g u m n a k u m d o m . R e i n f o r c e m e n t beats the e n e m y .
134. E h w y u n n e n y a n a e n i w a n y a . W h e n the n o s e gets ( a thing), the
e y e s g e t (it too).
135. E k w a i ' a g y e w o , w o m f r e n o a k w a i w a . A forest that h a s sheltered
you, y o u will not call a coppice.
136. O h i e n n i b u b e -a, e n c e .
W h e n a p o o r m a n m a k e s a p r o v e r b , it d o e s
not spread.
/
137. O b i n s o m a bi a f i r i f y e , n a a n u m a n k a s a n o . W h e n a p e r s o n is sent
lo l o o k at a snare, the bird does not u p b r a i d him.
138. A b e r r i k i se: n e a a b o g y a b u m v o n o , e h o n a a d i d i v o . T h e goat
says, w h e r e t h e r e is m u c h blood, t h e r e is feasting.
139. N n i p a i n i a r a d e a n k a g w a r r e - a , v o n h u y e c w a m ; n a a h o h o se
o k o d a s o , n a n e h u b o n . E v e r y b o d y w h o w a s h e s himself w i t h lemonjuice, b e c o m e s sweet-scented; therefore the a h o h o said, h e w o u l d g o u p o n
( t h e tree) a n d live there, b u t still h e stinks.
thistles? M a t t h . 7, 1 6 1 8 .
1 2 8 . K o k o is a n e a t a b l e r o o t , s i m i l a r t o p o t a
toes.
1 2 9 . H u a is a c o u n t r y to t h e east of t h e river V o l t a , called A i g b e
b y the inhabitants t h e m s e l v e s . In H u a c i r c u m c i s i o n is practised, w h e r e a s in the
O j i - c o u n t r i e s it is h e l d in g r e a t d i s d a i n . C o n s e q u e n t l y to c a r r y p r e p u c e s to H u a
is the s a m e as in t h e E n g l i s h p r o v e r b to c a r r y coals to Newcastle.
1 3 0 . A d y o m
instead of a d y p n n e b y a c c o m m o d a t i o n to pa.
T h e m e a n i n g is: F r o m
skill in o n e b r a n c h o f w o r k , y o u c a n n o t infer a n e q u a l a m o u n t o f skill in
a n o t h e r branch.
1 3 1 . i. e . N o b o d y s h o u l d p r a i s e h i m s e l f . S e l f - p r a i s e i s n o
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n .
1 3 2 . T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to be: T h o u g h a m e m b e r of y o u r
f a m i l y o r o n e o f y o u r c o n n e x i o n s is n o t a m i a b l e , y o u m u s t n o t b r e a k off y o u r
intercourse w i t h him.
1 3 4 . i. e . W h e n o n e m e m b e r o f a f a m i l y b e c o m e s
r i c h , a l l t h e o t h e r s w i l l p r o f i t b y it.
1 3 5 . i. e. Y o u w i l l n o t d e t r a c t f r o m
the merits of o n e , to w h o m y o u are indebted for y o u r preservation.
137.
Literally : A p e r s o n does not s e n d a p e r s o n to look at a s n a r e , a n d the bird does
n o t u p b r a i d h i m , c f . G r . § . 2 1 4 , 2 , i. e. t h e b i r d d o e s n o t u p b r a i d h i m w h o is
s e n t , b e c a u s e it i s n o t o f h i s o w n a c c o r d , t h a t h e i s a n a g e n t i n d e s t r o y i n g it.
T h e m e a n i n g is : A d e p e n d a n t is n o t c u l p a b l e for w h a t h e d o e s at the c o m m a n d
of his master.
1 3 8 . T h e w o r d is a t t r i b u t e d t o t h e g o a t , b e c a u s e it is c o n
stantly r a m b l i n g in the streets of the t o w n , a n d in i m m e d i a t e attendance, w h e r e
a n y t h i n g e a t a b l e is t o b e f o u n d . A f e a s t is r e f e r r e d t o , f o r w h i c h s h e e p a n d
f o w l s are killed , a n d other eatables collected , w h i c h attract the goats to the
spot. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to b e that of the scriptural p r o v e r b : W h e r e the car
c a s s is, t h e r e w i l l t h e e a g l e s b e g a t h e r e d t o g e t h e r , M a t t h . 2 4 , 2 8 .
1 3 9 . T h e ne
g r o e s w a s h t h e m s e l v e s at least o n c e a d a y f r o m h e a d to foot, a n d after
w a s h i n g r u b t h e i r b o d y w i t h l i m e - j u i c e , t o m a k e it s w e e t - s c e n t e d . T h e a h o h o
1 2 5
140. V o n i y a n o m - a , v o m f r e y S n o m . If y o u h a v e n o c o m r a d e s , y o u d o n o t
call for ( y o u r ) c o m r a d es .
141. A b o a n o n ' a n o m y e n o d e - S , o f i v i n e k o n m d a . T h o u g h that a n i m a l
is d a i n t y - m o u t h e d , y e t it d o e s n o t e a t t h e b e l l o f its c o l l a r .
142. O b i n t u t u a n u m a , e n k o k y ? r r e p a n y i n . N o b o d y plucks a bird, w h i c h
h e is g o i n g to s h o w to a n o l d m a n .
143. O p o n k o a g y i m i - a , n e a o t e n o s o , o n g y i m i e . B e c a u s e a h o r s e is a
fool, h e w h o rides it is n o fool.
144. V o n a m b a e n u s u m a f i r i - a , v o n a m b a e n u n a k o f y e . If y o u l a y
a s n a r e i n c o m p a n y , y o u g o i n c o m p a n y t o l o o k a t it.
145. B i r i b i n k o k a e m p o p a , e n y e k r a d a .
If n o t h i n g t o u c h e s the p a l m leaves, t h e y d o not rustle.
146. E k i s e o b e k o n - a , o n i n ' a k o m f o d i . W h e n A k i s a y s that h e will
fight, (he m e a n s ) himself a n d his party.
147. O h i e n n i a s o m e n n i b a t a f o s e . A p o o r m a n ' s i v o r y is a hog's-tooth.
148. A h i n e t e w e m p a n y i n e n i m - a , e n y e r a ,
If a string of pearls b r e a k s
in t h e p r e s e n c e o f g r o w n - u p p e o p l e , n o t h i n g is lost.
149. A b o a b i d o s r a d e - a , o s u a p r a k o . W h e n a n a n i m a l f a t t e n s , it l e a r n s
f r o m the pig.
150. O k w a n v a r r e - a , v o d e v o n n a n n a t y a , e n y e a b o n u a . W h e n a w a y
is l o n g , y o u s h o r t e n it w i t h y o u r feet, n o t w i t h a h a t c h e t .
is a r e d , s t i n k i n g k i n d o f a n t , w h i c h is g e n e r a l l y f o u n d o n l i m e - a n d o r a n g e trees. T h e m e a n i n g is: N o r e m e d y will effect t h e c u r e o f i n n a t e a n d inveterate
vices. T h e w o r d s of Scripture m a y b e c o m p a r e d : C a n a n Ethiopian c h a n g e his
skin or a leopard his spots? Jer. 13, 23.
1 4 0 . Enterprises s e e m referred to,
w h i c h c a n n o t b e carried out but b y the c o m b i n e d exertions of a n u m b e r of
persons. T h e m e a n i n g w o u l d then be: Y o u m u s t not c o u n t u p o n m e a n s w h i c h
are not at y o u r disposal, but a c c o m m o d a t e y o u r e n d s to y o u r m e a n s .
141. B y a b o a n o t h e d o g is referred to, w h o , t h o u g h f o n d o f dainties, d o e s
not eat the pretty globular bell attached to his collar. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to
be: E v e n greediness d o e s n o t blindly rush u p o n e v e r y thing nice a n d attrac
tive.
1 4 2 . A f t e r s h o w to a n old m a n m u s t b e a d d e d : in o r d e r to a s k for its
n a m e " . B y p l u c k i n g it h e w o u l d d e f e a t h i s o w n o b j e c t , a s t h e o l d m a n w o u l d
no l o n g e r b e able to identify the bird.
1 4 3 . i. e. T h e d e f e c t s o r v i c e s o f a
d e p e n d a n t are n o r e a s o n for attributing the s a m e to his master.
1 4 4 . i. e. I f
o n e s h a r e s w i t h y o u in a w o r k , it is e q u i t a b l e t h a t h e s h a r e w i t h y o u in its
produce.
1 4 5 . i. e. W h e r e a n y a c t i o n t a k e s p l a c e , t h e r e i s a l w a y s a n a g e n t .
1 4 6 . E k i is a p r o p e r - n a m e , p r o b a b l y o f a m a n f a m o u s as a l e a d e r in e x p e
ditions o f w a r .
1 4 7 . i. e. T o a p o o r m a n a h o g ' s - t o o t h i s a s v a l u a b l e a s a n
e l e p h a n t ' s t o o t h t o a r i c h m a n ; cf. G r . §. 168.
1 4 8 . A string o f pearls viz.
w h i c h is w o r n b y a child r o u n d the neck;
n o t h i n g is lost b e c a u s e t h e p e o p l e
p r e s e n t w i l l g a t h e r u p t h e b e a d s , w h e r e a s t h e child, if alone, w o u l d l e a v e t h e m .
If p r u d e n t p e o p l e a r e a t h a n d , w h e r e s o m e d i s a s t e r h a p p e n s , t h e y w i l l t a k e
m e a s u r e s to avert the evil consequences.
1 4 9 . i. e . O n e i s t h e a u t h o r a n d
m a s t e r o f a n art; o t h e r s w h o p r a c t i s e it d o s o in i m i t a t i o n o f h i m , n o t b y their
o w n invention.
1 5 0 . T h e r e is a p u n in this p r o v e r b w i t h the w o r d t y a ,
w h i c h m e a n s to cut off a s w e l l a s to p a s s t h r o u g h o r over. T h e m e a n i n g is :
1 2 6
151. A n o p a t i r u w - a , e s e f i n a m o n . W h e n t h e m o u t h s t u m b l e s , it is w o r s e
t h a n the foot.
152. M m o f r a f i k o t u - a , v a n h u tu; e m p a n y i n e f i k o t u - a , v o t i a t i a so.
W h e n b o y s w e r e t o r e a p , t h e y d i d n o t u n d e r s t a n d it; w h e n o l d p e o p l e
w e r e to reap, t h e y t r a m p l e d a b o u t o n (the land).
153. V o s e : k o m a n k o to,
n a v o n s e n s e : k o m a n k o sen. T h e y say:
g o into a t o w n to settle ; a n d they d o not s a y : g o into a t o w n to boast.
154. W o k o n e n k r a n n a n k o - a , w o n t y p r r e a b e f i g u m .
W h e n y o u
e n d e a v o u r to drive off the ants, a n d t h e y w o n t give w a y , y o u d o not peel
p a l m - n u t s a n d t h r o w a m o n g them.
155. N e a o k o m g y e , n i m e . W h a t h u n g e r d e s i r e s is e a t i n g .
156. O k w a s i a n a n e g w a n t e w e m p e n a b i e n . ( H e is) a fool, w h o s e sheep
runs a w a y twice.
157. O s e k a n f u a n a g y e n e h u a b o f r a e n s e m . T h e b l a d e of a knife resists
in the h a n d of a boy.
158. W o t a n w o n i - a , w o m f a n o m m a d o m . T h o u g h y o u dislike y o u r re
lation, y o u will n o t deliver h i m to the e n e m y .
159. D u a k o n t o n k y e n a m a y e h u d y o m f o .
A c r o o k e d stick betrays the
carpenter.
Y o u r m e a n s j m u s t b e suited to y o u r ends.
1 5 1 . i. e . A w r o n g w o r d m a y b e
of m o r e serious consequences t h a n a blunder in acting.
1 5 2 . T h e application
m a d e o f this p r o v e r b r e f e r s it t o t h e difficulty o f c o m p o s i n g a q u a r r e l ; s o m e
p e r s o n s w h o are set to this task, w a n t the necessary experience a n d p r u d e n c e
f o r a c c o m p l i s h i n g it ; o t h e r s w h o m i g h t b e e x p e c t e d t o p o s s e s s t h e s e qualities,
s i d e w i t h o n e o f t h e p a r t i e s , a n d i n c r e a s e t h e t u m u l t i n s t e a d o f c o m p o s i n g it.
1 5 3 . Is a d d r e s s e d to p e r s o n s , w h o leave their native t o w n a n d settle in
a n o t h e r ; t h e y o u g h t to join the people, w i t h w h o m t h e y h a v e c o m e to live, in
their m a n n e r s a n d customs, a n d not pride t h e m s e l v e s u p o n retaining their f o r m e r
w a y s , or attempt to set u p n e w rules for others.
154. T h e e n k r a n are a
k i n d o f s m a l l ants w h i c h bite severely. T h e y m a r c h o n in a file, i n v a d e the
h o u s e s in their w a y , a n d w i l l kill e v e r y living c r e a t u r e in it, t h a t d o e s n o t
escape. T h e n e g r o e s generally s e e k b y fire to turn off their m a r c h into a dif
ferent direction. P a l m - n u t s attract them. H e n c e the m e a n i n g is : W h e n y o u
are anxious to attain a n object, y o u will not d o a n y t h i n g , that w o u l d just
h a v e the opposite effect; in proverbial l a n g u a g e : W h e n y o u w i s h to p u t out
a f i r e , y o u w i l l n o t p o u r o i l i n t o it.
1 5 5 . M e m e a n s p r o p e r l y satiari cibo.
T h e m e a n i n g p e r h a p s is , t h a t a n y w a n t d e m a n d s its p a r t i c u l a r satisfaction.
1 5 6 . i. e . B e c a u s e h e w a s n o t w a r n e d b y t h e f i r s t r u n n i n g a w a y o f t h e s h e e p
t o s e c u r e it b e t t e r f o r t h e f u t u r e . T h e m e a n i n g a c c o r d i n g l y is, t h a t h e is a
fool indeed, w h o d o e s n o t e v e n learn b y experience.
1 6 7 . It resists, p r o p e r l y :
it d e f e n d s i t s e l f i. e . i t w i l l w o u n d h i m w h o d a r e s t o s p o r t w i t h it. T h e m e a n i n g
is either: L e t the i n e x p e r i e n c e d k e e p a l o o f f r o m t h i n g s that a r e d a n g e r o u s ,
or: T h i n g s that in t h e m s e l v e s are useful m a y p r o v e d a n g e r o u s to those, w h o
d o not k n o w h o w to m a n a g e t h e m properly.
1 5 8 . i. e . T h e d i s l i k e t o a r e l a
tion n e v e r a m o u n t s t o r e a l h a t r e d , s o t h a t y o u w o u l d b e p r o m p t e d b y it t o
e n g a g e in a n y act of hostility against h i m ;
d o m m e a n s properly the a r m y
(of the enemies).
1 5 9 . Literally:
m a k e s u s k n o w the carpenter, i.e. s h o w s
u s that h e is a b a d w o r k m a n . B y t h e quality o f a w o r k y o u m a y j u d g e o f the
1 2 7
160. O b i s e o b e f r o d u n s i n - a , , m a o m f o r r o n a ; o k o s o e n i m a s a f i a b a .
W h e n a p e r s o n s a y s that h e will climb u p a tree, let h i m climb; h e will
g o to the top a n d return.
161. N e a o t a w o o m m e r e - a , w o - a w o g w a f i w o n s e : m a b r e . If h e w h o
p u r s u e s y o u is n o t tired, y o u w h o are flying will n o t say: I a m tired.
162. A k o k o n i n i se: t o t a m f o e i l k u - a , a n k a m a b o n a n a d y o , n a v a k u m mi. T h e c o c k says: If all w e r e m y enemies, I s h o u l d h a v e c r o w e d
in the night a n d s h o u l d h a v e been killed.
163. E s e n c i a n a , v o f r e n o g y a w .
W h e n t h e t e e t h d o n o t t o u c h , it is
called a gap.
164. O k r o b o n i b a f i g w a n k o k o t e m k w a . T h e s o n of a m a n f r o m K r o b o
d o e s not r u n t h r o u g h the c o r n w i t h o u t cause.
165. O k r 5 v o h a r r e n o a f a e n u . A c a n o e is r o w e d o n b o t h sides.
166. A g i n a m o a w u - a , e f i k u r a y e m . W h e n the cat dies, the m i c e rejoice.
167. O s u c e f a v o m m u a . Y o u d o not p u t a half r o o f u p o n a house.
168. T i k r o n k o a g i n n a . O n e h e a d d o e s n o t institute a consultation.
169. W o e n i n k o m - a n a , w o s e : m i n n y a d a b e r r e . W h e n y o u a r e not
sleepy, y o u say: I h a v e n o sleeping-place.
skill o f its author.
1 6 0 . D u n s i n , p r o p e r l y : t h e s t u m p o f a t r e e , i. e . o f w h i c h
the b o n g h s h a v e b e e n cut off;
e n i m , t h e f a c e i. e . t h e u p p e r p a r t . T h e
m e a n i n g s e e m s to b e similar to that of 60.
1 6 1 . i. e . D a n g e r w i l l s t i m u l a t e
a p e r s o n to the u t m o s t exertion of his strength.
162. Literally: S u p p o s e ene
mies only;
to - a f i k a , cf. Gr. §. 222.
T h e c r o w i n g of a c o c k in the m i d d l e
of the n i g h t is considered b y the n e g r o e s a b a d o m e n , a n d h e is f o r t h w i t h
killed. T h e m e a n i n g is : A g e n e r a l hostile disposition t o w a r d s a p e r s o n , w h o
has n o friends a n d protectors, will easily find a pretext for effecting his ruin.
1 6 3 . E f i c i a , p r o p e r l y : d o n o t meet. G y a w is t h e g a p w h i c h m a n y p e r s o n s
h a v e b e t w e e n t h e t w o u p p e r front-teeth. W h a t i d e a is to b e c o n v e y e d b y t h e s e
w o r d s a s a p r o v e r b , is r a t h e r unintelligible.
1 6 4 . K r o b o is a t o w n situated
at the f o o t of a r o c k y m o u n t a i n , w h i c h h a s o n all sides a steep a n d difficult
a s c e n t , s o t h a t in t i m e o f w a r it s e r v e s t h e i n h a b i t a n t s f o r a f o r t r e s s , a n d h a s
ever shielded t h e m f r o m b e i n g c o n q u e r e d b y other nations. H e n c e to see the
son of a K r o b o - m a n flying t h r o u g h the corn-fields in the plain, w o u l d b e a
m o s t extraordinary, event, a n d the sure sign of great a n d u n e x p e c t e d distress.
1 6 5 . i. e . M e a s u r e s t a k e n t o e f f e c t a p u r p o s e m u s t b e c o m p l e t e , i f t h e y a r e t o
be efficacious.
1 6 6 . i. e . W h e n a t y r a n t d i e s , t h e s u b j e c t s r e j o i c e .
1 6 7 .
L i t e r a l l y : A r o o f - h a l f t h e y d o n o t p u t o n , i. e. A w o r k m u s t n o t b e l e f t w h e n it
1 6 3 . A g i n n a m e a n s properly: standing, f r o m g i n n a , to
is h a l f c o m p l e t e d .
stand,
a n d k o a g i n n a : to g o (to) a standing. It d e n o t e s a consultation o f
several p e r s o n s f o r m i n g a particular party, w h o h a v e retired f r o m a greater
a s s e m b l y to c o n v e r s e a p a r t o n t h e m e a s u r e s t h e y a r e to a d o p t . A g i n n a , it
will b e seen, p r o p e r l y expresses the act of g o i n g apart, o r m o r e exactly of
standing apart f r o m the general a s s e m b l y , a n d the act of consultation m e r e l y
b y implication. N o w as the g o i n g a p a r t is d o n e m e r e l y o n p u r p o s e that t h e y
m a y b e a b l e t o c o n v e r s e w i t h o u t b e i n g h e a r d b y t h e o t h e r s , it w o u l d b e
w h o l e l y u n n e c e s s a r y w h e r e o n e p e r s o n a l o n e is c o n c e r n e d , w h o m a y as w e l l
m e d i t a t e o n t h e c o u r s e h e is t o p u r s u e w i t h o u t l e a v i n g t h e a s s e m b l y .
1 6 9 .
W h e n y o u a r e sleepy, y o u will b e content w i t h a n y place. T h e m e a n i n g is:
1 2 8
170. A d u a n b i - a v o n n i n o , v o n n o a . F o o d , w h i c h y o u will not eat, y o u do
not boil.
171. O h o h o n s o a f u n n u ti. A s t r a n g e r d o e s n o t c a r r y t h e h e a d o f t h e
corpse.
172. O m a m f e r e n n i n n y i n k r o n k r o f i . A foreign settler n e v e r b e c o m e s a
native.
173. O h i a ' k a w o , n a w o t i a b e t e - a , e d a f i f a n . If, w h e n afflicted w i t h
p o v e r t y , y o u e a t a b e t e , it t u r n s t o h e r b s .
174. O b i f i g y a i e s o n n o e k i d i , e n k o di a s e r r e d u a eki. N o b o d y leaves
off p u r s u i n g a n elephant, in order to p u r s u e a s p a r r o w .
175. W o ti b e n w o , n a w o n y a w o t w y e r r e - a , v o d e b o m h o a r a .
T h o u g h , w h e n g o i n g to receive y o u r b l o w s , y o u r h e a d aches, yet they
k n o c k y o u in that v e r y place.
176. F a t o m ! f a t o m ! n a e y e a d e s o a . L a y on! lay on! m a k e s a load.
177. A n i n i a b i e f i e n n a b o n . T w o m a l e s d o not live in a den.
178. O b i n s o d a i e n k o n e a v o b e k u m no. H a v i n g d r e a m t n o b o d y will g o
w h e r e t h e y will kill him.
179. S i k a a d y u m a b i a r a n y e a n i w u . A n y w o r k for g o l d is n o s h a m e .
180. A k u n t u m a k u n t u f i n ' a f e , n a o n k u n t u n e m p a n y i n .
A bully fights
w i t h his peers, not w i t h the grandees.
181. A n o p ' a n o m b o n , n a a s e m p a n a v o m . In the m o r n i n g the m o u t h
s t i n k s , b u t t h e r e a r e g o o d w o r d s i n it.
182. A n a d y o b o a n n o a o n w a . N o c t u r n a l v e n i s o n is n o t fat.
183. S i k a y e f e , n a o p e g y a f o y e n a . G o l d is p r e t t y , b u t t h e h e i r is rare.
U r g e n t necessity will supersede fastidiousness.
1 7 0 . i. e . Y o u w i l l n o t t a k e
a n y trouble w i t h o u t a purpose.
1 7 1 . i. e . T o a s t r a n g e r w i l l n o t b e a w a r d e d
the chief place.
1 7 2 . P r o p e r l y : d o e s n o t g r o w p u r e i. e . H e w i l l n e v e r e n t i r e l y
strip off all foreign peculiarities.
1 7 3 . A b e t e is a k i n d of f o o d p r e p a r e d
f r o m the flour of Indian corn. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to be, that p o v e r t y imbitters
e v e r y e n j o y m e n t .
1 7 4 . A s e r r e d u a , not exactly a sparrow, but the n a m e of
a n o t h e r s m a l l bird. T h e m e a n i n g is : Y o u d o n o t r e l i n q u i s h a g r e a t o b j e c t for
a trifling one.
1 7 5 . Y o u r b l o w s i. e . t h e p u n i s h m e n t y o u h a v e i n c u r r e d b y
s o m e offence. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s t o b e , t h a t j u s t i c e is e x e c u t e d w i t h o u t a n y
r e g a r d to circumstances.
1 7 6 . i. e . T h e r e p e a t e d a d d i t i o n o f s m a l l t h i n g s
will at last m a k e a h e a v y load.
1 7 7 . T w o males viz. o f beasts o f prey. T h e
m e a n i n g is : A h o u s e a n d a f a m i l y h a s o n l y o n e m a s t e r , cf. 6 7 ,
1 7 8 . i. e . W h e n
a p e r s o n d r e a m s that h e will be killed at a certain place, h e will n o t g o to
t h e v e r y spot. T h e m e a n i n g is either that w a r n i n g s m u s t n o t b e d e s p i s e d , or
t h a t n o b o d y w i l l r u s h into a d a n g e r h e is a w a r e o f b e f o r e h a n d .
1 7 9 . S i k a
a d y u m a , g o l d - w o r k , cf. G r . §. 205.
1 8 0 . T h e m e a n i n g is pretty m u c h the
s a m e as of 45: Birds of a feather flock together.
1 8 1 . i. e. M o r n i n g i s t h e b e s t
time for deliberating o n matters of consequence.
182. Literally: Night-venison
i. e . g a m e c a u g h t i n t h e n i g h t , a t a t i m e w h e n y o u a r e n o t c a p a b l e o f d i s c e r n
i n g b e t w e e n w h a t is g o o d a n d w h a t is b a d ; c o n s e q u e n t l y e q u i v a l e n t to the
English proverbial expression a pig in a poke. T h e p r o v e r b a c c o r d i n g l y m e a n s :
T h i n g s g o t at r a n d o m will n o t b e excellent.
1 8 3 . T h e m e a n i n g is p r o b a b l y :
W h e r e there a r e riches, a n heir is often w a n t i n g ; h a p p i n e s s o n e a r t h is n e v e r
1 2 9
184. W o d i s o a e n s a , f y e w o e n s a . W h e n y o u e a t t h e h a n d o f a m o n k e y ,
look o n y o u r hand.
185. O k w a s i a n a o s e : v o d e m e y o n k u n a v o n n e m i . A fool s a y s : m y
f r i e n d i s m e a n t , n o t I.
186. O h i m m o n n e n i b e b i , n a o b o f o b o n n e n a v o b e b i . T h e r e is n o w h e r e
a w i c k e d prince, but there are w i c k e d a m b a s s a d o r s .
187. N n i p a p a bi k o s a , v a n h u a n o , n a g y a m a k u t r o k u . B r a v e m e n
w h o w e n t to the w a r , did not see the end, w h a t then will a c o w a r d do.
188. O m a n t y a w o s a m a , v o m p o p a . W h e n t h e t o w n o r n a m e n t s y o u r hair,
t h e y w i l l n o t d i s o r d e r it.
189. A s o m n i e n k w a n t a . T h e e a r h a s n o t t w o w a y s .
190. O k w a d u s e : w a m m e r e n a w o d i d i - a , e n y e d ? . T h e a n t e l o p e s a y s :
w h e n y o u e a t w i t h o u t b e i n g tired, it h a s n o relish.
191. A n u m a d e a k o n i a b a n a n y u n n e b e r r e b u . B y g o i n g a n d c o m i n g
a bird w e a v e s its nest.
192. V o n n y a a w u r u - a , v o n t e w n o s o h a m m a .
A s l o n g as y o u h a v e not
g o t the tortoise, y o u d o n o t cut the string for h i m .
193. W o k o f a b i a t o p e k o y e a d y u m a , w o c o c o r o s o k o t o n o h o .
W h e n y o u t a k e a n o t h e r m a n ' s h o e to w o r k w i t h , y o u m u s t w a s h it, a n d
p u t it in its p l a c e .
194. W o k u m w o d e - a , w o t o w o y o n k u d e . W h e n y o u d e s t r o y yours, y o u
join y o u r friend's.
195. O b i n h u t u m m , e n t i e m .
N o b o d y looks at s o m e t h i n g black a n d steps
into it.
s o c o m p l e t e b u t t h a t it h a s s o m e d r a w b a c k .
1 8 4 . i. e . W h e n y o u e x u l t i n
an e n j o y m e n t p r o c u r e d at the cost of another, r e m e m b e r that y o u yourself are
liable to the s a m e disaster.
1 8 5 . i. e . w h o r e f e r s a w a r n i n g , m e a n t f o r h i m
self, t o a n o t h e r m a n , a n d n e g l e c t s t o p r o f i t b y it.
1 8 6 . O h i m m o n n e instead
of o h i n n e b o n n e , b y assimilation a n d contraction. T h e m e a n i n g is: W h e n in
a t r a n s a c t i o n b e t w e e n ' t w o p r i n c e s a n y t h i n g g o e s w r o n g , it w i l l b e laid t o t h e
c h a r g e o f t h e a m b a s s a d o r s , h o w e v e r m u c h the fault is in the princes t h e m
selves;
Quidqvid delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi.
1 8 7 . D i d not see the end,
i. e . c o u l d n o t b r i n g t h e w a r t o a s u c c e s s f u l e n d ;
n a g y a m a k u t r o k u ,
literally: a n d a c o w a r d ! i e. w h a t t h e n c a n b e e x p e c t e d f r o m a c o w a r d !
188. T y a s a m a m e a n s properly: to cut out figures o n the h e a d of a p e r s o n
b y his hair being cut off unequally.
W h e n t h e t o w n e t c . i. e . w h e n i t i s d o n e
b y a public decree for the s a k e of conferring a n h o n o u r u p o n you.
V o m
p o p a , T h e y i. e. y o u r r e l a t i v e s , w i l l n o t e f f a c e ( t h e f i g u r e s ) , b u t t h e y w i l l b e a
cause o f pride to them.
189. Literally: T h e ear has not, or: In the ear there
is n o t a d o u b l e - w a y , i. e . Y o u c a n h e a r o n l y o n e t h i n g a t a t i m e . I t w i l l b e
a p p l i e d , w h e n o n e is a d d r e s s e d b y t w o p e r s o n s at t h e s a m e time.
1 9 0 . i. e .
If a m e a l is t o b e r e a l l y e n j o y e d , it m u s t b e p r e c e d e d b y e x e r t i o n , a n d f a t i g u e ,
a n d h u n g e r p r o d u c e d b y it. C i b i c o n d i m e n l u m f a m e s est. T h e w o r d s a r e a t t r i
b u t e d t o t h e a n t e l o p e , b e c a u s e it is c o n s t a n t l y s k i p p i n g a b o u t .
1 9 1 . i. e . A
g r e a t w o r k is n o t c o m p l e t e d at o n c e , b u t b y a s s i d u o u s l y r e p e a t e d exertion.
1 9 2 . i. e. Y o u d o n o t d i s p o s e o f a t h i n g till y o u h a v e g o t it.
1 9 3 . i. e. W h a t
is b o r r o w e d m u s t b e c a r e f u l l y r e s t o r e d , a n d in g o o d c o n d i t i o n .
1 9 4 . T h e
m e a n i n g p r o b a b l y is, that h e w h o h a s s q u a n d e r e d his o w n p r o p e r t y , will
attach h i m s e l f to his friends, that he m a y subsist o n their m e a n s .
1 9 5 . L e.
1 7
1 3 0
196. W o e n i r e b o - a , w o n s e n s e : m i k i te. W h e n y o u r e y e is g o i n g to
ruin, y o u 'will not say: I h a t e ocular disease.
197. O n y a n y a n e h u - a , o n o m n y a n k u e n s u .
W h e n a slave b e c o m e s a
freeman, h e will drink rain-water.
198. O b i a n n u a m ' a m o - a , m i r e m a m e h u a m o .
W h e n a p e r s o n neglects
congratulating m e , I congratulate myself.
199. O t a m a b i r r i - a , w o f i c e w yi.
T h o u g h y o u r c o a t is dirty, y o u d o n o t
b u r n it.
200. O p i t r i m e m e n n e - a , o m e m e n n e m a o u r a .
W h e n a p i t r i absorbs
( t h e s o u p ) , h e floes it l o r bis- m a s t e r .
201. O h i n n e n y e d e - a , f y e n e a o s a f o h i n n e r e k y e r e .
W h e n the prince
d o e s not please, see h o w the general appears.
202. O b i n t u m e r e e n s i e s i w s o .
N o b o d y gathering m u s h - r o o m s reposits
t h e m o n a n ant-hill.
203. O b i a k o a di A h i m m a , v o n h i m m a n o k w a .
T h o u g h a slave's n a m e
is F l o g , y e t y o u d o n o t f l o g h i m w i t h o u t c a u s e .
204. O b i a k u f o n a m - a, o d i a t r o .
o r : A n k o n a m di a t r o . W h e n a per
s o n travels alone, h e will tell lies.
A l o n e traveller will tell lies.
205. A g o r r o y e f e - a n a , v i a k o f y e . W h e n t h e g a m e is pretty, c r e e p (to
t h e p l a c e ) a n d l o c k (at it).
206. O b i b e m a w o a d u a n a d i - a n a , o d e a m p e s i di w o a d a n s e .
W h e n
a n y b o d y prepares f o o d for y o u to eat, h e gives y o u s o m e a m p e s i to
t r y it b y .
W h e n y o u foresee a n i m p e n d i n g calamity, w h i c h y o u m a y avoid, y o u will not
r u s h i n t o it.
1 9 6 . i. e . \ o u w i l l n o t r e p r o v e a d e f e c t i n a n o t h e r p e r s o n ,
w i t h w h i c h y o u yourself are strongly affected.
1 9 7 . H e will drink rain-water
viz. f r o m laziness, as other w a t e r m u s t be fetched at a distance. A n emanci
p a t e d slave is incapable of m o d e r a t i o n in the use of his liberty.
1 9 8 . i. e.
Trifling neglects of respect experienced, m u s t not- be taken to heart, but passed
o v e r in g o o d h u m o u r .
1 9 9 . i. e . B e c a u s e a t h i n g h a s a d e f e c t y o u w i l l n o t
d e s t r o y it, b u t m e n d it.
2 0 0 . P i t r i is a r i v e r - f i s h o f w h i c h s o u p is m a d e .
I u a p p e a r a n c e t h e q u a n t i t y o f t h e s o u p is r e d u c e d , b y p a r t o f it b e i n g a b s o r b e d
b y t h e fish; b u t in r e a l i t y it is b u t a t r a n s f e r , n o loss, t h e p a r t d e d u c e d b e i n g
c o n t a i n e d in the fish. T h e m e a n i n g is: W h a t y o u s p e n d o n t h e i m p r o v e m e n t
o f y o u r p r o p e r t y , is n o t lost, t h o u g h y o u r m e a n s a r e d i m i n i s h e d b y it, b u t d e
posited for y o u r o w n benefit.
2 0 1 . i. e . I f y o u c a n n o t a g r e e w i t h o n e p e r s o n ,
g o to another.
2 0 2 . B e c a u s e the ant-hills are the places, w h e r e the m u s h
r o o m s m o s t frequently g r o w , a n d therefore the first p e r s o n w h o c a m e to the
place w o u l d a p p r o p r i a t e t h e m to himself, not suspecting that t h e y b e l o n g e d to
a n y b o d y .
2 0 3 . T h e a p p l i c a t i o n is p e r h a p s , t h a t h o w e v e r m u c h a p e r s o n is
subject to vicious propensities, h e will d o * be punished, except h e really c o m
mits s o m e act of wickedness.
2 0 4 . i. e . T o e s t a b l i s h t h e t r u t h o f a s t a t e
m e n t t w o witnesses at least a r e required.
2 0 6 . B y a d u a n is m e a n t the
particular kind of food called f u f u , p r e p a r e d f r o m y a m o r plantains, w h i c h
w h e n cut into pieces a n d boiled are t e r m e d a m p e s i , a n d , after h a v i n g been
p o u n d e d in a w o o d e n m o r t a r until t h e y b e c o m e a t o u g h d o u g h y m a s s , a s s u m e
the n a m e of f u f u , w h i c h is eaten w i t h a s o u p p r e p a r e d f r o m p a l m - n u t s , a n d
is t h e c o m m o n f o o d o f the n e g r o e s in A k w a p i m .
L i t e r a l l y : H e testifies to y o u
by a m p e s i . T h e m e a n i n g is p e r h a p s , that a m a n w h o i n t e n d s to c o n f e r bene-
1 3 1
207. M o s i j T k o k w a w e n t e m - a , v o d e w o k o n a f i w a m .
If thou, pebble,
hastenest to b e c o m e s m o o t h , t h e y will shoot birds w i t h thee.
208. O b e a t e n t e f i so' a b e - 8 , o f i w a m di. W h e n a tall w o m a n carries p a l m nuts, the birds will eat them.
209. A d e s a o k o k o b i r i . I n t h e e v e n i n g ( e v e n ) a r e d m a n is b l a c k .
210. W o f e r r e - a , w o f o n . W h e n y o u p i n e u n d e r d i s g r a c e , y o u fade.
211. V o s o m a b a n i m a d e f o , n a v o n s o m a n a m o f i t e n t e f i . A n intelligent
m a n is s e n t (as a m e s s e n g e r ) , n o t o n e w h o t a k e s l o n g steps.
212. A p o p o k i k i fi e n s u a s e s e o d e n k y e m y a r r e - a , v o n g y e n ' a k i n g y e . W h e n a n a p o p o k i k i f r o m the b o t t o m of the river says, that the
a l l i g a t o r is sick, it w i l l n o t b e d o u b t e d .
213. W o n n i m a s a w - a n a , w o s e : a k y i n n e n y e d e . If y o u c a n n o t dance,
y o u will say: I d o n t like the d r u m .
214. A f e r r ' e n t i n a o d o m a n i n ti b o a k y i n n e h u .
In c o n s e q u e n c e of his
ambition the skull of the war-chief sticks o n the d r u m .
215. A k o a n k y e r r e n n a n n u a . A s l a v e d o e s n o t s h o w t h e t i m b e r .
fits u p o n y o u , w i l l s h o w h i s k i n d d i s p o s i t i o n t o w a r d s y o u b e f o r e - h a n d ; o r
more generally, that c o m i n g events cast their s h a d o w s before". ,
2 0 7 . Li
terally: T h e y will fight o f i w a m w i t h thee; o f i w a m is t h e n a m e o f a l a r g e bird,
w h i c h s f e e d s o n p a l m - n u t s . P e b b l e s m i g h t s e r v e for s h o t , if t h e y w e r e but
round a n d s m o o t h . M a n y m e n h a v e sufficient strength a n d talents to b e useful,
but for s o m e defects or vices , w h i c h prevent t h e m f r o m turning their p o w e r s
to a d v a n t a g e .
2 0 8 . It is t h e b u s i n e s s o f t h e m e n t o c u l t i v a t e t h e g r o u n d ,
that of the w o m e n to carry the p r o d u c e h o m e , w h i c h they a l w a y s d o b a l a n
cing t h e l o a d s o n their h e a d s T h e p r o v e r b is i n t e n d e d to a c c o u n t f o r w h y t h e
f e m a l e s a r e g e n e r a l l y o f a s m a l l e r s t a t u r e t h a n t h e o t h e r s e x ; it w a s t h u s n e
cessary for the s a k e of the particular station a n d occupation allotted to them.
2 0 9 . A s in E u r o p e a n s t h e r e is a difference b e t w e e n a fair a n d a d a r k c o m
plexion, so the Africans a m o n g themselves distinguish black a n d red negroes,
the skin of the f o r m e r b e i n g of a glossy black, that of the latter of a b r o w n i s h
hue. T h e m e a n i n g o f t h e p r o v e r b is, t h a t c i r c u m s t a n c e s w i l l l e v e l all i n e q u a l i
ties.
2 1 0 . F e r r e m e . , m to be a s h a m e d , but also m o r e particularly to pine
under the general disgrace a n d contempt, w h i c h a person h a s incurred b y dis
honourable behaviour. M e n t a l uneasiness will b r e a k d o w n the strenglh of a
man's bodily corstitution.
i l l . Literally:
they do not s e n d a long-step,
i. e . a m a n w h o t a k e s l o n g s t e p s ( c f . G r . § . 6 8 ) , w h o i s a b l e t o w a l k f a s t . I t
must be r e m e m b e r e d , that, as the n e g r o e s are ignorant of writing, a m e s s e n g e r
is a l w a y s t h e n e g o t i a t o r o f t h e o b j e c t h e i s s e n t f o r ; h e n c e i n s e l e c t i n g a
person for that p u r p o s e , his m e n t a l qualifications are of p r i m a r y consideration.
Bodily s t r e n g t h a n d dexterity a r e o f little avail w i t h o u t m e n t a l superiority
212. A p o p o k i k i is t h e n a m e o f a river-fish. H i s s t a t e m e n t will n o t b e
doubted b e c a u s e h e c o m e s f r o m the v e i y place w h e r e the alligator lives. T h e
m e a n i n g a c c o r d i n g l y is, that the t e s t i m o n y oi a n eye-witness will b e credited- 2 1 3 . Literally:
the. d r u m is n o t a g r e e a b l e . T h e m e a n i n g is s i m i l a r t o t h a t
of the c o m m o n fable of the fox a n d the g r a p e s : Y o u will despise w h a t y o u
are not able to enjoy.
2 1 4 . L i t e r a l l y : O n a c c o u n t o f s h a m e , i. e . b e c a u s e h e
w a s a s h a m e d of s a v i n g himself b y flight, h e w a s c a u g h t a n d killed. T h e skulls
of the chiefs a n d captains of the e n e m i e s , w h o are c a u g h t or slain in battle,
are fixed as trophies o n t h e large d r u m .
2 I 5 . T i m b e r i. e . t h e t r e e s i n t h e
1 3 2
216. A k o a m p a w u r a . A slave d o e s not c h o o s e his master.
217. O b a a k o n e n y e b a r r i m a . A m a n a l o n e is n o hero.
218. A b e ' b e r r e - a , w o s o f a m i s o fa. W h e n the p a l m - n u t s are ripe, y o u
carry half a n d I carry half.
219. A d i a m a ni a d i a m a n a a g o r r o .
M u t u a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t is (fair) p l a y .
220. O n y a n s a f o n a t y a a k w a m i e .
A n expert m a n cuts the roots in the
road.
221. E n i w a n a t a n o n i p a , n a a s o d e e n t a n o n i p a .
T h e e y e envies, not
the ear.
222. Y e p e - a y e b e h u e n t i n a y e k e k y i r r e h o a . In order to find (a thing)
w h e n w e w a n t it, w e m a k e a p a r c e l .
223. K o n t r o m f i se: w o c e m ' a f o n n o m - 9 n a , m e y i a s e m p a m a k a m a k y e r o w . T h e b a b o o n says: If y o u will put s o m e t h i n g into m y mouth,
then I shall p r o d u c e a g o o d w o r d a n d tell you.
224. D u s b e v o w o e n i n o v o b u so, n a v o n s e f i a n o .
W h e n a piece of
w o o d t h r e a t e n s t o p i e r c e y o u r e y e , t h e y w i l l b l u n t it a n d n o t p o i n t it.
225. O n a n t e f o n a o d i a d e , e y e de. W h a t a traveller eats tastes well.
226. E k r u n t u t u a f a e n u . A w o u n d d o e s n o t pain at t w o places.
227. W o s i k a y e w o y a w - a , n a w o k o n - a , w o n y i d o m .
If in w a r y o u
g r u d g e y o u r gold, y o u will not c o n q u e r the e n e m y .
f o r e s t w h i c h a r e fit f o r h e i n g u s e d a s t i m b e r . A s l a v e w i l l n o t p o i n t o u t w h e r e
t h e y a r e , b e c a u s e , w h e n t h e y a r e f o u n d , h e is c h a r g e d w i t h t h e t r o u b l e of
c u t t i n g t h e m d o w n a n d c a r r y i n g t h e m h o m e . T h e m e a n i n g a c c o r d i n g l y is, t h a t
a p e r s o n will n o t d o a n y t h i n g t o w a r d s p r o m o t i n g a n u n d e r t a k i n g , f r o m w h i c h
h e himself derives n o e m o l u m e n t , but o n l y trouble.
2 1 7 . i. e . O n e p e r s o n
alone will n o t effect great things; to accomplish a great object, the united
efforts of m a n y are required.
2 1 0 . i. e . E a c h o f u s m u s t t a k e a n e q u a l s h a r e
of the trouble as w e l l as of the produce.
2 1 9 . Literally: T o eat a n d to give
to eat a n d to give (is) a play.
2 2 0 . A k w a m i o i.e. the roots of trees running
across the road, w h i c h a r e cut to m a k e the r o a d m o r e even. T o this act s o m e
s u p e r s t i t i o n a t t a c h e s , a n d h e n c e it m u s t b e p e r f o r m e d a c c o r d i n g t o c e r t a i n ritesi
a n d b y a m a n w h o is a c q u a i n t e d w i t h these rites, the n e g l e c t o f w h i c h w o u l d
b e c o n s i d e r e d a s o m i n o u s o f evil. T h e m e a n i n g is: A business o f i m p o r t a n c e
m u s t b e p e r f o r m e d b y a m a n of skill a n d experience.
2 2 1 . i. e. T h e e y e
g i v e s t h e o c c a s i o n for e n v y o r h a t e ; e v e n a g o o d a n d affable m a n is often
hated, his k i n d w o r d s being disregarded, a n d jealous l o o k s cast u p o n his p o s
sessions o r other accomplishments.
2 2 2 . i. e . O r d e r a n d a r r a n g e m e n t a r e
n e c e s s a r y in o r d e r to h a v e t h i n g s at o u r disposal w h e n w e w a n t t h e m ; if they
w e r e t h r o w n a b o u t indiscriminately, w e should n o t h e able to find t h e m , just
w h e n t h e y w e r e r e q u i r e d . A b o u t e n t i cf. G r . §. 1 9 0 , 3.
2 2 3 . If y o u put
s o m e t h i n g i n t o m y m o u t h i. e . i f y o u g i v e m e s o m e t h i n g t o e a t ;
m a k y e r o w
s t a n d s i n s t e a d o f m a k y e r e w o , cf. G r . §. 1 0 4 , a n d a b o u t t h e p e r f e c t t e n s e
§. 214, 3. T h e m e a n i n g p r o b a b l y is, t h a t e v e n g o o d a d v i c e is w o r t h a r e c o m
pense.
2 2 4 . i. e. A n i m p e n d i n g d a n g e r y o u w i l l e n d e a v o u r t o c o u n t e r a c t i
a n d n o t i n c r e a s e it.
2 2 5 . O n a n t e f o i. e . a t r a v e l l e r o n f o o t . T h e m e a n i n g
is t h e s a m e a s o f 190.
2 2 6 . P r o p e r l y : a t t w o h a l v e s i. e . o n b o t h s i d e s o f t h e
b o d y . T h e m e a n i n g i s : A c a l a m i t y i s o n l y f e l t i n t h e q u a r t e r v i s i t e d b y it.
8 2 7 . L i t e r a l l y : I f y o u r g o l d p a i n s y o u a n d y o u f i g h t e t c . , i. e . i f y o u a r e t o o
n i g g a r d l y to s p e n d y o u r g o l d for the p u r p o s e of gaining friends a n d confedera-
1 3 3
228. O w n a d a r r e n n o w f a a k o n .
Death's scythe d o e s not m o w in o n e
part (only).
229. E t u a w o y o n k u h u - a , e t u a d u a .
If a n o t h e r suffers pain, (to y o n ) a
piece of w o o d suffers.
230. A n k a b e r r e k o , e n y e d e .
A l e m o n w h i c h is still r i p e n i n g , d o e s n o t
taste well.
231. O b i n s e f i f a s u a k o t o k u s e n . N o b o d y excels a w a l l in b e a r i n g bags.
232. V o k u r a w ' - a , w o v i r r ' a f i e n k e k a w .
W h e n y o u are caught, y o u
forget to bite.
233. N e a v o d o m e n s e m n a o y i m a . W h a J is in his h a n d , t h e e n e m y ( c a n )
give a w a y .
234. O b i m f a e n k o d a s e m e n s i s i k o n t r o m f i .
N o b o d y will deceive a b a
b o o n b y tricks.
235. E s e t e n t e n e n n i e s e a k o t i a e d i d i b a a k o n .
L o n g teeth a n d short
teeth eat the s a m e (food).
236. A b e r r e w a , w ' a n o y e d e f i - a , g y e w o b a n .
If y o u r t o n g u e is ( s o )
sharp, old w o m a n , m a k e y o u r fence (yourself).
237. W o t o p r a , w a t o n a m . If y o u find a n armadillo, y o u h a v e f o u n d meat238. E t i v o p i r r e n o m m a a k o n m m a a k o n . E a c h m a n d e f e n d s his o w n h e a d .
239. A b o f r a a n h u g w a d i - a n a , a s i a n y e r a . If a b o y d o e s n o t u n d e r s t a n d
bartering, h e d o e s n o t (at least) lose the gold-weights.
tes. If a g r e a t o b j e c t is t o b e a c c o m p l i s h e d , y o n m u s t p u t t o w o r k a l l y o u r
m e a n s a n d energies.
2 2 8 . Literally: not in o n e half only , but universally;
death is c o m m o n t o all m e n a n d in all p a r t s o f t h e earth.
2 2 9 . i. e . i t i s t h e
s a m e t o y o u a s if a p i e c e o f w o o d h a d t h e p a i n , y o u a r e n o t a f f e c t e d b y it,
cf. 2 2 6 .
2 3 0 . L i t e r a l l y : A l e m o n t h a t g o e s o n r i p e n i n g i s n o t a g r e e a b l e , i. e . A
thing m u s t h a v e a r r i v e d at a state o f perfection , b e f o r e its g o o d qualities c a n
appear, cf. 77.
2 3 1 . i. e . I n c o a r s e w o r k t h e m o s t s t u p i d m a y b e t h e m o s t
clever.
2 3 2 . Literally: W h e n they hold y o u etc. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to be:
2 3 3 . i. e . H e c a n n o t g i v e
At the critical m o m e n t the boaster h a n g s his head.
a w a y m o r e t h a n is in his h a n d ; a p e r s o n c a n n o t d i s p o s e o f w h a t is n o t in his
power.
2 3 4 . B e c a u s e t h e b a b o o n h i m s e l f is a m a s t e r in p l a y i n g tricks. Y o u
cannot defeat a m a n o n his v a n t a g e - g r o u n d .
2 3 8 . i. e. T h o u g h t h e r e a r e
different stations a n d c o n d i t i o n s a m o n g m e n , their u l t i m a t e lot is t h e s a m e .
2 3 6 . L i t e r a l l y : O l d w o m a n , if y o u r m o u t h is ( s o ) h a r d etc. B a n is a f e n c e w h i c h
s e p a r a t e s t h e y a r d o f a n e g r o - h a b i t a t i o n f r o m t h e s t r e e t ; it c o n s i s t s o f p a l m branches, a n d requires to be m e n d e d f r o m time to time ; old w o m e n w h o c a n n o t
d o t h a t t h e m s e l v e s , h a v e it d o n e b y t h e k i n d n e s s o f o t h e r s . T h e m e a n i n g is:
T h o s e w h o claim the assistance of other persons, m u s t at least s h o w civility
t o w a r d s them.
2 3 7 . T h e m e a t b e i n g contained in the armadillo; as m u c h
as: If y o u are sitting b y a well, y o u will n o t search for w a t e r .
2 3 8 . Li
t e r a l l y : A h e a d , t h e y d e f e n d it o n e b y o n e i. e . e a c h d e f e n d s h i s o w n ; e v e r y
person m u s t t a k e care of his o w n concerns.
2 3 9 . A s m e a n s of e x c h a n g e the
negroes generally use either c o w r i e s o r gold-dust, the traders carrying scales
a n d w e i g h t s w i t h t h e m for t h e latter. A s i a is o n e o f t h e g o l d - w e i g h t s . A b o y
w h o u n d e r s t a n d s b a r t e r i n g m a y b e a s o u r c e o f g a i n t o h i s m a s t e r , b u t it m a y
also h a p p e n that h e loses s o m e of the valuable things h e carries w i t h him.
If h e c a n n o t b e e m p l o y e d in t r a d i n g , t h e r e is n o c h a n c e o f either. T h e m e a n i n g
1 3 4
240. W o n a w a y ? a k o k o d e n , n a d y p n s o a b o d o ? Y o n , w h a t h a v e y o n
d o n e to t h e f o w l , that it is affected w i t h s t r a n g u r y ?
241. O k e k y e f o ad\e e n k u r a n a di. A miser's g o o d s the m i c e eat.
242. A n u m a n t f i r i f o v o d e e m p o s a i n a y i n o . A s h a r p s i g h t e d b i r d is
c a u g h t b y h i d d e n snares.
243. H u a a b e t e v o d i n ' a b u s u a m .
H u a - a b e t e they eat in their familycircle.
244. A d u a n f y e m e n t i n a O b r o n n i t u k o A b r o k i r r L
O n a c c o u n t of ob
trusive curiosity the E u r o p e a n s w e n t off to Europe.
245. O b o f o m m o f r a h u n y e fe. A miscreant's fellows are n o t w e l c o m e .
2 4 6 . W o k u s a o d e b e b r e b e - a , e p r i m . If y o u r o a s t t h e y a m t o o m u c h , it
will be burned.
247. K o k o s e k i m p e fi a b a , a n k a o n s i s i s u m a n a so. If t h e v u l t u r e did
not w i s h to c o m e into the t o w n , h e w o u l d not seat himself o n the
d u n g -hill.
248. O b i m f a a d e k o k o , e n s i s i b a i f o . N o b o d y will deceive a witch b y
a n y t h i n g red.
249. A k o a n y a n e h u - a , o f r e n e h u S o n n e n n i . ( W h e n a slave is e m a n c i
pated, h e will call himself a n o b l e m a n .
250. O b i d e c e k o s u m - a n a , v o f r ? n o a f a n n a . W h e n a free ( w o m a n )
t a k e s service, s h e is c a l l e d a slave.
s e e m s to be, t h a t e v e r y t h i n g h a s its light a n d its d a r k side.
2 4 0 . T h e appli
cation of this o d d p r o v e r b is difficult to guess.
2 4 2 . Literally:
they catch
b y e m p o s a i i. e . t h e w i t h e r e d b a r k o f t h e p l a n t a i n - t r e e , w h i c h i s s p r e a d o v e r
t h e s n a r e , s o a s t o h i d e it f r o m v i e w . T h e m e a n i n g is: B y s t r a t a g e m e v e n a
c u n n i n g m a n m a y be caught.
2 4 3 . A b o u t a b e t e cf. 1 7 3 ; H u a cf. 129.
T h e a b e t e of the H u a people h a s the reputation of m o r e than c o m m o n ex
c e l l e n c e ; h e n c e t h e y e a t it in their f a m i l y - c i r c l e , a n d d o n o t g i v e it t o s t r a n g e r s .
T h e m e a n i n g a c c o r d i n g l y is: Y o u r best things y o u k e e p for y o u r o w n u s e a n d
e n j o y m e n t , cf. 20.
2 4 4 . Literally: o n account of food-looking-into i.e. because
the n e g r o e s l o o k e d into their f o o l ; the E u r o p e a n s felt so m o l e s t e d b y the o b
trusive curiosity of the n e g r o e s , w h o a l w a y s w a n t e d to see w h a t they w e r e
e a t i n g , a n d to p r y into all t h e y w e r e d o i n g , t h a t t h e y o n t h a t a c c o u n t left
A f r i c a a n d t r a n s m i g r a t e d t o E u r o p e ; it b e i n g a c o m m o n t r a d i t i o n a m o n g t h e
negroes, that m a n w a s created in Africa, a n d the E u r o p e a n s at first lived there
t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e n e g r o e s . T h e p r o v e r b a c c o r d i n g l y is i n t e n d e d to c o n v e y a
w a r n i n g against obtrusive curiosity, b y w h i c h other p e o p l e m a y be a n n o y e d
b e y o n d endurance.
2 4 5 . Literally:
a r e n o t p r e t t y , i. e . p e o p l e d o n o t l i k e
to see t h e m , they are u n w e l c o m e a n d d r e a d e d w h e r e v e r t h e y appear.
246.
i. e . O m n e n i m i u m n o c e t .
2 4 7 . S u m a n a is t h e h e a p o f s w e e p i n g s o u t s i d e the
t o w n , o n w h i c h the vultures are frequently seen perching. T h e m e a n i n g seems
t o b e : If y o u c o n s t a n t l y a p p r o a c h a t h i n g , it is a s i g n , t h a t y o u h a v e s o m e
d e s i g n u p o n it.
2 4 8 . O f the s a m e m e a n i n g as 234.
2 4 9 . T h e O j i - t r i b e is
d i v i d e d into a n u m b e r o f families, a m o n g w h i c h t h e S o n n a - f a m i l y is o f t h e
h i g h e s t rank. W h e n , a c c o r d i n g l y , the e m a n c i p a t e d s l a v e is said to call himself
a S o n n e n n i i. e . o n e b e l o n g i n g t o t h e S o n n a - f a m i l y , t h e m e a n i n g i s , t h a t
h e is s o e l a t e d b y his n e w c o n d i t i o n , a s to l o s e all p o w e r o f a p p r e c i a t i n g his
social station, a n d to claim the v e r y highest rank.
2 6 0 . i. e . A p e r s o n w i l l
1 3 5
251. O b i t a n w o - a n a , o b o w ' a b o a . W h e n a p e r s o n hates y o n , h e will
beat y o u r animals.
252. O h a n t a n i n a k i n i p a . A h a u g h t y p e r s o n hates m a n .
253. O f a t y a f o , e b e k a w o eriku. Y o u traitor will b e left to yourself alone.
254. W o e m f e f o s o m a s r a n a w a n s o m b i - a , e t e s e w ' a i v u r o w a w u .
W h e n y o u r c o m r a d e s t a k e s n u f f a n d y o u d o n t t a k e a n y , it l o o k s a s if y o u r
nails w e r e spoiled.
255. O d o k o n n o b o d a m - a , o n e n a m s e n m .
W h e n t h e b r e a d t u r n s m a d , it
d a n c e s in the pot.
256. O k w a n k y e n m a k o se: w o b e b u m i - a , b u , n a m e y a w mi.
T h e
p e p p e r - tree b y t h e r o a d s a y s : if y o u will b r e a k m e , b r e a k , b u t d o n o t
a b u s e me.
257. A s e m b a n a , a b e b u ba. W h e n the occasion c o m e s , the p r o v e r b comes.
258. E h i a n i p a , m a v o m f a n o n k o . W h e n a m a n is in distress, let t h e m
take him.
259. Y o d i w o y o f i k n h u a s e m - a , d a a k i v o d i w o d e bi. If ( n o w ) s e n t e n c e
is p a s s e d o n y o u r n e i g h b o u r , a n o t h e r t i m e it w i l l b e p a s s e d o n y o u .
260. A n u m a t e a f i r i m n o , e s o n n o n e k a s a e n k u . W h e n a bird is in a
s n a r e , its c r y is peculiar.
261. A d e - a n y e n o n a v o y e n ' i y e . Y o u m e n d ( o n l y ) a t h i n g w h i c h is
n o t g o o d .
262. W o b a sisi w o k o r a b a , e n y e ; n a n s o w o k o r a b a sisi w o b a ,
e n y e .
If y o u r c h i l d d e c e i v e s t h e c h i l d o f y o u r f e l l o w - w i f e , it is n o t
r i g h t ; a n d a l s o if t h e child o f y o u r f e l l o w - w i l e d e c e i v e s y o u r child, it is
n o t right.
263. W o d i bi a d e - a n a , w o f e r r e no. If y o u g e t presents of a n y one, y o u
respect him.
be e s t i m a t e d a c c o r d i n g to w h a t h e is, n o t w h a t h e w a s .
2 5 1 . i. e . H a t e
t o w a r d s a p e r s o n extends also to his relations a n d all that b e l o n g s to him.
2 5 3 . i. e . N o b o d y w i l l h a v e a n y t h i n g t o d o w i t h y o u , b e c a u s e y o u c a n n o t b e
trusted.
2 5 4 . Literally:
as if thy nails w e r e dead. T h e m e a n i n g s e e m s to
b e : Y o u m u s t f o l l o w t h e f a s h i o n ; b y d e v i a t i n g f r o m it, y o u w o u l d excite s u s
picions injurious to y o u r character.
2 5 5 . T h e m e a n i n g is p e r h a p s , that in a
state of excitement the m o s t quiet person will b e h a v e wildly. D o k o n n o i s
bread m a d e of Indian corn, not b a k e d , but boiled, a c c o r d i n g to the u s a g e pre
valent in A k w a p i m ;
n e n a m m e a n s p r o p e r l y to w a l k m u c h , to w a l k about,
being the frequentative of n a m , to walk.
2 5 6 . Literally: the roadside-peppertree, cf. G r . §. 2 0 5 ;
a b o u t m e y a w cf. G r . §. 8 4 , observ.
T h e m e a n i n g
s e e m s t o b e : If y o u a r e d e t e r m i n e d t o r u i n a n y b o d y , d o it a t o n c e , a n d d o n o t
t o r m e n t h i m b y reproaches.
2 5 7 . O c c a s i o n i. e . t h e i n c i d e n t s o f l i f e , w h i c h
call f o r t h t h e p r o v e r b , a n d t o w h i c h it r e f e r s .
2 5 8 . T h e distress referred to
is c a p t u r e b y e n e m i e s . T h e m e a n i n g is: T h e d i s t r e s s o f o t h e r s is n o c o n c e r n
o f y o u r s , d o n o t t r o u b l e y o u r s e l f a b o u t it.
2 5 9 . i. e . D o n o t t r i u m p h a t t h e
distress of others, y o u r time m a y c o m e also.
2 < i 0 . i. e. A p e r s o n ' s b e h a v i o u r ,
w h e n h e is in d i s t r e s s , w i l l b e d i f f e r e n t f r o m w h a t it is a t o t h e r t i m e s .
2 6 1 . A thing, w h i c h is in a g o o d state, r e q u i r i n g n o m e n d i n g .
2 6 2 . It m u s t
be r e m e m b e r e d , t h a t p o l y g a m y is p r e v a l e n t a m o n g the n e g r o e s ; k o r a o n e w i f "
1 3 6
264. A b o f r a b o m u s u a k r o f i - a ,
nine (times), h e shall suffer for
265. W o t a n w o s a p o - a , w ' a n o
m o u t h stinks.
266. W o n i w u - a , w o n w u , n a
y o u r relation dies, y o u d o n o t
g r a c e d too.
267. T e t e a s o e v o n s o e h o bio.
m o r e .
268. W o t a m f o a s e m b a , w o d i
so. W h e n y o u r e n e m y is e n t a
but w h e n h e t h a n k s you, d o n o t
o f a m a
it five.
m bofi.
a n u t n .
If a b o y
d o e s mischief
If y o u hate y o u r s p o n g e ,
your
o f e r r e - a , w o e n s o w a f e r r e .
W h e n
die, b u t if h e is d i s g r a c e d , y o u a r e dis
O n a n obsolete resting-place t h e y rest no
m a n o ; n a o d a w ' a s e - a n a , w o n g y e
n g l e d i n a q u a r r e l , a s s i s t h i m t o settle it;
reply.
is c a l l e d b y a n o t h e r w i f e o f t h e s a m e h u s b a n d .
2 6 4 . A n d the father of the
b o y shall suffer for the rest, b e c a u s e h e d o e s n o t k e e p his son u n d e r proper
discipline.
2 0 5 . S a p o is a b u n c h o f f i b r e s o f t h e p l a n t a i n - t r e e , w h i c h t h e
n e g r o e s a p p l y w h e n t h e y w a s h t h e m s e l v e s , w a s h i n g a l s o t h e i r t e e t h w i t h it.
I f y o u h a t e i. e . i f y o u s h u n it, s o a s n o t t o u s e it.
2 6 6 . A b o u t f e r r e cf. 210,
T h e m e a n i n g is, t h a t d i s g r a c e is w o r s e t h a n d e a t h , t h e latter b e f a l l i n g a single
p e r s o n only, w h e r e a s the f o r m e r extends to his w h o l e family also.
26T.
A s o e is a p l a c e b y t h e r o a d , g e n e r a l l y u n d e r a tree, w h e r e p o r t e r s p u t d o w n
their loads a n d rest a w h i l e , t e t e a s o e a resting-place w h i c h h a s g o t u u t of
use. T h e m e a n i n g is: W h a t is o b s o l e t e y o u will n o l o n g e r use, b u t f o l l o w the
fashion, a n d d o as others do.
2 6 8 . Literally: W h e n y o u r enemy's law -suit
c o m e s etc. T h e m e a n i n g is: Assist y o u r e n e m y in his trouble, if y o u like, but
k e e p u p a c o l d a n d p r o u d b e h a v i o u r t o w a r d s h i m . A n e x p r e s s i o n o f t h a n k s is
in other cases courteously replied to b y y a a b r a w , y a u r a etc.
V O G A B D L A R T
A K W A P I M - D I A L E C T
O F T H E
O F
T H E
O J I - L A X G U A G E .
. A B B R E V I A T I O N S .
pr. p r o n o u n .
a. a d j e c t i v e .
pr. d e m . d e m o n s t r a t i v e p r o n o u n .
adv. adverb.
A k w . Akwapim.dialect.
pr. ind. indefinite pronoun.
pr. interr. interrogative p r o n o u n .
As. Asante=dialect.
cf. c o n f e r ( c o m p a r e ) .
pr. per*, personal p r o n o u n .
pr. poss. possessive p r o n o u n .
com), conjunction.
dim. diminutive.
pr. red. reflexive p r o n o u n .
e.g. exempli gratia (for instance). prep, preposition.
fr. f r o m .
prob. probably.
Gr. grammar.
prop, properly.
prv. proverb.
i. e . i d e s t ( t h a t is).
s. s u b s t a n t i v e .
inf. infinitive.
intr. intransitive.
syn. synonyme.
num. numeral.
tr. transitive.
perf. perfect teuse.
v. verb.
pi. plural.
v. frq frequentative verb.
pot. potential.
A b a , s., kernel, seed; a l s o fruit; e. g.
a k u t u a b a , o r a n g e - s e e d
d u a b a ,
fruit o f a tree.
A b a , s., ( p i . m m a ) r o d , w h i p , s t i c k f o r
beating.
A b a b a , s., (pi. m m a b a ) , girt, m a i d ,
virgin; it is a p p l i e d t o a y o u n g w o m a n ,
w h e t h e r m a r r i e d or not, w h o h a s not
yet b e e n in child -bed.
( T h e w o r d
s e e m s to b e a d i m i n u t i v e o f b e a,
f o r m e d b y reduplication).
A b a y i g d r r o , s. , sorcery, witchcraft;
g o r r o a b a y i g o r r o , topractise witch
craft.
(fr. b a y i a n d a g o r r o ) .
A b a k a n , s., the eldest child, the first
born.
(fr. b a a n d kafi).
A b a n , s., a h o u s e built o f stone, a s u s e d
a l m o s t exclusively b y the E u r o p e a n s ,
cf. d a n ; h e n c e a l a r g e a n d s t r o n g
A .
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
building, castle, fort; a large a n d fine
building, palace, prv. 14.
b a s a , s., w i t h e r e d a r m .
( p r o p , tittle
arm, dim. of b a s a ) .
b e r a n t e , s., (pi. m m e r a n t e ) y o u n g
m a n , y o u l h ; syn. a k w a n k w a .
( c o m
p o s e d of b e r a f i = b a r r i m a a n d tia,
in the As. a b e r a n t i e ) .
b e r r e , a., ripe, see b e r r e .
b e r r e , s., a s p e c i e s o f a n t e l o p e w i t h
small horns, of a reddish hue, a n d of
the size of a goat.
( p r o b . fr. b e r r e ,
perf. a b e r r e , to be red).
b e r r e k u r i , s., a k i n d o f fish; f r o m
t h e d e s c r i p t i o n g i v e n o f it, it s e e m s
t o b e the eel.
b e r r e w a , s., (pi. m m e r r e w a ) old
w o m a n .
(dim. o f b e r r e ) .
b e r r i k i , s. , (pi. m m e r r i k i ) g o a t ;
1 8
1 3 8
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
, A
A
A
b e s i d e s this, its p r o p e r n a m e , it h a s ,
like several animals, a n u m b e r of epi
thets, as a d u a n o m a , a p o n k i , a n k a m a s o p e r e p e , s e k y e r e m p e o w .
b e r r i k i b e r r e , s., she-goat.
(fr.
a b e r r i k i a n d b e r r e ) .
b e r r i k i n i n i , s., h e - g o a t , m o r e fre
quently p a p o .
(fr. a b e r r i k i a n d
nini).
b i b i r i , s., t h e N e g r o - c o u n t r y , A f r i c a ,
cf. A b r o k i r r i .
(fr. b i b i r i , cf.
b i b i n i ) .
b i e s a , n u m . , three, cf. e s a .
(in the
A s . m i e n s a , p r o b . fr. b i a n d e s a ) .
b i e n , n u m . , t w o , cf. e n u .
(in the
A s . m i e n n u ; p r o b . fr. b i a n d e n u ) .
b o , salutation to a stranger arriving,
w e l c o m e ! cf. a k w a b s . (fr. b a v.).
b o a, s., (pi. m m o a ) animat, beast,
creature.
(fr. b o , to create}.
b o a , also a b o a w a , s., (pi. m m o a )
s m a l l a n i m a l , e. g. a n insect.
(dim.
of a b o a ; the n o n - contracted f o r m
a b o a w a s e e m s to b e u s e d w h e n the
diminutiveness is to b e d e n o t e d m o r e
e m p h a t i c a l l y , e. g. a b o a w a e n k e t e n k e t e , a very small animal).
b o a d y o , s. , i n w a r d rest, p e a c e o f
m i n d , contentment, tranquillity.
(fr.
b o - a d y o ; syn. a b o t o y e m , a h u t o ) .
b o b a , s., a s q u a r e p i e c e o f l e a d u s e d
as shot.
b 6 b o , s., the wicket in the fence of
a negro-house, usually m a d e of p a l m b r a n c h e s ; syn. b e r a p a i , w h i c h is o f
m o r e frequent use.
(fr. b o b o ; in
the As., m o r e c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h the
e t y m o l o g y , the s a m e as a s e r r e n e in
the A k w . )
b o b o a n o , s., t h e s p a c e i m m e d i a t e l y ,
before the door, threshold.
(fr. a b o b o a n d a n o ) .
b o b o i , s., (pi. m m o b o i ) a k i n d of
beans, syn. a t w y p .
b o b o n u a , s., a bird o f the size of
a lark, feeding o n insects.
(fr. b ob o a n d n u a = d u a , the e t y m o l o g i c a l
m e a n i n g of the w o r d being pick-tree
i e. tree-picker).
b o d a b a n , s., bar o f lead.
(fr. b o
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
a n d d a b a S , the etymological m e a n i n g
being bar o f stone).
b o d e a m Q , s. , ( p i . m m o d e a m o )
bottle, syn. t u m p a n .
b o d o , s., b a k e d b r e a d o f I n d i a n corn,
cf. d o k o n n o a n d p a n o .
b o e d e n , s., the h i g h p r i c e ; a d v . dear,
e. g. t o a b o e d e n , to b u y dear.
(fr. b o , s., a n d d e n ) .
b o e t i a , s. , (pi. m m o e t i a ) a beast
of the forest, of w h i c h m a n y fabulous
things are told b y the negroes; t h o u g h
f e e d i n g o n f r u i t s , it is s a i d t o b e s o
fierce as to kill t w e n t y m e n at once,
w h e n m e e t i n g them.
(appears to
b e c o m p o s e d of a b o a , animat, a n d
tia, short).
b o f r a , s. , (pi. m m o f r a ) child, boy,
girl, y o u n g one, is u s e d of beasts as
w e l l as of m a n ;
a b o f r a b a r r i m a
or o b a r r i m a a b o f r a , boy, lad;
a b o f r a b e a o r o b e a a b o f r a , girl,
lass.
2) servant, attendant.
b o g y a b u m , s., p l e n t y o f blood, m u c h
blood, piv. 138.
( a b o g y a = m o g y a ) .
b d g y e , s., (pi. m m o g y e ) the l o w e r
j a w , lower j a w - b o n e .
b o g y e t r i , s., the u p p e r e n d of the
l o w e r j a w - b o n e , u n d e r n e a t h the ear.
(fr. a b o g y e a n d tri = ti, head).
b o k o , s., (pi. m m o k o ) a species of
wild fowl.
b o m e r d w , s., the l o w price, cheap
ness.
a d v . c h e a p , e. g. t o a b o m e r o w , to b u y cheap.
(fr. b o and
m e r o w , cf. a b o e d e n ) .
b o m p u r u a , s., (pi. m m o m p u r u a )
a b o x for gold - dust , small r o u n d
w o o d e n b o x to k e e p g o l d - d u s t in.
(fr. b o m , s., a n d p u r u = p r u w ) .
b o n s a m , s., the devit, conceived to
b e a n evil spirit, living in the upper
regions, a n d reigning o v e r the de
ceased spirits of w i c k e d m e n .
b o n s a m k r u , s. , t h e p l a c e o r t o w n
of the devil, helt, the a b o d e of the
a b o n s a m a n d the d e c e a s e d spirits
of the w i c k e d , placed u n d e r his d o m i
nion.
(fr. a b o n s a m a n d k r u ) .
A b o n t e n , s., the street, m o r e particu
larly the chief street passing t h r o u g h
the midst of m o s t n e g r o - t o w n s .
(fr. b o n r = b r o f i a n d t e n z r t e n t e n ) .
A b o n t o r e , s. , a s m a l l e a t a b l e fruit;
a l s o t h e t r e e o n w h i c h it g r o w s .
A b o n u a , s., (pi. m m o n u a ) a x e , hat
chet; N y a n k u p o n a b o n u a , thun
der-boll; syn. t y a p o .
(fr. b o , to
beat, a n d n u a
d u a , tree).
A b o f i , s., t h e c o a t o r c o v e r i n g o f s o m e
thing, m o r e particularly: rind, b a r k
of a tree ( d u a b o n ) ; scales of a fish;
syn. h o n n o , h o n h o n n o .
A b o r r o , s , d a m a g e , detriment, hurt,
injury, loss; di a b o r r o , to d a m a g e ,
to d o h a r m , e. g. M m a t a f o d i m i
a b o r r o v o m ' a f u o m , the hogs d o m e
h a r m in m y plantation
W o f a a b u f u - a , w o d i w o h u a b o r r o , if y o u
get angry, y o u hurt yourself.
(fr.
b o r r o = b o v., cf. b o f o ) .
A b o t a f i , s., r o c k .
(fr. b o , stone, a n d
t a n = t e n t e n ) .
A b o t u k u r a , s., (pi. m m o t u k u r a ) a
kind of m o u s e , of a d a r k h u e w i t h
light stripes, living in the w o o d .
( T h e w o r d is a c o m p o u n d , a n d its
f u n d a m e n t a l c o m p o n e n t a k u r a , the
other questionable).
A b o t n y e m , s,, p e a c e o f m i n d , joy, h a p p i
ness; syn. a b o a d y o .
(fr. b o - a t o
a n d y e m ) .
A b r a m o , s., (pi. m m a r a m o ) weight.
A b r a n n a , s., V e r a n d a , c o r r i d o r , gallery.
A b r a w , s , a polite address to a p e r s o n
of e q u a l or inferior rank, u s e d in re
p l y i n g t o a salutation, cf. y a. ( p r o b .
a diminutive - f o r m of the s a m e root
f r o m w h i c h b a r r i m a is derived).
A b r o , s., m a i z e , I n d i a n corn.
A b r o b a , s., (pi. m m o r o b a ) a s m o o t h
cylindric piece of w o o d , serving in
stead of a s m o o t h i n g - i r o n . - ( f r o m
b o r r o ) .
A b r o b i a , s., a p l a n t g r o w i n g f r e q u e n t l y
in t h e vicinity o f t o w n s , w i t h a red
flower a n d black seeds, w h i c h are used
as the smallest w e i g h t s in w e i g h i n g
gold-dust.
1 3 9
A b r o b u a , s., (pi. m m o r o b u a ) a s h o r t
t o b a c c o - p i p e m a d e of clay, a claypipe.
(fr. b r o a n d a b u a ) .
A b r o b e , s., (pi. m m o r o b e ) ananas,
pine-apple.
( a p p a r e n t l y fr. b r o a n d
a b e, p r o p , t h e E u r o p e a n p a l m ; it s e e m s ,
accordingly, to h a v e b e e n b r o u g h t into
the c o u n t r y b y E u r o p e a n s ) .
A b r o b e d u a , s , (pi. m m o r o b e n n u a )
the ananas-plant.
(fr. a b r o b e a n d
d u a ) .
A b r o b e n , s., (pi. m m o r o b e n ) t h e
E u r o p e a n horn, french horn, trumpet
(fr. b r o a n d a b e n ) .
A b r o b e t e m , s., (pi. m m o r o b e t e m )
a cone or ear of Indian corn.
A b r o d o m a , s. , m a i z e f u l l - g r o w n b u t
not yet quite ripe, as roasted a n d
eaten b y the negroes.
A b r o g w a , s., (pi. m m o r o g w a ) E u r o
p e a n chair, a r m - c h a i r , chair w i t h a
b a c k etc., c f . a k e n t e n w a a n d a k o n w a .
(fr. b r o a n d a g w a ) .
A b r o k i r r i , s., t h e c o u n t r y o f t h e w h i t e
people, Europe.
( p e r h a p s f r o m P o r lugal" or ^Portuguese"),
A b r o m a , s., (pi. m m o r o m a ) a s p e
cies of d o v e , turtle-dove; syn. m o r o m o r o m e .
A b r o n u m a , s., (pi. m m o r o n u m a )
the domestic pigeon, (fr. b r o a n d a n u m a , prop, the E u r o p e a n bird).
A b r o w a , s. , (pi. m m o r o w a ) E u r o
p e a n female, also mulatto - w o m a n ; to
distinguish the f o r m e r f r o m the latter,
s h e is called A b r o k i r r i a b r o w a .
(dim. of bro).
A b r u b u r u , s., (pi. m m u r u b u r u ) a
species of dove.
A b u a , s, (pi. m m u a) a short clay-pipe,
c o m m o n l y used b y the n e g r o e s for
s m o k i n g tabacco. B e i n g i m p o r t e d f r o m
E u r o p e , it is a l s o c a l l e d a b r o b u a .
A b u a d a , s., (pi. m m u a d a ) fast, absti
nence f r o m f o o d ; m o r e frequently the
p l u r a l m m u a d a is u s e d ; d i a b u a d a
o r d i m m u a d a , to fast.
A b u f u , s., anger, wrath, passion; f a
a b u f u , to b e c o m e angry; v a f a a b u f u ,
h e is a n g r y .
(fr. b o - f u ) .
1 4 0
A b u i , s., n e e d l e ; m o r e f r e q u e n t l y p a n i .
A b n r a , s., (pi. m m u r a ) w e l l , c i s t e r n ;
tu a b n r a , to dig a well.
A b u s u a , a., family.
A b u t u s e m , s. , n e w s o f t r o u b l e o r
danger, a report causing fright o r c o n
sternation.
(fr. b o - t n a n d a s e m . )
A b ? , s . , ( p i . m m e ) p a l m , p a l m - t r e e i. e .
the species of p a l m f r o m w h i c h the
p a l m - w i n e ( e n s a f u f u ) a n d palm-oil
( e n g o ) is g o t , t h e m o s t c o m m o n in
W e s t e r n A f r i c a , cf. p r v . 1, 1 0 8 ;
also palm-nut, especially collectively:
b u n c h of palm-nuts, or all the p a l m n u t s g r o w i n g o n a tree , cf. p r v . 218,
154.
A b e b u , s., (pi. m m e b u ) proverb, p a
rable.
(fr. b u - b e , see be).
A b e b u s e m , s., (pi. m m e b u s e m ) p r o
verb, parable.
(fr. a b e b u a n d a s e m . )
A b e b e w , s., (pi. m m e b e w ) a kind
of locust.
A b e d y g a , s., (pi. m m e d y p a ) a y o u n g
p a l m - t r e e , n o t y e t f u l l - g r o w n , cf. b e ten.
( p e r h a p s a contracted d i m i n u
tive of a b e d u a ) .
A b e d u a , s., p a l m - t r e e , m o r e f r e q u e n t l y
s i m p l y a be.
A b e n t i a , s., the short h o r n , t h e m o s t
c o m m o n w i n d - i n s t r u m e n t of thenegroes.
It is u s u a l l y m a d e o f a y o u n g ele
phant's tooth, a n d c o v e r e d w i t h the
skin of a fish called t y o m .
(fr.
a b e n a n d tia).
A b e n , s., ( p i . m m e n ) h o r n o f a n i m a l s ;
horn, musical instrument, c e n a b e n ,
to s o u n d the horn.
A b e t e , s. , a c o m m o n f o o d o f t h e n e
groes, consisting of roasted flour of
Indian corn boiled in w a t e r , prv.
173. 243.
A c e c e w e n s a , s., a k i n d o f nettle.
(fr. c e c e w a n d e n s a ) .
A c o m a, s., b o a t , canoe.
(contracted
dim. of cen).
A c e n
m , s., restitution, r e p a y m e n t , r e
storation, compensation.
(fr. c e a n ^ f i m ) .
A c i a , or a c i o , a f o r m of salutation.
u s e d o n m e e t i n g o n the road.
(fr. eia).
A c r 6 , a., different, various, e. g. K a s a
a e r o b e b r i v o a s a s e s o , there are
m a n y different languages o n earth.
A c r u , a., boiling; e n s u a c r u , boikng
water.
(fr. curu).
A c r u , a d v . , times, e. g. E d u a c r u e d u
y' o h a , t e n limes ten is h u n d r e d .
( p r o b . fr. c u r u , t h e e t y m o l o g i c a l m e a n
ing being leap).
A c r u t u a , s., a s p e c i e s o f s e r p e n t .
A d a g y e w , s., tone, leisure, e. g. M i n i
a d a g y e w , / have n o time.
A d a k a , s. , (pi. n n a k a ) b o x , case,
chest, trunk, closet, cupboard.
A d a m , s., t h e crest o f t h e c o c k .
A d a m m a k w a d y o , s. , epithet o f the
l e o p a r d ; s e e s e b o.
A d a n s e , s., witness, e v i d e n c e , testimony;
di a d a n s e , to bear witness.
A d a n k o , s., (pi. n n a n k o ) hare.
( p r o b . fr. g w a n , in t h e A s . d y a n n e ,
a n d k o , g w a n k o , to r u n away).
A d a r r e , s., (pi. n n a r r e ) a l a r g e knife
u s e d b y the n e g r o e s to cut d o w n
b r a n c h e s a n d shrubbery, a h o o k ; O w n
a d a r r e , Death's scythe, u s e d figura
tively for the destructive p o w e r of death,
prv. 228.
( p e r h a p s fr. d o w ) .
A d a r r e b 6 , s., m u s k e t - b a l l ( o f iron).
A d e , s., thing; a d e b o n n e , b a d thing
i. e . e v i t , s i n , e . g . O y e a d e b o n n e ,
H e does evil;
a d e k o k o , something
red, prv. 248;
A d e a s a , literally:
T h e t h i n g s a r e d o n e i. e . it i s e v e n i n g ,
night, h e n c e a d o s a, in the evening, at
night, prv. 209;
A d e ki, T h e day
b r e a k s , a d e a k i , it is d a y - l i g h t , m o r n
ing, h e n c e a d e k i a , at d a y - b r e a k , in
the m o r n i n g , e. g. A d e a k i a n s a n a
m a s i m , it w a s d a y - l i g h t b e f o r e I s t a r t
ed; A d e k i a n a o k o , h e left at d a y
break.
2. g o o d s , possession, e . g . o k e k y e f o a d e , the g o o d s o f the miser,
prv. 241; h e n c e n y a a d e , to b e c o m e
rich, cf. n y a .
In the plural either
t h e s a m e f o r m is u s e d , o r n e a m a is
used instead.
A d e b o n n e , s., b a d thing, evit, sin, s e e
a d e .
A d e e n k y o , salutation o n taking leave
in the e v e n i n g ; but m o r e frequently
t h e s y n o n y m e n o p a o is used.
A d e f u d e , s., d i s c o n t e n t , cupidity, g r e e
diness;
di a n d p e a d e f u d e , to be
dissatisfied, greedy.
A d e g y 6 w , s., n a k e d n e s s , n u d i t y ; d ' a d e g y o w (prob. for d i a d e g y o w ) to
be naked.
A d e k i a , adv., at d a y - b r e a k , in the
morning, see a d e .
A d e k y e , s. , gift, p r e s e n t ; a l s o a k y e de.
(fr. a d e a n d k y e ) .
A d e s a , s , (pi. n n e s a ) the eatable fruit
of a large tree, of the size a n d s h a p e
of a lime , of a y e l l o w a n d reddish
colour, a n d of a s h a r p s w e e t - s o u r
t a s t e ; a l s o t h e t r e e , o n w h i c h it
g r o w s .
A d e s a , adv., in the evening, see a d e .
A d e s e , s., t o o t h - a c h e , s y n . k e k a w .
A d e s o a , s., (pi. n n e s o a ) load, bur
den; also a d o s o a .
(fr. a d e a n d
s o a ) .
A d i or a d i w , adv., out, outside, without,
a b r o a d , out o f doors; fi a d i , to g o
out;
h e n c e forth, to light; y i adi,
to b r i n g to light, r e n d e r visible, m a k e
manifest, prv. 13;
* 4 i h o , out o f
d o o r s , w i t h o u t ; O v o a d i h o , h e is
without
O y e a d y u m a v o a d i ho,
he is l a b o u r i n g o u t o f doors.
A d i , this thing, this, that.
(contracted
of a d e yi).
A d i b a n , s., f o o d ; t h e w o r d , h o w e v e r ,
is o b s o l e t e , a n d i n s t e a d o f it n o w
a d u a f i is used.
A d i d i , s., eating, feasting, p r v . 138.
(fr. d i o r didi).
A d i n a m , s., f o r k .
(fr. d i a n d n a m ) .
A d i n k e r a , s., l i n e n b o u g h t o f t h e E u
r o p e a n s , w h i c h the n e g r o e s w e a r as
m o u r n i n g , a f t e r h a v i n g v a r i e g a t e d it
w i t h d a r k stripes.
A d y u m a , s. , w o r k , l a b o u r ;
y e
a d y u m a , to w o r k , to labour.
A d y 6 , s., (pi. n n u a ) t h e s t o n e o r h a r d
kernel of the p a l m - n n t , enclosed in
1 4 1
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
the pulpy substance of w h i c h the p a l m oil is p r e p a r e d .
d y 6 n n e , s., thought, conception, idea,
e . g . N y a n k u p o n n i m y e n a d y p n n e i n i a r a , G o d k n o w s all o u r
thoughts.
2. artificial w o r k , a s w o r k
in gold, joiner's w o r k etc.;
di
a d y o n tie. to m a k e artificial w o r k ,
e. g. O d i s i k a d y p n n e f e w , h e m a kes fine things of gold.
(fr. d y o n n e ) .
d y o n n e , s. , a c o m m o n fish in t h e
R i o Volta.
d o a, s., a species of antelope, the
smallest of all antelopes, said b y the
n e g r o e s to b e the k i n g of animals.
d o b e , s., a s p e c i e s o f p a l m - t r e e , t h e
leaves of w h i c h are used to c o v e r
the roofs.
d o d e , s., oyster.
d o m a , s.. a n i n d i g e n o u s f r u i t s i m i l a r
to a fig, a n d t h e tree o n w h i c h it
g r o w s .
d 6 nt o r e , s., a secluded part of a
negro-house, w h e r e the w o m e n w a s h
themselves.
d o s o a , si, l o a d , b u r d e n ; a l s o a d e
s o a .
(fr. a d e a n d s o a ) .
d r u , s. , p o w d e r , m e d i c i n e , p h y s i c ; t h e
w o r d is a p p l i e d to a l m o s t a n y k i n d
of p o w d e r or fluid not used as food;
e. g. g u n - p o w d e r ( a t o d r u ) , ink, p a i n t
etc.; h e n c e also poison, a n d t o a d r u ,
to lay poison, to poison, e. g. V a t o n e
n u a a d r u , he has poisoned his brother.
d r u t o a , s., a c a s e o r b o x f o r a n y
k i n d o f p o w d e r o r fluid, e. g. a n i n k
stand.
(fr. a d r u a n d t o a).
d u a k r o n , n u m . , ninety.
(fr. e d u
a n d a k r o n ) .
d u a n a n , num., fourly.
f r . e d u a n d
a a l ) .
d n a n . s., f o o d .
(fr. di).
d u a o t y o , n u m . , eighty.
(fr. e d u
a n d a o t y p \
d u a s a , n u m . , thirty.
(fr. e d u a n d
esa).
d u a t i a , s., (pi. n n u a t i a ) the wild
cat.
( p r o b . fr. d u a a n d t e : living
o n trees).
d u o , adv., out, without. H i d e m i t e
1 4 2
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
d a f i m , n a m e n u a d e o n a m a d u o ,
/ a m silting in the h o u s e , but m y bro
ther is w a l k i n g without.
O y e a d y um a v o a d u o , k i s working without.
(fr. a d i h o o r a d i w h o , c o n t r a c t e d ) .
d u o n i i , n u m . , twenty
(fr. e d u
a n d e n u ) .
d u o n i i m , n u m . , fifty.
(fr. e d u a n d
a n u m ) .
d u o s i a . n u m , sixty.
(fr. e d u a n d
a s i a ) .
(
d u o s o n, n u m . , seventy.
( f r . e d u
a n d a s o n ) .
d u r a d e , s , dress, garment, prv. 96.
d u t o n d r u , s., p o i s o n .
( a p p e a r s to
be contracted of a d e v o t o n o a d r u ,
t h e t h i n g l a i d a s p o i s o n , i. e . t h a t w h e r e
with one poisons).
d u a n o m a , s., a n epithet o f t h e g o a t ,
see a b e r r i k i .
f a , s. , bellows;
k a a f a , to d r a w
the bellows.
i a f a n t o , s., (pi. e m f a f a n t o ) but
terfly.
f a n n a , s. , (pi. e m f a n n a ) female,
w e n c h , m o r e particularly: female slaves
cf. a k o a.
f a s u , s , a n inferior kind of y a m ,
cf. d e .
f e d i a n d a f e y i, a d v . , n o w , a t p r e s e n t ,
e. g. K k a n n o v o k o n , a f e d i ( o r
a f e y i ) v o y e b a a k o n ,
formerly
they w e r e at war, n o w they h a v e peace.
(the w o r d is a c o m p o u n d , t h e latter
p a r t o f w h i c h is t h e d e m o n s t r a t i v e
y i o r di, this; the f o r m y i b e i n g u s e d
in the A k w a p i m - , d i in the A s a n t e dialect).
f e r a w , s., (pi. e m f e r a w ) a large
bird of beautiful p l u m a g e , feeding o n
fruit. T h e E u r o p e a n s o n the coast call
it c l o c k - b i r d , a s it is s a i d t o a n n o u n c e
t h e h o u r s b y its cry.
(fr. f r e , to
call).
f e r r e , s., s h a m e , prv. 214.
(fr.
f e r r e ) .
f i , s., c o m b .
f i r i , s., (pi. e m f i r i ) snare, trap.
f y u f y e , s., (pi. e n f y u f y e ) mtrror,
looking-glass.
(fr. f y u f y e ) .
A f o a , s. , (pi. e m f o a ) s w o r d , m o r e
particularly the s w o r d w h i c h belongs
to the insignia of the chief, being
p a r a d e d before h i m o n state-occasions ,
cf. a h i n d i e.
A f o n n o , s., c h e e k .
A f o n n o m . s., the inner part of the
c h e e k i. e . t h a t p a r t o f t h e m o u t h
w h i c h is b e t w e e n t h e t e e t h a n d the
c h e e k , u s e d m o r e particularly with
reference to m o n k e y s , the cheeks of
w h i c h f o r m a sort of bag, prv. 27.
(fr. a f o n n o a n d m o j .
A fofi, a., thin, m e a g e r , s e e fofi.
A f o r r e , s, offering, sacrifice;
b o or
t o a f o r r e , to offer sacrifice, to sacri
fice, e. g. O d e d u a b a o b o a f o r r e
m a o b o s o m , h e b r o u g h t to the fetish
fruit as a n offering.
A f r l h i a , s., (pi. e m f ri h i a ) year.
( a p p e a r s to b e derived f r o m the roots
fi, in the As. f i r r e or fri, a n d cia,
w h i c h thus connected s e e m to express
the idea of circulation, viz. the going
forth f r o m a certain point a n d arri
v i n g a t it a g a i n ) .
A f u , s., ( p i . e m f u ) p l a n t a t i o n .
(fr. f u).
A f u n u m p o n k o , s. , ass, donkey.
( f r o m a n enlarged f o r m of e f u and
p o n k o ; prop, hump-horse).
A f 6 w , a., wet, s e e f o w .
A g i n a m o a , s., cat; it h a s t h e epithets
a t e n k y e m a a n d f i e b o f o .
(fr.gina
= k y i r r e , a n d m o a fr. a b o a , prop.
animal-catcher).
A g i n n a , s., t h e c o n s u l l a t i o n o f several
persons, w h o leave a greater circle
to converse apart ;
k o a g i n n a , to
g o apart for such a consultation.
t u a g i n n a , to consult apart.
(fr.
g i n n a , to stand, b e c a u s e the act m e n
t i o n e d is p e r f o r m e d b y t h e parties
standing).
A g y a , s. , f a t h e r ; m ' a g y a n o m , m y
fathers, ancestors.
(This w o r d has
i r r e g u l a r l y t h e a c c e n t o n t h e first
syllable: a g y a ) .
A g y a f i , s., (pi. e f i g y a n ) arrow.
(fr. g y a f i prob. = r g w a n ) .
A g y e n i n i n e n s u , s., n a m e o f a n insect.
A g y e f i k w a , s., preserver, deliverer,
saviour.
(fr. g y e e n k v a s e e g y e ) .
A g o r r o , s., play, g a m e ; also music. In
c o m p o s i t i o n it s o m e t i m e s s i g n i f i e s t h e
p r a c t i c e o f a vice, cf. a b a y i g o r r o a n d
a g w a m a n g o r r o .
(fr. g o r r o ) .
A g w a , s., (pi. e n g w a ) seat, chair,
stool.
A g w a m a n , s., (pi. e n g w a m a f i ) f o r
nicator; w h o r e , harlot, prostitute; also
w h o r e d o m , fornication.
A g w a m a n g d r r o , s. , w h o r e d o m , f o r
nication.
g o r r o a g w a m a n g o r r o ,
to c o m m i t fornication. - (fr. a g w a m a n
a n d a g o r r o).
A h a b a n, s., leaf; h e n c e also w o o d ,
forest, syn. k w a i a n d w u r a .
A h a b a n t a , s., t o b a c c o in leaves, as
i m p o r t e d f r o m A m e r i c a .
(fr. a h ab a f i a n d ta).
A h a i , s., a kind of beer m a d e of In
d i a n corn.
A h a i o , s., chase, hunting; k o a h a i o ,
t o g o a hunting.
(fr. h a a n d y e ,
s e e ha).
A n a n n a n , num., four hundred.
(fr
o h a a n d a n a n ) .
A b a n nii, n u m . , t w o hundred.
(fr. o h a
a n d ; nu).
A h a n n u m , n u m . , five hundred.
(fr.
o h a a n d a n u m ) .
A h a n s i a , n a m . , six hundred.
(fr. o h a
a n d a s i a ) .
A h a n s o n , n u m . , seven hundred.
(fr
o h a a n d a s on).
A h a n t a n , s., pride, haughtiness,
A h a n k r 6 f i , n u m . , nine hundred.
(fr.
o h a a n d a k r o n ) .
A h a n o t y d , n u m . , eight hundred.
(fjr.
o h a a n d a o t y p ) .
A h a s s a , n u m ., t h r e e h u n d r e d .
(fr. o h a
a n d e s a X
A h e , n u m . , h o w m u c h ? h o w m a n y ?
W a t ? e f i g o a h e ? h o w m u c h p a l m oil h a v e y o u bought') W a k a f i e n t r a m a a h e ? h o w m a n y cowries have y o u
c o u n t e d ? N n i p a a h e n a v o h o ? h o w
m a n y people are there?
( p r o b . fr. t h e
interrogative p r o n o u n he).
A h i m a d a k i , adv., early, before sunrise,
1 4 3
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
w h e n the c o c k c r o w s a n d the birds
b e g i n to sing.
h i m f i , s, the king's house, the chiefs
house.
(fr. h i n n e a n d fi).
h i m m a , s., p u n i s h m e n t , p r v . 2 0 3 ; t h e
w o r d , h o w e v e r , is obsolete.
(fr.
h i m m a ) .
h i n d i e , s. , t h e insignia o f t h e k i n g
or chief, consisting in the chair ( a h i n w a ) , the s w o r d ( a f o a ) a n d the o r n a
ments (trinkets of g o l d a n d corals).
(fr. h i n n e a n d a d e ) .
h i n d i e k i r i , s., the successor to the
throne, prince hereditary, in A k w a p i m
the eldest s o n of the reigning chiefs
sister.
(fr. h i n n e a n d d i - e k i o r
e k i r r i ) .
h i n e , s., coral, pearl, s e e a h i n n e .
h i n k r u , s., t h e t o w n in w h i c h t h e
chief resides, residence.
(fr. h i n n e
a n d k r u ) .
h i n n a , s., (pi. e f i h i n n a ) pof , m o r e
particularly the p o t in w h i c h w a t e r
is f e t c h e d , w i t h a g i b b o u s b e l l y a n d
c o m p a r a t i v e l y n a r r o w o p e n i n g , cf.
k u k u .
h i n n e o r a h i n e , s. , c o r a t , p e a r l ;
a h i n n e p a , the precious coral, h a v i n g
the value of g o l d ; there are different
k i n d s o f it, d i s t i n g u i s h e d b y d i f f e r e n t
colours, cf. a t y o b e w u , b o d o m , b o ta, e n y a n e , n e f i k y e n e m a ; a l s o
siring o f corals, prv. 148.
h i n n e w a , a n s w e r to a salutation of
o n e b e l o n g i n g to the family of the
chief, connected w i t h y a : y a a h i n
n e w a , cf. y a .
(dim. of h i n n e ) .
h i n w a , s., the chair of the king or
chief, throne, cf. a h i n d i e .
(fr. h i n n e
a n d a g w a ) .
h y u r e d e , s., (pi. e n h y u r e d e ) as p e c i e s o f bat, cf. a m p a n a n d p a n ,
t y p n i n i .
h o d y u r i i w , s., m o u r n i n g , affliction
grief.
(fr. h u - a d y u r u w ) .
h o h y i i , s., d e b a u c h e r y , lavishness, p r o
digality, e. g. O d e a h o h y u a y e r a n e
n e a m a i n i a r a , by prodigality he has
lost all his properly.
h o h o , s., (pi. e n h o h o ) a s p e c i e s o f
1 4 4
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
anl, emitting a n offensive smell, of a
reddish colour, living o n trees, m o s t
frequently o n lime- a n d orange-trees,
cf. prv. 139.
h d m m e , s., sigh;
g u a h o m m e ,
to sigh.
(fr. h o m i n e ) .
h o m m e g u , s., sigh, sighing.
(fr.
a h o m m e a n d g u ) .
h o m m e t e v , s. , breathlessness , the
being out of breath.
(fr. h o m m e
a n d t e w } .
h o p o p 6 , s., t r e m b l i n g , a l a r m , f e a r .
(fr. h u a n d p o p o ) .
h o p e , s., selfishness.
(fr. h u a n d pe).
h u a h a , s., the tobacco-plant.
h u h u r u , s. , h e a t ;
a h u h u r u di
m i , / a m very w a r m .
h u m a k a , a., joy, gladness, happiness.
(fr. h u a n d k a see h u - a k a ) .
h u m o b o r r e , s., pityl s y m p a t h y , c o m
passion, mercy.
(fr. h u a n d m o b o ) .
h u n y a d e , s., weallh, riches.
(fr.hu,
n y a , a n d ade).
h u n n u m , s., air, a t m o s p h e r e , the a p
parently e m p t y space a b o v e the earth,
syn. v u m .
(fr. h u n n u ) .
h u f i , a., swollen, see h u n .
h u r i i , s., froth, f o a m , s c u m .
h u t o , s., guiet, quietness, p e a c e .
(fr.
h u a n d to, see h u - a t o ) .
b u e d e i l , s., b o d i l y h e a l t h a n d s t r e n g t h ;
a l s o p o w e r e. g. o f a king.
(fr. b u
a n d d e n ) .
h w u r o w , s., s u g a r - c a n e .
i v u , s., theft, robbery, syn. k r o n n o .
(Ir. v u a ) .
i v u , s., the f l o u r o f I n d i a n c o r n .
i v u a , s., s u n ;
a i v u a fi, the sun
c o m e s forth, appears
a i v u a s o r r e
a n d a i v u a p u e , the s u n rises
a i
v u a to, the s u n sets
a i v u a pai,
the sun shines
a i v u a b o a n d a i v u a
c e w , the s u n burns;
for sun-shine
in the t e r m : a i v u a s o , in the sun
shine, e.g. O n a m a i v u a so, he walks
in the s u n
M i t e t e w a h u a h a n a
m i h a t a v o a i v u a so, I plucktobacc o - leaves a n d spread them in the sun;
also for d a y in contradistinction to
n i g h t , e. g. N y a f i k u p o f i . f y e y e n
s o a n a d y o s e a i v u a , G o d cares for
us at night as in the day.
A i v u a fi, s., the a p p e a r a n c e o f the sun,
sunrise.
(fr. a i v u a a n d fi).
A i v u a g i n a , s., n o o n , e . g . A i v u a g i n a
n a m i h o m m e v o A b o d e , at noon
I rested in Abude.
(fr. a i v u a a n d
g i n n a , prop, the standing of the sun).
A i v u a p u e , s. , sun-rise, e. g. A i v u a *
p u e n a m i s i m v o A k r o p o n , at sun
rise I started f r o m A k r o p o n g .
(fr. aiv u a a n d p u e ) .
A i v u a t o , s., s u n - s e t , e. g. A i v u a t o
n a m i d u E f i k r a n , at sun-set I arri
v e d at Accra.
(fr. a i v u a a n d to).
A y a f i y a, adv., o c c u r r i n g o n l y in the
expression d a - ' y a n y a , (instead of
d a a y a f i y a ) , t o lie o n t h e b a c k , e. g.
M i d a - ' y a n y a , n a w o d e w o b u t u
h o , / a m lying o n m y back, but y o u on
y o u r belly, cf. p r v . 53.
A y a s e , s., t h e l o w e r p a r t o f t h e b e l l y
m o n s Veneris.
A y e , s. , g o o d ;
y e a y e , to do good,
i. e . ( a c c o r d i n g t o t h e i d e a s o f t h e
n e g r o e s ) to m a k e presents, prv. 84
yi a y e , to d r a w forth one's g o o d
( q u a l i t i e s ) i. e . t o p r a i s e o n e , p r v . 1 6 .
(fr. y e v.)
A y e f a r r e , s. , a d u l l e r y ; a l s o t h e fine
i m p o s e d for adultery.
(fr. y e
y i r r e , a n d f a r r e = s fa).
A y e f o r r o , s., y o u n g wife, bride.
(fr. y e
y i r r e a n d f o r r o = fof o r o ) .
A y i , s., p u b l i c festivity, festival, c e l e b r a
ted w i t h d a n c i n g processions, shooting,
d r u m m i n g , drinking p a l m - w i n e or
r u m etc., cf. p r v . 3 5 a n d 45.
A y i s a , s., (pi. n y i s a ) o r p h a n , p r v . 36.
A y o n k u g o r r o , s., p l a y i n g w i t h friends
i. e . f e a s t i n g , c a r o u s i n g , g a m i n g e t c . ,
w h e r e w i t h a prodigal d e b a u c h e e enter
tains his friends at his o w n expenses,
cf.prv.74
(fr.y o n k u a n d a g o r r o ) .
A y o w a , s., ( w i t h the a c c e n t o n the
first syllable : a y o w a , p i . e n y o w a )
brass, latten, latten-plate, a l s o brassbasin.
(prob. of foreign origin).
A y ? n , s., (pi. e n y $ 5 ) s o r c e r e r , wilch,
h a g , s y n . b a i f o ; cf. b e n i n y e n a n d
bayefi.
A k a , s., a k i n d o f fish, p r v . 6 2 .
A k a g i n a m , s. , surety f o r a debt;
di a k a g i n a m , to bait, to g i v e s e c u
rity for debts.
(fr. e k a a n d e g i n a m ) .
A k a d o , s., shell-time.
A k a k a e n t y e r r e , s. , (pi. e f i k a k
)
scorpion.
A k a k a i v i r e , s., a l o n g s t i n g i n g insect.
A k a k r a m a k o r o , s, , (pi. e n k a k r - )
a small beast of p r e y , in s h a p e a n d
size similar to a civet-cat.
A k a m , s., a s p e c i e s o f y a m , g r o w i n g
s p o n t a n e o u s l y in the w o o d , but eaten
only in times of famine.
A k a f i k a , a k a n k a w a , see a n k a .
A k a p e , s., scissors.
A k a r a t e , s., a p l a n t g r o w i n g f r e q u e n t l y
in t h e b a r r e n a n d s a n d y g r o u n d a b o u t
the Accra-coast, the torch-thistle, cactus.
A k a s a k a s a , s . , noisy talking, cfiattering,
prattle.
(fr. k a s a k a s a ) .
A k a s a n u m a , s., (pi. e n k a s - ) spar
row.(fr. k a s a a n d a n u m a , prop.
chat-bird).
A k a t a i v u a , s., (pi. e n k a t - ) umbrella,
parasol.
(fr. k a t a a n d a i v u a ) .
A k a t e w a , s. , a l a r g e fruit, t h e s e e d s
of w h i c h are eaten b y the negroes,
syn. a k e k i a .
A k a t u a , s., w a g e s , pay';
a k a t u a pa,
r e w a r d , r e c o m p e n s e ; a k a t u a b o n n e ,
punishment, penally ;
D a o s r a m w u a
o n y a n ' a k a t u a , always at the e n d of
the m o n t h he gets his wages.
(fr. e k a ,
debt, a n d t u a , to pay).
A k e k i a , s., t h e s a m e a s a k a t e w a .
A k e k i r e , s., (pi. e f i k e k i r e ) tortoise;
s y n . a w u r u , cf. a p u h u r u .
A k e n t e n w a , s., (pi. e n k e n t - ) chair
with a back, as m a d e b y the n e g r o e s
t h e m s e l v e s , cf. a b r o g w a a n d a k o n w a .
(fr. k e n t e n , p e r h a p s the s a m e
a s t e n t e f i , a n d w a fr. a g w a ) .
A k e t e k e r e , s., (pi. e n k e t - ) cricket
(insect).
A k i n y e , s., d o u b t O ) ; occurring only
1 4 5
in t h e e x p r e s s i o n M i g y e n 'a k i n y e
/ doubt his w o r d , prv. 107. 212.
A k i t e r e k u , s., (pi. e n k - ) a k i n d o f
beans.
A k y a , a., not straight, oblique, wry,
crooked, see k y a .
A k y e o r a k y e , s., salutation, greeting,
compliments, respects;
m a a k y e , to
salute, to g r e e t , e. g. O b i a b a h a ,
o b e m a w o a k y e , a p e r s o n is c o m e ,
w h o desires to give his respects to y o u
M i m a w o y i r r e a k y e , / beg to
give m y kind regards to y o v r wife
M a w o y i r r e a k y e m a m i , give m y
respects to y o v r wife.
(fr. k y e a ) .
A k y e n k y i n a , s., (pi. e n k y - ) a l a r g e
bird, the toucan.
A k y i n n e , s., (pi. e f i k y i n n e ) d r u m ;
cf. a t u m p a f i a n d b o m a , w h i c h d e
note different kinds of d r u m s .
(prob.
fr. k i n n e o n a c c o u n t o f t h e r o u n d
s h a p e of the drum).
A k y e , s., salutation, greeting, s e e a k y e .
A k y e , a d v . , long, l o n g time, e. g. V a d a
a k y e d o d o , h e is sleeping v e r y long.
(fr. k y e , to last).
A k y e d e , s., p r e s e n t , gift; m o r e fre
quently a d e k y e .
(fr. k y e , to p r e
sent, to give, a n d a d e ) .
A k o , s., (pi. e n k o ) t h e b l u e p a r r o t .
A k o a , s., (pi. e n k o a ) m a l e , m a n , fellow,
e. g. A k o a n o h u y e f e , that is a
fine fellow;
m o r e particularly m a l e
slave, prv. 31. 7 0 etc. T h e f o r m e r sig
nification p r o b a b l y is the original, b u t
excepting a f e w particular expressions
in w h i c h it h a s r e t a i n e d its p r i m a r y
m e a n i n g , it is o n l y u s e d n o w in t h e
latter; cf. a f a n n a .
A k o a k o , s., a k i n d o f y a m ; cf. d e .
A k o a k o r a , s., (pi. e n k o a k - ) a n o l d
m a n .
(appears to b e a reduplica
tion of a k o a , w i t h diminutive termi
nation).
A k o e n f e m , s., (pi. e n k - ) the domestic
guinea-hen.
A k o k o , s., (pi. e f i k - ) f o w l , hen.
A k o k o a , s., (pi. e n k - ) child, infant.
A k o k o b a , s., (pi. e n k o k o m m a ) chi
cken.
(fr. a k o k o a n d b a ) .
1 9
1 4 6
A k o k o b e r r e , >., (pi. e n k - ) hen.
(fr. a k o k o a n d b e r r e ) .
A k o k o b o n i , adv., at cock - crowing,
early in the m o r n i n g w h e n the c o c k
c r o w s , e. g. M i si in v o A k r o p o f i
a k o k o b o f i i , / left A k r o p o n g w h e n
the cock crew.
(fr. a k o k o a n d
b o 5).
A k o k o b i i , s., h e n c o o p , s y n . p e s o .
A k o k o h i i r r e , s. , (pi. e n k - ) w o o d h e n , syn. a s a m a n t e .
(fr. a k o k o
a n d h u r r e , the latter p e r h a p s f o r m e d
b y w a y of o n o m a t o p o e i a , in imitation
o f its cry).
A k o k o n i n i , s., (pi. e n k - ) cock.
(fr.
a k o k o a n d nini).
A k o k o n n o , s., (pi. e n k - ) a b i g w h i t e
w o r m f o u n d in palmtrees, eaten b y
the n e g r o e s , a n d e s t e e m e d a g r e a t
dainty.
A k o k o p e s i i , s., h e n c o o p , s y n . a k o k o b u.
(fr. a k o k o a n d p e s u ) .
A k o k o t a n , s., (pi. e f i k - ) a h e n w h i c h
h a s chickens;
a k o k o t a f i n i n ' e m m a , the Pleiades, literally: the h e n a n d
her chickens.
(fr. a k o k o a n d tafi,
t h e o r i g i n o f t h e latter u n c e r t a i n , cf.
b a t a n ) .
A k 6 m , s., t h e s t a t e o f b e i n g p o s s e s s e d
w i t h t h e f e t i s h , i. e . a t e m p o r a r y
m a d n e s s or ecstasy, to w h i c h w o m e n
especially are liable, expressing itself
in d a n c i n g a n d w i l d gestures, a n d
ascribed b y the n e g r o e s to the a g e n c y
of the fetish.
(fr. k o m ) .
A k o m f o d i , s., p a r t y , g a n g , p r v . 1 4 6 .
A k o n t a , s. , (pi. e n k o n t a ) account,
reckoning, calculation; y e a k o n t a a n d
b u a k o n t a , lo m a k e a n account.
A k o n t a g y e , s., brother-in-law, via,
the brother of the wife.
A k o n t o f i , a., c r o o k e d , bent, see k o n t o n .
A k d f i , n u m . , one, p r v . 2 2 8 ; cf. e k o .
A k o f i w a , s. , (pi. e n k - ) t h e c o m m o n
stool of the negroes, a l o w stool neatly
c a r v e d o u t o f o n e p i e c e o f w o o d , cf.
a k e n t e n w a .
T h e w o r d is a c o m
p o u n d, of w h i c h the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m
p o n e n t is a g w a , t h e o t h e r a v e r b
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
k u o r k u r r u , t o sit, n o t u s e d i n A k w . ,
but said to occur in Fante).
k o r a t e a , s., (pi. e f i k - ) pin.
k o r o b i a , s., (pi. e n k - ) a bird of
prey.
k o t i a , a., small, short, prv. 235;
s. a s m a l l p e r s o n , a s h o r t m a n , a d w a r f ,
prv. 6. 15.
(cf. t i a , short).
k o t o a , s. , (pi. e f i k - ) a s m a l l c a s k
o f g u n - p o w d e r , cf. k w a d u m .
k r a m p a , s., (pi. e f i k r - ) epithet o f
the vulture, see p e t e .
k r o k u r a , s,, (pi. e n k r - ) weaver's
shuttle.
k r o m a , s., (pi. e n k r o m a ) a b i r d o f
prey, hawk.
k r 6 fi, n u m . , n i n e .
k u m a , s., h e a r t , a s t h e c e n t r e o f t h e
bodily system.
2. heart, as the centre
of the affections;
a k u m a p a , a
g o o d i. e . a j o y f u l h e a r t , g l a d n e s s , h a p
piness, e. g. A s e m n o a m a m i a k u
m a p a , this matter h a s m a d e m e h a p p y ;
M ' a k u m a a t o m e y e m , literally
M y h e a r t is l y i n g (i. e. r e s t i n g , a t r e s t )
i n m y b e l l y i. e . / a m c o n t e n t e d , h a p p y ,
cheerful;
O d y p n n e b o n n e v o
n ' a k u m a m , H e is contriving evil in
his heart.
k u m m a , a., hatchet, a x e , s y n . a b o n u a .
k u n t u m a , s., ruffian, bully, p r v . 1 8 0 ;
t h e w o r d h o w e v e r is obsolete.
(fr. k u n t u n ) .
k u r a , s., (pi. e n k - ) m o u s e .
k u r a , s. , (pi. e n k - ) hamlet, s m a l l
village o n a plantation inhabited b y
the family a n d the slaves of the p r o
prietor;
k o a k u r a , to g o to the
plantation
t e a k u r a , to live o n the
plantation.
(dim. of k r u ) .
k u t i i , s., (pi. e n k - ) o r a n g e , o r a n g e tree.
k u t n d u a , s., orange-tree.
k w a , s., (pi. e n k - ) joint, juncture
(of limbs).
k w a b a , also a k w a b o , f o r m of sa
lutation to o n e arriving after a t e m
p o r a r y a b s e n c e , w e l c o m e ! cf. a b O .
(fr. k o a n d b a ) .
k w a d i i r r o , s,, idleness, sloth, laziness.
A k w a i w a ,
coppice, shrubbery, u n d e r
wood, prv. 135.
( d i m o f k w a i).
A k w a n k w a , s., (pi. e n k w - l youth,
y o u n g m a n , syn. a b e r a n t e .
( s e e m s
to b e a reduplication of a k o a ) .
A k w a n m n s e m , ft., n e w s , r e p o r t , i n f o r
m a t i o n received o n the road.
(fr.
k w a n , m n , a n d a s e m ) .
A m a g a , ft., i m a g e , s t a t u e , i d o t , s y n .
b o n i .
( p r o b . fr. t h e P o r t u g u e s e ,
cf. t h e L a t i n i m a g o ) .
A m a n n e , s., resin, g u m .
A m a n n e , s., m i f o r tune, calamity, misery,
affliction; h u a m a n n e , to be unfor
tunate, to be in affliction.
A m a n n e h d n n u . s . , affliction, tribulation,
adversity.
(fr. a m a n n e a n d hii).
A m a n k y e m , a., bent, rolled u p (like
dry leaves), e.g. a y o w a a m a n k y e m ,
latten-plate rolled up, bent together, see
m a n k y e m .
A m a n k n , s., a l a r g e s p e c i e s o f b e e t l e .
A m o , 8., congratulation; m a a m o , to
congratulate, p r v . 198, cf. m o \
A m o a , s. , (pi. m m o a ) hole, ditch,
trench, pit;
b o a n d t o a m o a , to
dig a hole.
A m o a k u a , s., (pi. m m o a k u a ) a s m a l l
w i l d animal.
A m o a s e , s., (pi. m m o a s e ) t h e u n d e r
g a r m e n t of the negroes.
(fr. m o
a n d a s e n ) .
A m o n n o , a., r a w , c r u d e , cf. m o m o n o.
A m o s u , s. , e p i t h e t o f N y a n k u p o n :
the rain-giver.
(fr. m a a n d su).
A m o v u a , s., e p i t h e t o f N y a n k u p o n :
t h e s u n - g i v e r i. e . h e w h o g i v e s s u n
shine.
(fr. m a a n d a i v u a ) .
A m p a , adv., certainly, really, indeed^
e. g . V a k o a m p a , h e is r e a l l y g o n e
A s e m y i v o m a m p a , it is r e a l l y
the case. It is f r e q u e n t l y u s e d a s ellip
tic confirmation of w h a t a n o t h e r p e r
s o n s a y s , f o r : s o it is, y o u a r e r i g h t ;
also as a question: a m p a ? indeed?
is it r e a l l y s o ?
A m p a n , s., (pi. e m p a n ) a species of
bat, cf. a h y u r e d e .
A m p e si, s., boiled plantains, of w h i c h
1 4 7
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
t h e fuffi is p r e p a r e d , p r v . 3 0 6 , cf.
f a f f .
m r a d o , s. , g o v e r n o r .
( p e r h a p s a
corruption of the P o r t u g u e s e g o v e r nador).
m o k y e w a , a., transient, transitory,
perishable, mortal, e.g. O n i p a y ' a m e k y e w a , o t e a s a s e s o k e t e w a b i
n a o w u , m a n is m o r t a l , h e lives a s h o r t
time o n earth, a n d dies;
N y a n k u
p o n e n y e a m e k y e w a , o t e h o d a ,
G o d is n o t mortal, h e lives f o r ever.
n a , a particle no t i n g the sentence to
w h i c h it is a t t a c h e d a s a n i n t e r r o g a
tion. O f its u s e three cases a r e to b e
d i s t i n g u i s h e d : 1. I n a d i r e c t q u e s t i o n
it h a s t h e s a m e p o w e r a s t h e L a t i n
particles n u m , an, ne, but is p u t a l w a y s
a t t h e e n d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , e. g. V a b a
a n a ? is h e c o m e ?
2. It is l i k e w i s e
p u t at the e n d of a n indirect question,
w h i c h is c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e principal
sentence b y the conjunction s e , a n d
s e
a n a is in this case equivalent
to the E n g l i s h conjunction whether o r
if, e. g. M a m i n f y e a k o k o n o s e
v a d o s r a d e a n a , Let m e look at that
f o w l ( t o s e e ) w h e t h e r it is f a t .
3. W h e n
f o l l o w e d b y se, the c o m p o u n d c o n
junction a n a s e is f o r m e d , w h i c h m a y
b e r e n d e r e d b y or, its u s e a p p e a r i n g ,
h o w e v e r , to b e restricted to disjunc
t i v e q u e s t i o n s , e. g. W o b e t o t a m
b e n , k o k o a n a s e t u n t u m ? w h a t
sort o f stuff will y o u buy, r e d or black ?
n a d y o , s., night.
n a d y o f a , s., evening, syn. a n y u m e r r e .
(fr. a n a d y o a n d f a , half,
prop. half-nighQ.
n a n s e , s., spider.
n a n s e h u n h u a , s., c o b w e b .
n a n s i s e m , s. , story, tale, f a b l e ; t o
a n a n s i s e m , to tell a tale.
(fr.
A n a n s e a n d a s e m , litterally a tale
o f Ananse, being a m y t h i c p e r s o n a g e ,
generally called A g y a A n a n s e , / b M < r
A n a n s e , to w h o m great skill a n d in
g e n u i t y is attributed, p r o b a b l y a p e r
sonification o f t h e s p i d e r a n d its in
g e n u i t y d i s p l a y e d in m a k i n g its w e b ) .
1 4 8
A n a n , n u m , four.
A n a n k u t i , g., the h i n d - f o o t ; t o a n a f i k n t i , to kick with the hind-fool, a g.
O p o n k o t o m i a n a n k u t i . the horse
kicked me.
A n e n n i , s., (pi. n n e n n i ) raven, syn.
k w a k w a a d a b i .
A n i b S r r e , s., desire, longing, concu
piscence, cupidity, prv. 23.
(fr. ? n i b e rre).
A n i w i i , s., s h a m e , p r v . 179.
(fr. e n i * n ) ,
A n y u m e r r e , s., evening, syn. a n a d y o f a.
A n o , s., m o u t h i.e. 1. t h e m o u t h o f a n y
l i v i n g c r e a t u r e : m o u t h , s n o u t , bill, b e a k ,
u s e d a l s o f i g u r a t i v e l y , e. g. n ' a n o
y e d e f i , h i s m o v l h i s h a r d i. e . h e h a s
a s h a r p tongue, uses abusive language,
prv. 236.
2. a p p l i e d to i n a n i m a t e
objects:
a) opening, aperture, muzzle,
d o o r e. g. a h i n n a n o , the m o u t h o r
spout o f a pot
d a n a n o , the entrance
o f the house, d o o r
t u o a n o , the
muzzle o f a gun.
b) edge, brim,
m a r g i n , e. g. p o f i a n o , the e d g e o f the
t a b l e ; h e n c e s h o r e , b e a c h , e. g. e m p o a n o , the seashore
a s u b o n t e n a n o ,
the b a n k o f a river;
also sharp edge
e. g. s e k a n a n o , t h e e d g e o f a k n i f e .
c) point, u p p e r end, top, (cf. a s e ) a g .
p e a w a n o , the point o f a spear.
A n o f a f a , s., lip.
(fr. a n o a n d fa,
reduplicated).
A n o k w a or a n o k w a r r e , s., truth;
d i a n o k w a r r e , to be true, honest, to
speak the truth.
A n o k w a f o . s., a truthful p e r s o n .
A n o k w a s e m , s., truth, true saying; k a
a n o k w a s e m , to speak truth.
(fr.
a n o k w a a n d a s e m ) .
A n o m , s., m o u t h , v i z . t h e i n s i d e o f it,
prv. 181.
(fr. a n o a n d m u ) .
A n o p a , s., m o r n i n g ; a n o p a t u t u , early
in the morning.
A n o s i n , s., o n e w i t h o u t lips, w h o s e
lips a r e cut off; it b e i n g a w a y o f
p u n i s h m e n t a m o n g the n e g r o e s to cut
off lips, n o s e , a n d e a r s , cf. a s o s i n
a n d h w y u n s i n .
A n s a , a d v . , first, a t first, m e a n while, i n
the m e a n time, e.g. T r a h a a n s a , stay
here in the m e a n time. It o c c u r s m o s t
frequently in connection w i t h the conjunction n a , as a c o m p o u n d c o n j u n c
tion, in adverbial accessary sentences,
expressing a relation of time, viz. 1.
A n s a n a , before,' w h i c h is u s u a l l y
f o l l o w e d b y the perfect tense of the
v e r b , e. g. W o b e k y e r o w e y i m a
a n s a n a w a g y a i a n a ? will y o u write
tltat ( p a p e r ) full b e f o r e y o u l e a v e o f f ?
2. N a - a n s a ( n a b e i n g p u t a t t h e
c o m m e n c e m e n t of the accessary s e n
t e n c e , c o n n e c t i n g it w i t h t h e p r i n c i p a l ,
a n d a n s a a t its e n d ) till, u n t i l , e. g .
T o b o a s e n a m i n k y e r o w m ' e n h u m a a n s a , n a m i ni w o n k a s a ,
h a v e p a t i e n c e till I h a v e w r i t t e n m y let
ter, t h e n I will s p e a k w i t h y o u .
A n s a m , s. , (pi. e n s a m ) the w i l d
Guinea-hen.
A n u m , n u m . , five.
A n u m a , s., (pi. n n u m a ) bird.
A n u m a t e w a , s ; the n a m e of a s m a l l
bird.
A n k a , conj., then, in this case;
it is
put at the h e a d of a sentence, to indi
c a t e t h a t t h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d in it is
n o reality, b u t a m e r e supposition o f
t h e p e r s o n speaking, its reality b e i n g
m a d e to d e p e n d o n that of a n o t h e r
idea expressed in a conditional acces
sary sentence p r e c e d i n g the principal,
e.g. A y i s a se: w o m a m i s e w o m a
w o b a , a n k a m a m e , the o r p h a n said :
if y o u h a d given m e as y o u g a v e y o u r
( o w n ) child, then I should h a v e e n o u g h ,
prv. 3 6 , cf. 11, 1 2 2 , 128, 247. A t t h e
h e a d of the p r e c e d i n g conditional
s e n t e n c e s o m e t i m e s k a o r t o is put,
prv. 26. 162.
A f i k a , s., lime, lemon;
other f o r m s
of the s a m e w o r d are: a n k a w a ,
a k a f i k a , a k a n k a w a , but in A k w .
a n k a is t h e c o m m o n f o r m .
A n k a m a s o p e r e p e , s., e p i t h e t o f t h e
goat, see a b e r r i k i .
A n k i m , s., ( p L e n k i m ) a small bird.
A n k o n a m , s., a lone traveller, a p e r
son travelling alone, w i t h o u t a c o m
p a n i o n , p r v . 204. (fr. e k o a n d n a m v.).
A o f i w a , s , fat, grease, tallow; a n o b s o
lete w o r d , instead of w h i c h n o w s r a d e
is u s e d , p r v . 182.
A o t y G , num., eight.
A p a , s., a s c a f f o l d o f s t i c k s e r e c t e d n e a r
the h o u s e s of the negroes, to put p l a n
tains a n d other fruits on, in order to
keep t h e m secure f r o m the goats;
syn. p a t a .
A p a g y a , s., steel f o r striking fire.
(fr. p a a n d g y a ) .
A p a k a n , s. , t r a v e l l i n g - b a s k e t , a l o n g
basket in w h i c h travellers are carried.
A p a k i , s., (pi. e m p - ) a k i n d o f cala
bash, cf. k o r a .
A p a k i w a , s., ( p i . e m p - ) a s m a l l e r k i n d
of calabash t h a n the above.
(dim.
of a p a k i ) .
A p a k y e , s., l a m e n e s s ; y a r r e a p a k y e ,
to b e l a m e ;
2. a l a m e p e r s o n , e: g.
O y e a p a k y e , h e is lame.
A p a m p a , s. , (pi. e m p - ) a r o u n d flat
h o l l o w vessel of the negroes, m a d e
of o n e piece o f w o o d , syn. k r o .
A p a r r o , s., (pi. e m p - ) s p a r , rafter.
A p a s o , s., plane, a joiner's tool.
(fr.
pa, v., w i t h the prep. so).
A p a t a , s., (pi. e m p - ) fish.
A p a t e r a m , s., (pi. e m p - ) a k i n d of
beans.
A p e , s., cessation in g r o w t h , t o a p e ,
to c e a s e f r o m g r o w i n g , to r e m a i n sta
tionary ( u s e d o f c h i l d r e n ) , e. g. A b o f r a n o n n y i n k o r a , v a t o a p e ,
this b o y d o e s n o t g r o w at all, h e r e m a i n s
a s h e is.
A p e p e g y e b i , s., epithet of the dog,
see k r a m a n .
A p e s & w , s., (pi. e m p - ) a w i l d a n i m a l ,
similar to a m o n k e y , to w h i c h o n ac
count of the extraordinary strength
of its p a w s the epithet k i t a d e n is
given.
A p e t i , s., t h e n a m e o f a s m a l l bird.
A p i m , num., (pi. e m p i m ) thousand.
Apiti, s , unleavened bread.
A p o , a., leafless, without leaves, see p o .
1 4 9
A p o n k i , s. , (pi. e m p - ) e p i t h e t o f t h e
goat, see a b e r r i k L
A p o n k y e r e n , s., (pi. e m p - ) f r o g , s y n .
a p o t o ro.
A p o n k o k w a n , s., the b r o a d r o a d , h i g h
road.
(fr. p o n k o a n d k w a n , p r o p .
horse-road).
A p o p o k i k i , «., a k i n d o f fish, p r v . 212.
A p o t o r o , s., (pi. e m p-) frog, syn.
a p o n k y e r e n .
A p r a , s. , (pi. e m p r a ) a s m a l l s p e c i e s
of armadillo.
(dim. of p r a ) .
A p r a t y o m , s., f o d r ( o f a d o o r o r c a s e ) .
A p r 6 w , a., rotten, putrid, see p r o w .
A p r 6 w , s., c r a b ' s c l a w , cf. k o t o a prq w .
A p u h u r u , s., (pi. e m p - ) turtle.
(a c o m p o u n d , the qualifying c o m p o n e n t
o f w h i c h is p o , sea, cf. a w u r u ; t h e
other uncertain).
A p e s e i , s., (pi. e m p - ) h e d g e - h o g , s y n .
f i a m p a k w a .
A r a , a particle put before the d e m o n
strative p r o n o u n nefi, to strengthen
its particularizing p o w e r ; in E n g l i s h
it m a y b e r e n d e r e d b y e v e n , j u s t , o r
together w i t h the p r o n o u n b y the very
s a m e , e. g. E n y e b i r i b i n a e y e b i r i b i a r a n e f i , it ii n o t h i n g , e v e n t h a t
( o r the v e r y s a m e ) is s o m e t h i n g , p r v . 46.
cf. 44. 115.
O t h e r w i s e a r a occurs
o n l y as a termination, c o n n e c t e d w i t h
personal, demonstrative, a n d indefinite
p r o n o u n s , a n d w i t h the a d v e r b s e s e ;
increasing the generalizing p o w e r of
the indefinite p r o n o u n s , a n d the p a r
ticularizing p o w e r of the other kinds,
cf. b i a r a , b i r i b i a r a , b e b i a r a , h o a r a , m i a r a , w o a r a , n o a r a etc.
(cf. G r . §. 100, 1).
A s a , s., the largest r o o m in a n e g r o house.
A s a , s.. l o o m ; a l s o a s a d u a .
A s a b 6 , s . , inebriation, intoxication; also
e n s a b o .
(fr. a s a
e n s a , strong
drink, a n d b a ) .
A s a d e , s., booty, spoil, p r e y m a d e in w a r .
(fr. s a , w a r , a n d a d e ) .
A s a d u a , s., l o o m .
(fr. a s a a n d d u a).
A s a f o , s., c o m p a n y , society, a s s o c i a t i o n ;
1 5 0
g a n g , host, a r m y ; b o a s a f o, to f o r m
a n association.
A s a i , s., h a m m e r .
A s a m a n , s., the w o r l d o f spirits, c o n
ceived to b e in the u p p e r regions, the
m i l k y w a y b e i n g the r o a d leading to
it, e . g . O n i p a w u - a , o k o a s a m a n ,
w h e n a m a n dies, he g o e s into the w o r l d
o f spirits.
(fr. s a m a n ) .
A s a m a n t e , s , (pi. e n s - ) epithet of
the w o o d - h e n , see a k o k o h u r r e .
A s a n k a , s., (pi. e n s - ) a s o r t o f b l a c k
earthen vessel.
A s a s e , s., e a r t h , e. g . o s o r r o n i a s a s e ,
heaven a n d earth.
2) land, o p p o s e d
to water.
3 ) c o u n t r y , e. g. V a k o
a s a s e bi s o , he has g o n e to another
country.
( a p p e a r s to b e a redupli
c a t i o n o f a s e , its p r i m a r y signification
b e i n g : w h a t is b e l o w , in c o n t r a d i s t i n c
tion to s o r r o ) .
A s a s e a p a i , s., a g a p , fissure, c h a s m in
the earth.
(fr. a s a s e a n d pal).
A s a w , s., d a n c e .
(fr. s a w , to d a n c e ) .
A s a w a , s., cotton, c o t t o n - y a r n .
A s a w a d u a , s., cotton-plant.
(fr.
a s a w a a n d d u a ) .
A s a w a e m f u t u r u , s., r a w cotton.
(fr. a s a w a a n d e m f u t u r u ) .
A s e , s., father ^in-law.
A s e , s., end, l o w e r e n d , ( w h e r e a s s n o
is the u p p e r e n d , the top).
h e n c e
the trunk of a tree, the bottom of w a
ters ( e n s u a s e ) ;
h e n c e figuratively
1. root, s o u r c e , c a u s e , origin, e. g.
A h a n t a n n a y e b o n n e i n i a r a
a s e , p r i d e is a r o o t o f all evil,
2.
sense, import, m e a n i n g , signification, e. g.
O k a s a h u n n u , n ' a s e m ni a s e , he
talks n o n s e n s e , w h a t h e s a y s is w i t h o u t
m e a m n g
O k a s a b e b r i , n a m i n t e
n ' a s e , h e talks a g r e a t deal, b u t I
d o not u n d e r s t a n d w h a t h e m e a n s
M i n t e b o n ' a s e , I d o not u n d e r s t a n d
the m e a n i n g o f Vie proverb.
M a r k
especially the p h r a s e c e a s e : 1. to
begin, to lay the foundation for something,
e. g. E n a r r a n a o c e n e d a n a s e ,
yesterday he began his house (viz. to
build).
2. to p r o m i s e , e. g . V a c e
>
m ' a s e s e o b e t o t u o m a m , Ae hat
promised m e to b u y a g u n for me.
( p r o b . fr. si).
A s e , a., n e t h e r , l o w e r , e. g. e s e a s e ,
the l o w e r teeth.
a d v . b e l o w , b e n e a t h , e. g. V a f r o d u a ,
n a m i g i n n a a s e , H e has climbed
u p into the tree, a n d I a m standing
below.
2. d o w n , e. g . t r a s e (fr.
t r a a s e ) to sit d o w n
f y e ase,
to fall d o w n , cf. d a s e , t o - a s e , b r e a s e ;
syn. f a m .
prep, under, beneath, e. g. A d a k a si
p o n n o a s e , o b o x is s t a n d i n g u n d e r
the table.
A s e i , a., spoiled, ruined, see sei.
A s e n s o s & w , s., a tool used for car
ving in w o o d .
(fr. s e n a n d s o s o w ) .
A s e r r e d u a , s., a k i n d o f bird, p r v . 1 7 * .
A s e r r e n e , s. , a m a t u s e d I n s t e a d o f
a door, being fastened a b o v e and
rolled d o w n .
A s e r r o w a , s., a s m a l l bird.
A s i a , n u m . , six.
A s i a , s., a g o l d - w e i g h t , p r v . 239.
A s i b e , a., (pi. e n s - ) a species of
m o n k e y .
A s 6 , s., e a r , e a r - l a p .
A s o m , s . , e a r i. e . t h e c a v i t y o r i n n e r
part of the ear.
(fr. a s o a n d m u ) .
H e n c e is f o r m e d t h e c o m p o u n d :
A s o m - d y p , to h a v e peace, rest, tran
quillity, to b e u n d i s t u r b e d .
(fr. a s o m
a n d d y o ) .
A s o m d y r t , s. , quiet, tranquillity, peace,
f r e e d o m f r o m perturbation.
(fr.
a s o m - d y p ) .
A s o m f a n a , s. , a k i n d o f s w a l l o w ; it
h a s the epithet of k w e t a k i , which
is o f t e n j o i n e d to a s o m f a n a : a s o m f a n a - k w e t a k i .
A s o m e r o f i , s., fire-place, the place
w h e r e t h e fire is m a d e a n d f o o d is
cooked, hearth.
A s o m e n , s., ivory. - (fr. s o n n o a n d
a b e n ) .
A. s o n t o r o m , s . , t h e p a r t o f t h e h e a d
b e t w e e n the e y e a n d the ear, temples.
A. s o n , n u m . , s e v e n .
A s o f i h u m a , a., skin o f the elephant.
(fr. s o n n o a n d e f i h u m a ) .
A s o n k r o b i a , s., a red edible fruit
g r o w i n g in the w o o d .
A s o r r e d a f i , s., h o u s e o f p r a y e r , c h u r c h ,
chapel.
(fr. s o r r e a n d d a n ) .
A s o s i n , s., o n e w i t h o u t ears, w h o s e
e a r s a r e c u t off, cf. a n o s i n .
(fr.
a s o a n d sen).
A s o t i w , s. , deafness.
(fr. a s o a n d
t i w , p r o b . fr. t e w ) .
A s o v u a , s., u m b r e l l a , parasol, s y n . a k a taivna.
A s o e , s., resting-place , a p l a c e o n t h e
road, w h e r e the traveller stops to
rest.
(fr. s o e ) .
A s p a t e r e , s,, (pi. e n s p - ) shoe, boot;
a s p a t e r e t e n t e n , boot.
A s r S , s., snuff; s o m a s r a , to take
snuff.
A s r a t o a , s., (pi. e n s r . ) s n u f f - b o x .
(fr. a s r a a n d t o a).
A t u , s., w a t e r ; u s e d , h o w e v e r , o n l y in
the expression k o a s o , to fetch water,
prv. 9 5 ; cf. e n s u a n d su.
A s u b o n t e n , s, brook, stream, r i v e r .
(fr. s u
e n s u a n d a b o n t e n , prop.
water-road).
A s u b o n t e f i a n o , s, b a n k o f the river.
(fr. a s u b o n t e n a n d a n o ) .
A s u k o n k o n , s., ( p L e n s - ) a k i n d o f
bird living n e a r the w a t e r .
A s u m , s., (pi. e n s u m ) a p l a c e w h e r e
the w a t e r collects a n d w h e r e the
N e g r o e s f e t c h it, p r v . 3 2 .
A s u s o w , s. , the rainy season; also
a s n s o w - b e r r e .
A s e , s., bean.
A s e h i n n a , s., (pi. e n s - ) p o t f o r p a l m vine.
(fr. e n s a a n d a h i n n a ) .
A s e m , s., w o r d , talk, speech, saying, tale,
story, history; a s e m b o n n e , a b a d
w o r d , h a r d w o r d , prv. 8.
a s e m pa,
a g o o d word, g o o d counsel, joyful m e s
sage, judicious talk, prv. 181. 223.
a s e m h u n n u , idle talk
k a a s e m ,
to s p e a k , to d e l i v e r a s p e e c h , to tell a
tale; O n i m a s e m k a , h e is a n a b l e
speaker
p e bi a s e m , to H k e a per
son, to be d e v o t e d to him, e. g. O b a r -
1 5 1
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
r i m a n o p e o b o s o m a s e m , d a
a n o p a o b o a f o r r e m a n o , T h i s m a n
is d e v o t e d to the fetish, e v e r y m o r n i n g
he brings h i m a sacrifice
M im p e
n ' a s e m , / d o not like him, I will h a v e
nothing to do with him; N ' a t u t u p e
e n t i o b i a r a m p e n ' a s e m , on account
o f his quarrelsome disposition n o b o d y
will h a v e anything to do with him.
2. transaction in w o r d s , debate, litiga
tion, lawsuit; d i a s e m , to carry o n a
lawsuit, e. g. V o d i w o y o n k u h u
a s e m , a lawsuit is c a r r i e d o n against
y o u r friend, prv. 259; also to compose,
settle a litigation, p r v . 2 5 9 ; to j u d g e , cf.
s e n n i n i .
3. incidence, o c c u r r e n c e ,
prv. 257; concern, cause, matter; e n y e
m e h u a s i j m , it is n o c o n c e r n o f m i n e
A s e m n o n y e m e h u a s e m , o r
A s e m n o m f a m e h u b i r i b i , This
m a t t e r is n o c o n c e r n o f mine.
(per
h a p s fr. s e , to say'),
s e n , a,, the part of the b o d y w h e r e
t h e g a r m e n t is tied, the loins.
s e f i d u a , (., g a l l o w s , c r o s s , a t r e e o r
b e a m o n w h i c h malefactors are h a n g
ed.
(fr. s ? n a n d d u a , prop, h a n g tree).
s e w , s., fishing-net, s y n . b o a .
s 6, s., d r o p .
(fr. s o ) .
s 6 w , s., hoe, m a t t o c k .
t a , s. , twin, m a l e twin, t w i n - b r o t h e r ;
. pi, e n t a , twins.
( T a occurs in
c o m p o u n d s , s i g n i f y i n g d o u b l e " , cf.
e n k w a n t a , e n t u t a ) .
t a , s., (pi. e n t a ) female twin, twinsister.
(dim. of ata.)
t a d e , s. , (pi. e n t - ) c o a t , g o w n etc.
u s e d of a n y E u r o p e a n article of cloth
ing, m a d e so as to a n s w e r to the f o r m
of the b o d y ; c e a t a d e , to put o n a
coat etc.
y i a t a d e , to put off a
c o a t etc., cf. e n t a m a.
t a g y 6 , s , a b e a n - l i k e fruit, g r o w i n g
in the earth like the ground-nuts.
t a f i b d , s., sling.
(fr. t a n p e r h a p s
r = t o , v., a n d b o , stone).
t a s o , s., hip, thigh, s y n . d y o f i k u .
t e n k y e m a , a., epithet of the cat,
see a g i n a m o a .
1 5 2
A t e r r e , ., ( p i . e n t - ) s p o o n .
A t e t e w , a., torn, r a g g e d ; see t e t e w .
A t e w , a., light, clear, e. g. e v u m a t e w ,
clear s k y ; serene, placid, cheerful, e. g.
$ n i m a t e w , a c h e e r f u l f a c e ; -r- s e e
t e w .
A t i k o , s., l a n d - p a r t o f the h e a d .
A t i m i i m , s., l o n g hair, cf. s i w , v .
A t i r r e d i , s., fever.
A t y o r o a , s. , (pi. e n t y - ) pistot, s y u .
k o d i a w u a .
A t o d r u , s., g u n - p o w d e r .
(ir. t o a n d
a d r u ) .
A t o f o , s., a c u s h i o n w o r n b y t h e n e g r o w o m e n in their dress behind, distin
guishing their dress f r o m that of the
males.
A t o k o , s., a k i n d o f millet.
A t o m d e e , s., fish o r flesh o f a n y k i n d
o f w h i c h s o u p is m a d e .
(fr. t o m
a n d a d e , literally: things thai are
t h r o w n in),
A t o p e , s., hoe, mattock, prv. 1 9 3 ;
a n
obsolete w o r d , instead of w h i c h a s o w
is n o w used.
A t u r r a s e m , s., lie, f a l s e h o o d ; k a a t o r r a s e m , t o tell a lie.
(fr. a t o r r o
a n d a s e m ) .
A t o r r o c o n t r a c t e d a t r o , s., lie; d i
a t o r r o , t o lie.
A t o t e b o a , s., (pi. e n t - ) a n y a n i m a l
that lives o n the g r o u n d , not o n trees,
in contradistinction to s o r r o b o a .
(fr. t o t e a n d a b o a ) .
A t i a s e o , salutation to o n e sitting.
(fr. t r a s e ) .
A t r u k u k u , s., (pi. e n t - ) a k i n d of
dove.
A t u m p a n , s., (pi. e n t - ) t h e l a r g e t h i c k
d r u m of the n e g r o e s , different f r o m
b o m a, a l o n g e r but thinner d r u m ,
cf. a k y i n n e .
A t u t i i , s., quarret, strife, discord; di
a t u t u , to quarrel.
(fr. t u t u v.)
A t u t u p e , s., q u a r r e l s o m e n e s s , q u a r r e l
s o m e disposition.
(fr. a t u t u a n d pe).
A t w y $ , s., a kind o f beans, see a b o b o i .
A t e , s., c u s h i o n .
A u r a , a., mistress, lady.
(dim. of ura).
A v i n h i m a , ». , a species o f m o n k e y ,
also s o a.
A v i r i k w a w , s., (pi. e n v - ) the green
parrot.
A v i r r a v i r r e , a., rough, uneven.
A v i r r e h o , s., grief, affliction, p r v . 1 1 7 .
A v i r r e h d s e m , s., conversation, syn.
e n k o m o ; di a v i r r e h o s e m , to c o n
verse,
(fr. a v i r r e h o a n d a s e m
the e t y m o l o g i c a l m e a n i n g of the w o r d
b e i n g a w o r d o f grief, h e n c e confiden
tial c o n v e r s a t i o n in w h i c h t w o p e r s o n s
reciprocally c o m m u n i c a t e their grie
vances).
A v d , s., birth.
(fr. v o , to bear).
A v d , a., dry.
(see v o , to dry).
A v o d a , s., birth- day.
(fr. a v o
a n d da).
A v 6 w , s., cold; A v o w di m i , / a m
cold
A v o w a d i m ' e n s a , m y h a n d
is cold.
A v e , s,, friend, c o m r a d e ; s e e m s to b e
u s e d o n l y w h e n a person w a n t s to
call o n e of his acquaintances or equals,
w i t h o u t m a k i n g use of his n a m e ,
prv. 108.
A w u d i , s., m u r d e r , man-slauglder.
(fr. d i - a w u ) .
. .
A w u r i i , s., tortoise, syn. a k e k i r e .
(a c o m p o u n d , the qualifying c o m p o n e n t
o f w h i c h is p r o b a b l y f r o m a v o , drg,
denoting the tortoise as living o n land
in contradistinction to a p u h u r u ) .
B .
B a , v . , t o c o m e i. e . t o m o v e t o o r
t o w a r d s the place w h e r e the p e r s o n s
c o n c e r n e d are, in contradistinctiou o f
k o , to g o , prv. 17. 95. 1 9 1 , e. g.
O b e b a o k a n n a , he will c o m e to
m o r r o w
M i r e b a e m p r i n p r i n , /
a m coming presently.
M a b a k r u m
h a e m p e f i a b i e s a , I have c o m e three
t i m e s i n t o t h i s t o w n i. e . I h a v e b e e n
here three times
O s u r e b a , rain
i s c o m i n g i. e . i t i s g o i n g t o r a i n .
2. to h a p p e n , to take place, to arise,
e. g. A s e m b a , a n e v e n t h a p p e n s o r
a transaction takes place prv. 2 5 7 ; also
a l a w s u i t a r i s e s , a n d N ' a s e m b a , fiis
l a w s u i t a r i s e s i. e . h e i s i n v o l v e d i n a
l a w s u i t prv. 268.
3. b a w i t h t h e
p r e p , s o : to c o m e u p o n , to befall, to
o v e r t a k e , e. g. A k w a d u r r ' e n t i o h i a
a b a n o s o , through idleness poverty
has c o m e u p o n him.
4. w h e n c o n
n e c t e d w i t h the auxiliary v e r b d e or
f a , the m e a n i n g of b a turns c a u s a
t i v e : to b r i n g , e. g. O d e p o n k o a b a ,
h e has brought a horse
O n i p a o y e
b o n n e o d e a m a n n e b e b a n o so,
a m a n w h o does evil will bring affliction
u p o n himself
f a b e r a (imperative
o f b a ) bring, e. g. F a o g y a b e r a ,
bring fire
k o f a b e r a , fetch, e. g.
K o fa e n s u b e r a , fetch water.
In connection w i t h a n o t h e r verb, b a
is s o m e t i m e s used instead of a p r e p o
sition, m a r k i n g the direction of a
m o t i o n t o w a r d s the p e r s o n speaking,
a n d m a y then be r e n d e r e d in English
b y t h e p r e p , t o , e. g. O f i a c e m a m
o t o p o m , n a o g w a r r e b a e m p o a n o , he sprang f r o m the canoe into
the sea, a n d s w a m to the shore.
Observ. T h e r e are s o m e irregulari
ties in the conjugation of b a to b e
noticed. In the perfect tense of the
i n d i c a t i v e it h a s t h e r e g u l a r f o r m a b a ,
b u t a l s o b a i , e. g. V a b a e n n e , h e
has c o m e to-day, a n d E n a r r a n o obai,
h e c a m e yesterday;
thus also in the
s a m e ten^e of the negative: v a m m a
a n d o m b a i , h e is n o t c o m e e. g.
D e n e n t i n a o m b a i ? w h y is h e n o t
c o m e ? a n d W a m m a e n t e m e n n e ,
y o u h a v e n o t c o m e s o o n t o - d a g i. e . y o u
a r e c o m i n g late.
B a is t h e o n l y
v e r b also, that h a s a particular f o r m
for the imperative, viz. b e r a , come,
prv. 43;
f r o m this the potential also
t a k e s its f o r m s , t h e v o w e l a, h o w e v e r ,
b e i n g g e n e r a l l y c h a n g e d t o e , e. g.
O m m e r e , he shall come.
B a , s., ( o b a , pi. e m m a o r m m a ) child
i. e. o n e i n t h e l i n e o f f i l i a t i o n , a s o p
p o s e d to the parent (thereby distin
g u i s h e d f r o m a b o f r a ) : offspring, child,
1 5 3
son, daughter;
o b a b a r r i m a , son
o b a b e a , daughter.
,
B a , s., p e r s o n , c h i e f l y u s e d in c o n n e c
tion witb numerals, e.g. b a e n u , t w o
persons, prv. 103. 144.
B a a k o n , n u m . , o n e , single, cf. e k o ,
e. g. d u a b a a k o n , o n e t r e e ;
the
s a m e , e. g. d i d i b a a k o n , to e a t the
s a m e (food), prv. 235;
y e b a a k o n ,
to b e c o m e united, to a g r e e , e. g. Y e n t u m i n y e b a a k o f i , w e cannot agree.
W h e n u s e d substantively of a per
s o n , it t a k e s t h e a u g m e n t o : o b a a k o n ,
o n e person, a single individual, prv. 217.
(prob. a c o m p o u n d of the indefinite
p r o n o u n bi a n d a k o f i ;
in the As.
b iakofi).
B a b e s i a , s., (pi. m m a b e s i a ) w o m a n ;
syn. b e a , w h i c h is m o r e f r e q u e n t l y
used.
B a e n s o n , a., high; s e e m s to b e a l m o s t
obsolete, t e n t e n b e i n g u s e d instead.
B a g w a f o , s., p e r s o n s m e t together,
the elders m e t in council.
B a i f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) s o r c e r e r , witch,
h a g ; s y n . a y e n , cf. b e n i n y e n a n d
b a y e n .
(fr. b a y i ) .
B a y e r e , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
B a y i , s., ( o b - ) s o r c e r y , witchcraft; cf.
a b a y i g o r r o .
B a y e n , s., ( o b - pi. m m S y e n J witch,
h a g , cf. b a i f o .
(fr. b e a a n d ay?fi).
B a k a , s., (pi. m m a k a ) lake.
B a k 6 n , s., wrist.
(fr. b a = b a s a
a n d k o n , neck).
B a m , v., to embrace, to p u t one's a r m s
r o u n d a person, as in the act of w e l
c o m i n g (syn. y o e t u ) or in fighting.
2. intr. to b e fulfilled, e. g. N e d a i
a b a m , his d r e a m is fulfilled, h a s c o m e
to pass.
(fr. b a a n d m u ) .
B a m m a , s., the projecting l o w e r part
of the w a l l in negro-houses.
B a n a n a , s., (pi. m m a n a n a ) g r a n d
son, g r a n d -daughter.
(fr. b a a n d
n a n a ) .
B a n t o n i , s., ( o b - pi. a b a n t o f o ) m a
son, bricklayer.
(fr. a b a n a n d to).
B a f i , s., t h e f e n c e r o u n d t h e y a r d o f a
2 0
1 5 4
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
n e g r o -house, usually m a d e of p a l m branches.
a n , s., ( o b - pi. m m a n ) string o f c o w
r i e s , i. e. 4 0 c o w r i e s , a b o u t o n e p e n n y
w o r t h , cf. e n t r a m a .
a n k y e , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) m a n i o c - r o o t ,
cassada, cassavi, syn. d u a d e .
a f i k u , s., a k i n d o f f o o d p r e p a r e d o f
Indian corn, a n d c o m m o n l y eaten w h e n
t h e y a m is scarce.
a r r i m a , s., ( o b - p l . m m a r r i m a ) m a n ,
male, often a d d e d to other substan
tives b y w a y of apposition, to denote
the m a l e sex, e.g. a b o f r a b a r r i m a ,
a m a l e child, a b o y , cf. b e a.
2. m a n ,
including the idea of strength a n d
b r a v e r y , hero, prv. 217.
3. friend,
i n this s e n s e it a p p e a r s t o h a v e t h e
plural a b a r r i m a , prv. 97.
a s a , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) a r m ;
connected
w i t h d u a , it m e a n s b r a n c h , s e e d u a b a s a ;
in o t h e r c o m p o u n d s it o c c u r s
in t h e s h o r t e n e d f o r m b a , cf. b a k o n ,
b a t y o w , m e t i .
a s a k o k o m , s,, t h e i n n e r p a r t o f t h e
a r m at the joint of the e l b o w .
(fx.
b a s a a n d k o k o m ) .
a s a k u r a m , s., t h e u p p e r p a r t o f t h e
a r m , f r o m the shoulder to the e l b o w .
a t a , s., trade, traffic, c o m m e r c e ; d i
b a t a , to trade; O d i e n t a m a b a t a ,
he deals in cloth.
a t a , v., to he close to, to adjoin, to
lean against, e. g. D u a b a t a b o e y e
t y a n a , a piece o f w o o d that leans
against a stone, will bear a stroke,
prv. 69.
a t a f o , s., (pi. m m a t a f o ) w i l d boar.
a t a f o s e , s., b o a r ' s tusk, p r v . 147.
a t a k a r i , s., w a r - d r e s s , a dress, like
a shirt w i t h o u t collar a n d sleeves,
w o r n b y persons of r a n k w h e n g o i n g
to w a r ; also the dress of the M o h a m
m e d a n s .
a t a n i , s., ( o b - pi. a b a t a f o ) m e r c h a n t ,
t r a d e s m a n ; syn. g w a d i f o .
(fr.
b a t a ) .
a t a n , s., ( o b - pi. m m s t a n ) a w o m a n
that has children, mother, ( b a t a n a
m o t h e r is called in contradistinction
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
to other females, but e n n a as parent,
as o p p o s e d to the children;
fr. b t
= b e a a n d t a n cf. a k o k o t ^ t n ) .
a t y 6 w , s., e l b o w .
(fr. b a b a s a
a n d t y o w p e r h a p s the s a m e as
t w y fa).
e a , s., ( o b e a pi. m m e a ) w o m a n ,
female;
l i k e b a r r i m a it is f r e
quently j o i n e d to other n a m e s of per
sons b y w a y of apposition, to m a r k
t h e s e x , e. g. a b o f r a b e a , girl
o b a b e a , daughter
n u a b e a , sis
ter etc.
syn. b a b e s i a .
e a g w a m a n , s. , ( o b - pi. m m e e n g w a m a n ) whore, harlot, prostitute.
(fr. b e a a n d a g w a m a n ) .
e b r e b e , n u m . a n d adv., m u c h , v e r y
m u c h , t o o m u c h , e. g. O d i d i b e b r e b e ,
he eats v e r y m u c h or too m u c h - W o k u s a o d e b e b r e b e , y o u roast the
y a m too much, prv. 246;
w h e n re
ferred to a v e r b in t h e n e g a t i v e , it
m e a n s ( n o t ) e n o u g h , e. g. E f i k e k y e
e n t i o n n i d i b e b r e b e , f r o m avarice
he does not eat enough.
(fr. b e b r i
b y reduplication).
e b r i , n u m . , m u c h , m a n y , e. g. E n s u
b e b r i , m u c h water
n n u a b e b r i ,
m a n y trees
O k a s a b e b r i , he talks
m u c h ;
s o m e t i m e s the final v o w e l
is l e n g t h e n e d for t h e s a k e o f g i v i n g
m o r e e m p h a s i s t o it : b e b r I , v e r y m u c h ,
a great m a n y .
( p e r h a p s fr. b i b y
reduplication a n d terminational a u g
mentation).
e n , v . , to p a i n , to a c h e , e. g. M e ti
b e n m i , m y h e a d aches, prv. 175.
2. perf. a b e f i , to b e sufficiently boiled,
c o o k e d , t o b e d o n e , e . g . N a m n o a b e fi,
y i f i k u t u m , t h e m e a t is d o n e , t a k e
it o u t o f t h e p o t .
e n i n y e n , s., ( o b - p l . a b - ) m a g i c i a n ,
sorcerer, charmer.
(fr. b e n i n =
b a r r i m a , a w o r d of the Fante-dialect,
a n d a y e n ) .
e p o , s,, m o u n t a i n .
e p o w a , s., a s m a l l m o u n t a i n , hill.
(dim. of b e p o ) .
e r a , v., see ba.
e r a b o , s., (pi. m m e r a b o ) liver.
B e r a n , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) a strong, stout B
m a n ; prv. 89.
(appears to b e another B
f o r m of b a r r i m a ) .
B e r a p a i , s. , t h e w i c k e t in t h e f e n c e
w h i c h separates the y a r d of a negroh o u s e f r o m the street, syn. a b o b o .
B e r e , v . , to b r i n g ; e. g. O b e r e m i B
o g y a , he b r o u g h t m e fire
K o f a B
o g y a b e r e m , b r i n g m e fire.
(a
k i n d r e d f o r m to b a or b e r a ) .
B
B e r e m p 6 n , s . , ( o b - pi. m m e r e m p o n )
a weallhy, great man.
(fr. b e r e m
b a r r i m a a n d pofi, the latter o c
c u r r i n g in c o m p o u n d s o n l y , cf. N y a n k u p o n ) .
B e r r e , v., to ripen, prv. 2 3 0 ;
m o r e
f r e q u e n t in t h e p e r f . a b e r r e 1. to b e
red, reddish, of the eyes, w h i c h are
r e d f r o m w e e p i n g , f r o m a n g e r prv. 98,
f r o m age, f r o m d r u n k e n n e s s etc., e.g.
W a s u e n t i w o e n i a b e r r e , y o u Aave
wept, hence y o u r eyes are r e d
O n ip a
n o y ? a k o k o r a , n ' e n i m a p o m p r o n n a n ' e n i a b e r r e , h e is a n o l d
m a n , his f a c e is w r i n k l e d a n d his e y e s ,
a r e red;
h e n c e 2. to be ripe, o f fruits '
g r o w i n g a b o v e g r o u n d (cf. b o ) , e. g
K w a d u n o a b e r r e , k o t y a , the
b a n a n a is r i p e , g o a n d c u t it d o w n
A k u t u n o ' m m e r r e y e (negative)
m a n ' e n t r a d u a s o , the o r a n g e is
n o t r i p e , l e a v e it o n t h e t r e e , cf. p r v 77. 218.
B e r r e , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) f e m a l e , is e s p e
cially j o i n e d to n a m e s of a n i m a l s to
m a r k the f e m a l e sex, e. g. n a n t y u b e r r e , a c o w
a k o k o b e r r e , a
h e n , cf. n i n i .
B e r r e , s., ( e b e r r e ) time, e . g . E b e r r e
o t e a s e n o , in the time w h e n he lived
E b e r r e n o v a v o a b o f r a n o ,
m a n s o v o y e n ni E f i k r a n f o e n t e m
at the lime w h e n this b o y w a s born,
there w a s w a r between us a n d the
Accra-people,
2. s e a s o n , t h u s in t h e
c o m p o u n d s a s u s o w b e r r e , the rainy
season
p e b e r r e , the d r y season.
3. in c o m p o u n d s it o c c u r s a l s o in t h e
m e a n i n g o f p l a c e , cf. d a b e r r e , t r a - 1
b e r r e .
I
1 5 5
e r r e b u , s., nest, bird's nest, p r v . 1 9 1 .
e r r e k u , s., ( o b - pi. ab-) a b i r d o f
the size of a pigeon, of l i g h t - b r o w n
colour, a n d crying similar to a cuckoo,
being h e a r d frequently at night in
the w o o d s .
e r e , v., s e e b r e .
e r 6 w , s., the leaves o f the palm-tree
prv. 76.
i, pr.ind., (obi, e b i ) some, a n y , s o m e
body, a n y b o d y , something, anything. It
takes the a u g m e n t o or e w h e n not
preceded b y a n o t h e r w o r d in close
c o n n e c t i o n w i t h it, t h e f o r m e r ( o b i ) ,
w h e n referring to a person, the latter
( e b i ) , w h e n referring to a thing. It
is e m p l o y e d either a s a n a d j e c t i v e o r
substantive p r o n o u n .
1. W h e n a n a d j e c t i v e p r o n o u n , it
m e a n s s o m e or any, but m a y frequently
b e r e n d e r e d b y the indefinite article
a o r a n , s o m e t i m e s b y a n o t h e r , e. g.
E n t r a m a b i v o h o a n a ? Y u , e b i
v o w o a d a k a m , are there a n y c o w ries there? yes, there are s o m e in y o u r
b o x , O b a r r i m a b i a b a h a , o b e m a w o a k y e , a m a n has c o m e hither
to p a y his respects to y o u
M ik o m a n
bi m a b a , I w e n t to another t o w n a n d
have returned.
2. W h e n a s u b s t a n t i v e p r o n o u n , it
m e a n s s o m e b o d y , a n y b o d y , something,
anything, but m a y often b e r e n d e r e d
b y a person, part, a quantity a n d simi
l a r w o r d s , e. g. O b i f r e w o , s o m e
b o d y calls y o u
O b i t a n w o - a, o b o
w ' a b o a , if a n y b o d y hates y o u , he will
beat y o u r animals, prv. 251
O b i d o
w ' a n a , o s e r r e w o h u a d e , if a n y
body loves you, or a person w h o loves
y o u will beg o f you, prv. 6 8
W o t o
a d u r - a , e b i k a w ' a n o , if y o u lay
poison, s o m e (or p a r Q will touch y o u r
m o u t h , prv. 2.
W o n i m di-a, di bi,
n a n n i ' n i a r a , if y o u c a n eat, eat a
q u a n t i t y , b u t d o n o t e a t all.
In n e g a
t i v e s e n t e n c e s it m u s t g e n e r a l l y b e
translated b y nobody, nothing, n o n e etc,
t h e n e g a t i o n , w h i c h in O j i is e x p r e s s e d
b y the f o r m of the verb, b e i n g trans
1 5 6
f e r r e d in E n g l i s h t o t h e p r o n o u n , e. g.
O b i n t o n a n t y u n a m o n , n o b o d y
will buy the footsteps of a bullock, prv.
6 6
O k y e n ' e m f e f o i n i a r a a d e ,
n a o m m a m bi, he gave presents to
all his friends, but he g a v e m e nothing.
It m a y often b e r e n d e r e d also b y
another, a n o t h e r m a n etc., m o r e parti
c u l a r l y i n s e n t e n c e s w h e r e it c o r r e l a t i v e l y o c c u r s t w i c e , e. g. W o n k o b i
a f u m d & , i f y o u never w e n t into another
man's plantation, prv. 1 2 - O b i n k y e r r e bi n s e : t o e n k y i n n e di, n o
b o d y will say to another person: b u y
sall a n d eat, p r v . 2 9 cf. 41. 5 4 etc.
O f bi the plural b in o m occurs, t h o u g h
but a limited use s e e m s to be m a d e
o f it, e. g. M m o a b e b r i t e a s a s e
so, e b i n o m e n s o te e n s u m , m a n y
animals live o n land, s o m e also live in
the water.
W h e n standing at the
e n d o f a s e n t e n c e , it h a s s o m e t i m e s
a n e added, e.g. O m m u a m i h u hie,
he gave m e n o a n s w e r , (literally he
a n s w e r e d m e nothing').
B i a k o f o , s., ( o b i a k - ) a single p e r s o n
a single individual, a p e r s o n alone w i t h
o u t c o m p a n i o n s , prv. 204.
(fr. b i a k o n , i n t h e A s . t h e s a m e a s b a a k o fi
in the A k w . , a n d the suffix fo),
B i a r a , pr. ind., (taking the a u g m e n t s
o or e b y the s a m e rules as bi: o bi
a r a a n d e b i a r a ) any, anybody, a n y
thing, substantially the s a m e as bi,
b u t w i t h increased p o w e r of generali
z a t i o n , e. g. S i k a a d y u m a b i a r a
n y e a n i w u , a n y w o r k f o r g o l d is n o
shame, prv. 179
O b i a r a o m a n e h u
s o , v o b e b r e n' a s e , a n y b o d y w h o
exalls himself will be abased.
(fr. b i
a n d ara).
B i b i c e f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) a d i e r w h o
dies cotton-yarn or cloth w i t h a d a r k
blue.
(fr. b i b i
b i b i r i a n d ce,
b y the suffix fo).
B i b i n i , s. , ( o b - pi. a b i b i f o ) n e g r o ,
M a c k m a n , African.
(fr. b i b i , deri
v a t i v e o f b i r r i, to b e d a r k , a n d t h e
suffix ni).
B i b i ri , s., c o t t o i i - y a r n d i e d w i t h a d a r k -
blue colour;
originally the darkblue c o l o u r itself, a n d h e n c e the t e r m
c ? bibiri, to die with a dark-blue,
see ce.
(fr. b i r r i , t h e primitive
m e a n i n g being dark).
B i n , s., dirt, d u n g , e x c r e m e n t , prv. 39.
(fr. birri).
B i o , adv., again, e.g. O k a n n a o b e b a
b i o , t o m o r r o w he will c o m e again;
in n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e s it m a y often b e
r e n d e r e d b y m o r e , e. g . O g y a w m i
n a m i n h i i n o b i 5 , h e left m e a n d I
s a w him n o m o r e
M e ta a s a , m i n i
b i b i o , m y t o b a c c o is g o n e , I h a v e n o
m o r e o f it.
( p r o b . fr. b i b y terminational a u g m e n t a t i o n ) .
B i r i , v., see birri.
B i r i b i , pr. ind., something, in negative
s e n t e n c e s nothing, e. g. M a y e n b i r i b i
y e n y e , give us something to do
B i r i b i ni w o e n s ^ m - a , e m m u a n o ,
if there is n o t h i n g in y o u r h a n d , y o u
s h o u l d n o t s h u t it, p r v . 2 2
B i r i b i
e n k y e n o g y a k o k o , t h e r e is n o t h i n g
so r e d as fire, prv. 28.
(fr. b i b y
reduplication a n d a u g m e n t a t i o n ) .
B i r i b i a r a , pr. ind., anything, in negative
s e n t e n c e s nothing, n o t h i n g at all, e. g.
O n s e b i r i b i a r a , he said nothing at
a M
E n y e b i r i b i a r a n a e y e tarn,
it w a s n o t h i n g b u t a g a r m e n t .
(fr.
b i r i b i a n d ara).
B i r i s i , s., d a r k - b l u e cotton- cloth.
(fr. b i r r i ) .
B i r r i o r b i r i , v. intr., to b e d a r k , black,
e. g. A d e s a o k o k o b i r i , a t n i g h t
e v e n a r e d m a n is b l a c k , p r v . 2 0 9 ;
h e n c e 2. to get dirty, a n d in t h e p e r
fect tense to be dirty, e. g. N e t a m
a b i r r i , his d r e s s is dirty, cf. p r v . 1 9 9 ;
tr. to m a k e dirty, to soil, e. g. V a b i r r i n e t a m , he has soiled his dress.
B i s a , v., to ask, to question, e . g . O b i s a
m i s e m i k o h e , he a s k e d m e w h e r e
I w a s going.
2. to inquire, to m a k e
inquirg about s o m e t h i n g , e. g. E n s u
f a K r a m o - a , v o m m i s a t a ' a d u r a d e ,
w h e n a M o h a m m e d a n is d r o w n e d , t h e r e
is n o inquiry m a d e a b o u t his d r e s s , p r v .
9 6 cf. 9 5 ;
b i s a n e h u , to a s k a d
1 5 7
ciation
b o m r a f i , to give a n epithet
vice, e. g. M i k o b i s a m e h o , k o y i
b o d i n , to p r o n o u n c e the n a m e s
m e tirri m u s u , l a m going to ask
i. e. t h e q u a l i t i e s o f a p e r s o n , h e n c e
advice (viz. of the fetish ), that I m a y
O b o ne. d i n p a , he p r o n o u n c e d his
get rid o f m y trouble.
3. to a s k for,
g o o d n a m e s i. e . h e p r a i s e d h i m , a n d
to b e g ( s y n . s e r r e ) , e. g. O b i s a m i
O b o n e d i n b o n n e , he p r o n o u n c e d
a k u t u , he asked m e for a n orange.
h i s b a d n a m e s i. e. h e b l a s p h e m e d h i m .
B o , v. tr., 1. to strike, to k n o c k , to beat,
6. w i t h t h e p r e p , m u : to dip, e. g.
to lot, e. g. O b o a b e r r i k i , h e beats
a goat, prv. 78, 251.
A b o f r a yi
M i d e a s a w a m i b o e n g o m , / a m
a b o m (instead o f a b o m i ) , this b o y
d i p p i n g c o t t o n i n oil.
has beaten m e
O d e b o o b o k r a m a n
intr., 1. to m o v e vehemently, h e n c e to
n ' e n i b a a k o f i , he hit the dog's eye
strike, to s o u n d , to b l o w etc., e. g. o d o n
with a stone
b o d o n , t o s t r i k e i. e .
b o , the clock strikes, also the bell rings
to ring the bell
b o s e n k u , to strike
e m f r a m a b o , the w i n d blows
i. e . t o p l a y o n t h e g u i t a r .
2. to fasten
a i v u a b o , the s u n shines vehemently,
b y b e a t i n g o r p u t t i n g o n , to tie on,
burns.
2. to be f a s t e n e d on, to adhere,
e.g. V a b o n o d u a m , theg have fast
to stick, e. g. O d o m a n i n t i b o a k y i n e n e d h i m to the block, cf. d u a
M i d e
n e h a , the war-chief's skull sticks o n
a h i n e m a b o m ' e n s a , / h a v e lied a
the d r u m , prv. 214.
3. to b r e a k , to
string o f pearls r o u n d m y wrist
h e n c e
g o to r u i n , e. g. a h i n n a b o , t h e p o t
the expression b o a b o f r a b o , to carry
breaks
o m a n b o , the t o w n is g o i n g
a c h i l d o n t h e a r m s o a s t o m a k e it
to ruin, prv. 1 2 0
e n i r e b o , the eye
l e a n a g a i n s t o n e ' s c h e s t , s e e b o , s.
is g o i n g to ruin, p r v . 196.
4. to ripen,
3. to b r e a k b y b e a t i n g , to shatter, to
especially in the perfect tense: a b o ,
dash, e.g. b o a h i n n a, to break a pot,
to be ripe, u s e d o f edible roots, n o t o f
prv. 9 2
A b o f r a b o e f i v a w n a
fruits g r o w i n g a b o v e g r o u n d , cf.
o r a m o a k e k i r e , a child m a y break
b e r r e , e . g . o d e a b o , the y a m is ripe
a snail b u t n o t a tortoise, prv. 3.
4.
e n k a t i e a b o , the ground-nuts are
to p r o d u c e b y b e a t i n g a n d h e n c e g e n e r
ripe;
in t h e n e g a t i v e e m b o i , is
ally to m a k e , to create, e.g. b o a s o w ,
n o t ripe, o d e m b o i , the y a m is n o t
to m a k e o r f o r g e a h o e
b o d a , to
ripe.
m a k e or dig a grave
b o a m o a , to B o , s., ( o b o pi. a b o ) stone. T o b o in
m a k e a hole, a ditch
b o t o k r n , to
this sense the t w o f o l l o w i n g c o m
m a k e a hole
b o e n k o n o f i , to sink
p o u n d s , it s e e m s , m u s t b e r e f e r r e d :
ashaft
b o k w a f i f o f o r o , to m a k e
B
o - y e - d e n or b o - e d e n , tobedear,
a n e w p a t h
b o k w a f i fita, to level
e. g. O t a m n o n e b o - e d e f i , this
the path
N y a f i k u p o f i a b o a d e ,
s
t u f f is d e a r .
(fr. d e n , hard).
G o d h a s c r e a t e d t h e t h i n g s i. e . t h e w o r l d
B o - y e - m e r o w or b o - e m e r p w , to
N y a n k u p o f i a b o n n a e n s o f i ,
be cheap.
(fr. m e r o w , soft).
G o d h a s m a d e seven days.
5. h a v i n g
b o
a n a b s t r a c t s u b s t a n t i v e f o r its o b j e c t : B o , b. , chest, breast, syn. k o k o ;
a b o f r a b o , see b o v.
H e n c e the
to do, to m a k e , to commit, o r b o t o g e t h e r
f o l l o w i n g c o m p o u n d s :
w i t h t h e abstract substantive m a y b e
r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y o n e w o r d , e. g.
B o . a d y 6 , to be in a tranquil state o f
v a w , cough, b o v a w , to c o u g h
b o
mind, to be composed, content, happy.
c u r e m a , to whistle
b o k r o n n o ,
(fr. d y o p r o p , the b r e a s t is
to c o m m i t a theft o r robbery, to r o b
cooled).
b o m u s u , todomischief
b o e k a w ,
B o - a t o in the p h r a s e M e b o a t o m e
to m a k e debts
b o b o s i a , to b o r r o w
y e m the s a m e as M ' a k u m a a t o
m o n e y
b o a s a f o , to f o r m a n asso
m e y e m , / a m contented, happy.
1 5 8
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
(fr. t o = t o , p r o p , the breast is laid
i. e . m a d e t r a n q u i l ) .
B o - b u , to get out of breath, M e b o a b u , / a m out o f breath.
(fr. b n ,
prop, the breast breaks).
B o - f u , to get a n g r y , N e b o - a f u mi,
h e is a n g r y w i t h m e , cf. a b u f u .
(fr. fu, prop, the breast g r o w s or
p e r h a p s swells).
B o - t u , to get perplexed, to get into
consternation, a n d b o - a t u , to be in
consternation, not k n o w i n g w h a t to
d o ; cf. a b u t u s e m .
fr. t u , p r o p .
the b r e a s t is t o r n u p ) .
o , v., to drink immoderately; o n l y in
the p h r a s e : b o e n s a, to drink m u c h
spirits, to get d r u n k
v a b o e n s a,
h e is d r u n k .
(a s e c o n d a r y f o r m of
b o v.).
o a , v . , to lie, tell a lie;
w o m m o a
o r w o m m o a k o r a , y o u d o n o t lie,
it is t r u e , is f r e q u e n t l y u s e d , l i k e a m p a , in confirmation of w h a t s o m e
b o d y says.
o a , s. , (pi. m m o a ) b u n d l e , parcel,
p a c k e t , e. g. e n k y i n n e b o a , a p a r c e l
o f sall
n n a d e w a b o a , a parcel o f
nails, cf. p r v . 2 2 2 .
o a , s. , fishing - net ; m o r e f r e q u e n t
a s e w .
o a f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b-) helper, assistant,
s u p p o r t e r , e. g. N y a n k u p o n y e m e
b o a f o , G o d is m y s u p p o r t .
(fr.
b u a j .
o - a n o or b o a b o - a n o , v., to gather,
to collect, to a s s e m b l e , e. g. 0 b o e n k r o f o a n o , he gathered the people.
o b a , s., g r i n d i n g - s t o n e , a s t o n e o f o v a l
form, b y m e a n s of w h i c h the n e g r o e s
grind the corn o n a larger stone called
v u a m o , syn. v u a m o b a .
(fr. b o
a n d b a , dim. of bo).
o b e , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) a s p e c i e s o f w i l d
vine g r o w i n g in the African w o o d s .
o b i r i , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) a s p e c i e s o f
antelope , of d a r k colour , called
also v u .
o b o , v. frq. of b o , to beat or k n o c k
r e p e a t e d l y , h e n c e 1. to roll u p , e. g.
M i b o b o m e k e t e , / a m rolling m y
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
m a t u p - O v o b o b o n e h u , the snake
is rolling itself up.
2) to b r e a k (to
m a n y pieces, or m a n y things simul
t a n e o u s l y ) to s h a t t e r , e. g. b o b o e n k u k u , to break pots;
h e n c e in g e n e r a l
to destroy, to demolish, e.g. E m f r a m a
b o b o c e n , the w i n d destroys ships.
o d a m , v., to b e c o m e m a d , perf. v a b o d a m , h e is m a d , p r v . 125. 255.
o d a m f o , s., ( o b - pi. m m o d a m f o )
m a d - m a n .
(fr. b o d a m a n d t h e s u f
fix fo).
o d 6 m , s., (ob-) epithet of the d o g ,
see k r a m a n .
o d d m , s., a k i n d o f c o r a l s , cf. a h i n n e.
o - d i i a , v., to curse, e. g. N y a n k u
p o n a b o a s a s e d u a , G o d h a s c u r s e d
the earth.
o e n s u , s., ( o b - pi. m m o e n s u ) w h a l e .
(fr. b o a n d e n s u , cf. b o - g u ) .
o e n s u a , s., drinking-vessel, c a l a b a s h
used as such.
(fr. b o o r p e r h a p s
b <5 a n d e n s u ) .
o f o . s . , ( o b - pi. ab-) spoiler, destroyer,
mischievous person, miscreant, prv. 245.
(fr. a b o r r o a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
o - f e , v., to w o u n d , to hurt, to b e a t
o n e so as to inflict a w o u n d , e. g.
O b o n o fe, he w o u n d e d him.
o g y e s ? , s., beard.
(cf. a b o g y e ) .
o g y e s e p u t u , s., w h i s k e r s .
o - g u , v . , to s p o u t , e. g. O b o e n s u
b o e n s u , g u s o r r o , the whale spouts
w a t e r into the air.
(a c o m b i n a t i o n
of the t w o verbs b o ,
beat, a n d g u ,
to p o u r , so as to express o n e i d e a :
t o p o u r b e a t i n g i. e. t o p o u r w i t h v i o
lence, h e n c e to spout).
o g w a , v . , l i t e r a l l y : t o m a k e s e a t i. e .
to sit d o w n t o g e t h e r i n c o u n c i l , to i n
stitute a councit, a n d perf. a b o g w a ,
to hold a council, u s e d of the elders
of a t o w n w h o a s s e m b l e for delibera
t i n g o n p u b l i c affairs, e. g . E m p a n y i n n e f o a b o g w a v o a b o n t e f i
s o , the elders hold a council m the
street.
(fr. b o a n d a g w a ) .
o h a , s. , ( o b - pi. m m o h a ) s h e a t h ,
scabbard, case for a knife or s w o r d ,
prv. 73.
B o i v u r $ w , s., (pi. a b - ) nail (of the
finger or toe): also v u r o w .
B o k o , a., often doubled: b o k o b 6 k o ,
and s o m e t i m e s the last v o w e l m a d e
long: b o k o b o k o ,
soft, e.g. e n t a m a b 6 k o , soft stuff; also effeminate,
feeble; syn. b e t e a n d m e r o w .
B o - k o n t o n k r o n , v., to g o r o u n d s o m e
thing, w i t h t h e p r e p , h u , e. g. b o d a n
h u k o n t o f i k r o n , to go r o u n d a house;
also t y a - k o n t o n k r o n .
(cf. k o n
t o f i k r o n a n d b o v. tr. 5).
B o - k r o n n o , v., to rob, ( w i t h the p e r
son a s object, b u t v u a , to steal, w i t h
t h e t h i n g a s o b j e c t ) ; e. g. O b o n o
k r o n n o v o k w a f i s o , h e r o b b e d h i m
on the road.
B o - k u , v., to heap, to put in heaps, e.g.
O b o e n t r a m a k u g u h o , he put
the cowries in heaps.
B o m , v., to t h u n d e r ; is n o t u s e d i m p e r
sonally as in English, b ut the custo
m a r y expressions are: o s u b o m , the
rain or the cloud thunders
o p r a n n a
b o m , the tempest thunders
N y a f i k u p o n b o m , G o d ox the s k y thunders.
(fr. b o a n d m u ) .
B o m , s. , ( o b - pi. a b - ) a s m a l l r o u n d
pot, in w h i c h the p a l m - w i n e distilling
f r o m t h e tree is c a u g h t u p ; syn. a s e h i n n a .
B o m a , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) d r u m viz. a
particular kind of d r u m , l o n g b u t c o m
p a r a t i v e l y t h i n , cf. a k y i n n e a n d
a t u m p a n .
B o m m o f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) hunter,
sports-man.
( p e r h a p s fr. b o v. a n d
m m o a , plural of a b o a , f o r m e d b y
the suffix fo).
B o n y u m a , s., bile, gall.
B o n n e , a., b a d , evil, w i c k e d , e . g . a b o a
b o n n e , a b a d i. e . a w i l d a n d d a n
gerous animal
a s e m b o n n e , b a d
i. e . h a r d o r u n k i n d w o r d s , p r v . 8 .
o h i n n e b o n n e , a w i c k e d prince, prv.
186.
s. , evit, sin, e. g. M a y o b o n n e , /
h a v e d o n e evil, I h a v e s i n n e d
O d y o nn e b o n n e v o n ' a k u m a m , he m e
ditates evil in his heart
V a f a m e
1 5 9
b o n o ' a k y e m i , he has forgiven m e
m y sins.
B o n n e v o n n e , s . , b a y o n e t ;also b o n n e v d r r e .
B o n u k y e r r e f o, s., epithet o f t h e
large d r u m , the b o m a , prv. 82.
B o n , v., to c r o w ,
A k o k o n i n i bofi
or a k o k o b o n , the cock crows, prv.
41. 162.
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m of bo).
B o n , v., to stink, prv. 181 ; u s u a l l y w i t h
h u (see h u s.) a s g r a m m a t i c a l s u b
ject: n e h u b o n , he stinks, prv. 21.
139.
B o n , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) hole, cave, d e n
of animals , as of ants , prv. 21 ; of a
w i l d beast prv. 177;
2. valley, e.g.
B e p o a b i e n y i e n t e m o b o n d a m ,
b e t w e e n t h e s e t w o m o u n t a i n s is a valley.
B 6 n k a , s., ( o b- pi. a b - ) gutter, f u r r o w ,
ravine f o r m e d b y water, syn. s u k a .
B o - p a , v . , to hire, e. g. M a b o a d y u m a f o p a , / have hired labourers;
if p a f o is t h e o b j e c t , p a is left o u t
a n d o n l y b o u s e d : b o a p a f o , to hire
people, labourers.
B o r e , s., v e n o m o f s n a k e s .
B 6 r r e , s., a k i n d o f v e n o m o u s s n a k e s .
B o r r o , v., to beat, hence: 1) to beat,
to v a n q u i s h , to s u b d u e , e. g . A t y p
a b i e n b o r r o v u , t w o small antelopes
will beat a big one, prv. 105.
2) to
smoothe w a s h e d clothes b y beating
t h e m w i t h the a b r o b a .
3) to bathe,
e. g. b o r r o a s u b o n t e n , to bathe in
the river
b o r r o p o , to bathe in the
sea.
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m of b o ) .
B o s i a , s., loan o f m o n e y ; b o b o si a,
to lend m o n e y a n d to b o r r o w m o n e y ,
e. g. M i k o b o b o s i a , / a m g o i n g to
b o r r o w m o n e y
O b o m i b o s i a
m m a n e d u , he lent m e ten strings o f
cowries.
B o s o m , s. , ( o b - pi. a b - ) i m a g i n a r y
spirits w o r s h i p p e d b y the negroes,
generally called fetishes b y the E u r o
peans.
B o s u , s., ( o h - ) d e w ; O b o s u a t o , d e w
has fallen.
B o t a , s., a y e l l o w k i n d o f c o r a l s , t h e
m o s t c o s t l y o f all, cf. a h i n n e .
1 6 0
B o t r o b o d y o , a., tepid, l u k e w a r m , e n s u
b o t r o b o d y o , l u k e w a r m water.
B r a f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) e x e c u t i o n e r .
B r a w , s., s w o o n , f a i n t i n g f i t ( i n d i s e a s e ,
cf. p i t i a n d t y a r r e ) ; t o b r a w , to
faint.
B r o , occurs o n l y in c o m p o u n d s , indica
ting that a t h i n g is f r o m E u r o p e o r
o f E u r o p e a n o r i g i n , s e e e. g. a b r o b u a , a b r o g w a , a b r o n u m a , a b r o b e n , a b r o b e etc.; also the deriva
tives b r o n n i a n d a b r o w a are f o r m e d
o f it.
B r o , v., to beat; O b r o m i , he beat m e ;
O s u b r o d a n s o , the r a i n is b e a t i n g
o n the roof.
(a contraction of b o r r o,
a n d s e c o n d a r y f o r m of b o ) .
B r O d e , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) plantain.
B r o d e d u a , s., ( o b - pi. a b r o d e n n u a )
the plantain-tree.
B r o d e s i , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) t h e s t u m p
o f a p l a n t a i n - t r e e c u t off, f r o m w h i c h
a n e w tree g r o w s .
(fr. b r o d e a n d
s i p r o b . fr. s i n )
B r o d u a , s . , (pi. m m o r o d u a ) the plant
or stalk of the Indian corn, also a
c o n e of Indian corn picked of the
grains.
(fr. a b r o a n d d u a ) .
B r o f e r r e , s , (pi. a b-) a tropical fruit,
the p a p a w .
B r o f e r r e d u a , s., the p a p a w - t r e e .
B r o f o t e f o , s., ( o b r - pi. a b r - ) o n e
u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d s p e a k i n g a E u r o
p e a n language, prv. 84.
(fr. b r o f o
see b r o n n i a n d te, to tiear, u n d e r
stand).
B r o f u a , s., a grain o f Indian corn.
(fr. b r o = a b r o , a n d f u a , t h e l a t t e r
occurring only in c o m p o u n d s , signi
fying single).
B r o m , s., ( o b r - pi. a b r - ) a k i n d of
lizard.
B r o n n i , s., ( o b - pi. a b r o f o ) E u r o
pean.
(fr. b r o a n d the suffix ni).
B r o f i , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) street, lane, o n e
of the smaller a n d n a r r o w e r streets
in a t o w n , cf. a b o n t e n ) .
B r u , a., blue.
( a d o p t e d f r o m the E n g
lish, w i t h a c h a n g e of the / to r).
B r u k u , s., (pi. m r a r u k u ) b o o k ( a d o p
ted f r o m the English, w i t h the inser
tion of a n r, a n d addition of a n «).
B r ? or b e r $ , v., to get tired, fatigued,
e.g. W o m m e r e , y e b ? d u h o e n t e m ,
d o not get tired, w e shall s o o n be there;
perf. a b r e , to be tired, weary, fa
t i g u e d , e. g. M a b r e , m i k o h o m m e
k a k r a , / a m t i r e d , I g o t o r e s t a little
W a m m e r e n a w o d i d i - a , e n y e
d e , if y o u eat without being tired, y o u
w i l l n o t r e l i s h it, p r v . 1 9 0 ;
w i t h the
p r e p , h u , to tire o f ( a t h i n g ) e. g.
M a b r e n e h u or M a b r e v o n e hu,
/ a m tired of him.
B r e , s., ( o b - ) w e a r i n e s s , fatigue, M a f a
b r e , I have b e c o m e tired
O b r e a b a
m i so, weariness has befallen m e
O b r o . e n t i m i n t u m i n n a n t e w, f r o m
fatigue I cannot walk;
c e - b r e , to
tire, fatigue, w e a r y , s e e c e .
B r e , v , c o m b i n e d w i t h the adv. a s e :
b r e a s e , to l a y d o w n , to p u t down,
e. g. M a b r e m ' a d e s o a a s e , I h a v e
put d o w n m y load;
h e n c e : to humble,
a b a s e , e. g. N e a o m a n e h u s o v o b e b r e n ' a s e , he w h o exalls himself
will be abased.
B r e o , a. a n d adv., slow, s l o w l y ; soft
softly; syn. n y a .
B u , v. tr., to b r e a k ( b y b e n d i n g e.g. a
s t i c k , cf. b o 3.), e. g. M a b u p o m a
n o , / h a v e b r o k e n the stick.
2. to
h e w d o w n , to cut d o w n , to fell ( a tree)
e.g. M e k o k w a i m , m e k o b u n n u a ,
/ will g o into the w o o d to fell trees.
3. to b r e a k d o w n , to d e m o l i s h , e. g.
O d a n n o a y e g o , y e r e b ? b u , the
h o u s e is r u i n o u s , w e a r e g o i n g to b r e a k
it d o w n .
4. w i t h t h e p r e p , s o to
break off the e n d or the point, to blunt,
as o p p o s e d to s e n S n o , prv. 224.
intr. to break, perf. to be broken,
e. g. P o m a n o a b u , the stick is b r o
ken.
2. to b r e a k d o w n , to t u m b l e
d o w n , to fall to r u i n , e. g . O d a n n o
a b u , the house has fallen to ruin.
B u , v . , to respect, to esteem, e. g. M i m m u
n o f y e , / d o n o t r e s p e c t h i m a t all.
B u a , v., to a n s w e r , to r e p l y , e . g . M i l r e
n o n a o m m u a m i k o r a , / called
B
B
B
B
B
B
him, a n d h e did n o t a n s w e r m e at all\
V a m m u a m ' a s e m b i k o r S , he
has replied nothing ct all to m y speech
M i b i s a n o s e v a b a k r u m h a p e n
a n a ; o b u a m i o s e : m a b a h a p e n ,
/ asked him, whether he h a d ever been
in this p l a c e ; h e a n s w e r e d m e s a y i n g :
I have been here once
V o d e sot o r r e b u a w (instead of b u a w o ) ,
they a n s w e r y o u with boxes o n y o u r
ear, prv. 35; syn. g y e so.
2. to
help, to assist;
b a a in this sense
admits of t w o different constructions,
the v e r b expressing the action, in the
p e r f o r m a n c e of w h i c h the assistance
takes place, b e i n g either referred to
b u a b y t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b m a , e. g.
O b u a m i m a m i y e m ' a d y u m a . he
assisted m e m doing m y work, literally
he assisted m e g a v e m e to do m y w o r k ,
or f o r m i n g w i t h its subject a n d
object a particular sentence, joined
with t h a t of w h i c h b u a is the predi
c a t e b y t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n a , e. g. O b u a
m i n a m i y e m ' a d y u m a , he assisted
m e in doing m y w o r k , literally he as
sisted m e a n d I did m y w o r k .
u - a n o , v . , to h e m , to s e a m , e. g. b u
d u k u s n o , to h e m a handkerchief.
( p r o p , to b r e a k the e d g e , fr. b u a n d
ano).
u a - s o , v., to close, to shut, e. g. b u a
a d a k a so, to close a box, syn. m u a .
u - a t e n , v., to j u d g e , to p r o n o u n c e
sentence , to pass judgment.
u - b e m , v., to p r o n o u n c e sentence in
f a v o u r o f a p e r s o n in a law-suit, to
acquit o f a n a c c u s a t i o n , e. g. A t e n m u f o o r A s e n n i f o a b u m i b e m ,
the j u d g e s h a v e acquitted m e ; cf. d i b e m
a n d b u - f o.
u b a, v. frq. of b u , h e n c e 1) to break
m a n y things simullaneously or to break
in m a n y pieces.
2) to b r e a k repeatedly,
to d o u b l e , to fold, e. g. b u b u e f i h u m a ,
to f o l d u p a letter.
u e , v. tr.,. to open, M i b u e m ' ? n i ,
/ o p e n m y eyes
M i b u e m ' a n o , /
o p e n m y . mouth.
b u e pofi, to o p e n
the door.
intr. to o p e n , a n d perf-
1 6 1
a b u e , is o p e n , e. g. O p o B n o a b u e ,
the d o o r is o p e n
N ' e n i a b u e , his
eyes are open.
(a kindred f o r m
of b u ) .
B u - e n t e n k y e w , v., to j u d g e unright
eously, to pass a n unjust sentence; O b u
m i e n t e n k y e w , he p r o n o u n c e d a n
unjust sentence against me.
B u - f o , v., to pass sentence against a
person, to condemn, to p r o n o u n c e guilly ;
O b u n o fo, h e p r o n o u n c e d h i m guilly,
cf. b u - b e m a n d d i f d .
B u k a w , v., to b e n d , e. g. M i b u k a w
m e b a s a , / b e n d m y a r m ;
O b u k a w n' e n s a t o a' e k i , h e puts his
h a n d o n his back.
B u - k y e w , v., ( a l w a y s c o m b i n e d w i t h
e n i ) to cast evil looks at a person,
e. g. O b u m ' g n i k y e w , h e casts evil
looks at me.
B u n , a., unripe, e.g. A b r o b e a b e r r e
y e f r e m f r e m , n a a b r o b e bufi ye.
n y a f i , a ripe p i n e - a p p l e is s w e e t , b u t
a n u n r i p e p i n e - a p p l e is sour, cf. b e r r e.
B u r r e b i n , s . , epithet of the vulture,
see p e t e .
B u s m a k e t e w , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) c h a m e
leon.
(a c o m p o u n d , the f u n d a m e n t a l
c o m p o n e n t o f w h i c h is k e t e w ) .
B u s u f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b-) r o g u e , k n a v e ,
villain, scoundrel, is often u s e d face
tiously like r o g u e in E n g l i s h , e. g.
O b r o n n i y e b u s u f o o t e y e n k a s a ,
this E u r o p e a n is a r o g u e , h e u n d e r s t a n d s
o u r language.
(fr. b u s u ~ m u s u
a n d the suffix fo).
B u s u e n n i , s., ( o b - pi. a b u s u a f o )
relation, relative, kinsman; 'syn. ni.
(fr. a b u s u a a n d t b e suffix ni).
B u t u , v. , to overturn, to turn upside
d o w n , to upset, e. g. O b u t u n ' a g w a ,
he turns his chair (as the negroes, f r o m
a superstitious notion, a l w a y s d o w h e n
they rise)
E m f r a m a b u t u c e n ,
the w i n d upset the canoe.
intr. to lie
o r s t a n d r e v e r s e d , u p s i d e d o w n , t o lie
o n the belly, e. g. G i r a s e b u t u h o ,
the t u m b l e r is t u r n e d u p s i d e d o w n
W o b u t u h o , y o u are lying o n y o u r
belly, p r v . 53.
2 1
1 6 2
B e , s., p r o v e r b , p a r a b l e ; e. g. M i n t e b e
n ' a s e , / do not understand the m e a n i n g
o f the proverb;
b u b e , to tell a p r o
verb, prv. 136; O b a b e n a o m a m i
t e a s e m n ' a s e , he told a parable to
m a k e m e understand the matter;
cf.
a b e b u .
B e b i , a d v . , 1. ( i n o r to) s o m e place,
a n y place, somewhere, a n y w h e r e ; s o m e
t i m e s it m a y b e r e n d e r e d b y a n o t h e r
place, s o m e other place, a n d in negative
sentences b y n o w h e r e ;
e. g. M a h u
n o v o b e b i , / have seen h i m s o m e
w h e r e
V a k o b e b i , he has g o n e to
s o m e (other) place
O r e b a fi b e b i ,
h e is c o m i n y f r o m s o m e ( o t h e r ) p l a c e
v o b e b i , to be s o m e w h e r e , to exist,
a n d n i b e b i , not to be anywhere, not
to exist, prv. 1 8 6
O f i k o b e b i , he
2. in s o m e places,
has g o n e nowhere.
i n s o m e parts, in o t h e r parts, e. g. A n u m a y i n e b u n a m fita, b e b i e n s o
t u n l u m , b e b i e n s o k o k o , this bird
is w h i t e , i n s o m e p l a c e s , h o w e v e r , it is
black, a n d in s o m e places red.
(fr.
b e , contracted f o r m of b e r re, andbi).
B e b i a r a , adv., the s a m e as b e b i , but
m o r e emphatically d e n o t i n g the place
as indefinite, a n y w h e r e , wheresoever,
(in) w h a t place soever, occurring chiefly
in negative sentences, e.g. O n k o b e
b i a r a , he did not g o a n y w h e r e . (fr.
b e b i a n d a r a ) .
B e f u a , s., (pi. m m e f u a ) a single p a l m nut.
(fr. a b e a n d f u a , the latter
occurring o n l y in c o m p o u n d s for o n e
o r single, cf. b r o f u a ) .
B e m a , s., (pi. m m e m a ) b o w , cross
bow, syn. t e d u a .
B e m u , s., ( p i . m m e m u ) c l u s t e r o f p a l m nuts.
(fr. a b e a n d m u , a.)
B e n a d a o r B r n a d a , s. , t h e s e c o n d
d a y o f the w e e k , c o n c u r r i n g w i t h o u r
T u e s d a y , cf. d a p e n .
T o a m a n b o r n
o n this d a y the n a m e K w a b i n a , a n d
t o a w o m a n t h e n a m e A b a n a is
given.
B e n t a , s. , ( o b - pi. a b - ) a m u s i c a l i n
strument consisting of a c u r v e d b r a n c h
' o r stick w i t h a c h o r d m a d e of t h e
fibres o f a k i n d o f palm-tree.
B e n u m , s. , ( o b - pi. a b - ) n a m e o f a
stinging insect.
B e n , v., to c o m e near, to approach, prv.
9, 6 0 ;
perf. a b e n , to be near, e.g.
Y a b e f i k r u n o h u , w e are n e a r
the town.
B ? n ,pr. interr., which ? w h a t ? (adjectively,
c f . d e fi J , e . g . A b o f r a b e n n a ' b o
a h i n n a y i ? which boy has b r o k e n
this p o t ?
W o b o t p t a m b?fi, k o k o .
a n a s e f u f u ? w h a t stuff will y o u buy,
r e d or white?
B e n k u r n , a., left a n d a d v . to the left,
o n t h e left, e. g. O d e n ' e n s a b e n k u m
o d i d i , h e eats with his left h a n d
W o f a n i f a , m e f a b e n k u m , if y o u
g o to the right, I shall g o to the left;
cf. n i f a .
B e n k u m f o , s., ( o b - p l . a b - ) a lefth a n d e d person.
(fr. b e n k u m a n d
the suffix f o).
B e t e n , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) t h e f u l l - g r o w n
palm-tree w i t h a l o n g slender stem,
cf. a b e d y o a
(ir. a b e a n d t e n ^
t e n t e n ) .
B e t e , b e t e b e t e , a., soft; effeminate,
feeble; syn. b o k o a n d m e r o w .
B $ f o , s., ( o b - pi. a b - ) m e s s e n g e r , a m
bassador, prv. 186, syn. s o m a f o .
B o w , s., a b u n d l e o f t o b a c c o - l e a v e s
c o m m o n l y called a h e a d o f tobacco.
C .
C e , v . , to s p r e a d (intr.) e. g. O h i e n n i
b u b e - 5 , e n c e , w h e n a p o o r m a n
m a k e s a p r o v e r b , it d o e s n o t s p r e a d ,
prv. 136.
O y a r r e a c e v ' a s a s e
n ' e n k a i n i a r a s o , the disease h a s
spread over the w h o l e country
N e
h u a s e m c e v ' a s a s e n'ifiiara so,
the r u m o u r o f h i m spread through the
whole country;
syn. t e r o w .
C e , v., to p u t , e. g. O d e d a d e s i n c e
g y e m , he puts a piece o f iron into the
fire M i d e m ' e n s a m i c e m e k o t o k u i n , / p u t m y h a n d into m y pocket
H i d e ta m i e e a b r o b u a m , / put
tobacco into the pipe
M i d e a f o a
m i c e b o h a m , / put the s w o r d into
the sheath
M i d e a s p a t e r e m a c e
ho, / have put the shoes there
M i d e
k a m i c e m ' e n s a , / put a ring o n m y
finger
M i d e a s e m m i c e e n h u m a m , / p u t (_wrile') a w o r d o n p a p e r !
c e m a , to fill, e. g. O d e a b r o d e
c e n e t a n m a , h e filled his net with
plantains, cf. m a ;
cf. c e .
C e , v . , t o b u r n , i. e . t o h u r t w i t h h e a t
or fire, e. g. A i v n a c e m e ti, the
sun burns m y h e a d
K a n n e a c e
m ' e n s a , the light b u r n t m y h a n d ; cf.
c e w .
C e , s., ( o c e ) b o r d e r , b o u n d a r y , frontier,
e. g. E h a i n a m ' a k u r a c e , h e r e a r e
the borders o f m y plantation.
C e - a n e n m , v., to repay, to restore, to
g w e b a c k , e.g. M i c e n o s i k a a n e f i m ,
/ paid h i m his gold back ( w h i c h I h a d
b o r r o w e d of him).
C e c e , v. frq. o f c e , to burn, to b u r n
v e h e m e n t l y , e. g. A i v u a c e c e m e ti,
the s u n b u r n s m y head.
C e c e , v. frq. of c e , to dress, to trim, to
a d o r n , to attire, e. g. V a c e c e n e h u ,
she has attired herself
O p e s e o c e
c e n e h u p a p a , s h e is v e r y f o n d o f
dressing.
C e m , v., to b l o w (the n o s e ) ; o c e m
h w y u n n e r o or o c e m h w y u n n e m ,
he blows his nose.
C e w , v . i n t r . , t o b u r n i. e. t o b e c o n
s u m e d b y fire, e. g. O d a f i e r e c e w ,
the h o u s e is b u r n i n g , cf. p r v . 72.
tr.
to burn, to destroy by fire icf. c e ) e.g.
V o d e g y a c e w a m a f i i n i a r a , they
b u r n t all the t o w n s w i t h fire.
(secon
d a r y f o r m of ce).
C e w , a., hot; e n s u c e w , hot w a t e r
E f i k w a n n o y e c e w , t h e s o u p is hot.
(fr. c e , to burn).
C e w c e w , a., r e d u p l i c a t e d f o r m o f c e w
a n d e x p r e s s i n g the s a m e idea e m p h a
tically : very hot.
C i a , v., to m e e t , to e n c o u n t e r , e. g. M i c i a v o n v o k w a f i m , / m e t them o n
the r o i d , cf. prv. 83. - 2. to m a r r y ,
1 6 3
c i a y i r r e , to take a wife, less fre
quently u s e d t h a n the s y n o n y m o u s
expresssion v a r r e yirre.
intr. to
m e e t i. e . t o b e c l o s e t o g e t h e r s o a s
to touch reciprocally, used of the teeth
in prv. 163.
'im, v. intr., to shake, to tremble, to
stagger, to reel, to roll, e.g. D u a a h a b a n c i m , the leaves o f the tree shake
E c e n c i m , the canoe rolls; h e n c e
h u - c i m , to shake, to shiver, to tremble,
e. g. E h u m a n e h u c i m , f e a r m a d e
h i m tremble
A v o w v o e m f r a m a m i
e m a m e h u c i m , t h e w i n d is c o l d , it
m a k e s m e shiver.
tr. to s h a k e , to
agitate, to m a k e to totter or tremble,
e. g. E m f r a m a c i m n n u a , the w i n d
shakes the trees; syn. p o p o , p o s o w ,
v o s o w .
C i r a , v . , to bless, e. g. N y a n k u p o S
a c i r a n o , v a m a n e ti a f u dypfi,
G o d has blessed h im , he h a s m a d e his
hair g r o w hoary
c i r a N y a n k u p o f i ,
to bless or to praise God.
C i r o w , s., a w h i t e k i n d o f e a r t h , u s e d
like lime, to w h i t e w a s h the houses.
C i r e f i , a., shiny, bright; (perhaps also
s. b r i g h t n e s s ) .
C i e , v , to o p e n , e. g. c i e p o n , to o p e n
a d o o r
c i e a d a k a , to o p e n a b o x ;
syn. b u e .
C i e m , v . , to m e e t , to a s s e m b l e , e. g
A k w a p i m f o ifiiara c i e m v o A k r o .
p o n n a v o d i a s e m , all the A q u a p i m people meet in A k r o p o n g to transact
business
E m p a n y i n n e f o c i e m
v o a b o n t e n s o , the elders assemble
in the street.
(fr. c i a a n d m u ) .
C o c o r o, v. frq. of c o r r o , to w a s h , see
c o r r o .
C o c o r r e , s., p h l e g m ; O b o v a w n a o f i
c o c o r r e , he coughs a n d throws out
phlegm.
( p r o b . fr. c u r u ) .
C o r r o also c o c o r o , v., to w a s h ( b y
repeated rubbing, h e n c e the frequenta
tive f o r m ) e.g. O c o c o r o or o c o r r o
n e t a m , he w a s h e s his dress
O c o r r o
n ' e n i m ni n ' e n s a , he washes his face
a n d his hands;
also w i t h the prep,
m u , w h e n the inside o f vessels is re-
1 6 4
C
C
C
C
C
to, e. g. O c o r r o a h i n n a m ,
he w a s h e s a pot.
u r u o r c r u , v., to leap, to j u m p , to
skip, to spring, e. g. O c u r u f i a c e m a m
o t o p o m , he sprang f r o m the canoe
into the sea
A g i n a m o a c r u si
a b r o g w a so, (Ae ca( leaped u p o n the
chair;
c r u si, to j u m p for j o y , prv.
65, literally to j u m p place (i.e. to j u m p
s o as to place oneself a g a i n o n the
ground).
2. to boil, e. g. E n s u r e c r u ,
the. w a t e r is boiling.
u r u c o r o o r c r u c r d , s., (oc-) steam,
v a p o u r , e. g. O c u r u c o r o fi s e n m ,
steam rises f r o m the pot.
O c r u c r o
fi b a k a m , steam rises f r o m the lake.
(fr. c u r u ) .
u r u c u r u , v. frq. of c u r u , to leap, to
j u m p ( r e p e a t e d l y ) a s o n e w h o is r e
joiced.
w a m , a., fragrant; y e c w a m , to be
f r a g r a n t , to s m e l l s w e e t l y ; e. g. D u a
y i e n c u r e i i y e c w a m , the blossoms
o f this tree smell sweetly
V o n h u
y e c w a m , they smell sweetly, prv.
139.
? , v., (a s e c o n d a r y f o r m of c e , to
put, w h e r e t o the various significations
of c e m u s t b e referred)
1. to p u t
on, u s e d of clothes w h i c h are m a d e
so as to suit the f o r m of the b o d y
(ef. f u r a ) , e. g. K r a m o f o c e b a t a k a r i , o b r o n n i e n s o c e a t a d e , a
M o h a m m e d a n puts o n a caftan, but a
E u r o p e a n a coat
O c e n e k y o w ,
h e put o n his hat
M i d e m ' a s p a t e r e m a c e m ' a n a f i , I h a v e p u t m y
shoes o n m y feet.
2. to measure, u s e d
o f c o r n ( b e c a u s e w h e n m e a s u r e d it
is p u t i n t o a c a l a b a s h ) , e. g. M i d e
k o r a m i c e a b r o or M i c e a b r o v o
k o r a m , / m e a s u r e corn in a calabash.
3. t o die, to t i n g e (i. e. t o p u t o r
d i p i n t o t h e die), e. g. O c e d u k u
k o k o , h e died a handkerchief red, o r
O d e a d r u k o k o o c e d u k u , he died
a handkerchief with a r e d colour.
4. c e m a r a , to give a law, e. g. O h i n n e c e n ' e n k r o f o m a r a , the chief
g a v e his people a taw.
5. to compel,
C
C
C
C
to force, to oblige, w i t h t h e c o n j u n c
tion s e o r n a f o l l o w i n g , e. g. O c e
m i s 9 m i n n o m a d r u , he compelled
m e to drink the medicine
S ? o m t n i ,
m e c e n o n a v a b a , if h e does not
c o m e , I will compel h i m to come.
6. c e a s e , to begin, to c o m m e n c e a n d
to promise, see a s e .
e - b r e , v., to tire, to w e a r y , to fatigue,
e. g. O d e n e k a s a c e m i b r e , h e
tires m e with his talk
A d y u m a a c e
m i b r ? , m i k o h o m m e k a k r a , the
w o r k h a s f a t i g u e d m e , I a m g o i n g to
r e s t a litrfe.
e n , s., ( e c - p l . a c - ) c a n o e , ship, vessel,
syn. a c e m a , k r O .
e n , v., to play o n a wind-instrument,
tosound, e.g. c e n a b e n t i a , tosound
the horn.
u r e m a , s., whistling; b o c u r e m a , to
whistle (with the m o u t h ) .
D .
D a , v . , to lie ( o f a s i n g l e p e r s o n o r
t h i n g , cf. g u ) , e . g . O d a n e k e t e so,
h e is lying o n his m a t
B r u k u d a
p o f i s o , a b o o k is lying o n the table
d a - ' y a n y a , to lie o n t h e b a c k , see
j a y a n y a.
2. to b e in a certain place,
to be situated, e.g. A k r o p o n d a bep o so, A k r o p o n g i s situated o n a m o u n
tain
K e k y e d a s r a m e n k y e i ,
the evening-star stands n e a r the moon.
3. to live in a place, e. g. O d e f i k y e m d a e n s u m , m a m p a m e n s o
d a w u r a m , the crocodile lives in the
water, the g u a n a in the w o o d
O n i
d a n n a o d a w u r a m , he has no house
a n d is living in the w o o d .
4. to sleep,
generally in the perfect tense: v a d a ,
h e is sleeping
M i s e n w o n n a (in
finitive), / surpass y o u in sleeping.
D a , s., ( e d a ) g r a v e , t o m b .
(fr. d a , v.).
D a , a particle that h a s arisen f r o m the
substantive d a , a n d of w h i c h the ac
tual m e a n i n g is ever. It a p p e a r s to
occur o n l y in negative sentences, w h e r e
it is a l w a y s p u t a t t h e u t m o s t e n d of
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
t h e s e n t e n c e , a n d is u s e d 1) w i t h a
reference to time, w h e n together w i t h
t h e n e g a t i o n it m a y b e r e n d e r e d b y
n e v e r , e. g. O n k o o b i a f u m d a , h e
never w e n t into another man's planta
tion, p r v . 1 2 cf. 26. 109.
2) m e r e l y
for giving a stronger e m p h a s i s to the
n e g a t i o n , like at all in E n g l i s h , e. g.
H i n n i m n o d a , I do not k n o w h i m
a t all.
a , s., ( e d a pi. e n n a o r n n a ) d a y
n n a o t y 6 (contracted of n n a a o t y p ) .
eight days, a week.
e n n a ' n i a r a ,
a l l d a y s i. e . a l w a y s , p r v . 1 0 .
i , s., a little bell, a s h u n g r o n n d t h e
n e c k of a dog, prv. 141.
a , a d v . , a l w a y s , e v e r ; e. g. O t e h o
d a , o f i k o b e b i , h e a l w a y s sits there,
a n d goes n o w h e r e
D a a n o p a o b o
a f o r r e m a o b o s o m , a l w a y s in the
m o r n i n g , i. e . e v e r y m o r n i n g h e b r i n g s
a n offering to the fetish
N y a n k u p o fi t e a s e d a , G o d l i v e s f o r e v e r .
( p r o b . fr. d a ) .
a a k i , adv., in future, another time,
e. g. A b o f r a a c e w n ' e n s a , d a a k i
o b e f y e n e h a iye, w h e n a child has
b u r n t its h a n d , it w i l l t a k e c a r e a n o t h e r
time
A f e y i d e v a k a w o h u a s e m
i y e , d a a k i d e o b ? y a w w o , this
time he has spoken well o f you, but
a n o t h e r time h e will b l a s p h e m e y o u , cf.
prv. 259.
(fr. d a a n d e k i ) .
a - a s e , v., to t h a n k , e. g. M i d a w ' a s e ,
/ thank y o u
T a n o - a w a m a m i
e n t i n a m i d a w ' a s e , / thank y o u
for the tobacco y o u gave me.
It is
often u s e d also w i t h o u t object, a n d
is t h e n c o n t r a c t e d t o d S s e : M i d a s e,
/ t h a n k ( y o u ) , t o w h i c h is o f t e n a d d e d
a b r a w or a n o t h e r c o m p l i m e n t a l w o r d :
M i d a s e a b r a w , I a m m u c h obliged
to y o u .
(fr. d a v. a n d a s e adv.,
p r o p , t o l i e d o w n i. e . t o b o w d o w n ,
h e n c e to thank).
a b a n , s., ( o d - p l . a d - ) a b a r o f iron.
a b e r r e , s., a place to sleep in, prv.
169; b e d - r o o m .
(fr. d a v. a n d
b e r r e s.)
a b i , adv., no, the w o r d of denial o r
1 6 5
r e f u s a l , e. g. V a k o a n a ? d a b i , it
he g o n e ? n o ;
cf. y u .
D a b i , adv., s o m e day, a n y d a y i.e. ever,
in n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e s : n e v e r , e. g. W o n s u r r o d a b i s e w o b e n a n t e w v o
s u m , y o u w e r e never afraid o f walking
in the dark.
In positive sentences
it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d v a r i o u s l y , a c c o r d
i n g a s it is u s e d w i t h r e f e r e n c e t o
the past o r to the future:
1. w i t h
reference to the past: once, s o m e time
b a c k , lately, recently, e. g. D a b i m a k y e r o w e n h u m a k o m a m e n u a
n a o n n y a o m m u a m e h u bie, s o m e
time a g o I w r o t e a letter to m y brother,
a n d a s y e t h e h a s n o t r e p l i e d t o it
D a b i m i n y a e n h u m a fi A b r o k i r r i , e k a k y ? r r e m i s e v o r e k o n
b i o , lately I received a letter f r o m
E u r o p e , w h i c h told m e that t h e y a r e
carrying o n w a r again.
2. w i t h re
ference to the future: s o m e d a y to come,
a n o t h e r time (cf. d a a k i ) , e. g . A k o k o
d i w o y o n k u a i v u - a , p a m n o ,
d a b i o b e d i w o d e , w h e n a f o w l eats
y o u r n e i g h b o u r ' s c o r n , d r i v e it a w a y ,
a n o t h e r t i m e it w i l l e a t y o u r s , p r v . 3 4 ,
cf. 15.
(fr. d a a n d bi).
D a b i a r a , adv., ever, at a n y time, e. g.
M i n t e s e o s a m a n a y e o n i p a bir i b i d a b i a r a d a , / never h e a r d that
a g o b h n ever did a m a n a n y harm.
(fr. d a b i a n d a r a ) .
D a b i d a, a d v . , n o , not at all, b y n o
means,
a m o r e e m p h a t i c a l f o r m of
denial than d a b i .
(fr. d a b i a n d d a ) .
i D a b i d a b i , adv., m e a n - w h i l e , so long,
e.g. W a m m a e n t e m , e h e n a w o k o
d a b i d a b i , y o u a r e c o m i n g late, w h e r e
have y o u been so long? (literally : y o u
did not c o m e quickly , w h e r e did y o u
g o meanwhile].
( reduplication of
d a b i , prop, a - d a y - a - d a y ) .
D a b o , s. , ( o d - pi. a d - o r n n a b o ) a
species of antelope w i t h h o r n s , also
called a b e r r e .
D a b o d a b u , s., (pi. n n a b - ) d u c k .
D a b e f i , a d v . , w h e n ? e. g. D a b e n n a
o b a i ? w h e n did he c o m e ?
D a b e f i
m
n a o b e b a ? o r O b e b a d a b e f i ? w h e n
will h e c o m e ? (fr. d a a n d b e n ) .
D a d s , v.. to cheat, to deceive, to delude,
to impose u p o n ,
syn. sisi a n d g e g y e.
(a frequentative like the t w o
s y n o n y m o u s verbs m e n t i o n e d , either
of d a , or p e r h a p s there exists a v e r b
of the f o r m da).
D a d a f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) deceiver.
(fr. d a d a a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
D a d e , s., iron.
D a d e e m p r o p r u a o r d & d e h u e m p r o p r u a , s. pi., s m a l l f r a g m e n t s o r p a r
ticles of iron, iron-filings.
(fr. d S d e ,
h u , a n d e m p r o p r u a ) .
D a d e k w a s i , s. , iron-plate.
D a d e s e f i , s., (pi. n n a d - ) iron vessel,
iron pot.
(fr. d a d e a n d s e n ) .
D a d e w a , s , (pi. n n a d - ) a s m a l l piece
o f iron, nail, spike.
(dim. of d a d e ) .
D S g i r e , s., sealing-wax.
( f r o m the
D u t c h or D a n i s h w o r d lak, the I h a v i n g
b e e n c h a n g e d to d, as the f o r m e r
s o u n d is u n k n o w n t o t h e O j i - l a n g u a g e ,
a n d a t e r m i n a t i o n a d d e d , b e c a u s e its
phonetical character d o e s not a l l o w
a n y w o r d to e n d w i t h a mute).
D a g o , s., lie, f a l s e h o o d ,
syn. a t o r r o ,
w h i c h is the m o r e c o m m o n w o r d ;
d i d a g o , to tell a lie.
D a h a , s. , t h e l e a f o f t h e a d o b e , a
species of palm-tree, u s e d b y the n e
groes to cover the roofs.
D a i , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) d r e a m ; s o dai,
to dream.
(fr. d a ) .
D a y e , fr. d a a n d i y e , p r o p , sleep well,
the c o m m o n reply to o n e w h o
leaves in the e v e n i n g w i t h the salu
tation n o p So.
D a m , v., to be in, prv. 3 0 ; to be between,
to lie b e t w e e n , e. g . B e p o a b i e n y i
e n t e m o b o n d a m , between those t w o
m o u n t a i n s is a valley.
(fr. d a , v.,
a n d m u , prep.)
D a m , s., d r a u g h t s ; t o d a m , to p l a y at
draughts.
(adopted f r o m a E u r o
p e a n l a n g u a g e ) .
D a m a n k a m a , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) creator,
applied to N y a f i k u p o f i , e.g. N y a n k u p o f i y e a d e ifiiara d a m a n k a m a ,
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
G o d is the c r e a t o r o f all things
N y a nk u p o n o d a m a n k a m a a b o a d e
i n i a r a , G o d , the creator, has m a d e
all things.
a m f o , s. , ( o d - pi. a d - o r n n a m f o )
friend.
a m p a n , s., a c e r t a i n r o o m i n a n e g r o house, o p e n t o w a r d s the y a r d a l m o s t
the w h o l e length.
a n s e f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) o n e w h o
gives testimony, a witness.
(fr.
a d a n s e a n d the suffix fo).
a n , v., to turn; O d a f i n e h u , he turns
r o u n d A n u m a t u - a , e m p r i n p r i n
n a o d a f i n e h u k o h a i , n a e m p r i n
p r i n n a o d a f i n e h u b a h a i bio,
w h e n a b i r d flies it t u r n s n o w t h a t w a y
then this w a y ;
dafi n ' e n i , to turn
o n e ' s e y e s i. e . t o t u r n r o u n d , e . g . O d a f i
n'eni n a o g w a n , he turned r o u n d
a n d fled.
2. to turn, to transform,
to b e c o m e ( b y a s u d d e n transformation,
w h e r e a s n y i n to b e c o m e gradually,
b y d e v e l o p m e n t ) , e. g. O b a i f o d a n
n e h u o s e b o , a sorcerer transforms
himself into a leopard
V a d a n n e h u
o n i p a b o n n e , he has b e c o m e a b a d
m a n ;
cf. p r v . 173.
a n , s., ( o d - pi. a d a f i ) h o u s e , n e g r o h o u s e i. e . a b o u s e o f w h i c h t h e w a l l s
consist of sticks or poles, driven into
the g r o u n d o n e close to another, a n d
plastered w i t h clay, h a v i n g a r o o f of
grass ( s a r r e ) or of the leaves o f a
certain kind of p a l m - t r e e ( d a h a ) .
S u c h h o u s e s are of a s q u a r e a n d o b
l o n g f o r m , a n d a smaller or greater
n u m b e r of them, incl osing o n e o r several
y a r d s of the s a m e form, a r e inhabited
b y o n e family.
cf. a b a n .
(prob.
fr. d a v.).
a n a n o , s.. ( o d - ) h o u s e - d o o r , i.e. t h e
opening, entrance of the house.
(fr. d a n a n d a n o ) .
a n a n o p o n , s., ( o d - ) h o u s e - d o o r , jj.e.
the g a t e b y w h i c h the entrance of the
b o u s e is closed. G e n e r a l l y , h o w e v e r ,
m e r e l y p o f i is u s e d f o r d o o r , a n d
d a n a n o p o n is e m p l o y e d only, w h e n
it is n e c e s s a r y t o e v a d e t h e a m b i g u i t y
1 6 7
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
tinuation of the action expressed b y
o f p o f i , a s it a l s o h a s t h e m e a n i n g
of table, o r w h e n b o t h are referred
it, a n d m a y g e n e r a l l y b e r e n d e r e d i n
to in contradistinction o f o n e another,
E n g l i s h b y a d v e r b s a s o n , still, e. g .
e. g. D i d i p o n y e t r o t r o , n a o d a n D a s o k a n , go o n reading or r e a d o n
a n o p o n y ' a v i r r a v i r r e , t h e table is
W o n u a d a s o y a r r e a n a ? y u ,
o d a s o y a r r e , is y o u r b r o t h e r still
S m o o t h , b u t the d o o r is r o u g h .
(fr.
s i c k ? y e s , h e is still sic'c.
(fr. d a ,
d a f i & n o a n d p o n ) .
v., a n d s o , prep.).
a n d a n , v. frq. of d a n , to turn m a n y
times, to t u r n this w a y a n d that w a y , D a s o , s., ( o d - pi. n n a s o ) coverlet.
(fr. d a , v., a n d s o , prep.).
e. g. E m f r a m a d a n d a n c e n , t h e
w i n d t h r o w s the ship this w a y a n d D a s i i m , s., ( o d - ) m i d n i g h t , e. g. O d a s u m n a e n k r o f o i n i a r a a d a , at
that w a y .
midnight all people a r e asleep.
a n d u a , s., ( o d - pi. n n a n n u a , prv.
215) timber, t r e e s w h i c h a r e felled f o r D a w a . s., fire-tongs.
e, v., s e e m s originally to signify to
honse-building.
(fr. d a n a n d d u a ) .
carry or to hold. A s a notional verb,
a n k a, s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) p o w d e r - h o r n ,
h o w e v e r , i. e . a v e r b e x p r e s s i n g a p a r
powder-case.
ticular idea, it h a s o c c u r r e d t o u s b u t
a n m , s . , h o u s e , i. e . t h e i n n e r p a r t o f
in the t w o f o l l o w i n g significations:
a h o u s e , e. g. M a s e s i e m e d a f i m ,
1 ) to m e a n , to r e f e r to, e. g. O d e m e
/ have put m y house in order.
(fr.
y o f i k u n a o n n e m i , h e refers to m y
d a n a n d m u ) .
friend, not to m e , prv. 185.
2. u s e d
a p i m , adv., always, ever, e.g. A k o k o reflexively: d e n e h u , to be free, n o t
h u r r e s u a n a d y o d a p i m , t h e w o o d in b o n d a g e , e. g. A b r o k i r r i a k o a
hen a l w a y s cries in the night, syn. d a ;
ni h o , v o n i n i a r a v o d e v o n h u ,
frequently c o m b i n e d w i t h i n i a r a :
tn E u r o p e there is n o slave, t h e y a r e
d a p i m i n i a r a , for ever, eternally,
all free.
e. g . N y a n k u p o n t e a s e d a p i m
i n i a r a , G o d lives for ever
E v u a s e
M o r e frequently d e occurs as a
relational or auxiliary verb, being e m
n t r a h o d a p i m i n i a r a , the w o r l d
p l o y e d in the construction of sentences
does not r e m a i n for ever.
(fr. d a
w h i c h h a v e several objects to o n e a n d
a n d a p i m , prop, a thousand days).
the s a m e predicate. In this u s e o f d e
a p e n , s., (pi. a d - ) w e e k . T h e n e g r o e s
t w o cases are to b e distinguished:
o n the Gold-coast count like us b y
w e e k s of s e v e n days, saying: N y a n 1. W h e n a s e n t e n c e h a s t w o integrant
objects,
i. e . t w o o b j e c t s b o t h n e
k o p o f i o d a m a n k a m a a b o u n a
cessary to m a k e the idea expressed
asofi, G o d the creator has m a d e seven
in the predicate complete,
of w h i c h
days. B u t their first d a y of the w e e k
o n e is a l w a y s a passive object, t h e o t h e r
coincides w i t h o u r M o n d a y . T h e n a m e s
either a reciprocal, or a resullive object,
of the d a y s are, D y o d a , B r n a d a o r
or a n integrant object o f locality (for
B e n a d a , U k u d a , Y & o d a , F i d a ,
a n explanation of these t e r m s the
H e m m e r e d a , K w a s i d a .
(fr. d a
G r a m m a r m u s t b e referred to, see
a n d p e n , prop, a set o f days).
a r r i , s., a piece o f m o n e y , dollar.
§. 1 6 5 etc. 194 etc.),
the auxiliary
( a d o p t e d f r o m s o m e E u r o p e a n lan
v e r b d e is frequently e m p l o y e d in its
construction, b e i n g put w i t h the p a s
g u a g e ) .
sive object at the h e a d of the sentence,
a r r o w a , s., (pi. n n a r r o w a ) fishinga n d the predicate f o l l o w i n g w i t h the
hook.
other object. In E n g l i s h d e c a n n o t
a s e , v., to thank, see d a - a s e .
b e translated, b e i n g u s e d m e r e l y for
f i a o , v., to continue, to g o on;
is p u t
f r a m i n g t h e sentence, for w h i c h p u r
before a n o t h e r v e r b , to d e n o t e c o n
1 6 8
p o s e in English n o auxiliary is e m
ploye,!.
e. g. A i v u a d e k a n n e a
ni a h u h u r u m a a s a s e , the s u n gives
tight a n d w a r m t h to the earth , O d e
e n t a m a k y e n ' a b o f r a , hepresented
a g a r m e n t to his servant
W o d e
w o b a t o W u a w u - a , o w u , if y o u
call y o u r c h i l d W u a t c u , it will die, p r v
O d e a f o a c e b o h a m , he p u t
1 2 4
the s w o r d into the scabbard
M i d e
e n s n a g u a h i n n a n o m , / have
p o u r e d w a t e r into the pot.
T h e v e r b s b a , to c o m e
k o , to go
f y e , to fall
t r a , to sit a d m i t o f
the s a m e construction w i t h the auxi
liary v e r b d e , being t h e r e b y rendered
transitive, a n d a s s u m i n g the significa
tions to bring
to conduct
to t h r o w
d o w n
to m a k e to sit o r to p u t ;
see b a , k o , f y e , a n d tra.
2. W h e n o f t h e t w o o b j e c t s o n e
o n l y is integrant, a n d t h e o t h e r a c c e s s a r y ,
the latter b e i n g a substantive d e n o
ting a m e a n s or instrument, b y w h i c h
the action expressed in the predicate
is a c c o m p l i s h e d , o r the materials of
w h i c h a t h i n g is m a d e , o r c o n t a i n i n g
s o m e other similar qualification of the
predicate,
then the accessary object
is attached to the auxiliary verb, a n d
the predicate follows w i t h the inte
grant object. In this case d e m a y
b e considered as respectively corre
s p o n d i n g to the English prepositions
e m p l o y e d to express the relations m e n
t i o n e d , a s with, b y , t h r o u g h , of, in, e. g.
O d e e n k r a n t e t y a d u a b a s a , he
cut off a branch with a s w o r d
O d e
a i v u e n n i n a d a a n y a a d e , through
theft a n d f r a u d he has b e c o m e rich
O k v v a r i v a r r e - a , v o d e v o n n a n
n a t y a , e n y e a b o n u a , w h e n a w a y
is l o n g , y o u s h o r t e n it w i t h y o u r feet,
not with a n axe, prv. 150
O d e
n ' e n s a b e n k u m o d i d i , he eats with
his left h a n d
V o d e a b e n n a y e
afi, o f h o r n c o m b s are m a d e
O d e
a b u f u n a k u m n o , he killed him in
a n g e r
M i d e n e d i n m i f r e n o , /
culled h i m b y his n a m e .
In m o s t
cases the auxiliary v e r b m a y b e p u t
also after the accessary object, before
t h e p r e d i c a t e , e. g. E m p i r e m i d e b o
p o n k o , / strike the horse with the w h i p
E f i h u m a v o d e p a m k o t o k u , o f
leather bags are m a d e
A d e n o w o
d e b e y e d e n ? w h a t will y o u do with
that thing?
A b e r r i k i v o m m e f i - a
o d e g y e n e h u , the goat has horns
with which she defends herself;
a n d
s o m e t i m e s it is e v e n p u t in b o t h p l a c e s
e.g. O d e a b o n u a o d e t y a d u a ,
he felled a tree with a n a x e
A b a n t o f o d e a b o ni d o t e n a v o d e t o
a b a 5 , the m a s o n s build a house o f
stone a n d clay.
- .
Observ. T h e use of d e as a n auxi
liary v e r b in the construction of s e n
tences, s e e m s to h a v e arisen f r o m the
w a n t of inflectional f o r m s for the
different cases, in c o n s e q u e n c e of w h i c h
the i m m e d i a t e succession of several
objects r e f e n e d to the s a m e predicate
b e c o m e s frequently a h e a v y a n d u n 'w i e l d y f o r m of expression. It will b e
r e n d e r e d m o r e perspicuous b y referring
it t o w h a t h a s b e e n s t a t e d a b o v e a s
the original signification of d e , viz.
to c a r r y o r to hold. If for instance
the sentence M i d e a b o n u a n a t y a
d u a , I fell a tree with a n axe, is c o n
sidered as m e a n i n g originally / c a r r y
a n a x e a n d fell a tree, it is a t o n c e
clear, h o w d e could c o m e to b e u s e d
in the w a y stated. This, h o w e v e r , is
m e r e l y a hypothesis, a n d o n the p r e
sent stage of the l a n g u a g e d e m u s t
be considered as a m e r e l y relational
w o r d , expressing n o certain idea at
all, b u t o n l y t h e relation b e t w e e n t h e
o b j e c t a t t a c h e d t o it a n d t h e p r e d i
cate. This purely relational character
of d e h a s e v e n o p e r a t e d so far, as to
m a k e it l o s e all inflection o f t e n s e
a n d m o o d , the tense being indicated
o n l y in the predicate a n d d e a l w a y s
p u t in the aorist, as several of the
sentences a b o v e q u o t e d s h o w ; a n d in
n e g a t i v e a n d i m p e r a t i v e s e n t e n c e s it
is n o t a d m i t t e d at all, b u t h e r e a l w a y s
f a is s u b s t i t u t e d f o r it. F o r a m o r e
explicit a c c o u n t of the use of d e , see
G r . §. 1 9 9 - 2 0 2 .
D e , conj., but, however. T h e conj. d e
m a y generally be rendered b y o n e
of the t w o E n g l i s h conjunctions m e n
t i o n e d , b u t its u s e is m o r e restricted,
a n d m a y b e r e d u c e d to the following
r u l e s : it a l w a y s r e f e r s p r i m a r i l y t o a
certain part, viz. the subject or an
object, of a sentence, w h i c h is c o n
nected b y w a y of co-ordination w i t h
a p r e c e d i n g s e n t e n c e ; this p a r t is
placed f o r e m o s t in the sentence, a n d
d e i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r it, p u t t i n g it
emphatically in opposition to the cor
r e s p o n d i n g part of the p r e c e d i n g sen
t e n c e , w h i c h s o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , is
not expressed, but m e r e l y implied;
less f r e q u e n t l y d e is p u t a l s o after
the c o r r e s p o n d i n g part mentioned, a n d
then the double d e m a y be c o m p a r e d
to the correlative G r e e k conjunctions
fuv
Se.
e. g . E m p a t a b e b r i
v o n h u v o a b o f i ; a b e r r e k u r i d e
n i bi, n e h u y e t r o t r o , most fishes
h a v e scales; the eel, h o w e v e r , h a s n o n e ,
it is s m o o t h
O n i p a y ' a m e k y e w a ,
o t e a s a s e s o k e t e w a b i n a o w u ;
N y a n k u p o f i d e o n y e a m e k y e w a ,
o t e h o d a , m a n is m o r t a t , h e lives a
short time o n earth a n d dies; but G o d
is n o t mortal, h e lives f o r e v e r
W o b e k o , n a m i d e m e t r a h a , y o u are
going to leave, but I shall stay here
A i v u a fi a n o p a , a i v u a g i n a e g i n n a y e n ^tifi, a n a d y o f a n a e t o ;
a n a d y o d e e m p a i k o r a , n a efi
a s a s e fa s o b e b i , the s u n rises in the
m o r n i n g , a t n o o n it is i n o u r z e n i t h , i n
t h e e v e n i n g it s e t s ; b u t i n t h e n i g h t it
d o e s n o t s h i n e a t all, b u t rises o n s o m e
other part o f the earth
O b a r r i m a
b i w u - a , n ' e m m a n a di n ' a d e ;
e h a i d e n e v o f a s e w a n a d i , e n y e
n ' e m m a , w h e n a m a n dies, his children
(generally) inherit his g o o d s ; here,
h o w e v e r , his n e p h e w inherits, not his
children.
M i d e m i t e d a n m , n a
m e n u a d e o y e a d y u m a v o a d i w
1 6 9
h o , I a m sitting in the house, but m y
b r o t h e r is w o r k i n g outside.
D e , a n expression of e n d e a r m e n t , u s e d
in addressing a person, being a d d e d
to w o r d s as a g y a , father, u r a , m a
ster etc., e. g. u r a d e ! m y d e a r m a s t e r I
It is p e r h a p s b u t a n o t h e r f o r m o f
the adjective de.
D e , s. , ( o d e ) y a m , a l a r g e edible root,
the m o s t c o m m o n f o o d of the n e g r o e s
in W e s t e r n Africa. O d e is t h e g e n e r a l
n a m e for y a m , of w h i c h there are a
great m a n y different kinds, e a c h kind
h a v i n g its particular n a m e , as a k o a k o , a f a s i i , b a y e r e , e n k a m f o ,
e n k a n i , e n k a n t e m m i , e n k u k u ,
e n t o n t o , g y a w i i , y a b e m a , k r u k r u p a , m e n y a k u , m e n s a , p e p e a ,
k o k o , m a n k a n i .
D e b o n n e y e f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) m a l e
factor, criminat, sinner.
(fr. a d e b o n n e a n d y e ) .
D e c e , a., free, not in b o n d a g e , prv. 63.
s. ( o d - pi. a d - ) f r e e m a n , f r e e w o m a n ,
prv. 31;
o b i d e c e , a free m a n , a
free w o m a n , prv. 250.
( p r o b . fr.
d e , v.)
D e d a w , a., old (used of things, not
o f p e r s o n s , cf. p a n y i n ) , e. g. o d a f i
d e d a w , a n old house.
2. long k n o w n ,
long acquainted, e.g. o d a m To d e d a w ,
a n old friend.
a d v . a l r e a d y , e. g. V a b a d e d a w ,
h e is c o m e a l r e a d y .
(fr. d a , v.).
D e d u a n i , s , ( o d - pi. a d e d u a f o) pri
s o n e r , o n e f a s t e n e d t o t h e b l o c k , cf.
d u a .
(fr. d a , v., d u a , s. , a n d t h e
suffix ni).
D e f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) a m a n o f w e a l l h ,
a rich m a n .
(fr. a d e a n d the s u f
fix fo).
D e f u d e p e f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) a g r e e d y ,
unsatiable person.
(fr. a d e f u d e , p e ,
a n d the suffix fo).
D e k o d e , pr. int., w h a t ?
distinguish
e d f r o m d e n b y being used only in
i n d i r e c t q u e s t i o n s , e. g. K o b i s a n o
d e k o d e o f y u f y e , go a n d ask him
w h a t h e is l o o k i n g f o r
E d g r i n a
a y e n o , o s u ? M i n n i m d e k o d e , w h a t
2 2
1 7 0
tive o r p r o n o u n , w h i c h logically is
is ( t h e m a t t e r w i t h ) M m , ( t h a t ) h e c r i e s ?
the subject of di, b e c o m e s g r a m m a
I do not k n o w w h a t Qis the matter with
tically its object; h e n c e the e x p r e s s i o n s
him ).
are thus f r a m e d : O k o m di m i , / a m
D e m e r r e , s., (pi. n n e m e r r e ) a k i n d
h u n g r y
E n s u k o m di m i , / a m
of reed.
thirsty
A v o w di m i , / a m cold
D e n , d e n e n , a., ( t h e f o r m d e n e n is
A h u h u r u di m i , / a m hot
O k o m
u s e d as attribute, d e n as predicate;
d i a b o f r a , the child is h u n g r y
of the latter the reduplicative f o r m
A v o w a d i m ' e n s a , m y h a n d is cold.
d e n d e n also occurs, expressing the
- (cf. Gr. 169, 162, 2.)
idea m o r e e m p h a t i c a l l y ) h a r d , e. g.
In addition to this general use of
d u a d e n e n , h a r d w o o d
D a d e y e
d i , it o c c u r s in s o m e c o n n e c t i o n s ,
d e n , i r o n is h a r d .
2. s t r o n g , e. g.
w h i c h , t h o u g h p r o b a b l y referrible to
O t a m n o y e d e n s e , that cloth is v e r y
w h a t h a s b e e n stated a b o v e as the
strong;
h e n c e h u y e d e n or c o n
signification of di, require to be p a r
tracted h u edefi, to be bodily strong,
ticularly noticed: 1) c o n n e c t e d w i t h a
healthy, stout, e. g. O b a r r i m a y i n e
p r o p e r n a m e or the substantive din,
h u y e d e n s e . this m a n is v e r y strong.
n a m e , it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y is called
3. h a r d in a figurative sense, sharp,
o r { m y etc.) n a m e is, e. g. W o d i n
severe, c. g. A b e r r e w a n o n ' a n o y e
d i d e n ? w h a t is y o u r n a m e ?
M i d i
d e n , this o l d w o m a n h a s a s h a r p
K w a k u , m y n a m e is K w a k u .
2)
tongue, prv. 236.
w i t h a f r i h i a , y e a r , f o r its object, it
a d v . strongly, v e h e m e n t l y , e. g. O p r a n m e a n s to b e o l d ( a n n o s h a b e r e ) , e. g.
n a b o m d e n e n , it is t h u n d e r i n g v e h e
M i d i e m f r i h i a e d u , / a m ten years
mently.
o l d M i n n i m e m f r i h i a m i d i , / d o
D i , v., serves as a kind of copula, not
not k n o w h o w old I am.
3) di a d e )
e x p r e s s i n g a n y definite idea b y itself,
to get presents, prv. 263, a n d to inherit
b u t t r a n s f o r m i n g , a s it w e r e , a n a b
( o n e ' s ) g o o d s , e. g. O b a r r i m a b i
stract substantive, in w h i c h a n action
w u - a , n e v o f a s e w a di n ' a d e , w h e n
is expressed, into a v e r b ; h e n c e di
a m a n dies, his n e p h e w inherits his
together w i t h the substantive, w h i c h
goods.
4) w i t h a substantive for
t h e o r e t i c a l l y is its object, m a y g e n e r
its object, w h i c h d e n o t e s a festival,
ally b e rendered in English s i m p l y
it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y to celebrate,
b y a v e r b , e. g. a t u t u , a q u a r r e l ,
to s o l e m n i z e , e. g. O d i n ' a v o d a , h e
di a t u t u , to quarrel
a b u a d a , fast,
celebrates his birth-day.
di a b u a d a , to fast
a t o r r o , lie,
d i a t o r r o , to lie
a v i r r e h o s ? m , D i a n d d i d i , v . , to eat. T h e s i m p l e f o r m
d i is g e n e r a l l y u s e d w h e n a n o b j e c t
conversation, d i a v i r r e h o s e m , to
is a t t a c h e d to it, d e n o t i n g t h e f o o d
converse.
cf. a b o r r o , a d a n s e ,
that is eaten, the frequentative d i d i
a d y p n n e , a k a g i n a m , a s e m , a n o is m o r e f r e q u e n t l y e m p l o y e d , w h e n in
k w a r r e , b a t a , d a g o , e m m i m , e n a g e n e r a l w a y the act o f e a t i n g is to
k o m o , e g i n a m .
(cf. G r . §. 1 6 9 ) .
b e d e n o t e d , e. g. A k o k o d i w o
It is t h u s c o n n e c t e d a l s o w i t h t h e
y o f i k u a i v u - a , p a m n o , w h e n a
substantives o k o m , h u n g e r
e n s u f o w l eats y o u r neighbour's corn, drive
k o m , thirst
a v o w , cold
a h u it a w a y , p r v . 3 4 , cf. 2 9 , 3 9 , 9 4 . 1 2 8 .
h u r u , heat;
but the connection
M i k o d i d i , / a m going to eat
N i
w i t h these w o r d s h a s the peculiarity,
o d i d i a n a d y o , o y e b a i f o , he w h o ,
that the abstract substantive, w h i c h
eats at night is a s o r c e r e r , p r v . 86, cf.
l o g i c a l l y c o n s i d e r e d is t h e o b j e c t o f
56, 7 1 , 1 9 0
d i d i m e , to eat e n o u g h
di, b e c o m e s its g r a m m a t i c a l subject,
see m e .
a n d o n the other h a n d , the substan
D i - a w u , v., to kill, to m u r d e r ; O d i
n ' a w u , he m u r d e r e d him.
(fr. d i
a n d w u ) .
D i b e m , v., to be acquitted, to b e absol
ved, to be cleared f r o m a charge o f
guill.
perf. a d i b e m , to be justified,
innocent, guillless;
cf. d i f o a n d b u b e m .
D i d i , v., to eat, see di.
D i d i f o , s. , ( o d - p L a d - ) g l u t t o n , g o r
mandizer.
(fr. d i d i a n d the suf
fix fo).
D i d i m e , s., the act of eating enough,
eating so as to be satisfied, h e n c e a feast,
including the idea of drinking copi
ously, prv. 13.
(fr. d i d i a n d m e ) .
D i d i p 6 8 , s. , ( o d - pi. a d - ) table, d i n n e r table, cf. d a f i a n o p o f i .
(fr. d i d i
a n d p o n ) .
D i f 6 , v., to be p r o n o u n c e d guilly, b y a
judicial sentence in a l a w -suit;
perf. a d i f o , to be guilly;
o n n i f o ,
h e is n o t guilly, prv. 5 7 ;
cf. d i b e m
a n d b u - f o .
D i - g w a , v., to trade, to deal;
O d i
e n t a m a g w a , he deals in cloth;
inf. g w a d i , e. g. A b o f r a n o a f i h u
g w a d i , this b o y is n o t e x p e r i e n c e d in
trading, prv. 239.
D i - k a n , v. , to p r e c e d e , to w a l k before,
to w a l k in front of a n o t h e r person,
e. g. D i m i k a n , g o before;
inf.
k a n d i , e. g. O n g y a i m i k a f i d i , h e
does not leave off to w a l k before me.
(fr. di a n d k a n ) .
D i n , s., n a m e ;
W o d i n d i d ^ n ?
w h a t is y o u r n a m e ?
2. the g o o d n a m e ,
reputation, character, e. g. E n s e i m e
d i n , do not spoil m y reputation, prv.
16.
3. d i n p a , g o o d quality, h e n c e
O b o n e d i n p a , he praised him, or
m e r e l y b o - d i n , to praise, w h e n p a
is understood, e.g. O b o N y a n k u p o n
d i n , he praised G o d ;
d i n b o n n e ,
b a d quality, h e n c e O b o n e d i n b o n n e ,
he blasphemed him.
(fr. di).
D i - n i , v . , to h o n o u r , e. g. M m o f r a
n n i v o n e n n a ni v o n a g y a ni,
children m u s t h o n o u r their parents,
1 7 1
syn. e n i - so.
( p r o b . fr. d i a n d
eni).
D i n i m , v., to get the victory in a contest
to t r i u m p h , to v a n q u i s h , e. g. 0 k u m
n ' a t a m f o n a o d i n i m , he kilted his
enemies a n d got the victory
M i ni
o n o si k a n n e t u m i r i k a k o A d a m i m , n a m i d i n i m , / e n g a g e d with
h i m in a race to A d a m i a n d I w a s
victorious.
D i n i m f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) conqueror,
victor.
(fr. d i n i m a n d t h e suffix fo).
D i - e k i o r d i - e k i r r i , v., to w a l k b e h i n d
a n o t h e r person, to follow ;
h e n c e to
p u r s u e , e. g. M i d i s o n n o e k i , I a m
pursuing a n elephant;
inf. e k i d i ,
e. g. O b i n g y a i e s o n n o e k i d i , n o
body leaves off pursuing a n elephant,
prv. 174.
(fr. d i a n d e k i ) .
D y o , v . , to coot, e. g. E n s u t a g y a
s o - a , e r e n n y o d a , w h i l e w a t e r is
o n t h e fire, it w i l l n o t c o o l
E f i k w a S
n o y e c e w d o d o , h u h u s o m a
n n y o k a k r a , the s o u p is v e r y hot,
b l o w o n it t o c o o l it;
h e n c e 2. to b e
calmed, appeased, to relax f r o m a state
of excitement, a n d perf. a d y o , to be
c a l m , quiet, e. g. N ' a b u f u a d y o , his
a n g e r is a p p e a s e d
E p o a d y o , the
s e a is calm.
T h e expression d y o
e n i , literally cool the e y e , is u s e d in
imperative sentences like a n a d v e r b
f o r s l o w l y , gently, e. g. D y o e n i d i d i ,
eat slowly;
to d y o e n i s o m e t i m e s
a l s o b r e o is a d d e d : d y o e n i b r e 6 !
slowly ! gently !
D y 0 d a , s. , t h e first d a y o f t h e w e e k
w i t h the Oji- n e g r o e s , a n s w e r i n g to
o u r M o n d a y , cf. d a p e n .
T o a m a n
b o r n o n this day, the n a m e K w a d y o
is g i v e n , a n d to a w o m a n the n a m e
A d y 0 a.
D y o m , s., (pi. n n y o m ) , s o n g , air, t u n e ;
t o d y o m , to sing.
D y 6 m f o , s . , ( o d - p i . a d - ) a r t i s t , i. e .
o n e d o i n g artificial w o r k , as the joiner,
prv. 159; the gold -smith etc.
(fr.
a d y p n n e a n d the suffix fo).
D y o n k u , s., (pi. a d y - ) hip, loins;
syn. a t a s o
1 7 2
B y u , s., ( e d y n ) louse.
D y u m e n n i , s., ( o d y - pi. a d y i i m a f o )
labourer.
(fr. a d y u m a a n d t h e
suffix ni).
D y p , generally repeated several times:
d y p d y p d y p , a n a p p e a s i n g a n d c o n
soling interjection, p r o n o u n c e d to
w a r d s a p e r s o n w h o h a s hurt himself
or m e t w i t h a n accident;
p r o b a b l y
a n o t h e r f o r m of the v e r b d y o .
D y p n i , p r o b a b l y a contraction of d y o
e n i , cf. d y o a n d d y p . It is u s e d in
connection w i t h a w o r d denoting s o m e
thing afflicting or i n c o m m o d a t i n g , a n d
its i m p o r t s e e m s to b e a w i s h , that
the affliction or inconvenience referred
to m a y be b o r n e easily b y the p e r s o n
addressed, or that h e m a y r e c o v e r
f r o m t h e i m p r e s s i o n it h a s m a d e u p o n
him. T h u s , for instance, w h e n o n e
ha s m e t w i t h a n afflicting accident,
his friends will s a y to h i m d y p n i
a m a n n e h u n m i ! m a y y o u bear y o u r
affliction easily! o r m a y y o u recover
f r o m y o u r affliction! H e n c e it is u s e d
in several c o m m o n f o r m s of saluta
tion :
d y p n i a v O , said in the morning,
w h e n it is c o l d ;
fr. d y p n i a n d
a v o
a v o w .
d y p n i v i o , said in the m i d d l e of the
d a y w h e n it is h o t ;
fr. d y p n i
a n d v i o
a i v u a .
d y p n i f i w y i n a , said in the e v e n i n g
w h e n it is c o o l ;
fr. d y p n i a n d
n w y i n S
n w y i n n e .
d y p n i s u n , said after a s h o w e r of
rain;
fr. d y p n i a n d s u a r r su.
D y p n n e or d y p n , v , to think, to m e
ditate, to consider, e.g. O d p n n e b o n
n e v o n ' a k u m a m , he meditates evil
in his heart;
it is o f t e n c o n s t r u e d
w i t h the prepositions s o a n d h u , to
think about, to meditate on, to consider,
e. g. M i d y p n n e a s e m o r M i d y p n n e
a s e m s o , I a m thinking about a matter
M i d y p n n e m e n u a s o or M i
d y p n n e m e n u a h u , I a m thinking
about m y brother
A d e - a w o k o
y ? y> d y p n
i y e , consider the
thing well w h i c h y o u are going to do;
in the negative w i t h the prep, so:
e n d y p n n e s o , not to m i n d , not to
c a r e a b o u t , e. g. N ' a s e m i n i a r a y e
e n t y u r i , m i n d y p n n e s o , all his talk
is s l a n d e r , I d o n t m i n d it.
D y p n n i n i o r d y p o n i n , s . , ( o d y - pi.
a d y - ) ram.
(instead of g w a n n i n i
cf. g w a f i ) .
D y 6 n s o , s , urine.
(fr. g y e a n d
e n s u , the f o r m e r according to the
As.-form d y e ) .
D y p n s o k i i k u , s . , ( p l . n n y p n s - ) c h a m
ber-pot.
(fr. d y p n s o a n d k u k u ) .
D y p n s o t o a , s., (pi. n n y - ) b l a d d e r ;
(fr. d y p n s o a n d t o a).
D y 6 n t o f o , s., ( o d y - pi. a d y - ) singer,
songster , m o r e particularly precentor,
i. e . a p e r s o n w h o i n a r e c i t a t i v o - w a y
p r o n o u n c e s the leading sentences of
a s o n g ; at the e n d of e a c h line or
sentence a greater n u m b e r of persons
joining in s o m e syllables, w h i c h are
a repetition of the closing w o r d of
the sentence. Thus, for instance, the
precentor will sing M i k o m a i l bi
m a b o ( i n s t e a d o f m a b a ) , I w e n t to
a t o w n a n d h a v e returned, a n d the choir
w i l l a d d b o y o y o , w h i c h is a repeti
tion of b a or b o in a n e n l a r g e d form.
(fr. d y o m , t o , a n d t h e suffix fo).
D y p n , s., ( e d y - ) g r a t j h a i r ;
E d y p f i
a b a m e t i r i m a n d M e ti a f u d y p f i ,
/ have got g r a y hair.
D y u r a , s., t h e y a m - c u s t o m i. e . a n a n n u a l
festival, celebrated in t h e m o n t h of
A u g u s t o r S e p t e m b e r , w h e n t h e first
y a m is e a t e n , b e i n g c o n s i d e r e d also
as the beginning of a n e w year;
t y p d y u r a , to celebrate the y a m custom.
ID o a , s.. ( o d - pi. n n o a ) bee.
I D o d d , a d v . , v e r y , m u c h , e. g. O k a s a
d o d o , he talksmuch;
E n n e a i v u a
b o d o d o , t o - d a y the s u n is shining
v e r y hot.
D o k o , often reduplicated: d o k o d o k o ,
a., s w e e t ;
syn. f r e m f r e m .
D o k o n n o , s., boiled bread o f Indian
corn, u s e d in A k w a p i m , b e c a u s e baking
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
tbe b r e a d it prohibited b y the fetishl a w ;
cf. a b o d o .
o k o n n o e m p r o p r u a , m o r e frequent
l y d o k o n n o h u e m p r o p r u a , s. pi.,
c r u m b s o f bread.
(fr. d o k o n n o ,
h u , a n d e m p r o p r u a ) .
o m , s., ( e d o m ) host, a r m y , m o r e p a r
ticularly the hostile a r m y , the e n e m y ,
prv. 158, 233;
y i d o m , to rout the
hostile a r m y , to defeat the e n e m y ,
prv. 227.
o m a n i n , s., ( o d- pi. a d - ) the chief
o f a n a r m y , prv. 214;
it is h o w e v e r
obsolete a n d supplied b y s a f o h i n n e .
o m p e , s. (pi. n n o m p e ) bone.
o n , s., ( o d - a n d e d - ) bell,
b o d o n ,
to ring the bell
O d o n a b o , the bell
has rung.
2. clock,
O d o n e r e b o ,
t h e c l o c k is striking.
3. h o u r , e. g.
d o n b a a k o n , o n e hour.
o n k u d o n k u , a., d e e p , e. g. a b u r a
d o n k u d o n k u , a deep well
A s u b o n t e n n o y e d o n k u d o n k u , this
r i v e r is d e e p ;
syn. k r u n k r u n .
o s o e n n i , s., ( o d - pi. a d o s o a f o )
carrier, porter.
(fr. a d o s o a a n d
the suffix ni).
o t e , s., earth, clay, m u d .
r u , v , to d e s c e n d , g o d o w n , e. g. M i d r u fi d u a s o , / descended from, the
tree;
w i t h the prep, m a , to descend
into, to strike, o f l i g h t n i n g , e. g. O p r a n n a d r u d u a m - a , e s o o g y a , if the
l i g h t n i n g s t r i k e s a t r e e , it c a t c h e s fire.
r u , a., often reduplicated : d r u d r u ,
h e a v y , e. g. S u m p i y e d r u , l e a d is
h e a v y
d u a d r u d r u , h e a v y wood.
r u , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) t h e w h o l e cluster
o f fruits of the plantain- a n d b a n a n a tree, consisting of several smaller
clusters, w h i c h a r e called s a w .
u ,
to reach, to arrive, e. g. M i d u
h a e n a r r a a n a d y o f a , larrivedhere
yesterday evening
A f e y i y e b e d u
h e e n t e m , n o w w e shall arrive there
presently
A i v u a t o n a m i d u E n k r a f i , at sunset I arrived at Accra;
perf- a d u w i t h t h e p r e p s o , e. g. a d u
n » i s o , l i t e r a l l y it h a s a r r i v e d o n m e ,
i. e. it is m y t u r n , e. g . A f e y i a d u
t * 3
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
m i s o s e m i k o a s u , n o w it is m y
turn to fetch water.
u a , v., to put into the g r o u n d , to plant,
to s o w , e. g. d u ' a k u t u a b a , to p l a n t
a n orange-seed
du' a b r o , to s o w
corn.
u a , s , (pi. n n u a ) plant, tree, s h r u b ;
2 ) w o o d , e. g. D u a v o d e p a m
n n a k a , o f w o o d boxes are m a d e ;
piece o f w o o d , prv. 224;
something
m a d e o f wood, prv. 159 ;
h e n c e a n y
thing m a d e of w o o d for w h i c h there
is n o special n a m e , t h u s especially:
a) handle, stick, e.g. a s o w d u a , helve
of a hoe ;
b) block to w h i c h pri
soners are fastened b y m e a n s o f a n
i r o n fixed in it a n d c l o s i n g r o u n d t h e
wrist;
V a b o n o d u a m , t h e y h a v e
arrested h i m , fastened h i m to the block
O d a d u a m , h e is a r r e s t e d , f a s t e n e d
to the block;
c) privy, necessary,
consisting of a scaffold of b e a m s out
side the t o w n ;
V a k o d u a s o , he
is g o n e to the p r i v y , cf. d u a s e , y a n e ,
k a s e ;
3 ) tail o f q u a d r u p e d s a n d
b i r d s , e. g. A k o k o n i n i a y e r a n e
d u a , t h e c o c k h a s lost its tail.
(fr.
d u a , v.)
u a , s., a little piece o f w o o d , stick,
splinter, prv. 75.
(dim. of d u a ) .
u a b a . s., fruit.
(fr. d u a a n d a b a ) .
u a b a s a , s. , (pi. n n u a b - ) b r a n c h .
(fr. d u a a n d b a s a ) .
u a b 6 n , s., b a r k o f trees.
(fr. d u a
a n d a b o f i ) .
u a c e f i , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) a s p e c i e s o f
m o n k e y , black w i t h a w h i t e neck,
living o n trees, v e r y c o m m o n in A k w a p i m , w h e r e it is c o n s e c r a t e d t o t h e
fetish.
u a d e , s., cassada, m a n i o c ;
syn.
b a fi k y e .
u a e m p r o p r u a , m o r e frequeutly d u a h u e m p r o p r u a , s. pi., s m a l l b i t s o f
w o o d , as splutters, saw-dust.
(fr.
d u a , h u , a n d e m p r o p r u a ) .
u a h i n , s., (pi. n n u a h i n ) the r o o t o f
a tree;
syn. d u e n t i n i
(fr. d u a
a n d b i n , see efihifi).
u a h o m e r r e , s., a s p o n g y excres
1 7 4
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
cence o n trees, m u s h r o o m .
(fr. d u a
h u a n d m e r r e ) .
u a s e , s., Cpl. n n u a s e ) t r u n k o f a
tree;
2 ) p r i v y , n e c e s s a r y , cf. d u a ,
syn. y a f i e a n d k a s e .
(fr. d u a a n d
ase).
u e n t i n i , s., (pi. n n u e n t - ) the root
o f a tree;
syn. d u a h i f i .
(fr. d u a
a n d e n t i n i ) .
u f a k i , s., a t r e e t h a t h a s f a l l e n d o w n
a n d lain o n the g r o u n d for s o m e
time.
u k u, s., (pi. n n u k u ) h a n d k e r c h i e f
(prob. f r o m the D a n i s h dug).
u k u d o n , s., linen.
u m , v., to g o o u t ( o f fire); e.g. O g y a
r e b e d u m , the fire is g o i n g o u t
O g y a n o a d u m , Ike fire is g o n e o u t ;
tr. to p u t out, to extinguish, to q u e n c h ,
e. g. D u m k a n n e a n o , p u t o u t that
light
K o f a e n s u d u m o g y a no,
Fetch s o m e water a n d extinguish the
fire.
u m , s,, ( o d u m ) O d u m - t r e e , a l a r g e
tree the w o o d o f w h i c h is u s e d to
m a k e furniture.
u n s ifi, s., s t u m p o f a t r e e .
(fr. d u a
a n d e n s i n = sin).
e , d e w , reduplicated: d e d e , d e d e w
(the f o r m d e a n d d e d e is u s e d a s
predicate, d e w a n d d e d e w as attri
b u t e d , a., agreeable, pleasant, sweet, is
u s e d of eatables: e y e d e or contract
e d e d e , it t a s t e s w e l t , cf. p r v . 1 3 1 ,
2 2 5 etc.
o f s o u n d e. g. o f t h e h o r n ,
prv. 1 3 2 , of the d r u m , prv. 2 1 3
of
w o r d s , e. g. a k w a n m u s e m d e w ,
pleasant news, prv. 62.
of a p e r s o n :
O y e d e , h e is a n a g r e e a b l e m a n ,
prv. 201.
e f o , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) benefactor, liber
al m a n .
e n , pr. interr., ( e d e n ) w h a t ?
used
only as a substantive p r o n o u n , a n d
o n l y in direct questions, thereby distin
guished f r o m b e n a n d d e k o d e ,
e. g. O s e d e n ? w h a t d i d h e s a y ?
E y i v o f r e n o defi? or V o f r e y i
d e n ? w h a t is that called?
E d e n
n i ? w h a t (is) this? - E d e n a s e m
D
D
D
D
D
D
n o m u k a ? w h a t a r e y o u talking ? liter
a l l y : w h a t ("is) the w o r d y o u s p e a k ?
E d e n e n k o m o n o m u b o ? what are
y o u conversing about? literally: what
(is) the conversation y o u hold?
E d e n
e n t i ? f o r w h a t ? i.e. f r o m w h a t c a u s e ?
w h y ? e. g. E d e n e n t i n a o m b a i ?
w h y did he not c o m e ?
W o y e d e n ?
w h a t a r e y o u d o i n g ? is u s e d for: what
is the m a t t e r ? w h a t is the c a u s e ? h o w
is it? w i t h t h e c o n j u n c t i o n n a f o l l o w
i n g , e. g. W o y e d e n n a w o f y e a s e ?
h o w w a s it t h a t y o u f e l l ?
M u y e
d e n n a m u g i n n a h a k o a ? h o w is
it, t h a t y o u a r e s t a n d i n g h e r e i d l e ?
2) h o w ? e.g. V o y e e n g o d e n ? hous
is the p a l m - o i l m a d e ?
e n k y e m , s., ( o d - pi. a d - ) alligator,
crocodile.
? w , v., to blaze, to flame, e. g. O g y a
r e d e w , the fire is blazing.
e w , a., pleasant, agreeable, see de.
o , v. tr., to love, e . g . N n o w o y o f i k u
n o m efiku, n a d o w ' a t a m f o e n s o
e n n i v o n v o h s w o , love not only
y o u r friends, but love also y o u r enemies
a n d those w h o persecute y o u , prv. 10;
to like, to prefer, prv. 59.
2. w i t h o n e o f t h e s u b s t a n t i v e s
s r a d e (or a o f i w a ) , fat, a n d efikan a r r e , rust, f o r its object, its m e a n i n g
s e e m s to b e to attract, to gather;
h e n c e the expressions: d o s r a d e (or
d o a o f i w a ) , t o g a t h e r f a t , i. e. t o
fatten, to g r o w fat,
a n d in the per
fect a d o s r a d e , to be fat, cf. prv.
d o e n k a n a r r e , to gather
149, 182;
rust, to rust, to g r o w rusty, a n d perf.
a d o e n k a n a r r e , is rusty.
p , v. intr., to be deep, e.g. A b u r a n o
d o , the w e l l is d e e p ; - it is g e n e r a l l y
c o m p o s e d w i t h the substantive m u
(the interior); m u - d o , e.g. A s u b o n tefi n o m u - d o , the river is deep.
2. in t h e p e r f e c t t e n s e : a d o , is r e d h o t , e. g. D a d e n o a d o , this i r o n in
red-hot.
o n , v , to soak, to soften in water,
e. g. M i d e a b r o m a g u e n s u m n a
a d o n , I have put the corn in water
D
D
D
D
to
so
fi
ou
s o a k it.
intr. perf. a d o n , to be
a k e d , e. g. A b r o n o a d o n a a y i
e n s u m , t h e c o r n is s o a k e d , t a k e it
t o f the water.
o s o , v., to be much, to be enough, e.g.
E y i d 0 s o , that is e n o u g h
E y i
n n o s o , that is n o t e n o u g h .
o w , v., to cut, to m o w ;
d o w s a r re, to cut grass
O w u a d a r r e d o w ,
the sickle o f death m o w s , prv. 228;
d o w a f u , to m a k e a plantation ( b y
clearing a w a y the thicket).
intr. to
d o a g r i c u l l u r a l w o r k , e. g. O d o w v o
a f u m , he w o r k s in the plantation.
o w , s. , a k i n d o f t w i n e m a d e o f the
fibres of the leaves of the a d o b e .
u e , v., to daub, to besmear, m o r e p a r
ticularly to b e s m e a r things connected
w i t h fetish - w o r s h i p w i t h blood, the
y e l k of eggs, w h i t e a n d red earth etc.
I n p r v . 1 0 6 it is u s e d f i g u r a t i v e l y ,
signifying to cullivate, to practise.
E .
E b i a , a d v . , p e r h a p s , possibly, e. g. M e
s e k a n v o h e ? M i n n i m , k o f y e
a d a k a m , e b i a e v o h o , w h e r e is m y
knife? I do not k n o w , look in the case,
p e r h a p s it is t h e r e .
E d u , n u m . , ten.
E d u b a a k o f i , num., eleven.
(fr, e d u
a n d b a a k o f i ) .
E d u m i e n s a , num., thirteen.
(fr. e d u
a n d m i e n s a , plural of a b i e s a ) .
E d u m i e f i , n u m . , twelve.
(fr. e d u
a n d m i e n , plural of a b i e n ) .
E d u n n a n , n u m . , fourteen.
(fr. e d u
a n d n n a f i , plural of a n a n ) .
E d u n n u m , n u m . , fifteen.
(fr. e d u
a n d n n u m , plural of a n u m ) .
E d u n s i a , n u m . , sixteen.
(fr. e d u
a n d e n s i a , plural of asia).
E d u n s o f i , num., seventeen.
(fr. e d u
a n d e n s o n , plural of a s o n ) .
E d n f i k r 6 f i , n u m , nineteen.
( f r . e d u
a n d e n k r o n , plural of a k r o n ) .
E d u n o t y 6 , num., eighteen.
( f r . e d u
a n d e f i o t y o , plural of a o l y o ) .
1 7 5
E y e n t i , c o n j ., t h e r e f o r e , o n t h a t a c c o u n t .
(fr. y i a n d e n t i ) .
E m fa, s., a c o m m o n disease, c a u s e d
b y a w o r m e n g e n d e r e d in the flesh.
E m f a e n t u m , s., interest, u s u r y ;
m a
e m f a e n t u m , to p a g interest.
(fr.
f a a n d t u m fr. t o a n d m u ) .
E m f a s o , s., g a i n , profit;
fa emfaso,
to m a k e profit.
(fr. f a a n d s o ) .
E m f i , s., the side of the b o d y of m a n
a n d animals.
E m f i m , s., the side of the b o d y viz.
t h e i n n e r p a r t o f it, e. g. M ' e m f i m
y ? m i y a w , M g s i d e p a i n s m e , i. e .
/ h a v e pains in m y side.
(fr. e m f i
a n d m u ) .
E m f i n e m f i n i , s., middle, midst.
p r e p , in the m i d s t o f , in, o n , e. g.
O h i n n e d a n si k m e m f i n e m f i n i ,
the chief's house stands in the midst o f
the t o w n
M i c i a n o v o k w a f i e m
f i n e m f i n i , / m e t him o n the way.
E m f i r u w a , s., a kind of t w i n e m a d e
of the fibres of the leaves of the pine
apple-plant.
E m f o n i n n e , s., picture.
E m f o t i e , s., w h i t e ant.
E m f r a m a , s., w i n d ;
E m f r a m a bo,
the w i n d blows.
E m f u t u m a , s., dust;
E m f u t u m a
v o p o f i s o , there is d u s t o n t h e table
P o p a e m f u t u m a n o , wipe the
d u s t off.
E m f u t u r u , s., gold-dust, g o l d in s m a l l
grains , as used instead of m o n e y ;
2) w o o l l e n o r flaxen material in its
p r i m i t i v e s t a t e , e. g. a s a w a e m f u
t u r u , r a w cotton
a b r o b e e m f u t u r u , the fibres of the pineapplel e a v e s , o f w h i c h t h e e m f i r u w a is
m a d e .
E m f ^ f o , s. pi., fellows, c o m p a n i o n s , c o m
rades, prv. 254;
u s e d as plural o f
y o n k u .
(fr. f e s., a n d t h e s u f
fix fo).
E m f e n s r e , s., w i n d o w , w i n d o w - s h u t t e r .
(prob. f r o m the Portuguese).
E m f ^ n s r e d u a , s., w i n d o w - f r a m e .
(fr. e m f e n s r e a n d d u a ) .
l i s
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E m m
m i
E m p
E m p
E
E
i m , s., force, violence;
di e m m , to d o violence, prv. 11.
a , s., bed.
a b u a , s., sanded, a p a i r o f s a n d a l s ;
syn. e n t o k o t a .
m p a d u a , s., bed-stead.
(fr. e m p a
a u d d u a).
m p a i , s. , c u r s e , execration , i m p r e c a
tion;
syn. e n s e w .
m p a r o w , s., r i b s ;
k i n i e m p a r o w ,
r i b s i. e . s p r i n g s o f t h e u m b r e l l a .
m p e t e , s., s m a l l - p o x .
m p e w a , s., s m a l l shot.
m p i e n g o , s., the w i n g e d w h i t e ant.
m p i r e , s., whip, stick, m a d e of the
skin of a n elephant, h i p p o p o t a m u s ,
or buffalo.
( p r o b . fr. p i r a j .
m p o a n o , s., s e a - s h o r e , coast, b e a c h .
(fr. p o a n d a n o ) .
m p o a n o f o , s., p e o p l e living n e a r t h e
sea-shore.
(fr. e m p o a n o a n d t h e
suffix fo).
m p o s a i , s. , t h e w h i t h e r e d b a r k o f
the plantain-tree, prv. 242.
m p r e m p r u , s., b a m b o o .
m p r i n p r i n , adv., of time past: just
n o w , e. g. E m p r i n p r i n n a m i d u
h a i , just n o w I arrived here
M i h u
n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n , / s a w M m
there just n o w .
2) of the future:
p r e s e n t l y , i m m e d i a t e l y , e. g. M i r e b a
e m p r i n p r i n , I a m coming presently.
3) w h e n repeated in correlative
s e n t e n c e s , it a n s w e r s t o t h e E n g l i s h
n o w - t h e n , e. g. A n u m a t u - a , e m p r i n
p r i n o d a f i n e h u k o h a i , n a e m
p r i n p r i n d d a f i n e h u b a h a i bio,
w h e n a b i r d flies, it t u r n s n o w t h a t w a y
tlien this w a y .
m p r o p r u a , s. pi., Utile f r a g m e n t s ,
c r u m b s , splinters, filings, s p a r k s ;
oc
curs chiefly as the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m
p o n e n t of c o m p o u n d s , the other c o m
p o n e n t denoting the substance, of w h i c h
the f r a g m e n t s are; frequently in s u c h
c o m p o u n d s the t w o c o m p o n e n t s are
c o n n e c t e d b y t h e p r e p , h u , e. g. d o k o n n o e m p r o p r u a or d o k o n n o h u e m p r o p m a , c r u m b s o f b r e a d , cf.
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
d a d e e m p r o p r u a , d u a e m p r o p r u a ,
g y a e m p r o p r u a .
m p u r a n , s., a l a r g e p i e c e o f t i m b e r ,
beam.
m p e n n a , s., t h e c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n
a m a n a n d a w o m a n living together
for a time w i t h o u t being p r o p e r l y
married, concubinage;
t y p e m p e n
n a , to f o r m such a connection.
2) (pi. e m p e n n a f o) the p e r s o n s
living together in a state o f c o n c u
binage, concubine, p a r a m o u r , mistress.
m p e s e i , s., the b l o s s o m o f the I n d i a n
corn;
A b r o t o e m p e s e i , the In
dian corn puts forth blossoms.
m p e s e , s., pi. e m p e s e m p e s e , tufts
o f hair;
b o e m p e s e m p e s e , to
f o r m tufts, to join the hair into tufts
b y m i x i n g w i t h it s o m e g l u t i n o u s
matter.
n d a , s. , sleep , e. g. O n y a f i m i f i
e n d a m , h e a w o k e m e f r o m sleep.
(lr. d a , v . )
n n a , s., m o t h e r ;
m ' e n n a ni m ' a g y a ,
m y parents, p r v . 4 ; cf. b a t a i i .
n n i , c o n j . , and. T h e conjunction e n n i
is e m p l o y e d o n l y in c o n t r a c t e d s e n
tences, to connect t w o collateral s u b
jects or objects, being t h e r e b y distin
guished f r o m n a , b y w h i c h t w o dif
ferent predicates, a n d hence t w o distinct
sentences are joined. F r o m the s y n o
n y m o u s conjunction ni, of w h i c h e n n i
is b u t a s t r o n g e r f o r m , it differs b y
c o n v e y i n g a less intimate connection,
leaving a separate e m p h a s i s to e a c h
o f t h e t w o w o r d s , e. g. E s e t e n t eft
e n n i e s e a k o t i a e d i d i b a a k o f i ,
long teeth a n d short teeth eat the' s a m e
(food), prv. 235.
N n o w o y o f i k u
n o in e n n i w ' a d e f o n o m e f i k u , n a
d o w ' a t a m f o e n s o e n n i v o f i v o h a
w o , love nol only y o u r friends a n d
y o u r benefactors, but love also y o u r
enemies a n d those w h o persecute you.
(cf. Gr. §. 2 1 5 ) .
n n i h a w , s., sloth, laziness.
E n n i h a w a k a w (i. e. a k a w o ) , y o u a r e
lazy.
n n u k u n n u k u a , s. pi., r a g s , t a t t e r s .
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
(fr. d u k u , b y reduplication o f the
plural n n u k u ) .
n n e , adv., to-day.
n s a , s., h a n d ;
also finger, see e n satia.
H e n c e the c o m p o u n d verb:
E n s a - k a , to receive (literally the
h a n d t o u c h e s ) , e. g. M ' e n s a a k a
e f i h u m a , / h a v e received a letter.
n s a , s., s t r o n g drink, i n t o x i c a t i n g liquor;
e n s a fuf'u, palm-wine.
n s a b 6 , s., intoxication, inebriation;
m o r e frequently a s a b o .
(fr. b o
a n d e n s a ) .
n s a m s o , s., ceiling.
n s a m s o d u a , s., b e a m , t h e p i e c e s o f
t i m b e r o f w h i c h t h e ceiling is m a d e .
(fr. e n s a m s o a n d d u a ) .
n s a n , s., infection; y e e n s a n , to b e
infectious, e. g. E m p e - t e y e e n s a m
the small - p o x are infectious.
(fr.
s a n ) .
n s a t i a , s., finger;
usually e n s a
is u s e d f o r finger, e x c e p t w h e n it is
to b e expressly distinguished f r o m
hand.
;fr. e n s a a n d tia.)
n s a t i & h i n n e , s., middle-finger.
(fr.
e n s a t i a a n d h i n n e , prop, the fingerchief).
n s e w , s., c u r s e , malediction, i m p r e c a
tion, execration;
O c o m ' e n s e w , he
cursed m e ;
syn. e m p a i .
n s e n n i a , s., b a l a n c e , p a i r o f scales.
(fr. s<?n).
n s o , c o n j . , also, too, e. g. N n o w o
y o f i k u n o m e n k u , n a d o w ' a t a m f o e n s o , love not o n l y y o u r friends,
but love also y o u r enemies
W o ni
w u - a w o f i w u , n a o f e r r e - a , w o
e n s o w a f e r r e , w h e n y o u r relation
dies, y o u d o n o t die, b u t if h e is dis
graced, y o u a r e disgraced too.
E n s o
is often u s e d in Oji, w h e r e in E n g l i s h
a n adversative conjunction, but or
h o w e v e r , m u s t b e s u b s t i t u t e d f o r it,
e. g. O d e n k y e m d a e n s u m , m a m p a m e n s o d a w u r a m , the crocodile
lives in the water, but the g u a n a hves
in the w o o d (cf. G r . §. 2 1 0 ) .
n s o k o t a or e n t o k o t a , s., sandal,
pair o f sandals, syn. e m p a b u a .
1 7 7
| E n s o n n o , s., b o w e l s , intestines, entrails.
E n s o h . s., ashes.
E n s o r r o m a , s. , s t a r .
(prob. fr.
s o r r o , sky).
E n s o s 6 , conj., also, e. g . W o n s i m
e n t e m - a , e n s o s o w o n d u e n t e m ,
if y o u do not set out in time, y o u will
also not arrive in time.
(reduplica
tion of e n s o ) .
E n s o w , s., sign.
E n s u , s., w a t e r , e. g. n o m e n s u , to
drink water.
2) urine in the expres
sion g y e e n s u , see g y e , e l s e d y p n so.
(cf. s u , s., r a i n , s u , v., t o w e e p ,
a n d a s u ) .
E n s u a n o , s., the b a n k , shore, of a
river, lake, o r sea.
(fr. e n s u a n d
a no).
E n s u a n o fo, s., p e o p l e living n e a r a
river, a lake, or the sea.
(fr. e n s u
a n o a n d the suffix fo).
E n s u a s e , s. , t h e b o t t o m o f a river,
or of a n y other w a t e r , prv. 212.
(fr. e n s u a n d a s e ) .
E n s u b o a , s . , w a t e r - a n i m a l i. e . a q u a
d r u p e d living in the w a t e r , as the
crocodile, h i p p o p o t a m u s etc.
(fr.
e n s u a n d a b o a ) .
E n s u b u n n u m , s., a d e e p p l a c e in t h e
w a t e r , as in a river.
(fr. e n s u
a n d b u n n u m p e r h a p s the s a m e as
bofi).
E n s u k o m , s, thirst;
E n s u k o m d i
m i , I a m thirs'y, cf. di.
(fr. e n s u
a n d k o m , prop, water-hunger).
E n s u k r i i a , s., w a t e r - p o t , pitcher.
(fr.
e n s u a n d k r u a p e r h a p s fr. k o r a ) .
E n s u n a m , s.. fish, w h e n c o n s i d e r e d a s
a kind of food, w h e r e a s , w h e n refer
red to as a particular k i n d of animal,
it is c a l l e d a p a t a .
(fr. e n s u a n d
n a m , literallly: water-flesh).
E n s u e y i r r i , s., flood, inundation.
(fr. e n s u a n d y i r r i ) .
E n s u o n i, s. , t h e s u r f a c e o f t h e w a t e r ,
prv. 62.
(fr. e n s u a n d e n i ) .
E n s o i , s., thorn, prick.
E n t a , s. pi., twins, cf. a t a .
j E n t a b a n , s., w i n g o f a bird.
2 3
1 7 8
E n t a k a r a , s., feather, quill.
E n t a k u a , s., ( h e h a i r tied t o g e t h e r o n
the top of the h e a d , so as to stick
out b e h i n d like a h o r n ;
syn. p u a .
E n t a m , s. , o a t h ;
k a e n t a m , to
s w e a r
k a e n t a m h u n n u . to s w e a r
falsely.
E n t a m , m o r e f r e q u e n t l y e n t a m a , s.,.
stvff, cloth, cotton-cloth.
2. a n e g r o d r e s s m a d e o f E u r o p e a n stuff, cf.
k i n t e .
(fr. t a m ) .
E n t a m a n y u n n e f o or e n t a m a n y o m fo, s., weaver.
(fr. e n t a m a a n d
n y u n n e f o ) .
E n t e k u m a , s., a k i n d of spider, prv.
118.
E n t e m , p r e p . , a m o n g , b e t w e e n , e. g.
O g i n n a m ' a g y a e n n i m e n u a e n t e m , he stands between m y father a n d
m y brother
B e p o a b i e f i y i e n t e m
obofi d a m , between these t w o m o u n
tains there is a v a l l e y
A k i m v o
A s a n t e e n n i A k w a p i m e n t e m ,
A k i m is b e t w e e n A s a n t e a n d A k w a p i m
M a n s o v o y e n n i E n k r a n f o
e n t e m , t h e r e is a q u a r r e l b e t w e e n u s
a n d the Accra-people
O g i n n a efik r o f o e n t e m , h e is s t a n d i n g a m o n g
the people.
(fr. te, v., a n d did),
E n t e n n i , s., vein, blood-vessel.
E n t e t i a , s., a k i n d o f s m a l l ants.
E n t i , conj., hence, therefore, o n that
a c c o u n t , e. g. M a f r o b e p o t e n t e f i ,
e n t i m a b r e , / have ascended a high
mountain, therefore I a m tired W a s u,
e n t i w o ? n i a b e r r e , y o u h a v e wept,
hence y o u r eyes are r e d
O y e t u t u p e f o , e n t i o b i a r a m p e n ' a s e m ,
h e is q u a r r e l s o m e , t h e r e f o r e n o b o d y
will h a v e to do with h i m ;
M u d e
m u a n y i n s e n m i , e n t i m u t u t u m i r i k a s e n m i , y o u a r e older t h a n I,
t h e r e f o r e y o u r u n ( f a s t e r ) t h a n I.
E n t i , prep., o n a c c o u u l of, by, through,
f r o m ;
it is e m p l o y e d o n l y t o d e n o t e
a relation of causality , a n d a n s w e r s
to the English prepositions m e n t i o n e d
b u t in so far as they are used for the
s a m e p u r p o s e , e. g. N ' a t u t u p e e n t i
o b i a r a m p e n ' a s e m , o n account o f
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
his quarrelsome disposition n o b o d y will
h a v e to do with h i m
E n s a n e n t i
o y a r r e e m p e t e , by infection he has
got the small-pox
A k w a d u r r ' e n t i
o h i a a b a n o s o , through idleness he
has b e c o m e p o o r
O b r e e n t i m i n t u m i n y e a d y u m a , f r o m fatigue I
c a n n o t w o r k . S o m e t i m e s it is r e f e r r e d
t o a w h o l e s e n t e n c e , e. g. H u m ' e n i
s o m a m e n t i n a a t y p abiefi n a m ,
literally : for the sake of b l o w u p o n m y
e y e for m e t w o antelopes w a l k in c o m
p a n y , i. e . t h a t o n e m a y b l o w u p o n
t h e other's e y e etc., p r v . 6 4 , cf. 2 2 2 .
n t i n i , s., r o o t , s y n . e f i h i n .
n t y e r r e , s. , l a d d e r , scale, stairs.
(fr. t y e r r e ) .
n t y u m a, s., r e d ochre, u s e d b y the
n e g r o e s to paint their houses.
n t y u r i , s., slander, c a l u m n y .
(fr.
t y u r i).
n t o a , s., cartridge-box.
(cf. t o a ) .
n t o k o a n t o k o a , a., v a r i e g a t e d , s p o t
ted;
syn. v r a n v r a f i .
n t o k o t a , s., s e e e n s o k o t a .
n t o k w a w , s., fighting, scuffle, a / f r a y ;
k o e n t o k w a w , to fight, to wrestle,
to cuff.
n t o m m o , s., a n edible root, in a p
p e a r a n c e similar to the potatoes, of
a s w e e t taste, a n d h e n c e usually called
sweet potatoes b y the E u r o p e a n s .
n t o n t o , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
n t o f i k a , s., e y e - b r o w .
( e n . t o n
s e e m s to m e a n a r c h , cf. n y a n k u n t o n ) .
n t o r o a , s., a n e d i b l e fruit, e s p e c i a l l y
eaten in soup.
n t o s o , s., a d d i t i o n , i. e. w h a t a p e r s o n
gets into the bargain w h e n b u y i n g a
thing.
(fr. t o , v., a n d s o , prep.,
t o p u t o n i. e. t o a d d ) .
n t r a m a , s. pi., cowries, s m a l l shells,
said to b e i m p o r t e d chiefly f r o m the
E a s t -India g r o u p of islands called
Maledives, a n d serving in W e s t e r n
Africa instead of m o n e y , forty m a k i n g
a b a n , a string, a b o u t as m u c h as a
p e n n y , a n d fifty b a n o r 2 0 0 0 c o w r i e s
g o i n g to a ti, a h e a d of cowries.
E n t u , a^v. , occurs o n l y in the t e r m
d a e n t u , to sleep without a fire, t h e
n e g r o e s usually lying d o w n n e a r a
fire to sleep; if t h e y h a v e n o fire or
if it is g o n e out, t h e y s a y y e d a e n t u ,
prv. 50.
E n t u a n o , s., c o r k , s t o p p l e , t h a t b y w h i c h
the m o u t h of a bottle or a n y other
vessel is filled up.
(fr. t u a a n d
a n o , w h a t sticks in the m o u t h ) .
E n t u n t u m , s., m o s q u i t o .
E n t u n t u m e , s., locust.
E n t u t a , s., a double-barrelled gun.
(fr. t u o a n d t a , cf. a t a ) .
E n t e r n , s., quickness, speed, swiftness,
prv. 119.
f i n t e m , adv., quickly, rapidly, soon, im
mediately, e. g. E n t e m ! e n t e m ! m u k o
m u t r a b e r r e ! quick I quick! to y o u r
seals!
B e r a e n t e m ! c o m e quickly!
W a b a e n t e m , y o u c a m e soon
O b e b a e n t ? m , he will c o m e i m m e
diately.
E n t e s i i , s. , spittle;
fi e n t e s u , to
spit, prv. 20, 62.
E n c i a , s., m e e t i n g , e n c o u n t e r .
(fr. cia).
E n c i r a , s., blessing.
(fr. c i r a ) .
E n c u r e n , s. , b l o s s o m , f l o w e r ;
g u
e n c u r e f i , to put forth blossoms, to
b l o s s o m , e. g. D u a n o g u e n c u r e n ,
the tree blossoms.
(cf. cirefi).
E n g y a n s r a m a , s., live coat, burning
coat.
(fr. g y a a n d s r a m a , see
s r a m a f i ) .
E n g o , s., oil, p a l m - o i l .
(fr. gu).
E fi g li r a , s . , w e e d , g r a s s .
2) sweepings.
(fr. g u \
E f i h i n , s., root, s y n . e n t i n i .
E f i h u m a , s . , skin, hide, e. g. n a n t y u n h u m a , skin o f a bullock, cf- g w a f i h u m a , a s - o n h u m a .
2. leather, e.g.
E n h u m a v o d e p a m k o t o k u , o f
leather bags are made.
3. paper, e. g.
k y e r o w e n h u m a , to write o n paper.
4. letter , e. g. M ' e n s a - a k a e n
h u m a , / h a v e r e c e i v e d a letter.
( p r o b . fr. h u ) .
E n k a , s., smell;
te e f i k a , to per
ceive the smell, to s m e l l , e. g. O p e t e
t e f u n n u e f i k a n a o r e b a , w h e n
1 7 9
t h e v u l l u r e s m e l l s t h e c a r c a s s , it c o m e s
near.
2) report, r u m o u r ;
M a t e
n ' e n k a , / h a v e h e a r d h i s r e p o r t , i. e.
I have heard, o f him.
(fr. k a ) .
E n k a h u , s., addition, the t h i n g a d d e d .
(fr k a , v., a n d h u , prep.)
E n k a i, s., rest, r e m a i n d e r .
(fr. a k a
perf. of k a ) .
E n k a i , s., m e m o r y , r e m e m b r a n c e , r e c o l
lection.
(fr. k a i ) .
E fi k a i n i a r a , n u m . , a l l , w h o l e , a l l w i t h o u t
exeption.
(fr. e n k a , d o e s n o t w a n t ,
perfect negative of k a , a n d ifiiara).
E n k a k r a f i k a k r a , a d v . , b y little a n d
little, b y d e g r e s s , g r a d u a l l y , e . g . A k u t u b e r r e e n k a k r a n k a k r a , a n
o r a n g e ripens gradually
E s u m b a
e n k a k r a f i k a k r a , D a r k n e s s c o m e s
gradually.
(fr. k a k r a b y redupli1 cation).
E n k a m f o , s. , a k i n d o f y a m , s e e d e .
E f i k a n a r r e , s., rust;
d o e n k a n a r r e , to rust, also y e e n k a n a r r e
a n d g y e e n k a n a r r e ;
perf. a d o
( o r a y e o r a g y e . ) e n k a n a r r e , is
r u s t y , e. g. S a f i n o a d o e n k a n a r r e ,
this k e y is r u s t y .
E n k a n i , s , a k i n d of y a m , see de.
E f i k a n t e m m i , s. , a k i n d o f y a m ,
see de.
E f i k a tie, s ground-nut.
E n k e k a , s., biting, p r v . 2 3 2 .
E n k e k y e , s., avarice, stinginess.
E n k e r i s i a , s., a k i n d o f palin, o f t h e
leaves of w h i c h hats are m a d e .
E n k e r i s i a k y o w , s., h a t m a d e o f t h e
leaves of the e n k e r i s i a .
(fr. efik e r i s i a a n d k y o w ) .
E n k e t e n k e t e , a., v e r y small, v e r y
little, tiny.
E n k y i n n e , s , sall.
E n k y e , a d v . , s o o n , i m m e d i a t e l y , e. g.
W o d e d u a c e g y e m - a , e n k y e n a
e d a n g e b i r u , if y o u put w o o d into
t h e fire, it s o o n t u r n s i n t o c o a l .
(ne
g a t i v e o f k y e , to last).
E n k y e n , s., side, e. g. o d a n k y e n
(contracted of d a n - e n k y e n ) , the side
of the house
o k w a n k y e n , the side
of the r o a d , prv. 256.
1 8 0
E f i k y e . f i , prep., near, with, by, to, e. g.
M i g i n n a n ' e n k y e f i , I a m standing
near h i m
K e k y e d a s r a m o n k y e f i ,
t h e ^ e v e n i n g - s t a r is n e a r the m o o n
M i k o n ' e n k y e f i , I a m going to him.
E n k o d a s e m , s., tricks, prv. 234.
E n k o k o n t e , s. , a k i n d o f f o o d , p r e
p a r e d of plantain, l o o k i n g like soap,
prv. 107.
E f i k o m o , s., c o m p l a i n t , l a m e n t a t i o n ;
di e n k o m o , to lament, to complain,
to m o a n , e. g. O d i e n k o m o m a n e
n u a , he m o a n s about his brother.
2) conversation (cf. a v i r r e h o s e m ) ;
di e n k o m o a n d b o e f i k o m o , to
c o n v e r s e , e. g. M i n i o n o b o e n k o m o ,
/ converse with h i m
D e n e n k o m o
n o m u b o ? o r E n k o m o b e n n a m u b o ? w h a t is y o u r c o n v e r s a t i o n ? w h a t
are y o u conversing a b o u t ?
E f i k o m o d i f o , s., l a m e n t e r , m o a n e r .
(fr. e n k o m o , di. a n d the suffix fo).
E n k o n o n , s., a pit d u g o n p u r p o s e
to find gold.
E f i k o n s o fi k o n s o n , s . , c h a i n .
E f i k r a n t e , s., s w o r d , s a b r e .
E n k r a n , s. , a k i n d o f b l a c k a n t s bi
ting severely; t h e y w a n d e r a b o u t in
great s w a r m s , a n d thus often invade
the houses, killing a n d d e v o u r i n g
e v e r y t h i n g living that c o m e s in their
w a y .
E f i k r o f o , s. pi., p e o p l e .
(fr. k r u a n d
the suffix fo).
E n k r u m a , s.. a n e d i b l e fruit.
E n k r u n n u a , s., s a n d a l s o f w o o d .
E f i k u , s., a k i n d o f g r e a s e , g o t f r o m
the fruit of a tree, used b y the ne
g r o e s as o i n t m e n t to m a k e their skin
soft a n d glossy.
E fi k u , a d v . , a l o n e , o n l y , b u t , e . g . M i
e f i k u ni k u a f o , I a m the only planter.
prv. 12.
K a a k e k i r e e n n i e n v a w
e f i k u - a , suppose there w e r e o n l y
tortoises a n d snails, prv. 2 6
A i v u a
d e k a n n e a ni a h u h u r u m a a s a s e ;
o s r a m ni e n s o r r o m a d e m a k a n
n e a e f i k u a n a d y o , n a v o m m a a h u
h u r u , the s u n gives light a n d w a r m t h
to the earth; but the m o o n a n d the stars
give o n l y light by night, n o warmth.
E n k u a b a , s., t h e fruit f r o m w h i c h the
e f i k u is got.
(fr. e n k u a n d aba).
E n k u d u a , s. , t h e tree f r o m the fruit
o f w h i c h the e n k u is got.
(fr.
e n k u a n d d u a ) .
E n k i i k u , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
E n k u n y a , s., miracle, w o n d e r , m i r a c u
lous act, s u c h as the fetish -priests
pretend to p e r f o r m ;
y e e n k u n y a
a n d y i e f i k u n y a , to p e r f o r m a mi
racle.
l E n k u n t o m p o , s. , s l a n d e r o u s lie, c a
l u m n y ;
t y a e n k u n t o m p o , to ca
lumniate.
E n k u r o p e i , s., button.
Efi k u t o , adv. , alone, only, but, e.g.
O n n i b i r i b i a r a s e d u a b a efikuto, he eats nothing but fruits;
M i
e f i k u t o n a m i t e w u r a m , Ilivealone
in the wood.
(cf. e n k u).
E n k w a , s., hfe, e. g. N ' e n k w a y e
t i a , his life w a s short;
g y e e f i k w a ,
to preserve, to save f r o m death, see
g y e
E n k w a n t a , s . , d o u b l e - r o a d , i. e. t h e
place w h e r e a r o a d b r a n c h e s off into
two, or w h e r e t w o r o a d s cross, prv.
19. 189.
(fr. k w a n a n d t a , cf.
a t a ) .
E n k w a f i , s., s o u p .
E f i v a w , s., snail.
E n v i , s., hair.
E f i v i a , s., s a n d .
E f i v i a n v i a b o , s., sandstone.
(fr.
efi v i a r e d u p l i c a t e d a n d b o , stone).
E n v i r a , s., w h i t e cahco.
E f i v o r a , s., shell, shell-fish.
E n v u v u , s., mistress, s w e e t - h e a r t .
F a ,
n a
m y
e.
wa
he
F .
v., to take, to take a w a y , e.g. H e n
n a 'fa m e t u o ? w h o has taken
g u n ?
also of inanimate things,
g. E n s u fa K r a m o - a , w h e n the
t e r t a k e s a M o h a m m e d a n i. e . w h e n
is d r o w n e d , p r v . 96.
2. It occurs
especially in a n u m b e r of idiomatic
phrases, as: f a y i r r e , to take a wife
v i z . i l l e g a l l y , i. e . t o c o m m i t a d u l l e r y ,
cf. a y e f a r r e ;
f a a b a r r i m a , to
m a k e friends, prv. 97;
fa k w a n ,
to take a r o a d ; also w i t h o u t k w a f i
to go, to walk, w i t h a n a d v e r b of lo
cality f o r its o b j e c t , e. g. M e u r a
k w a f i n i , o b i m f a h o , this is m y
master's path, n o other person shall w a l k
there
W o f a b e n k u m - a , m e f a
n i f a , if y o u g o to the left, I shall g o
to the right;
to receive punishment,
w h e n a k a t u a is t o b e s u p p l i e d a s
its object, e.g. A k o s u a m m o m u s u ,
n a A k u a m f a , w h e n A k o s u a does
m i s c h i e f , A k u a i s n o t . p u n i s h e d f o r it,
prv. 5 5 ;
f a a b u f u , to g r o w angry,
see a b u f u ;
f a b r e , to b e c o m e tired,
see bre.
In prv. 1 1 3 it s u p p l i e s t h e
place of a preposition, u p to, as far
as: O t u m f o v r o k a - a , o v r o f a w o
m e t i , w h e n a strong m a n pushes y o u r
r i n g , h e p u s h e s it u p t o y o u r s h o u l d e r .
F a w i t h the prep, h u : to concern,
e. g . W o f a h u d e n ? w h a t is it t o
y o u ?
A s e m n o m f a m i h u b i r i b i , that b u s i n e s s is n o m a t t e r o f
m i n e , d o e s n o t c o n c e r n m e , cf. a s e m .
V e r y o f t e n f a is p u t , w h e r e it is
not at all expressed in English, ser
v i n g o n l y to render the expression, as
it w e r e , m o r e g r a p h i c . T h i s is e s p e
cially the case in imperative sentences,
e.g. F a t o m ! f a t o m ! lay o n ! lay o n !
literally take lay o n ! prv. 176.
H e n c e
the v e r y c o m m o n expressions f a b era,
l i t e r a l l y t a k e c o m e i. e . b r i n g , a n d k o
f a b e r a , g o take c o m e , i.e. fetch, s e e
b a , v.
H e n c e in imperative a n d
n e g a t i v e sentences , w i t h several o b
j e c t s t o t h e s a m e p r e d i c a t e , it s e r v e s
a s a kind of auxiliary verb , in the
s a m e w a y as d e in indicative sen
tences, e.g. W o t a n w o n i - a w o m f a n o m m a d o m , though y o u dislike
y o u r relation, y o u do not deliver h i m
u p to the enemy, prv. 1 5 8
F a e n s u
n o g u a h i n n a m , p o u r that water into
a pot
O b i m f a e n k o d a s e m e n -
1 8 1
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
sisi k o n t r o m f i , N o b o d y deceives a
m o n k e y by tricks, prv. 234. cf. 2V8.
cf. d e , v , a n d G r . §. 2 0 0 2 0 2 .
a , s., ( o f a , pi. a f a ) half, e. g. A b e
b e r r e - a , w o s o fa m i s o fa, w h e n
the palm-nuts are ripe , y o u carry half
( a n d ) I carry half, prv. 2 1 8
E f i h u m a
y i m e m f o n i n n e e d u m i e n v o m ,
o f a y e m m o a n a o f a y e m u m a,
in this e n v e l o p e there a r e twelve pictures,
half {of them) are q u a d r u p e d s a n d half
are birds
O s u c e f a v o m m u a , a
r o o f - h a l f i. e . a h a l f r o o f t h e y d o n o t
put on, prv. 167.
2 ) part, side, place,
e. g. A n a d y o a i v u a m p a i , n a e f i
a s a s e f a s o b e b i , in the night the s u n
does not shine, but rises o n s o m e other
part o f the earth
O w u a d a r r e
n n o w fa a k o n , Death's scythe does
not m o w in o n e part only, prv. 228;
a f a e n u , b o t h sides, e. g. O k r o v o h a r r e n o a f a e n u , a c a n o e is r o w e d
o n both sides, prv. 166;
E k r u n t u t u
a f a e n u , a w o u n d does not pain in
t w o places, prv. 226.
a m , v., to enclose w i t h one's a r m s , to
e m b r a c e ;
syn. b a m a n d y e etu.
(fr. f a v. a n d the prep. m u ) .
a m , s., ( e f a m ) floor, g r o u n d , e. g.
E n k o t r u m n a e f a m a f o w , do not
g o into the g a r d e n , f o r the g r o u n d is wet.
a d v . , b e l o w , d o w n , e. g. O t e d u a
s o , n a m i g i n n a f a m , h e is sitting
o n the tree, a n d I a m standing below
O f i d u a s o n a o s i f a m , he c a m e
d o w n f r o m the tree;
syn. ase.
a n , s., h e r b s , c a b b a g e , p r v . 1 7 3 .
a fin, a., t o u g h , flexible, elastic, e. g.
D u a d e n e n b u e n t e m s e n d u a
f a f i n , a h a r d stick breaks sooner than
a tough one;
c f . h u a.
a s u , s., ( o f - ) wall. e. g. E m f o n i n n e
s e n f a s u h u , the pictures are hanging
o n the wall, cf. p r v . 231.
a t a , v . , t o suit, t o fit, t o b e c o m e , e. g .
A s e m b o n n e f a t a h i e n n i , h a r d
w o r d s a r e fit f o r t h e p o o r , p r v . 8 ;
w i t h t h e p r e p , s o : to a g r e e with, e. g.
W o h u a y e f i n a w o f u r a e n t a m a
fits, e m f a t a s o k o r a , if y o u are
1 8 2
d i r t y a n d p u t o n a c l e a n d r e s s , it d o e s
m o g y a , t o s e n d f o r t h b l o o d i. e . t o
n o t a g r e e w i t h it a t all.
bleed, e.g. M ' e n s a r e f i m o g y a , m y
F a t y a f o , s., ( o f - pi. a f - ) traitor, b e
h a n d is b l e e d i n g
fi fifiri, to emit
trayer, prv. 253.
sweat, to perspire
fi s e , to send
F e , v., to vomit, e. g. V a f e b o n y u m a
f o r t h t e e t h i. e . t o g e t t e e t h , e . g . A b o b e b r i , h e h a s v o m i t e d m u c h bile
f r a y i fi s e , this child is getting teeth
W o n o t n a d r u n o - a , w o b e f e , if
fi e n i , to get eyes, prv. 112.
y o u t a k e this m e d i c i n e , y o u m u s t v o m i t . F i , s., ( s o m e t i m e s f i e , e s p e c i a l l y a t t h e
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m o f fi).
e n d o f a s e n t e n c e , cf. p r v . 11) h o m e ,
F e r r e , v , to b e a s h a m e d , e. g. O b a r t h e p l a c e a m a n lives in, h e n c e : 1 ) a
r i m a m f e r r ' - a g w a f i , let n o m a n b e
m a n ' s o w n house, in contradistinction
to other ho u s e s a n d to the street,
a s h a m e d o f fleeing , prv. 121.
2) to
(different f r o m d a n a n d a b a f i w h i c h
pine in c o n s e q u e n c e of general dis
d e n o t e the h o u s e as a particular kind
g r a c e a n d c o n t e m p t , w h i c h a person
o f b u i l d i n g ) , e. g. B e r a m e fi, c o m e
h a s iucurred b y s o m e d i s h o n o u r a b l e
into m y house
O t e m e fi, he lives
act, to be disgraced, e.g. W o f e r r e - a ,
in m y house
S a s a b o n s a m k o
w o f o fi , i f y o u p i n e ( u n d e r d i s g r a c e )
a y i - a , o s o e b a i f o f i , w h e n the devil
y o u fade, prv. 2 1 0
W o ni f e r r e - a ,
c o m e s to the festivat, he takes u p his
w o e n s o w a f e r r e , if y o u r relation
lodgings in the house o f the sorcerer,
is disgraced, y o u a r e d i s g r a c e d too, p r v .
prv. 45.
2 ) t o w n i. e . t h e p l a c e i n
266.
3. to revere, to respect, to fear,
habited b y m a n , in contradistinction
e. g. O m f e r r e N y a f i k u p o n e n n i
to the forest a n d the field , inhabited
n n i p a , he fears neither G o d n o r m e n
b y the w i l d beasts, prv. 11 a n d 2 4 7
W o d i bi a d e - a n a , w o f e r r e
(different f r o m m a n a n d k r u , d e n o
n o , if y o u get presents o f a person,
ting the t o w n as a collection of h o u
y o u respect him, prv. 263, cf. 80.
ses).
3. h o m e , lasting a b o d e , e. g.
F e t r e , s., ( o f - pi. a f e t r e a n d a f e t r e Y e n i fi v o a s a s e s o , w e h a v e n o
f e t r e ) foreskin, prepuce, prv. 129.
h o m e o n earth.
F i , v. intr. , to c o m e forth, to c o m e out,
O b s e r v . W h e n f i is o b j e c t o f l o c a
to issue, to a p p e a r , to g r o w , e. g. E n s u
lity, it is t r e a t e d g r a m m a t i c a l l y l i k e
ni m o g y a b e b r i efi, m u c h water
the p r o p e r n a m e s of places or like
a n d blood r u n out
A i v u a fi, the
a n a d v e r b , being never joined w i t h
s u n appears
O s r a m fi, the m o o n
a substantive preprosition ; a b o u t the
c o m e s f o r t h i. e . t h e n e w - m o o n a p p e a r s ,
c a u s e o f this s e e G r . §, 193, 3.
prv. 48
S a r r e fi v o a s a s e s o
( m o r e f r e q u e n t l y f i f i ) , g r a s s g r o w s F i , s., b u n d l e , sheaf, e. g. s a f i ( i n s t e a d
o n the g r o u n d
W o d u ' a k u t u a b a ,
of s a r r e - f i ) a bundle of grass
n n u a f i (fr. n n u a , pi. o f d u a , a n d
a k u t u d u a n a fi, if y o u plant a n
fi) a bundle o f sticks
a h a b a n f i,
orange-seed , a n orange-tree g r o w s of
it.
2. to c o m e f r o m a place, to be
a bundle of leaves
b e r o w f i , a bundle
f r o m a p l a c e , e. g. W o f i h e ? w h e r e
of palm-leaves.
a c t u a l l y it is b u t t h e
d o y o u c o m e f r o m ?
O h i n n e yi fi Fi, prep, f r o m ;
h e ? w h e r e is this c h i e f f r o m ?
O f i
v e r b fi (see above), used in the w a y
of a preposition, to denote the direc
' h a i , h e is f r o m here.
3. perf. a f i ,
tion of a m o t i o n f r o m a place. H e n c e
to b e clean, e. g. M ' a t a d e a f i , m y
it is a l w a y s p u t b e f o r e t h e o b j e c t o f
d r e s s is clean.
l o c a l i t y t o w h i c h it r e f e r s , a n d a s t o
tr. , to c a u s e to c o m e forth, to s e n d
its f o r m a n d position in the s e n t e n c e
forth, to emit, h e n c e : fi e n t e s u , to
several cases m u s t be distinguished,
t h r o w o u t spittle, to spit, p r v . 2 0
f i
a c c o r d i n g a s it h a s m o r e o r less c o m
c o c o r r e , to t h r o w out p h l e g m
fi
etely a s s u m e d the character of a
eposition:
1) W h e n put w i t h the
ject of locality before the predicate,
still in a d e g r e e r e t a i n s its v e r b a l
aracter, the p e r s o n a l - a u g m e n t s or
njunctive f o r m s of the personal
o n o u n s b e i n g a t t a c h e d to it, a s to
v e r b , t h o u g h it d o e s n o t a d m i t a n y
h e r k i n d o f inflection, e. g. O f i
A s a n t e n a o b a i . he has c o m e f r o m
A s a n t e
M i f i h i n n e n a m i r e b a ?
M i f i K u m a s i n a m i r e b a , w h e r e 1
a m c o m i n g f r o m 7 I a m c o m i n g f r o m
K u m a s i . T h i s c o n s t r u c t i o n is g e n e r a l l y
less c o m m o n t h a n t h e o t h e r , b u t it
m u s t be h a d recourse to, w h e n a se
c o n d o b j e c t o f locality is r e f e r r e d to
the s a m e predicate, e.g. O f i K u m a s i
n a o k o A k r o p o n , he w e n t f r o m
k u m a s i to A k r o p o n g
O f i d u a s o
o f y e f a m , h e fell d o w n (to t h e g r o u n d )
f r o m the tree.
2) W h e n put with
the object of locality after the predi
c a t e , it h a s c o m p l e t e l y a s s u m e d t h e
c h a r a c t e r o f a p r e p o s i t i o n , i. e . i t h a s
then b e c o m e a particle u n v a r i e d b y
a n y k i n d o f inflection, e. g. O r e b a
f i K u m a s i , h e is c o m i n g f r o m K u m a s i
E n a r r a n a m a b a fi a k u r a ,
yesterday I c a m e f r o m the plantation. - 3. W h e n t h e p r e d i c a t e is left out, a n d
the substantive or a d v e r b , to w h i c h
fi b e l o n g s , is r e f e r r e d to a n o t h e r
substantive in the w a y of a n attribute
(cf. G r . §. 203), f i m a y t a k e t h e p e r
s o n a l - a u g m e n t w h e n a p e r s o n is s p o k e n
of, b u t n o t w h e n t h a t is n o t t h e case,
e. g. O h i n n e b i o f i b e b i , a c a b o c e e r
f r o m s o m e place
b u t a p a t a fi e n s u a s e , a fish f r o m the bottom o f the
river, prv. 212.
B e t w e e n f i in Oji a n d f r o m in E n g
lish there is this difference to b e n o
ticed, t h a t t h e f o r m e r is g e n e r a l l y n o t
p u t alone , but in connection w i t h
a n o t h e r preposition, of that kind w h i c h
w e t e r m substantive prepositions. Fi,
b e i n g a verbal preposition, o n l y de
n o t e s a direction (cf. Gr. §. 1 4 2 ) , n o t
t h e particular modification of the place
1 8 3
pl
pr
ob
it
ch
co
p r
a
ot
F
F
F
F
F
itself (in or o n etc.), a n d the latter
m u s t be particularly expressed b y a
s u b s t a n t i v e preposition, w h i c h is p u t
after the substantive to w h i c h both
are referred, except p r o p e r n a m e s ,
h o w e v e r , a n d s o m e appellatives w h i c h
a r e treated like p r o p e r n a m e s (cf. Gr.
§. 1 9 3 ) . H e n c e f o r i n s t a n c e t h e E n g
lish sentence H e w e n t d o w n f r o m the
tree m u s t be expressed in Oji b y O d r u
fi d u a s o , literally: he w e n t d o w n ,
O c u r u fi a c e f r o m o n the tree
m a m (instead o f a c e m a m u ) o t o
p o m , he sprang f r o m O n ) the canoe
into the sea
A n o p a t u t u m m o a
i n i a r a n y a f i fi e n d a m , early in the
m o r n i n g all animals a w a k e f r o m Qui)
sleep. W h e n the substantive preposi
tion, w i t h w h i c h f i is t h u s c o n n e c t e d ,
is m u ( m ) in, t h e y m a y o f t e n b e r e n
d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y o u t of, e.g. N a m
n o abefi, yi fi k u t u m (instead o f
k u t u m u ) , t h e m e a t is d o n e , t a k e it
out o f the pot.
i , s., ( e f i ) fillh, dirt. e . g . E f i v o p o f i
n o s o , t h e r e is dirt o n the table.
a. fillhy, dirty;
a y e fi, to be dirty,
e. g. W a t a d e a y e fi, y o u r d r e s s
is d i r t y
W o h u a y e fi, y o u are
dirty
O p o n n o s o a y e fi, the
table ( o r o p . o n the table) is dirty.
i a d i , v . , to g o o u t , e. g. O f i a d i fi
d a f i m , he w e n t out o f lhe house;
h e n c e : to c o m e to light, to b e c o m e m a m
fest, e. g. N ' a i v u a f i a d i , his theft
has c o m e to light
A d e i n i a r a a h int a w b e f i a d i , e v e r y t h i n g that is h i d
will b e c o m e manifest.
(fr. fi a n d
a d i ) .
i a d i , a d v . , o u t , f o r t h , e. g. A d a k a
si p o f i a s e , y i f i a d i , a b o x is s t a n d
i n g u n d e r t h e t a b l e , f e t c h it o u t .
(fr.
fi a n d a d i ) .
i a m p a k w a , s. , h e d g e - h o g ;
syn.
a p e s e i .
i a s e , s., s t o r e - h o u s e , cellar;
h e n c e
2. p r i s o n ;
O d a f i a s e , h e is in pri
son
V o f a n o t o f i a s e , he w a s
put in prison
M i k o f y e n o v p
f i a s e , / visited h i m in prison
O y i
1 8 4
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
m i fi f i a s e , h p delivered m e f r o m pri
son.
(fr. fi a n d a s e , p r o p , w h a t
is u n d e r the h o u s e )
i d a, a., the fifth d a y of the w e e k ,
a n s w e r i n g t o o u r F r i d a y , cf. d a p e f i .
A m a n b o r n o n this d a y is called
K o f i a n d a w o m a n A f u a .
i e , s., s e e fi, s.
i e , a d v . , h o m e , at h o m e , e. g. M i k o
fie, / a m going h o m e
W o a g y a
v o f i e a n a ? is y o n r f a t h e r at h o m e ?
(cf. fi, s.).
i e b o f o , s., (of-) epithet of the cat,
cf. a g i n a m o a .
(fr. fie = r fi a n d
b o f o = b o m m o f o , prop, the househunter).
i f i , v. frq. o f fi, to c o m e forth, to
g r o w m u l t i t u d i n o u s l y , e. g. S a r r e
fifi v o a s a s e s o , grass g r o w s o n
the earth,
M e r e fifi v o s i w so,
m u s h r o o m s y r o w o n ant-hills.
i f i r i o r f i i r i , s., s w e a t , p e r s p i r a t i o n ;
M i r e f i fifiri or Mal'i fifiri or
F i f i r i f i m , l a m perspiring.
(fr.
fifi, prop, w h a t is c o m i n g forth m u l
titudinously).
i r a , v , to spin, e. g. f i r a a s a w a , to
spincotton; but m o r e usually : to a s a w a ;
intr. perf. a f i r a , to be blind,
N ' e n i a f i r a , h e is blind.
i r r i , v . , to p a r d o n , to f o r g i v e , e. g.
N y a n k u p o f i d e y e n b o n n e a f i r r i
y e n , G o d has p a r d o n e d o u r sins
F a y e n b o n n e firri y e n , forgive
u s o u r sins.
i t a , v., to blow, e.g. M i f i t a o g y a m ,
/ a m blowing into the fire;
syn. hu,
h u h u.
i t a , a., clear, pure, clean, white (fits
is white or tight-coloured w i t h the a c
cessory notion of purity; f u f u , white
in general);
E f i h u m a y e fita,
p a p e r is w h i t e
E n t a m a f i t a , a clean
white dress;
2) e v e n , plain, level,
e. g. o k w a n f i t a , a level r o a d
b o k w a f i fita, to level the road, to
clean the road.
i t i , v., to stick, to bore, to pierce, to
prick, e.g. M ' e n s a a h u n k o k r o ;
e o a r r a n a m i f i t i , n a e n s u n i m o -
F
F
F
F
g y a b e b r i e fi, m y h a n d is m u c h
s w o l l e n ; y e s t e r d a y I p r i c k e d it , w h e n
m u c h water a n d blood r a n out;
also
w i t h the prep, m u , e.g. M i d e s e k a n
m i f i t i m ' e n s a a h u n n o m , I pricked
m y swollen h a n d with a knife;
h e n c e
fiti a s e , to l a y the foundation, to
m a k e the beginning, to begin, syn. c e
a s e , s e e a s e , e. g. M e k y e r e m u
n e a y e f i t i a s e , / will s h o w y o u h o w
w e (must) begin
O n n y a o m f i t i
m ' a t a d e a s e , he has not y e t begun
(to m a k e ) m y dress.
y e , v. intr. , to fall (used of single
things, w h e r e a s g u , to fall, o f a c o l
lective m u l t i t u d e ) e. g. O f y e e n s u m ,
h e fell into the w a t e r ;
f y e a s e a n d
f y e f a m , to fall d o w n , to fall to the
g r o u n d , e. g. O f i d u a s o o f y e f a m
o r a s e , h e fell d o w n f r o m a tree.
tr. 1) to c a u s e to fall, to t h r o w d o w n
(in sentences construed w i t h the auxi
l i a r y v e r b d e , c f . d e ) , e. g . E m f r a m a
b o k e s e , n a m i s u s u s e o d e m e
d a n b e f y e f a m , the w i n d blew vehem e n l l y , a n d I t h o u g h t it w o u l d t h r o w
m y house d o w n ;
2) to strike, to flog ,
to cudget, e. g. O f y e n ' a b o f r a , h e
flogged his servant
O d e a b a f y e
p o n k o , he struck the horse with a
whip.
y e , s., s o m e t h i n g , a n y t h i n g ;
occurs
chiefly in negative sentences : nothing,
e.g. F y e n i m , t h e r e is n o t h i n g in (it)
W o n n i m f y e , y o u k n o w nothing
i. e . y o u a r e a l l o g e t h e r i g n o r a n t
O nt u m i n y e m i f y e , he c a n do m e
n o t h i n g i. e . h e c a n n o t d o m e a n y h a r m ;
syn. biribi.
y e a s e a m $ , s., (pi. efify-) large
e a r t h e n bottle.
y ? t v-, to look, to l o o k at, to l o o k on,
to e y e , to v i e w , e. g . O f y e e n s o r r o m a , h e is l o o k i n g at t h e s t e a r s
K o
f y e a d a k a n o m s e d o k o n n o v o m
a n a , g o a n d look into the closet ( a n d
s e e ) w h e t h e r t h e r e is b r e a d i n it
A g o r r o y e f e - a n a , -via k o f y e ,
w h e n t h e g a m e is p r e t t y , c r e e p ( t o t h e
p l a c e ) a n d t o o k (alit) p r v . 2 0 5 , cf. 1 1 4
F
F
F
F
F
137, 144, 184, 301. - 2) to look after,
to t e n d , to attend, to w a i t o n , e. g.
O f y e y a r r e f o , he waits o n the p a
tient;
also w i t h the prep, so: O f y e
e n g w a f i s o , he looks after the sheep
,
O b e a g e g y e f o f y e a b o f r a so,
the n u r s e tends the child.
3 ) to call
o n , to visit, e. g. M i k o f y e n o , / a m
going to call o n him.
4) f y e i y e,
to take care, to be carefut, to mind,
e. g. F y e w o a d y u m a i y e . m i n d
y o u r w o r k
A b o f r a , a c e w n ' e n s a ,
d a a k i o b e f y e n e h u i y e , a child
t h a t h a s b u r n t its h a n d will b e c a r e f u l
another time;
f y e i y e f o l l o w e d b y
the conj. n a a n d the verb in the per
fect n e g a t i v e , to b e careful lest, e. g.
F y e i y e n a w a m m o a h i n n a no,
b e careful lest y o u b r e a k the p o t
F y e w o h u i y e n a w a n f y e a s e ,
b e c a r e f u l lest y o u fall.
y u f y e , v. frq. of f y e , to l o o k repeat
e d l y a n d intensely , h e n c e to look for,
to s e e k , to s e a r c h f o r , e. g. M a y e r a
p a n i m i f y u f y e n a m i n h u , / have
l o s t a n e e d l e , I a m l o o k i n g f o r it a n d
d o n o t f i n d it
E f i f y u f y e a s a s e
s o n e a m a, do not seek treasures o n
earth, cf. p r v . 19.
o , a. a n d adv., also reduplicated: fofo, cheap, cheaply;
A d e n o y e fo,
this t h i n g is c h e a p
M a t o a d e n o
f o f o , / h a v e b o u g h t this thing c h e a p ;
syn. a b o m e r o w .
o a s o a f o , s. , ( o f - pi. a f - ) s w o r d bearer, the m a n carrying the chiefs
s w o r d before h i m o n s o l e m n occasions,
see a f o a .
(fr. a f o a , s o a , a n d t h e
suffix fo).
d f o r o , a., n e w , e. g. O d a n f o f o r o ,
a n e w house
A d a r r e yi e u y e ,
m a m i f o f o r o , this h o o k is n o t g o o d ,
give m e a n e w o n e ( o r another).
o m , v. intr. , to e r r , to m i s t a k e , e. g.
O n i m O t y i k a s a , n a n s o o k a s a
o f o m e n s o b e b r i , h e c a n s p e a k Oji,
though w h e n he speaks he m a k e s m a n y
mistakes.
tr. 1 ) to miss, e. g. O b o
a f o m w o . the stone has missed y o u
O t u o a f o m b a t a f o n o n a v a g w a f i ,
1 8 5
t h e g u n h a s m i s s e d t h e h o g , a n d it h a s
r u n a w a y .
2) to offend, to w r o n g ,
e. g. M a f o m n o , / h a v e o f f e n d e d h i m .
F o f i , v., to g r o w thin, m e a g e r , to fade,
prv. 2 1 0 ;
perf. a f o n , to be thin,
meager, prv. 76.
F o t o , s. , a b a g o f l e a t h e r in w h i c h
the gold-balance a n d the w e i g h t s b e
l o n g i n g t o it a r e k e p t .
F o t o s a n f o , s., ( o f - pi. a f - ) a p e r s o n
w h o h a s c h a r g e of the f o t o , h e n c e
1. o n e o f t h e g r a n d e e s in a c o m m u
nity, w h o h a s c h a r g e of the public
m o n e y or of the finances of the prince
or caboceer, treasurer;
2) the h e a d servant, confidential slave of a w e a l t h y
m a n , w h o assists his m a s t e r in m o n e y affairs.
(fr. f o t o , s a n , a n d the
suffix fo).
F r a , v., to m i x , e. g. O d e e n s u o f r a
e n s a f u f u m , he m i x e d the p a l m - w i n e
with water, literally he m i x e d water
into the palm-wine.
F r a f r a , a., thin;
u s e d o n l y o f things
t h a t h a v e a flat e x t e n d e d s u r f a c e , e. g.
a h a b a f i f r a f r a , a thin leaf;
syn.
t r a t r a a n d h a t a .
F r a m , s., (ofr- pi. afr-) the n a m e o f
a large tree, yielding excellent timber.
F r a f i k a . s., flag.
( a d o p t e d f r o m s o m e
E n r o p e a n l a n g u a g e ) .
F r e m f r e m , a., s w e e t ; s y n . d o k o .
F r o , v., to a s c e n d , to climb up, e. g. f r o
d u a , to climb u p into a tree
M a f r o b e p o t e n t e n , / have ascended
a Itigh mountain.
F r o n n o , s., o v e n .
F r o t e , s., ( o f - pi. a f - ) deer, stag.
F r e , v., to calt, to s u m m o n , e. g . O f r ?
w o , he calls y o u
M i d e n e d i n
m i f r e n o , / called h i m by his n a m e ,
cf. prv. 140.
2 ) to call, to n a m e , to
g i v e a n a m e to, e. g. V o f r e y i d e n ,
w h a t is t h a t c a l l e d
A d e n o v o f r e
n o d e n , w h a t is that thing c a l l e d
W o u r a t a n w o - a n a , o f r e w o
a k o a d e c e , if y o u r master hates y o u
he (thereby) calls y o u a f r e e m a n , prv.
63, cf. 1 0 8 , 135, 163, 2 4 9 , 2 5 0 , 38.
F u , v., to g r o w , to shoot u p ;
it a p p e a r s
2 4
1 8 6
to i m p l y the accessory idea of r a n k
g r o w t h , a n d t h e r e b y to differ f r o m
fi, o f w h i c h it is a k i n d r e d f o r m ,
e.g. E f i g u r a r e f u v o a s a s e n o so,
w e e d s are shooting u p o n this land;
h e n c e 2) to be o v e r g r o w n , e.g. O k w a n
n o a f n , this w a y is o v e r g r o w n ,
tr.
to g r o w , to cause to g r o w , to get b y
g r o w t h , e s p e c i a l l y o f h a i r , e. g. M e
tiri f u d y p f i , / a m getting g r a y ftafr
literally : M y h e a d g r o w s g r a y hair
M a n y i n , n a m i n n y a m i m f u dypil,
/ a m old, b u t still I h a v e n o g r a y h a i r s
O y e a b o f r a o n n y a o m f u b o
g y e s e , he is a boy, he h a s n o b e a r d yet.
F u a , v., to hold, to grasp, to c a r r y , e.g.
O f u a p e a w , h e is c a r r y i n g a s p e a r
M i f u a a b o f r a v o m ' a b a s a s o , /
a m carrying a child o n m y a r m ;
syn. k u r a .
2) to plant, u s e d of y a m ,
f u a o d e , to plant y a m .
F u f i i , a., white, cf. fit a.
s., w h a t is w h i t e , while thing, prv.
59.
2. ( o f u f u ) white p e r s o n , E u r o
pean, but rarely used, see b r o n n i .
F n f i i , s., a c o m m o n f o o d o f t h e n e g r o e s ,
p r e p a r e d of y a m or plantains, w h i c h
after h a v i n g been cut into pieces a n d
boiled, in w h i c h f o r m the plantains
are called a m p e s i , are theu p o u n d e d
in a w o o d e n m o r t a r ( v n d r u ) till t h e y
h a v e b e c o m e a t o u g h d o n g b y mass,
w h i c h in the s h a p e of a r o u n d l u m p
is p u t into t h e p a l m n u t - s o u p ( m e k w a n)
a n d e a t e n w i t h it.
F u m n i , s. , ( o f - pi. a f u m f o a n d e m f i i m f o ) clown, rustic, peasant, a p e r s o n
w h o leads a s e c l u d e d life o n his p l a n
tation, h a r d l y ever c o m i n g to the
t o w n , a n d h e n c e is i g n o r a n t o f t h e
rules a n d m a n n e r s of the m o r e ex
t e n d e d spheres of social life;
syn.
k u r a s e n n i , cf. k u a f o .
ffr. a f u ) .
F i i n n u , s. , (ef-) c o r p s e , carcass, p r v .
171.
F u n u m a , s., navel.
(cf. y e f u n n u ) .
F u p e , s. ( o f - ) a s e a s o n o f t h e y e a r ,
intermediate b e t w e e n the rainy a n d
the d r y season.
F u r a, v., to p u t on, viz. a negro-dress,
F
F
F
F
F
consisting of a large piece of cloth
w h i c h is w r a p p e d r o u n d t h e b o d y ,
cf. c e .
e , s . , ( o f e pi. a f e ) fellow, c o m r a d e ,
equal;
n'afe, his equals, his peers,
prv. 180.
e a n d f e w , reduplicated f e f e , f e f e w ,
a., (the f o r m s fe a n d f e f e are u s e d
as predicate, f e w a n d f e f e w as at
tribute) fine, pretty, nice, beautiful, e. g.
S i k a y e fe, goldispretty, p r v . 1 8 3
A g o r r o y e fe, the g a m e is pretty,
amusing, prv. 2 0 5
e f e (contracted
o f e y e f e o r y e t o ) it is fine, p r v . 2 3 .
O d a n n o h u y e f e f e , this h o u s e
is b e a u t i f u l
A k o a n o h u y e fe, he
is a fine f e l l o w ;
A h u e d e n e y e
k y e f i o d a n f e f e w , heallh is better
than a fine house.
2) glad in the e x
p r e s s i o n e y e m i f e w , it m a k e s m e
g l a d , it g i v e s m e j o y , e. g . E y e m i
f e w s e y a d u h a , / a m glad that w e
h a v e arrived here.
e m , v . , to l e n d , to b o r r o w , e. g . F a
w o s e k a n f e m m i , lend m e y o u r
knife
M a f e m n e s e k a n , / have
b o r r o w e d his knife.
o w , v., to get w e t ;
perf. a f o w , to
b e w e t , e. g. M ' a t a d e a f o w , m y coal
is w e t .
tr. to m a k e w e t , to w e t , to
drench, e.g. O s u a f o w m ' e n t a m
k o r a , the rain has m a d e m y dress
quite w e t
O t a m bi v o h o o s u
n t u m i m f o w n o , there is a k i n d o f
stuff which the rain cannot wet.
u c , v., to p o u r out, e. g. O f u e e n s u
v o t u m p a n m , he p o u r e d the water
out of the bottle;
frequently connect
e d w i t h g u , e. g. F a e n s u n o k o
f n e g n , p o u r this w a t e r out
M i f u e
e n s u m i g u a h i n n a m , / a m pouring
the water out into the pot (viz. f r o m a
bottle or a n o t h e r vessel).
( s e c o n d
a r y f o r m of fi).
G .
G e a , s , fuel , coal, charcoal.
d r e d f o r m of g y a ) .
(a kin-
G e b i r u , s., coat, charcoal.
(fr. g e =
g e a , a n d b i r u p r o b . fr. b i r r i ) .
G e g y e , v., to dazzle, w i t h the prep, so,
e. g. K a n n e a n o g e g y e m ' e n i s o ,
the light dazzles m y eyes.
2) to cheat,
to deceive, to delude
d a d a ;
hence
3) to seduce, f o l l o w e d b y the conj. s e
a n d t h e p o t e n t i a l , e. g. O g e g y e n o
s e o n y e b o n n e , he seduced h i m to
d o evil.
G e g y e , v. frq. of g y e , to attend, to
n u r s e a c h i l d , e. g. M a b o b i p a s e
o n g e g y e m e b a , I have hired a p e r s o n to n u r s e m y child.
G e g y e , s. , n o i s e , e. g. E n y e g e g y e
sa, do not m a k e such a noise
G e g y e
e n t i m i n t e n ' a s e m , / do not hear
w h a t h e s a y s , o n a c c o u n t o f tlte noise.
G e g y e f o , s., ( o g - pi. a g - ) n u r s e o f
a child, also o b e a g e g y e f o .
(fr.
g e g y e ) .
G i - d i , v., to believe, e.g. M i g i n ' a s e m
m i d i , / believe his word.
G i n n a , v., lo stand;
used o n l y of
p e r s o n s a n d q u a d r u p e d s , cf. si a n d
ta,
e.g. O g i n n a n ' a b o b o a n o
o f y e a b o n t e n s o , h e is s t a n d i n g in
his d o o r a n d looking into the street.
G i r a s e , s., glass.
( a d o p t e d f r o m
s o m e E u r o p e a n language.)
G y a , v., o n l y in the euphemistic t e r m
g y a n' a n a n ~ n e.
G y a , s., ( o g y a ) fire, a l s o f u e l ; j o i n e d
t o t h e p r e p , m u it b e c o m e s g y e m ,
e. g. c e g y e m . t o p u t i n t o t h e fire,
prv. 72.
G y a e m p r o p r u a , m o r e frequently g y a h u e m p r o p r u a , s., f o g y - ) s p a r k s o f
fire, cf. e m p r o p r u a .
G y a f r a i n a , s., ( o g y - ) b l a z e , f l a m e o f
fire.
(fr. g y a a n d I r a n i a. t h e lat
ter p e r h a p s the s a m e as e m f r a m a ) .
G y a h i n n e , s.. ( o g y - pi. a g y - ) leopard;
syn. s e b o .
G y a m a k u t r o k u , s . , coward, prv. 1ST;
obsolete, n o w supplied b y hu'fo.
G y a i , v. tr., lo d r o p , to let g o , to let
loose, to let alone, s o m e t i m e s w i t h t h e
p r e p , m u , e. g. G y a i m ' a t a d e o r
G y a i m ' a t a d e m n a m i u k o , let m y
1 8 7
G
G
G
G
G
G
d r e s s a l o n e a n d let m e go.
2) to set
free, e. g. O g y a i n o m u m , h e set the
prisoner free.
3 ) to leave off, to dis
c o n t i n u e , w i t h a n infinitive, e. g. V a g y a i t a n o m , h e h a s left off s m o k i n g
t o b a c c o , cf. p r v . 8 5 , 174.
intr. to
abate, to cease, e.g. E m f r a m a a g y a i ,
the w i n d has abated
N ' a b u f u a g y a i ,
his a n g e r has ceased.
y a t a , s., ( o g y - pi. a g y - ) H o n .
y a w , v., to leave, to quit, to depart
f r o m , e. g. M i g y a w E f i k r a f i n a
m i k o A k r o p o n , / left A c c r a a n d
w e n t to A k r o p o n g
O g y a w n ' a b u s u a f o n a o k o k r u b i s o , h e left his
relations a n d w e n t to another place.
2 ) to l e a v e , to let r e m a i n , e. g. V a d i
i n i a r a n a v a n g y a w m i b i r i b i , he
h a s e a t e n all a n d left n o t h i n g f o r m e ,
cf. prv. 30.
M a g y a w m e p o m a
v o n e d a f i m , / h a v e left m y stick
in his house.
(a k i n d r e d f o r m o f
g y a i ) .
y a w , s., a g a p b e t w e e n t h e t w o u p
p e r front -teeth, as seen w i t h m a n y
persons, prv. 163.
(fr. g y a w v.).
y a w a , s., ( p L e f i g - ) t h e p a r t o f t h e
leg f r o m the k n e e to the heel.
y a w i i . s. , a k i n d o f y a m ;
cf. d e \
y e , v., to take, to receive, e. g. G y e
t a f r o b o t o , take the plate ( w h i c h I
h a v e in m y h a n d )
D u a b a a k o n
g y e e m f r a m a , e b u , o n e tree recei
ving (alQ the w i n d w o u l d break, prv. 88.
2 ) to take, to exact, to d e m a n d , to
r e q u i r e , e. g. V o g y e n o a y e f a r r e ,
o r w i t h the prep, h u : V o g y e n o h u
a y e f a r r e , they take or exact of him
a fine for adullery
N e a o k o m g y e
n i m e , w h a t h u n g e r d e m a n d s is satis
fying, prv. 155.
3) to lake into p r o
tection, to protect, lo defend, to sheller,
to save, e.g. A k a k u m a s e m ' a t a m f o k u m m i , n a N y a n k u p o n g y e
ini, / h a d n e a r l y been killed b y m y
enemies, but G o d protected m e
O d e
e i l k r a n t e n a k u g y e n e h u , he
fought with the s w o r d a n d defended
himself
A b e r r i k i . v o m m e n - a ,
o d e g y e n e h u , the goat has horns
1 8 8
G
G
G
G
G
G
f o r o b e r a , this b o x is d a m a g e d , fetch
w i t h w h i c h it d e f e n d s i t s e l f
E k w a i '
a g y e w o , w o m f r e n o a k w a i w a ,
another one.
a forest that has shellered you, y o u will G o r r o , v., to play, to sport, to game,
e. g. A n a d y o f a m m e a m m o f r a
not call a coppice, prv. 135.
O g y e
g o r r o v ' a b o n t e f i so, in the evening
m i fi m ' a t a m f o e n s e m , h e s a v e d m e
the y o u n g girls play in Hie street.
2)
f r o m the h a n d o f m y enemies;
g y e
to perpetrate, to c o m m i t , to practise,
b i e n k w a , to protect one's life i.e. to
save, to rescue, to preserve f r o m death,
w h e n it h a s a s u b s t a n t i v e f o r its o b
ject, w h i c h denotes s o m e w i c k e d
e. g. M i t o e n s u m , a k a k u m a s e
p r a c t i c e , a n d is c o m p o s e d w i t h a g o rm i w u , n a m e y o n k n te s e m i s n ,
r o , e. g. g o r r o a g w a m a f i g o r r o ,
n a o b a g y e m i e n k w a , I fell into
to c o m m i t fornication
g o r r o a b a y i the water a n d h a d nearly perished, but
m y friend h e a r d m e screaming, a n d
g o r r o , to practise sorcery.
c a m e a n d rescued m e ;
cf. a g y efi G u , v. intr., to fall, to p o u r d o w n ( o f a
collective multitude, w h e r e a s f y e a n d
k w a .
t o are used of single things or per
4. Id s o m e e x p r e s s i o n s t h e m e a n i n g
s o n s ) , e. g. D u a e f i c u r e f i e r e g u
of g y e a p p e a r s to b e : to m a k e , to p r o
f a m , the blossoms o f the tree are p o u r
duce, a s g y e b a n , to m a k e a fence,
ing d o w n
N'efivi g u n ' a n a f i ase,
e. g. O g y e b a n v o n e fi, he m a d e
a f e n c e a b o u t his h o u s e , cf. prv. 2 3 6 ;
/its h a i r f e l l i. e . h u n g d o w n t o h i s f e e t .
2 ) to lie ( o f a c o l l e c t i v e m u l t i t u d e ,
g y e e n k a n a r r e , to m a k e rust,
w h e r e a s of individual things a n d p e r
i. e. t o r u s t , t o g r o w r u s t y , s e e e f i k a
n a r r e ;
g y e e n s u , to m a k e water,
s o n s d a is u s e d ) e. g. E n t r a m a b e b r i
g u h o , m a n y cowries are lying there.
cf. d y p n s o ;
g y e a k i n g y e , see
tr. to p o u r , to p o u r out, to p o u r d o w n ,
a k i f i g y e .
to t h r o w d o w n , e.g. M i d e e n s u m i g u
y e s o , v., to a n s w e r , to r e p l y , e. g.
t u m p a f i n o m , / a m pouring w a t e r
fllifre n o o f i g y e so, I called him,
into the bottle
M i d e a b r o m i g u
a n d he did not a n s w e r ;
syn. b u a .
e n s u m , / a m pouring corn into the
y e - t a t a , v., to assist in w a l k i n g (a
water
F a e n t r a m a g u h o , t h r o w
c h i l d ) , to lead, to g u i d e , e. g. O g y e
the cowries d o w n there
F a e f i g u r a
a b o f r a t a t a , h e is l e a d i n g a child.
k o s u m a n a s o k o g u , c a r r y the
y i m f o , s., ( o g y - pi. a g y - ) a stupid
sweepings to the dunghill a n d t h r o w
person, a fool;
syn. k w a s i a .
them d o w n
E m f r a m a t e t e w a h a (fr. g y i m i a n d t h e suffix fo).
y i m i , v., occurring chiefly in the per
bafi n a g u f a m , the w i n d severs the
leaves a n d throws them d o w n
Y e r e fect tense: a g y i m i , to be stupid, e.g.
b e b u b u d a n i n i a r a g u f a m , w e are
O p o n k o a g y i m i - a , n e a o t e n o
going to demolish the whole house a n d
s o o n g y i m i e , b e c a u s e a h o r s e is
s t u p i d , h e w h o r i d e s it is n o t s t u p i d ,
t o t h r o w it d o w n
O p a m d o m i n i a r a
g u a h a b a n m , he routed the whole
prv.v 143.
a r m y , a n d p o u r e d i. e . d r o v e t h e m i n t o
y i m i , s., stupidity, folly, e. g. N e g y i m i
e n t i o n t e m ' a s e m a s e , o n account
the forest
O d e n ' e n s a o g u n'eki,
o f his stupidity he does not understand
h e p o u r e d i. e . ' p u t h i s h a n d s b e h i n d h i s
back
g u a h o m m e , to p o u r out
m y w o r d s ;
syn. k w a s i a .
sighs i.e. to sigh, to g r o a n , s e e a h o m
o , a . , d a m a g e d , spoiled, r u i n o u s , e. g.
O d a f i g o , a d a m a g e d , ruinous house
m e
g u e f i c u r e f i , t o p o u r o u t i. e .
to put forth blossoms, s e e eficurefi.
e n t a m a g o , a d a m a g e d dress
O d a f i n o a y e g o , y e r e b e b u , the G u a , s., ( o g - pi. a g - ) the guiava-fruit,
h o u s e is d a m a g e d , w e w i l l p u l l it d o w n
also the guiava-lree ( P s i d i u m pyriA d a k a n o a y e g o , k o fa foferum).
f i n a d u a . s., g u i a v a - t r e e .
G o g o , v. frq. o f g o , to p o u r out repeat
e d l y o r m a n i f o l d l y , e. g. O d e a b r o
o g o g o m a e t i k o k o , he pours out
c o r n for the fowls.
G u m , r , to p o u r in, e. g. F a t a m p a n
n o , k o fa e n s u g u m b e r a , lake the
bottle, g o a n d p o u r w a t e r in, a n d b r i n g
it, c f . p r v . 1 5 4 .
(fr. g o a n d m u ) .
G u m , s, tog-) slowness, tardiness, e. g.
N e g u m e n t i o n n y a b i r i b i , o n
account o f his slowness he gets nothing,
cf. prv. 119.
G w a , v., to cut in pieces, to cut up. to
carve, e. g. O g w a ' a k o k o , h e c a r v e s
the f o w l , cf. prv. 76.
2 ) to strip off
the skin of a n animal, e.g. g w a n a n t y u n h u m a , to skin a bullock.
G w a d i , v., see d i - g w a .
G w a d i f o , s., ( o g w - pi. a g w - ) m e r
chant, trader.
(fr. g w a d i s e e dig w a ) .
G v a n , v., to r u n off, to flee, to escape,
cf. prv. 121, 161, 164. - 2 ) to wither,
to f a d e , e. g. W o v a i d u a b o f i - a ,
e b e g w a n , if y o u strip a t r e e o f its
b a r k , it w i l l w i t h e r ;
perf. a g w a f i ,
to b e w i t h e r e d , d r i e d up, e. g. D u a n o
a g w a n , this tree is w i t h e r e d .
G w a u , s., ( o g w - pi. e f i g w - ) s h e e p ;
the t e r m includes the goat also, bot
a s t h e r e is a p a r t i c u l a r w o r d f o r t h e
latter, it is c o m m o n l y u s e d f o r s h e e p ;
if t h e s h e e p , h o w e v e r , is to b e e x
pressly distinguished f r o m the goat,
it is c a l l e d g w a n t e n .
In As. this
w o r d has the f o r m d y a n n e , of w h i c h
d y p n n i n i , r a m , is f o r m e d , i n s t e a d
o f g w a n n i n i f r o m g w a f i .
(fr.
g w a f i , v.)
G w a n h n m a , *», ( o g w - pi. a g w - )
sheep's -skin.
(fr. g w a f i a n d e n h u m a).
G w a n m e r r e , s., ( o g w - pi. e u g w - )
ewe.
(fr. g w a f i a n d b e r r e ) .
G w a n t e n , s., ( o g w - pi. e n g w - ) s h e e p ;
n o t o f t e n u s e d , cf. g w a f i .
(fr.
g w a n a n d t e n z r t e n t e f i , literally
t h e l o n g i. e . l o n g - l e g g e d s h e e p , b e c a u s e
1 8 9
the s h e e p h a s l o n g e r legs t h a n the
goat).
G w a r r e , v. tr. , to w a s h b y p o o r i n g
w a t e r o p o n ( w h e r e a s c o r r o or c o c o r o is t o w a s h b y r o b b i n g in o r
v i t h w a t e r ) , to bathe, e. g. M i g w a r r e
m ' e n i m , / a m bathing m y face.
i n t r . I. t o b a t h e , t o w a s h o n e s e l f b y
p o u r i n g d o w n w a t e r o v e r the body,
as the n e g r o e s d o regolarly every
d a y ;
M i k o g w a r r e , / a m going
tobathe
O d e a f i k a g w a r r e , prv.
1 3 9 , h e w a s h e s h i m s e l f w i t h l i m e s , i. e .
he robs his b o d y w i t h lime-juice after
h a v i n g w a s h e d it
2. to s w i m , e. g.
O c u r u fi a c e m a m , o t o p o m , n a
o g w a r r e b a e m p o a n o , he sprang
f r o m the canoe into the sea, a n d s w a m
to the shore
E t y p n n e ni a s u b o n tefi n o s o , e n t i o g w a r r e t y a i ,
there w a s n o bridge over the river,
therefore he s w a m across.
G w e f i g w a n , a . , w i t h e r e d , d r y , e. g.
a h a b a n g w e n g v a n , withered leaves
d u a g w e n g w a n , a withered tree.
(fr. g w a n ) .
G w i t e i , s., silver,
H .
H a , s., chase, hunting, sport;
y $ ha,
to hunt;
cf. a h a i o .
H a , adv., ( e h a) h e r e , lather, e. g. M i g i n n a h a , / a m standing here
V o n
i n i a r a v o h a , they a r e all h e r e
E h a u a a i v u a c e w d o d o , here the
sun shines very hot
E h a n a m i y e
a d y u m a or M i y e a d y u m a v o ha,
/ a m w o r k i n g here
B e r a h a o r
B e r a m i h a , c o m e here, c o m e hither
to m e
O d e y e n a b a h a , he has
b r o u g h t u s hither. S o m e t i m e s it is p u t
in the w a y of a n attribute after a
s u b s t a n t i v e , w h e n it m u s t b e r e n d e r e d
in E n g l i s h b y this, e . g . W a b a k r u m
h a p e n a n a ? literally: have y o u ever
c o m e t o t h e p l a c e h e r e ? i. e . h a v e y o u
ever b e e n tn this p l a c e ?
H a , v., to persecute, to vex, to trouble.
1 9 0
lo p l a g u e , e. g. D o w ' a t a m f o e n s o j
e n n i v o n v o h a w o , love even y o u r
enemies a n d those, w h o persecute you.
H a h i n n i , s., ( o h - pi. ah-") a species
of ant, large, of a d a r k colour, a n d
e m i t t i n g a b a d s m e l l , cf. p r v . 21.
H a i , adv., ( e h a i ) here, hither, pointing
out the place m o r e emphatically than
h a, o f w h i c h it is a n a u g m e n t e d f o r m ,
e. g. E h a i n a m ' a k u r a c e , h e r e a r e
the boundaries of m y plantation
O b a r r i m a bi w u - a , n ' e m m a n a
di n ' a d e , e h a i d e n e v o f a s e w a
u a di, w h e n a m a n dies, his children
inherit M s properly, but here his n e p h e w
inherits.
h a i - h a i , father
thither,
lias w a y
t h a t w a y , e. g. E m p r i n prifi o d a f i n e h u k o h a i , n a e m p r i n p r i n o d a f i n e h u b a h a i bio,
he turns n o w that way, a n d then again
this w a y .
H a i , a n interjection used to fright a w a y
a bird of prey, prv. 58.
II a m m a , s., (pi. e f i h - ) c o r d , string,
rope, prv. VO, 192.
H a n a m , s., v e m s o n .
( f r . h a , s., a n d
n a m . s.).
H a u n a h a n n a , a ., bright, g l o s s y , s h i n i n g ,
glittering, e.g. A d a k a n o y e h a n n a h a n n a or A d a k a n o h u y e h & n n a
il a n n a , t h i s f u r n i t u r e i s g t o s s y .
H a n t a n i , s. , ( o h - pi. a h a n t a n f o ) a
p r o u d person, h a u g h t y person.
(fra h a n t a f i a n d the suffix ni).
H a n k a r a , s., (pi. efih-) circle, a n y
thing circular, for instance a hoop.
H a r r e , v., to r o w , e. g. V o h a r r e k r o ,
a c a n o e is r o w e d , p r v . 165.
H a r r e , h a r r e h a r r e , a., light, e.g. O b o
y e d r u n a e n t a k a r a y e h a r r e ,
a s t o n e is h e a v y , b u t a f e a t h e r is light
d u a h a r r e h a r r e , a light w o o d .
H a t a, v., to spread, especially to s p r e a d
ctothes in the sun for the s a k e of
d r y i n g , e. g. O d e e n t a m a o h a t a
v o a i v u a s o , h e is s p r e a d i n g a g a r
m e n t in the sun.
H a la, h a t a h a t a , a., thin, used of
things that h a v e a flat e x t e n d e d sur
f a c e , e. g. E n h u m a y e h a t a h a t a ,
H
H
H
H
H
H
p a p e r is thin
A s o n h u m a y e p i p r i ,
n a o g w a n h u m a y e h a t a , a n ele
p h a n t ' s h i d e is thick, b u t a sheep's s k i n
is thin;
syn. f r a f r a a n d t r a t r a .
(fr. h a t a , v.).
e , pr. interr. , ( e h e ) w h e r e ? whither ?
e. g. O k o h e ? w h e r e d i d h e g o t o ?
W o n u a v o h e ? w h e r e is y o u r b r o
ther?
E h e n a y e w o y a w ? w h e r e
do y o u feel pain?
O d i - g w a ' v o
h e ? w h e r e does he trade?
O h i n n e
y i fi h e ? w h e r e is this chief f r o m ?
cf. h i u n e.
e n n a , pr. interr., w h o ? w h o m ? w h o s e ?
e.g. H e n n a n a v o h o ? w h o is t h e r e ?
H e n n a n a f r ? m i ? w h o is calling
m e ?
A k a h e n n a ? w h o is w a n t i n g ?
W o f r e h e n n a ? o r H e n n a n a
w o f r e n o ? w h o m do y o u call?
H e n n a s e k a f i n i ? w h o s e k n i f e is
this?
e n n a d e a or h e n n a d e , pr. interr..
w h o s e ? b e l o n g i n g to w h o m ? e. g . O d a f i
y i y e h e n n a d e a ? w h o s e is this
h o u s e ?
(fr. h e n n a a n d t h e suffix
d e or d e a ) .
ia , v. , to distress , to trouble ;
is,
h o w e v e r , o n l y u s e d impersonally, w i t h
its l o g i c a l s u b j e c t a s its g r a m m a t i c a l
object, a n d m u s t therefore b e r e n
d e r e d by: to be in distress, to be in
trouble, e.g. E h ia m i , I a m in distress,
cf. p r v . 2 5 8 ;
(cf. Gr. § 66, L a n d
162).
2) f o l l o w e d b y the c o n j u n c
tion se, a n d the v e r b of the a c c e s s a r y
sentence in the future tense: to need,
to be necessary , to stand in n e e d of,
e. g. A b o f r a y e m e r o w , n a e h i a
n o s e o b i b e f y e n o s o , a child is
f e e b l e , a n d it is n e c e s s a r y , t h a t s o m e
b o d y s h o u l d t a k e c a r e o f it ;
syn.
t y a ; - (cf. G r . §. 2 2 1 ) .
i A , s., (oh-) poverty;
M i d i h i a
a n d O h i a 'ka m i , l a m p o o r
O h i a
a b a n o so, he has b e c o m e poor.
(fr. h i a , v )
i m m a , a l s o hi in m a h i m m a, v., to
t u r n a b o u t repeatedly, to toss, lo shake,
e. g. O h i u i m a n e ti, h e is tossing his
head.
In p r v . 2 0 5 it o c c u r s in t h e
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
sense o f to punish, to chastise, in w h i c h ,
h o w e v e r , it is o b s o l e t e .
i m m i a , s. , ( o h - pi. a h - ) q u e e n , t h e
w i f e of the chief.
(fr. h i n n e a n d
b e a ) .
i n n e , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) chief, cltieftain,
prince, king;
in A k w a p i m this title
is g i v e n to the chief o f e v e r y t o w n ,
as w e l l as to the chief of the w h o l e
c o u n t r y ; in A s a n t e its u s e is said to
be m o r e restricted.
i n n e , s., itch, itching;
y e h i n n e ,
to itch, e. g. M e n a n y e m i h i n n e ,
m y foot itches.
i n n e , pr. interr. . where, whither.
t h e s a m e a s h e , o f w h i c h it is a n
a u g m e n t e d form,
e.g. M i fi h i n n e
n a m i r e b a ? M i f i K u m a s i n a m i
re b a ? w h e r e l a m coining f r o m ? I a m
c o m i n g f r o m Kumasi.
i n n e e k i r r i , s., t h e f o u r t h f i n g e r f r o m
the t h u m b , the goldfinger;
also cal
led e n s a t i a s a f o h i n n e .
(fr. h i n n | e
a n d e k i r r i , i.e. the o n e c o m i n g after
the e n s a t i a h i n n e ) .
i n t a w , v. tr., to hide, to conceal, e.g.
V a h i n t a w n e h u , he has hid himself
V a h i n t a w n o s i k a , he h a s c o n
cealed his gold.
intr. , perf. a h i n t a w , to b e hid, to b e c o n c e a l e d , e. g.
A d e i n i a r a a h i n t a w b e f i a d i , all
that is c o n c e a l e d will c o m e to light.
i n t i w , v., to k n o c k w i t h the foot
a g a i n s t s o m e t h i n g , to hurt the foot b y
k n o c k i n g against something, e.g. H a h i n t i w b o , / have k n o c k e d against a
stone (with m y foot)
M a h i n t i w
m e n a n , / h a v e hurt m y foot ( b y
k n o c k i n g it a g a i n s t s o m e t h i n g ) .
i e n n i , s., ( o h - pi. a h i a f o ) a p o o r
m a n , p r v . 8, 18, 147.
(fr. h i a , s.,
a n d the suffix ni).
o , a d v . , ( e h o ) there, thither, e. g. 0 n a m
h o , there he goes
E h o n a a d i d i
v o , t h e r e is feasting, prv. 1 3 8
M i h u
n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n , / s a w h i m
there just n o w ;
M i v o h o , literally:
/ a m t h e r e i. e. / a m p r e s e n t
O n i
h o , h e is n o t present.
o a , v., to shine, to glisten, to glitter, t o
1 9 1
be bright, e.g. S i k a h o a , g o l d glitters.
prv. 9.
H o a r a, adv., just there, at that very,
place, prv. 175.
(fr. h o a n d the
termination ara).
H o h y u n n i , s., ( o h - pi. a h o h y i i f o )
prodigal, squanderer.
(fr. a h o h y u
a n d the suffix ui).
H o m m e , v . , to b r e a t h e , e. g. V a w u ,
o n h o m m e b i o , h e is d e a d , h e d o e s
n o longer breathe.
2 ) to rest, to re
pose, e.g. M a b r e m i k o h o m m e k a k r a , I a m tired, I a m going to rest a
Utile
A i v u a g i n a n a m i h o m m e
v o A b o d e n a a i v u a t o n a m i d u
Efi k raii, at n o o n I rested in Abude,
a n d in the evening I arrived in Accra.
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m of b u , v.)
H o m m e , s., ( e h - ) b r e a t h , e. g. O n i p a
a w u - a , n e h o m m ' a k o , w h e n a m a n
is d e a d , h i s b r e a t h is g o n e .
2 ) rest,
r e p o s e , e. g. E h o m i n e n i a s a s e s o
or A s a s e s o e h o m m e ni h o , o n
e a r t h t h e r e is n o rest.
(fr. h o m
m e , v.)
H o n i , s. , ( o h - pi. a h - ) f i g u r e m a d e o f
clay or w o o d , image, statue, idol;
syn. a m a g a .
( p r o b . fr. h u , v.)
II 6 n n o , s., ( e h - ) a l s o h o n h d n n o , b a r k ,
rind, h u s k , shell, e. g. d u a h o n n o o r
d u a h o n h o n n o , the bark of a tree a b r o b e h o n h o n n o , the r i n d o f apineapple
a k u t u h o n h o n n o , o r a n g e peelings.
2. scales, a p a t a h o n h o n u o,
the scales o f a fish;
syn. abofi.
( p r o b . fr. h u , v.)
H o n , s., ( e h - ) m a r r o w in the bones,
brain.
H o p e f o , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) a selfish p e r
son.
(fr. a h o p e a n d t h e suffix fo).
H u , v . , to b l o w , e. g. W o h u s e m m i n a e n s u m - a , e y e a h u r u , if y o u b l o w
i n t o s o a p - w a t e r , it f o a m s
M i h u
m ' e n s e m , I a m blowing into m y h a n d s
H u m ' e n i so, blow u p o n m y eye,
prv. 64;
s y n . fita.
H u , s. , ( e h u ) fear, fright, terror;
E h u a k a n o , fear has befallen him,
h e is f r i g h t e n e d ;
y e h u , to excite
fear, hence: N e h u y e h u , his appea-
1 9 2
r a n e e e x c i t e s f e a r , h e is f r i g h t f u t , ter
f o r it a n d d o n o t f i n d it, cf. p r v . 7 8
rible, f o r m i d a b l e , e. g. G y a t a n e h n
a n d 222.
4) in the perfect tense:
y e h n , t h e lion is terrible.
a h u , to understand, to be conversant
a. fearful, afraid, timid, e. g. A k o a
w i t h , e. g. A b o f r a a n h u g w a d i , o
n o y e h u s e a k o k o , t h i s f e l l o w is
b o y does not understand h o w to trade,
as timid as a fowl.
p r v . 2 3 9 , cf. 152.
H u , p r e p . , o n , at, against, to ( e x p r e s s i n g H u , s., outside, s u r f a c e , a p p e a r a n c e , e. g
the local relation of contact w i t h the
N e h u y e h u , his appearance excites
s u r f a c e o r o u t l i n e s o f a t h i n g ) , e. g.
fear. M o r e p a r t i c u l a r l y it d e n o t e s t h e
O d o m a n i n ti b o a k y i n n e h u , the
outer part of a thing, w h i c h m a y b e
chieftains skull sticks o n the d r u m prv.
perceived b y the senses of vision,
s m e l l , or touch. In this s e n s e it is
2 1 4
E m f o n i n n e s e n d a n h u , the
frequently inserted into the predica
picture h a n g s o n the wall
O t e p o n
tive combination, as the g r a m m a t i c a l
h u , h e is sitting at t h e table ( s o a s t o
subject of a predicate expressing a n
t o u c h it, cf. e n k y e n )
A k w a m v o
action, condition or quality, that m a y
F i r a w h u , A k w a m is o n t h e r i v e r
be perceived b y o n e of the senses
Volla
A g i n a m o a d e n e ti t y u m e n t i o n e d ; the substantive or p r o n o u n ,
t y u n e u r a n a n h u , t h e c a t is r u b
w h i c h is t h e l o g i c a l s u b j e c t o f t h e
b i n g its h e a d a g a i n s t its m a s t e r ' s leg
sentence, b e c o m i n g g r a m m a t i c a l l y the
Y a b e n k r u n o h u , w e h a v e c o m e
a t t r i b u t e o f h u. T h i s , a s w i l l b e s e e n ,
close to l/iis t o w n
2 ) of, about, c o n
is a n i d i o m a t i c a l f o r m o f e x p r e s s i o n
cerning, relating to ( d e n o t i n g the re
of the Oji- l a n g u a g e , a n d in E n g l i s h
ference of speech a n d of m e n t a l action
h u m u s t generally be left u n t r a n s
o r a f f e c t i o n t o its o b j e c t \ e. g. A f e y i
l a t e d , e. g . E m p a t a b e b r i v o n h u
v a k a w o h u a s e m i y e , this time h e
v o a b o f i . m a n y f i s h e s h a v e scales, li
N e h u a s e m
h a s spoken well of y o u
terally : tlie s u r f a c e o f m a n y fishes h a s
c e v ' a s a s e n ' e n k a i n i a r a s o , the
scales
A d a k a n o h u y e h a n n a r u m o u r of h i m spread over the w h o l e
h a n n a , this f u r n i t u r e is v e r y g l o s s y
c o u n t r y
E n k y in n e n s e n e h u
n s e : m i y e d e , the sall does not s a y
N a n t y u bi ni, n e h u k o k o n i
o f itself: I h a v e a pleasant taste, prv.
f u f u , t h e r e is a b u l l o c k o f a r e d a n d
131;
M i d y o n n e m e n u a h u , l a m
white colour
A k o a n o h u y e fe,
thinking about m y brother
M a b r e
this f e l l o w is pretty
A f a n n a n o h u
n o h u or M a b r e v o n o h u , / a m
y e f e , this w o m a n is p r e t t y
W o h u
tired o f him.
(fr. h u , s.).
a y e fi, y o u are dirty
A h o h o h u
H u , v., to see, to perceive b y the eye,
b o n , t h e r e d a n t stinks, p r v . 139, cf. 2 1
e. g. M i h u n o v o h o e m p r i n p r i n ,
V o n h u y e c w a m , t h e g b e c o m e
sweet-scented, prv. 139
O p o n n o
/ s a w h i m t h e r e j u s t n o w , cf. p r v . 53,
h u y e t r o t r o , this table is s m o o t h
61, 65, 75 etc.
O h u s e e n y e bir i b i n a e y e t a m , h e s a w t h a t it w a s
(cf. Gr. §. 163). nothing but a dress;
h u a m a n n e ,
2. b o d y (in c o n t r a d i s t i n c t i o n t o m i n d ) .
t o s e e a d v e r s i t y i. e . t o b e i n a f f l i c t i o n ,
Id this s e n s e it o c c u r s in a n u m b e r
of expressions, w h i c h d e n o t e condi
see a m a n n e ;
h u m o b o , to h a v e
tions a n d qualities of the bodily c o n
compassion, to h a v e m e r c y , see m o b o .
stitution o f m a n , e. g. W o h u t e d e n ?
2 ) to d i s c e r n , to k n o w , e. g. D u a
h o w are y o u ?
M e h u y e , / a m well
k o n t o n k y e n a m a y e h u d y o m f o ,
M e hii n y e k o r a , / a m not at all
a c r o o k e d stick causes us to k n o w the
well
M e h u y e k a k r a , I a m pretty
carpenter, prv. 159.
3 ) to find, e. g
well or not vely well;
N e h u y e
M a y e r a p a n i , m i f y u f y e , n a m i n .
d e n , h e is s t r o n g , h e a l t h y , s t o u t
lie
h u , / h a v e lost a needle, I a m looking
»
H
H
H
H
H
h u y e d o d e n b i o , h e is gelling better
again
Y a d a , e n t i m i s u s u s e n e
h u b e y e n o d e n b i o , h e is sleeping,
therefore I think thai he will get better
again;
M e h u a s a , I have recover
ed, cf. s a ;
M e h u p o p o a n d
M e h u c i m , / tremble, cf. ciiri a n d
p o p o .
3. C o m b i n a t i o n s o f h u w i t h a v e r b ,
like those mentioned, h a v e frequently,
b y a transfer f r o m the bodily to the
m e n t a l province, b e c o m e expressions
for m e n t a l conditions a n d affections
(cf. G r . §. 46). S u c h a r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :
H u - a d y u r i i w , to be sad, dejected,
afflicted, e. g. M e h u a d y u r u w o r
M e h u a d y u r u w m i , I a m dejected.
( d y u r u w is p r o b a b l y r e l a t e d
to t h e a d j e c t i v e d r u , heavy, a n d its
p r o p e r signification to be heavy).
H u - a d y o , to becalm, quiet, composed.
(fr. d y o ) .
H u - a y e r a w , to be astonished, a m a z e d ,
stupified;
M e h u a y e r a w m i , /
a m a m a z e d .
( y e r a w is p r o b a b l y
the s a m e as y e r a).
H u - a k a , to be happy, joyful, rejoiced;
M e h u a k a m i h u , I a m rejoiced.
( a k a p r o b a b l y signifies to be
m o v e d , referring to j o y o u s excite
ment, f r o m the verb k a ) .
H u - a t o , to be calm, quiet;
M e h u
a t o m i o r M e h u a t o m e y e m ,
I feel c a l m , . h a p p y , cf. a k u m a a n d
bo.
(fr. t o = t o ) .
u a , s., smell;
te h u a , to perceive
the smell, to smell, e. g. M i t e a t o d r u
h u a , / a m smelling the p o w d e r .
u a , a., tough, of a d o u g h y substance,
e. g. F u f u y e h u s , f u f u is t o u g h .
u a f o , s. , ( o h - pi. a h - ) b e g g a r , m e n
dicant.
u a m , v . , t o s m e l l i. e . t o i n v e s t i g a t e
b y s m e l l i n g , e. g. M i h u a m t a m a t e
se e y e a n a , / smell the tobacco to
k n o w w h e t h e r it is g o o d .
(fr. h u a
a n d m u , the former, h o w e v e r , d o e s
not s e e m to b e in use as a verb).
u a n e , v., to s c r a t c h , t h e s k i n w h e n it
itches.
(cf. huaii).
1 & 3
iH u a f i , v., to peel w i t h the fingers, to
peel off, e . g . h u a f i a k u t u , t o p e e l [ a n
o r a n g e
h u a f i k w a d u h o f i h o n n o
to peel off the h u s k or rind o f a b a n a n a
h u a f i a p a t a h o f i h o n n o , to peel
off the scales o f a fish;
syn. vai.
(cf. h u a n e ) .
H u f o , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) a t i m i d p e r s o n ,
coward.
(fr. h u , s. , a n d t h e s u f
fix f o).
H i i h u , v. frq. o f h u , to b l o w repeatedly,
e. g. E n k w a n n o y e c e w d o d o ,
h u h u s o n a n n y o , t h e s o u p is v e r y
h o t , b l o w u p o n tt t h a t it m a y g e t c o o l .
H u n a m , s., body.
(cf. h u , s.)
H i i n y a f o , s , ( o h - pi. a h - ) the rich,
weallhy m a n .
(fr. n y a n e h u , to be
rich, see n y a , a n d the suffix f o).
H u n n u , v., perf. a h u n n u , t o b e w o r m eaten , e. g. D u a n o a h u n n u , this
w o o d is w o r m e a l e n .
H u n n u , a., e m p t y , void, vain, u s e d e s p e
cially of u n m e a n i n g w o r d s : a s e m
h u n n u , nonsense, idle talk
O k a
a s e m h u n n u , he talks nonsense
O k a s a h u n n u , n ' a s e m ni a s e , he
talks nonsense, his w o r d s h a v e n o m e a n
ing;
h e n c e false, e. g. k a e n t a m
h u n n u , to take a false oath.
H u n , v., to swell, e. g. M ' e n s a r e h u n ,
m y h a n d is s w e l l i n g
M ' a f o n n o
a h u n , m y c h e e k is s w o l l e n ;
tr. to
c a u s e to swelt, e. g. E m f a h u f i m e
n a n , the G u i n e a - w o r m causes m y leg
to swell.
H u p a i , a., b a l d o n t h e b o d y , e. g.
O g w a f i h u p a i , a bald sheep.
(fr.
h u , s., a n d p a i fr. p a , cf. t i p a i ) .
H u r i , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) a k i n d o f s t i n g - ,
ing insect;
syn. t e n .
H u r u t u t u , s., ( o h - ) lungs.
H u e d e n f o , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) a strong,
heallhy, stout person.
(fr. a h u e d e n
a n d the suffix fo).
H w a f i , v., to s p r i n g up, to s n a p up, e. g.
A f i r i h w a n , the s p r i n g e is s n a p p i n g
up, prv. 126.
H w y u n n e , s., ( ? h w y - ) nose.
H w y u n n e m , s., ( e h w y - ) the inner
2 5
1 9 4
p a r t o f t h e nose, nostrils. ( f r . h w y u n n e a n d m u ) .
I l w y u n n e m t o k r i i , s., cavity in the
nose, nostril.
(fr. h w y u n n e m a n d
t o k r u ) .
H w y u n n e n l e m , s., t h e u p p e r p a r t o f
the n o s e b e t w e e n the eyes.
(fr.
h w y u n n e a n d e n t e m ) .
H w y u n n e r o , s., snot, snivel.
H w y u n s i n , s., a p e r s o n w i t h o u t a n o s e ,
w h o s e n o s e h a s b e e n c u t oft', cf. a n o sin.
(fr. h w y u n n e a n d s e n or
s i 5).
II o h o , s., ( o h - pi. a h - ) s t r a n g e r , f o r
eigner.
I.
I y e , a d v . , well, e. g. K a i m ' a s e m i y e ,
r e m e m b e r m y w o r d well
F y e w o
a d y u m a i y e , attend well to y o u r w o r k
M 'a y e m ' a d y u m a i y e , / h a v e d o n e
m y w o r k well;
y e iye, to m a k e well,
i. e . t o m e n d , t o r e p a i r , p r v . 2 6 1 ;
y e
n e h u iye, euphemistic t e r m for ne.
(fr. y e , v.).
Ifiiara, num., ( w i t h the accent o n the
first s y l l a b l e : i n i a r a ) all, e v e r y , e . g .
V a d i i n i a r a n a v a f i g y a w b i r i b i
a m a in, h e h a s e a t e n all, a n d left n o
thing f o r m e , cf. prv. 1 1 6
N e s i k a
i n i a r a a s a , all his g o l d is g o n e
N y a n k u p o f i v o e n k r u i n i a r a so,
G o d is in all places, e v e r y w h e r e
V o n i n i a r a v o d e v o n h u , they are
all free m e n
E n n a 'n i a r a , all d a y s
i. e . a l w a y s , p r v . 1 0
N n i p a i n i a r a ,
a l l m e n i. e . e v e r y b o d y .
2) whole
(in contradistinction to part, w h e r e a s
m u m e a n s w h o l e in contradistinction
t o f r a g m e n t ) , e. g. N e h u a s e m a c e
v ' a s a s e n" i n i a r a s o , the r u m o u r o f
him has spread over the whole c o u n t r y
Y e r e b e b u b u d a n i n i a r a g u
f a m , w e are going to b r e a k the w h o l e
house d o w n .
I n i a r a is r e n d e r e d
m o r e emphatical b y e f i k a being a d d e d
t o it, t h e m e a n i n g o f w h i c h is: is n o t
w a n t i n g i. e . w i t h o u t e x c e p t i o n , b e i n g
t h e n e g a t i v e o f a k a , is w a n t i n g , s e e
k a ; consequently e f i k a i n i a r a signi
fies all without exception , s o that n o
s i n g l e i n d i v i d u a l is e x c l u d e d , o r w h o l e
without exception, s o that n o p a r t is
e x c l u d e d , e. g. O y a r r e a c e v ' a s a s e
n ' e n k a i n i a r a s o , the disease has
spread over the whole o f lhe country.
Observ. T h e pronunciation of this
w o r d is v e r y u n s t a b l e , a n d r e n d e r s it
difficult to settle its o r t h o g r a p h y .
A c c o r d i n g to the pronunciation p r e
v a l e n t in A k w a p i m , it o u g h t p e r h a p s
rather to be spelled i n y i a n a or
i n y i n a , the f o r m e r n, h o w e v e r , h a v i n g
constantly a touch of the palatal.
Y .
Y a , the reply to e v e r y salutation, for
instance to m a d y o , m a h a o , m a k y o ,
a b o , a k w a b o , d y o n i a v o etc.; to
which, h o w e v e r , a w o r d of respect is
a l w a y s added, as u r a , a b r a w , n y a a d o , a h i n n e w a . W i t h y a u r a a
n e g r o generally returns the salutation
of a E u r o p e a n ,
w i t h y a n y a a d o
that of a respected a n d w e a l t h y m a n
of his o w n people,
a n d w i t h y a
a i i i u n e w a that of a p e r s o n w h o b e
longs to the family of the chief;
y a a b r a w is the m o s t c o m m o n f o r m ,
being said in reply to a n y of e q u a l
or inferior rank.
Y a b e m a , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
Y a m , v., to g r i n d c o r n o n a l a r g e s t o n e
b y m e a n s of a smaller o n e , a w o r k
a l w a y s p e r f o r m e d b y w o m e n .
Y a m f o , s., ( o y - pi. a y - ) d r u m m e r .
(fr. y a n a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
Y a m o n w y u n n e f o , s., ( o y - p l . a y - )
miser,
literally: o n e w h o s e belly
i s b i t t e r , i. e . a n i g g a r d l y i l l i b e r a l m a n ,
w h o d o e s not give a n y t h i n g to others.
(fr. y a m f= y e m , n w y u n n e , a n d
the suffix fo).
Y a n 6 m , s., society, c o m p a n y , prv. 140.
Y a n , v., to d r u m , to beat the d r u m .
f a n e , s., p r i v y , n e c e s s a r y , cf. d u a ;
syn. d n a s e , k a s e .
Y a o d a , s., t h e f o u r t h d a y o f t h e w e e k ,
c o i n c i d e n t w i t h o u r T h u r s d a y , cf. d a p e n .
A m a n b o r n o n this d a y has
the n a m e Y a w given to him, a n d a
w o m a n the n a m e Y a .
Y a r r e , v . , t o b e ill, t o b e s i c k , e . g . N e
h u y e d e n , o n y a r r e p e n , he has a
s t r o n g constitution, h e is n e v e r sick.
2) to suffer f r o m , to be afflicted with
e. g. O y a r r e e m p e t e , h e h a s t h e
s m a l l - p o x
O y a r r e a t i r r e d i , he
has fever.
Y a r r e , a . , ilt, s i c k , d i s o r d e r e d , e . g .
A d r u f i w y u n n e n w y y n n e s a y e f u n n u m y a r r e , abiller medicine cures
a disordered stomach.
a., ( o y - ) illness, disease, sickness,
e. g . N e y a r r ' a s a , his d i s e a s e is past.
% a sick person.
Y a r r e f o , s., ( o y - pi. a y - ) a sick p e r
son.
(fr. y a r r e a n d t h e suffix fo).
Y a w , v., to abuse, to revile, to insull.
Y a w , s., ( e y - ) pain, a c h e ; y e y a w , to
p a i n , to g i v e p a i n , e. g. M e ti y e m i
y a w , I have head-ache ;
h e n c e figu
ratively: M e s i k a y e m i y a w , m y
g o l d p a i n s m e i. e. it is p a i n f u l t o m e
t o s p e n d it, t h o u g h c i r c u m s t a n c e s m a k e
it n e c e s s a r y , prv. 227.
(fr. y a r r e ) .
Y e , v., to b e g o o d , to b e right, e. g. E n t e m e y e n a o g u m e y e , q u i c k n e s s is
g o o d a n d s l o w n e s s is g o o d , p r v . 1 1 9
S a n a y e , s o il is r i g h t
A h u e d e n
e y e s e n o d a n f e f e w , h e a l l h is beller
than a fine house;
e n y e , not to be
g o o d , to be b a d , e. g. M e s e e n y e )
m y teeth a r e b a d , prv. 4 4 cf. 261, 262.
V e r y peculiar is the c o n n e c t i o n of
y e w i t h the infinitive of a n o t h e r verb,
as occurring in prv. 69: D u a b a t a
b o e y e t y a n a , literally: a (_piece
o f ) w o o d lying close to a s t o n e is g o o d
t o c u t , i. e . i t i s g o o d o r s t r o n g e n o u g h
t o b e a r b e i n g c u t , it w i l l b e a r a s t r o k e .
Y e - , pr. p e r s . ( c o n j u n c t i v e f o r m , cf.
y e n ) w e , e. g. Y e t r a h a , w e a r e
sitting here
Y e b e k o , w e shall g o
Y e r e b a e m p r i n p r i n , tee are
Y
1 9 5
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
c o m i n g immediately.
W h e n joined to
a verb in the perfect tense, f o r m e d
b y t h e a u g m e n t a , t h e e o f y e is
d r o p p e d , e. g. Y a b a , w e h a v e c o m e .
e f a r r e f o , s., ( o y - pi. a y - ) a d u l l e r e r .
(fr. a y e f a r r e a n d the suffix fo).
e n , pr. pers., ( i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m , cf.
y e - ) w e , u s , e. g. Y e n i f i i a r a y a t e
n ' a s e m , w e all h a v e h e a r d his w o r d
O f r e y e n , he calls us
O b e k y e r r e y e n e m f o n i n n e , he will
s h o w us a picture.
pr. poss., (attributive f o r m , cf. y e f i d e a ) o u r , e. g . Y e n d a n n i , this is
o u r house.
e n a n k a s a , pr. p e r s ., w e ourselves,
e. g. Y e n a n k a s a n a y a t e n ' a s e m ,
w e ourselves h a v e h e a r d his word.
pr. poss., o u r o w n , e.g. Y e n a n k a
s a d a n n i , this is o u r o w n h o u s e .
(fr. y e n a n d the suffix a n k a s a ) .
efia n k a s a d e a , pr. poss., o u r o w n ,
e . g . O d a n y i y e y e n a n k a s a d e a , this
h o u s e is o u r o w n .
(fr. y e n a n k a s a
a n d the suffix d e a ) .
e f i a r a , pr. pers., even we, just we.
(fr. y e n a n d the t e r m i n a t i o n a r a ) .
e n d e a or y e f i d e , pr. poss., ours,
b e l o n g i n g to u s , e. g. O d a n y i y e
y e n d e a , this h o u s e is o u r s .
(fr. y e n
a n d the suffix d e or d e a ) .
e f i h u , p r . refl., o u r s e l v e s , e. g. Y e n s e s i e y e f i h u , w e will put ourselves
in readiness.
(fr. y e n a n d the suf
fix hu).
e r a , v. tr., to lose, e. g. M a y e r a m e
s e k a f i , / h a v e lost m y knife
P y o
n ' i y e , m a n y e r a , l a k e c a r e o f it, d o
n o t l o s e it.
intr, 1 ) to b e lost, e . g . A h i n e t e w
e m p a n y i n e n i m - a , e n y e r a , if a
siring o f pearls b r e a k s ini the p r e s e n c e
o f g r o w n - u p p e o p l e , they a r e n o t lost,
p r v . 148, cf. 9 7 , 2 3 9
A d e n o a y e r a ,
m i n h u b i o , the thing is lost, I d o n o t
f i n d it.
2) to pass a w a y , to vanish,
to d i s a p p e a r , e. g. O s r a m a y e r a m i f i h u b i o , the m o o n has disappeared, I
n o l o n g e r s e e il
E m p r i n p r i n n a
m i h u n o , n a s e s e v a y e r a , I s a w
1 9 6
h i m this m o m e n t , b u t n o w h e is g o n e .
3 ) to g o a s t r a y , e. g. M a t o k w a n ,
m a y e r a w u r a m , / h a v e lost the w a y
a n d g o n e astray in the wood.
Y e r a m , v , to y a w n .
Y i , v., to take, to take a w a y , to remove,
e.g. Y i n e a m d n o fi pofi so, r e m o v e
the things f r o m the table
O y i h o f i
fi d o in p e r n n a o d i , h e lakes the m a r
r o w o u t o f t h e b o n e s a n d e a t s it
A d a k a n o si port a s e yi fiadi,
t h e b o x is u n d e r t h e t a b l e , t a k e it o u t ;
h e n c e to t a k e off, to sjiave off, e. g.
y i b o g y e s e , to shave off the b e a r d
y i a tilde, to take off a coat (used
o f E u r o p e a n c l o t h e s , cf. p a ) .
2) to
d r a w forth (from a state of cpncealm e n t ) , h e n c e y i a d i , to b r i n g to light,
to m a k e manifest, prv. 13
yi a y e ,
to d r a w forth one's g o o d ("qualities)
i. e . t o e x t o t , t o p r a i s e , p r v . 1 6 .
3)
to release, to liberate, to deliver, e. g.
O y i m i fi f i a s e , he deliveredme f r o m
prison.
4 ) to catch, e. g. y i e m p a t a ,
to catch fishes
y i a n u m a , to catch
a bird, prv. 242.
5) to rout, to put
to fhght, e.g. y i d o m , to rout the h o
stile a r m y , prv. 2 2 7 .
Y i , pr. d e m . , ( o y i , e y i ,
s o m e t i m e s
it h a s t h e p l u r a l y i n o m ) this, that,
this person, this thing, e.g. Oy'i b e k a k y e r r e y e n , ( A m ( p e r s o n ) w'dl tell
us
E y i v o f r e n o d e n ? o r V o f r e
y i d e n ? w h a t is this ( t h i n g ) called
A d a k a y i v o d e d u a a p r o w n a 'ye,
this b o x is m a d e o f rotten w o o d
K ot o k u y i m (contracted of yi m u ) ent r a m a v o m , in this b a g Ihere are
cowries.
cf. n o a n d n i , a n d Gr.
§. 1 1 2 1 1 3 .
Y i - a d y o , v., to kidnap, to catch a p e r
s o n a n d m a k e a s l a v e o f h i m , e. g.
O y i n o a d y o n a otofi, he kidnapped
h i m a n d sold him.
Y i - a y e , v., to extol, to praise, prv. 16;
cf. y i a n d a y e .
Y i a r a , pr. d e m . , e v e n this, the v e r y
same.
(fr. y i a n d the termination
a r a ) .
Y i f o , s , ( o y - pi. a y - ) b a r b e r , hatr-
cutter.
(fr. yi, v., a n d t h e suf
fix fo).
Y i y i , v. frq. o f y i, t o t a k e a w a y , t o r e
m o v e ( m a n y things simultaneously),
prv. 49.
Y i m m a , s., y o u t h , y o u n g m a n , a p o e t i
cal w o r d ;
syn. a b e r a n t e a n d
a k w a S k w a .
Y i r r e . s., ( o y - ) wife,
m e y i r r e i
m y wife
n e y i r r e n o m , his wives
c i a y i r r e a n d v a r r e y i r r e , to
lake a wife, to m a r r g
f a y i r r e , to
commit adullery.
Y i r r i j v., to swelt, to rise (of w a t e r ) ,
to o v e r f l o w , to i n u n d a t e , e. g. E n s u
a y i r r i a s e i k r u n o , the water has
overflown a n d destroyed the town.
Y i s e k a n , s., ( o y - pi. a y - ) razor.
(fr. yi, v., a n d s e k a n ) .
Y o n k u , s , (pi. e n y o f i k u o r n y o n k u )
friend, c o m r a d e , c o m p a n i o n , e. g. O h i e n n i ni y o n k u , a p o o r m a n has n o friend,
prv. 18.
T h e sense o f y o n k u is
m o r e general t h a n of d a m f o , the
f o r m e r not necessarily i m p l y i n g a n y
relation of intimacy, but often m e r e l y
denoting o n e p a r t a k i n g of the s a m e
n a t u r e ; h e n c e it m a y o f t e n b e r e n
dered:
2) neighbour, fellow - m a n ,
a n o t h e r p e r s o n , e. g. V o d e m e y o n
k u n a v o n n e m i , they refer to a n o
ther p e r s o n , n o t to m e , p r v . 185, cf. 34,
229, 259;
syn. fe, e m f e f o .
Y u , adv., yes, affirmative a n s w e r to a
q u e s t i o n , e. g. V a b a a n a ? Y u , is h e
c o m e ? yes.
T h e use of y u , h o w e v e r ,
differs s o m e t i m e s f r o m that of y e s in
English; the former, w h e n said in reply
to a negative question, corroborating
t h e n e g a t i o n , s o t h a t in t h i s c a s e it
m u s t be r e n d e r e d b y no, e.g. O m b a i
a n a ? Y u , is h e n o t c o m e ? n o .
Y u m a , s., c a m e l .
( p e r h a p s f r o m the
Arabic.)
Y e , v. tr., to m a k e , to p r o d u c e , e. g.
V o d e a b e n n a y e a f i , o f h o r n c o m b s
are m a d e
y e e n k a n a r r e , to m a k e
r u s t i. e . t o r u s t , s e e e n k a n a r r e
y e a h u r u , to m a k e f o a m , i.e. to f o a m
y e i y e , to m a k e g o o d i.e. to m e n d ,
to repair, see iye.
2) to cause, to
e x c i t e , e. g . y e a n i b e r r e , to e x c i t e
desire, prv. 2 3 - y e y a w , to cause
pain, to pain, see y a w
y e h i n n e ,
to itch, s e e h i n n e .
3) to do, t o p e r form, to discharge, e.g. W o m m a y e n
b i r i b i y e n y e , y o u must give us s o m e
thing to d o
Y e w o a d y u m a iye,
do y o u r w o r k well
A d e n o w o d e
b e y e d e n ? w h a t will y o u d o with this
thing?
W o y e d e n ? w h a t are y o u
d o i n g ? cf. d e n
y e b o n n e a n d y e
a d e b o n n e , to d o evil, to sin.
4)
to do s o m e t h i n g to a person, especially
to d o h a r m t o s o m e b o d y , e. g. M i n t e
s e o s a m a n a y e o n i p a b i r i b i d a b i a r a d a , / never h e a r d that a ghost
ever did a m a n a n y harm.
intr. 1) to be, to b e c o m e ,
being
u s e d a s c o p u l a w h e n t h e p r e d i c a t e is
a n adjective o r a substantive (cf. Gr.
§. 1 6 6 ) , e. g. S i k a y e f e , n a o p e g y a f o y e n a , G o l d is p r e t t y , b u t the
heir is rare, prv. 1 8 3
A b r o b e b u n
e n y e f r e m f r e m , a n unripe pine-apple
is n o t s w e e t
O y e a b o f r a , h e is a
b o y , prv. 6
O y e b a i f o , h e is a
s o r c e r e r , p r v . 86, cf. 4 2
O h i a n a
m a o d e c e y e a k o a , poverty causes
a f r e e m a n to b e c o m e a slave, prv. 31
cf. 58.
Y e o r e y e is s o m e t i m e s c o n
tracted with the m o n o s y l l a b l e adjec
tives fe, d e , d e n , d r u e t c , into efe,
e d e etc., e.g. E f e instead o f e y e fe,
it is p r e t t y , p r v . 2 3 .
W h e n the sub
j e c t is c o n c e i v e d a s h a v i n g b e c o m e
w h a t is e x p r e s s e d in t h e predicate,
y e is p u t in t h e p e r f e c t t e n s e , e. g.
N e s i k a i n i a r a a s a , v a y e h i e n n i ,
all his g o l d is g o n e , h e is ( o r h a s b e
c o m e ) a p o o r m a n
V a y e a k o a k o r a , h e is a n o l d m a n
O d a n n o
a y e g o , this h o u s e is r u i n o u s
M ' a t a d e a y e fi, m y coat is dirty.
In
a sentence c o n n e c t e d w i t h a prece
d i n g sentence b y w a y of co-ordination,
e n y e , t h e n e g a t i v e o f y e , is s o m e
times put instead of a repetition of
t h e predicate in the negative, the latter
h a v i n g occurred in the preceding sen
1 9 7
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
tence in the indicative; in E n g l i s h in
this c a s e m e r e l y t h e a d v e r b n o t is
used, e.g. O b a r r i m a bi w u - a , n' e m m a n a d i n ' a d e ; e h a i d e n e v o f a s e w a n a di, e n y e n ' e m m a , w h e n a
m a n dies, Ids children (generally) in
herit his g o o d s ; but here his n e p h e w
inherits, n o t his children
O k w a n
v a r r e - a , v o d e v o n n a n n a t y a ,
e n y e a b o n u a , w h e n a w a y is long,
y o n s h o r t e n it w i t h y o u r f e e t , n o t w i t h
a n a x e , p r v . 1 5 0 , cf. 49, 1 1 1 (cf. G r .
§.217).
2) in the perfect tense a y e :
to h a v e h a p p e n e d to, to be the matter
with, e. g. E d e n n a a y e n o o s u , w h a t
is the m a i l e r w i t h h i m ( t h a t ) h e w e e p s
K o b i s a n o d e k o d e a y e n o , g o
a n d a s k h i m w h a t is the m a t t e r w i t h
him.
3) to behave, to c o n d u c t oneself,
e.g. O n y e p a p a , he behaves badly
O t u n o f o se o n y e p a p a , he a d m o
nished him to behave well.
e f i i n n u , s., that part o f the b o d y
w h i c h is b e t w e e n t h e b r e a s t a n d t h e
thighs, belly, abdomen.
e f i i n n u m , s., t h e belly w i t h e s p e c i a l
reference to its inner part, a b d o m e n ,
s t o m a c h , e. g. A d r u n w y u n n e n w y u n n e s a y e f u n n u m y a r r e ,
a bitter medicine cures a disordered
stomach ; syn. y ? m.
( f r. y e f u n n u
a n d m u ) .
e m , s., t h e i n n e r c a v i t y o f t h e h u m a n
b o d y , a b d o m e n , belly, w o m b , e. g. B e r a b o d a o n i p a y e m n i f a , the liver
is in the right fsicfe o f the) a b d o m e n
M ' a k u m a a t o m e y e m , see a k u m a ,
cf. h u - a t o a n d b o - a t o .
H e n c e is
f o r m e d the c o m p o u n d :
Y e m - y e , to be good-natured, bene
volent, o f a kind disposition, prv. 37.
e m , v., to be pregnant, to be with
y o u n g .
2) to rejoice, to be glad.
prv. 166.
e n , v. , to bring u p , to rear , to breed,
e. g. E n k r a n f o y e n e m p r a k o , t h e
Accra-people rear pigs
O b e a n o
y e n m e b a , this w o m a n brings u p m y
child.
1 9 8
K .
K a , v., to c o m e into contact with, to touch.
This verb h a s a great variety of
significations, w h i c h , for the s a k e of
perspicuity, w e divide u n d e r the fol
l o w i n g heads:
A. 1) to touch, e.g. E m f a w o e n s a
e n k a d a d e n o , n a a d o , do not touch
t h i s i r o n w i t h y o u r h a n d , b e c a u s e it is
red-hot
A d r u b e k a w ' a n o , the
p o i s o n will touch y o u r m o u t h , prv. 2,
cf . 145
k a a k y i n n e ( b o m a ,
a t u m p a n ) t o t o u c h i. e . t o b e a t t h e
drum.
2 ) to bite, to sting, e. g. O v o
k a n i p a , the s n a k e bites ( m a n )
K r a
in a n a k a m e n a n , a d o g has bitten
m y leg
E n t u n t u m a k a m ' e n s a ,
a mosquito has stung m y hand.
3) to
drive, e. g. K a e i l k o k o n o f i a d i ,
drive the fowls out
K a e n g w a n
n o k o d a n m , drive the sheep into the
pen.
4) to emit a s o u n d , to utter,
w i t h a substantive denoting a kind of
s p e e c h for its o b j e c t : k a a s e m , to
utter w o r d s , to s p e a k , to talk, also to
deliver a s p e e c h , to tell a tale
D e n
a s e m n o m u k a ? w h a t is it y o u a r e
talking of?
O k a m e h u a s e m , he
talks o f m e , often m e a n i n g : he talks
ill o f m e
O k a w o h u a s e m iye,
H e spoke well of y o u
k a a n a n s i s e m , to tell a l e g e n d , in A k w m o r e
frequently t o a n a n s i s e m
k a ent a m , t o u t t e r a n o a t h i. e . t o s w e a r ;
i n t r a n s i t i v e l y it is u s e d o f t h e cat:
A g i n a m o a k a n e m i n u w a m , the
c a t e m i t s a s o u n d i n i t s t h r o a t i. e . it
purrs.
B. T h e perfect tense a k a h a s the
f o l l o w i n g p a r t i c u l a r significations: i.
to h a v e touched, to h a v e affected, to
have befallen,
h e n c e the expressions:
E h u a k a n o , fear has befallen him,
h e is in f e a r , is a f r a i d
O h i a a k a
n o , h e is p o o r , p r v . 1 7 3
E n n i h a w
a k a n o , h e is lazy.
2. to be k e p t
in contact w i t h , h e n c e to adhere, to
cleave, to stick, w i t h the p r e p , h u , e. g.
E w o a k a m ' e n s a h u , the honey slicks
to m y fingers;
h e n c e a k a e k i r r i ,
to r e m a i n b e h i n d (one's c o m p a n i o n s in
w a l k i n g ) , e. g. W o a k a e k i r r i , m a
w o n a n s o , y o u r e m a i n behind m a k e
haste;
h e n c e M a e n k a , let it r e m a i n
a s it is, let (it), l e a v e (it) u n d o n e ,
a n d the i m p e r s o n a l expression: A k a
e n k u , to b e left alone, E b e k a w o
e f i k u , y o u will be left alone, prv. 2 5 3 .
h e n c e 3) not to b e in the place
w h e r e it o u g h t t o b e , to b e w a n t i n g ;
in this s e n s e a k a is g e n e r a l l y u s e d
i m p e r s o n a l l y , its logical subject fol
l o w i n g it in t h e f o r m o f a g r a m m a t i
c a l o b j e c t (cf. G r . §. 1 6 2 ) ; s o m e t i m e s ,
h o w e v e r , it h a s t h e c o m m o n c o n s t r u c
tion, especially in n e g a t i v e a n d i m
perative sentences, a n d w h e n a greater
e m p h a s i s is to b e g i v e n to the subject,
e. g. A k a d o k o n n o , k o f a b e r a ,
b r e a d is w a n t i n g , g o a n d f e t c h it
A k a a b o f r a n o b a a k o n , o k o h e ?
o n e o f the b o g s is w a n t i n g , w h e r e is h e
B a a k o n p e n ' a k a , but
g o n e to?
o n e is w a n t i n g
O b i a r a ' n k a i , v o n
i n i a r a v o h a , n o b o d y is w a n t i n g , t h e y
are all here
H e n n a n a a k a ? o r
A k a h e n n a ? w h o iswanting?
A k a
K w a k u , m i f i h u n o , K w a k u i s w a n t
ing , I do not see h i m
A n k a m ie,
m i g i n n a h a , l a m not wanting, I a m
standing here;
a k a k u m a or k a k r a o r k e t e w a , little is w a n t i n g , i s
often u s e d so as to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h
the a d v e r b s almost, soon, f o l l o w e d b y
t h e conj. s e , e. g. A k a k u m a s e
v a t o e n s u m , he h a d almost fallen
into the water
A k a k u m a s e d u a
y i b e p o , this tree will s o o n lose U s
leaves.
C. K a w i t h the prep, h u : 1) in the
perfect tense : to adhere, see above.
2) to a c c o m p a n y , to go with, to be with,
e. g. O k a m e h u n a y e k o E 5 k r a n i
he a c c o m p a n i e d m e to A c c r a
N y a f i k u p o n k a y e n h u d a , G o d i s a l w a y s
with us.
3 ) to add, e.g. F a k a k r a
k a h u , a d d a little;
in E n g l i s h k a
h u m a y often be r e n d e r e d b y the a d
v e r b m o r e , e. g. O m a m i b i m i k a h u ,
K
K
H
K
he g a v e m e a httle m o r e
M a m i k a k r a m i n k a h u , g i v e m e a little m o r e
- K o k a k y e r r e s o d o n i se, o m l a
a b o d o k a k r a m e k a m e h u , go a n d
tell t h e c o o k to g i v e m e a little m o r e
bread
O d e e n k e s u a a n u m p e
n a b e r e m , n a m i p e a n u m m a k a
h u , h e brought m e but five eggs a n d I
4) to paint, w i t h
wish for five more.
the substantive o r adjective denoting
the colour as object, e.g. M a k a pofi
n o h u a d r u , / h a v e painted the door
(with colour}
V a k a a d a k a n o h u
k o k o , he has painted the b o x red.
a , conj,, suppose, if;
it is p u t a t
the h e a d of a conditional sentence,
m a r k i n g t h e i d e a e x p r e s s e d in it a s a
m e r e supposition, as a supposititious
c a s e C o n t r a r y t o reality (cf. Gr. §. 2 2 2 ) ;
the principal sentence f o l l o w i n g being
a l w a y s introduced b y the conj ailka,
e . g . K a a k e k i r e e n n i e fi v a w e n k u - a , a f i k a o t u o n t o v o w u r a m
d a , suppose (there w e r e ) only snails
a n d tortoises, then n o g u n w o u l d ever
be fired in Hue w o o d , prv. 26;
syn.
to.
(fr. k a , v.).
a , s. , ( p i e n k a ) ring, fingerring,
(in t h e As. k a w a , o f w h i c h k a is
c o n t r a c t e d , a c c o r d i n g to its f o r m a
diminutive)
(fr. k a , v.).
a b e r e , s.. a k i n d o f c h a r m , c o n s i s t
i n g of a stick driven into the g r o u n d
a n d w o u n d r o u n d w i t h strings; it is
m o s t l y f o u n d at the entrances a n d in
the y a r d s of houses a n d before the
t o w n s b y t h e side o f t b e w a y , a n d is
intended to k e e p off evil spirits f r o m
entering the t o w n s a n d the houses,
a n d to avert their influence f r o m the
inhabitants;
k y i r r e bi k a b e r e ,
to catch by the kabere, c o m m o n l y called
t o m a k e f e t i s h a g a i n s t s o m e b o d y , i. e . t o
drive a stick into the g r o u n d , a n d
p e r f o r m c e r t a i n c e r e m o n i e s w i t h it,
w h i l e imprecations are uttered against
a n offensive person, w h o s e death or
s o m e other c a l a m i t y is s u p p o s e d to
b e effected thereby.
a - c e w , v . , to w a r m , e. g. K a e n s u
1 9 9
K
K
K
K
K
n o c e w , w a r m this w a t e r
F a efik w a f i n o k a n o c e w , take the soup
a n d w a r m it.
a f o , s. , b l o o d ;
the c o m m o n w o r d ,
h o w e v e r , i s m ; o g y a , a n d k a f o s e e m s
to be obsolete.
a h i r i , s., (pi. e n k - ) a b u n d l e o f d r y
b a n a n a -leaves tied u p in f o r m of a
ring, w h i c h porters put u p o n their
h e a d s to rest their loads upon.
a i , v., to recollect, to r e m e m b e r , to call
to m i n d , e. g . K a i m ' a s e m i y e , m a
w o v i r r e m f i , r e m e m b e r m y w o r d
w e l l , d o n o t f o r g e t it;
peif. a kai,
to r e m e m b e r , to b e a r in m i n d , e. g. M a
k a i n o , / r e m e m b e r h i m
M a k a i
n ' a s e m n o , / r e m e m b e r his word.
a k a , v. frq. o f k a , to itch, e . g . M ' e n s a h u k a k a m i , m i h u a n e , m y h a n d
i t c h e s , I s c r a t c h it.
a k y e r r e o r k a k y e r e , v., t o tell, t o
say s o m e t h i n g to a person, e.g. 0 k a
k y e r r e y e n s a , h e told u s so. It is
generally divided, k a preceding w i t h
the w o r d denoting the thing s p o k e n
a s its object, a n d k y e r r e f o l l o w i n g
with the w o r d denoting the p e r s o n
s p o k e n t o , e. g. W o p e a k a a s e m
a k y e r e N y a n k u p o n - a n a , w o k a k y e r r e e m f r a m a , if y o u w a n t to tell
a n y t h i n g t o G o d , tell it t o t h e w i n d , p r v .
7 9
A s e m n o b a i s e n e a m i k a
m i k y e r o w , the thing has h a p p e n e d
j u s t a s I told y o u , cf. p r v . 2 2 3 .
W h e n
the t h i n g s p o k e n is e x p r e s s e d in a n
a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , it is e i t h e r c o n
nected w i t h the principal b y the conj.
s e , o r it is i n t r o d u c e d b y t h e v e r b o f
q u o t a t i o n s e , e. g. O k a k y e r r ? m i
s e v o r e k o n b i o , he told m e that they
are fighting again
K o k a k y e r r e
n o s e o m m e r e , g o a n d tell h i m h e
shall c o m e
K a k y e r r e w o a g y a
s e m i k y e a n o , tell y o u r f a t h e r t h a t
I give m y respects to him.
( K a
k y e r r e is a c o m b i n a t i o n o f k a a n d
k y e r r e , the latter b e i n g a d d e d to
the f o r m e r w h e n there is a reference
t o a p e r s o n s p o k e n t o , cf. k a , A . 4.,
2 0 0
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
k y e r r e a n d k a s a ;
cf. G r . §. 4 8
a n d 189, 2, b.)
a k r a , a., little, a little, e. g . F a e n s u
k a k r a m a m , g i v e m e a little w a t e r .
a d v . 1 . a little, i. e . i n a s m a l l d e g r e e
o r q u a n t i t y , n o t m u c h , e. g. M e h u
y e k a k r a , I a m a little w e l l i. e . n o t
v e r y well, pretty well
O s u k a
k r a , h e w e p t a little.
2 ) a little i.e.
a s h o r t time, a w h i l e , n o t l o n g , e. g.
T r a h a k a k r a , stay here a m o m e n t .
a k r a or k a k r a w a , a. a n d adv.,
little, a little, v e r y little, e. g . A k a k a
k r a s e , v e r y little is w a n t i n g .
(dim.
of k a k r a ) .
a k r a w a b i , n u m . , s o m e , a f e w , e. g.
m m o f r a k a k r a w a b i , a f e w chil
dren;
syn. k e t e w S b i .
(fr. k a
k r a w a a n d hi).
a m f o , v . , to e x t o t , to p r a i s e , e. g.
O k a m f o n e u r a , he praised his master.
a n n e , s., competition, e m u l a t i o n , c o n
test;
si k a n n e , to vie, to contend,
to d o in competition, e. g. si k a n n e
t u t u m i r i k a , to vie m running, to
r u n a race
M i ni o n o si k a n n e
t u t u m i r i k a , / r a n a race with him.
a n n e a , s., (pi. a k - ) hght, e.g. A i v u a
d e k a n n e a ni a b u h u r u m a a s a s e ,
the s u n gives light a n d w a r m t h to the
earth.
2 ) light, l a m p , c a n d l e , e. g. K o
fa k a n n e a b e r a , fa si m e p o n so,
f e t c h a l i g h t a n d p u t it o n m y t a b l e .
a n , v., to c o u n t , e. g. K a n e n t r a m a ,
to c o u n t cowries.
2 ) to r e a d , e. g.
M i s u a kafi, / a m learning to read.
a n or k a f i n o . adv., ( e k a n , e k a n n o ) first, e. g. M e f a n e a b e b a k a n
o r k a f i n o , I will l a k e w h a t c o m e s first2. f o r m e r l y , e. g. V a b a n e a k a n
o t e b i o , he has got (into the s a m e
situation) again, w h e r e he w a s formerly
E k a n n o v o k o n , a f e y i d e v o y e
b a a k o n , f o r m e r l y they h a d w a r , but
n o w they agree.
a f i d i , v., see d i - k a n .
a n k a n , s., stink, stench, e. g. E h o y ?
k a n k a n d o d o , t h e r e is a b a d s t e n c h ;
b o f i k a f i k a n , to emit a stench, to
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
stink, e. g. E f n n n u b o f i k a n k a n , a
carcass stinks.
a n k a n n e , s., (pi. e n k - ) civet-cat.
( p r o b . fr. k a n k a n ) .
a r i , v., to w e i g h , e. g. M i k a r i s i k a
v o e n s e n n i e m , or M i d e e n s e n n i a
m i k a r i s i k a , / a m weighing gold in
the scales.
a s a , v. intr. , to s p e a k , to talk, e. g.
O k a s a d o d o , h e t a l k s m u c h
M i ni
o n o k a s a , / a m speaking with h i m ;
the reference to the p e r s o n s p o k e n
to m u s t be particularly expressed b y
k y e r r e (cf. G r . §. 189, 2, b ) , e. g.
K o k o s e k i k a s a k y e r r e b o o n k y e r r e f o , the vullure speaks to the
big drum, prv. 82.
2) It is u s e d a l s o
of inarticulate sounds, as of birds : to
chirp,
a n d of i n a n i m a t e things: to
c r e a k , e. g. O p o f i k a s a , the d o o r
creaks.
tr. to c h i d e , to r e p r o v e ,
prv. 137.
a s a , s., speaking, speech, b e n c e : 1) t h e
peculiar m a n n e r of speaking, the p a r
ticular kind of s o u n d uttered, prv. 260.
2 ) l a n g u a g e , dialect, e. g. K a s a a e r o
b e b r i v o a s a s e s o , there are m a n y
different languages o n earth.
a s a f o , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) a l o q u a c i o u s
(fr. k a s a
person, talker, prattler.
a n d the suffix fo).
a s a k a s a , v. frq. of k a s a , to talk
m u c h , to talk noisily.
a s e , a., big, s e e k e s e .
a s e , s., p r i v y , cf. d u a .
a t a , v., to cover, e.g. O d e d u k u
o k a t a n ' e n i m , he covered his face
with a handkerchief.
a t a m a n , s. , a v e r y l a r g e u m b r e l l a
of g a u d y colours, u s e d o n festive o c
casions;
syn. kini.
(fr. k a t a a n d
m a n , prop, that covers the town).
e k a , v. frq. o f k a , 1. u s e d reflexively:
k e k a n e h u , to stir, to m o v e , e. g. A d e
n o k e k a n e h u , the thing m o v e s
O k e k a n e h u o b e n y a n , h e is m o
ving he will a w a k e .
2 ) tr. to bite, to
sting, e. g. E n t u n t u m k e k a m i , the
mosquitoes sting me.
e k a , s., t o o t h - a c h e ;
syn. a d e s e .
K e k y e f o , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) m i s e r , o n e
h e a p i n g u p treasures, prv. 241;
syn.
y a m o n w y u n n e f o .
( f r . e n k e k y e
a n d the suffix f o).
K e k y e - v i r r e , v., to comfort, to c o n
sole, e.g. O k e k y e v o n v i r r e , he
comforted them.
(see v i r r e a n d
k e k y i r r e ) .
,
K e k y e v i r r e , s., comfort, consolation.
(fr. k e k y i r r e a n d v i r r e ) .
K e k y i r r e , v. frq. of k y i r r e , to bind,
to tie together, e.g. k e k y i r r e n e a m a,
to tie t h i n g s t o g e t h e r
k e k y i r r e b o a ,
to m a k e a bundle, prv. 222.
K e k y i r
r e n o ! bind him !
O d e d u k u k e
k y i r r e n e ti, she tied a handkerchief
r o u n d her h e a d
V o k e k y i r r e n'-ens a k o n' e k i , they tied his h a n d s b e h i n d
his back.
It o c c u r s a l s o in t h e s h o r
ter f o r m k e k y e , as in the t e r m k e k y e v i r r e , the p r o p e r m e a n i n g of
w h i c h is to tie u p t h e s k m ( w h e n
w o u n d e d ) , h e n c e to comfort.
K e k y e or K e k y e p e v a r r e , s , the
evening-star.
( K e k y e p e v a r r e li
terally m e a n s : K e k y e w h o desires to
m a r r y ;
the n e g r o e s say of the evenings t a r , t h a t it is b e t r o t h e d t o t h e m o o n ,
a n d d e s i r o u s o f b e i n g m a r r i e d t o it ;
b u t , t h o u g h c o n s t a n t l y p u r s u i n g it, it
is n o t a b l e t o c o m e u p w i t h it).
K e s i i , v., to belch.
K e s u a , s., (pi. e n k - ) egg.
K e t e b o , s., epithet of the leopard,
prv. 40;
see s e b o .
K e t e w , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) lizard;
syn.
b r o m .
K e t e w a , a., s m a l l , little.
K e t e w a, a. a n d adv., v e r y small, v e r y
little;
A k a k e t e w a s e , v e r y little
is w a n t i n g .
(dim. of k e t e w a ) .
K e t e w a b i , a d v . , a tittle, a s h o r t lime,
e. g. O n i p a t e a s a s e s o k e t e w a b i
n a o w u , m a n lives a short lime o n
earth a n d dies.
n u m . , s o m e , a f e w , e. g. m m o f r a
k e t e w a b i , a f e w boys.
(fr. k e t e
w a a n d bi).
K i , v. , to dishke, to loathe, to hate, to
abhor, prv. 196, 252.
2 0 1
K i m , s., ( e k - ) a f o o d p r e p a r e d o f b l o o d
spiced w i t h salt a n d pepper.
K i n i , s., (pi. e n k - ) t h e l a r g e p a r a s o l ,
also called k a t a m a n .
(fr. k i n n e ,
b e c a u s e it is r o u n d ) .
K i n n e , v., to circulate, to c i r c u m a m b u
late, to w a l k r o u n d a b o u t , e.g. A i v u a
k i n n e v u m , the sun goes r o u n d a b o u t
the firmament;
generally w i t h the
p r e p , h u , e. g. M i k i n n e d a n h u , /
g o r o u n d about a house.
2) to rove,
to r a m b l e , to strolt, to w a n d e r , e. g.
A b o f r a k i n n e k r u m , the b o y strolls
about the t o w n
O k in n e m u f i m o n y e
f y e , he rambles about the t o w n doing
nothing
O s e b o k i n n e k w a i m , the
leopard roves about the forest.
K i n n e , v., to d o a w a y ,
occurs m o s t l y
in connection w i t h a n o t h e r verb, a n d
m a y t h e n b e r e n d e r e d in E n g l i s h b y
t h e a d v e r b a w a y , e. g. F a a d e n o
t o k i n n e , t h r o w this thing a w a y , cf.
prv. 50.
K i n t e , s. , (pi. e n k - ) a h o m e - m a d e
n e g r o -dress, consisting of a n u m b e r
of n a r r o w stripes of cotton - cloth
s e w e d together.
K i s i , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) rat.
K i t a , v., 1) w i t h the prep, m u : to seize,
to l a y h o l d of, e. g. M i k i t a p o f i m ,
/ l a y hold o f the table
K i t a n o m
n a o f i g w a n , l a y h o l d o f lum, lest h e
r u n a w a y ;
syn. s o , v. - 2) w i t h
the prep, s o : to wipe, e.g. K i t a p o f i
s o , wipe the table;
syn. p o p a.
K i t a d e n , s. , e p i t h e t o f t h e a p e s o w .
(fr. k i t a a n d defi).
K i t a m , v., to lay hold of,
contracted
of k i t a a n d m u , see kita.
H e n c e
t h e i m p e r a t i v e is u s e d a s a s a l u t a t i o n
t o o n e w h o is e a t i n g o r w o r k i n g ,
equivalent to: I wish y o u a g o o d appe
tite! o r G o d s p e e d !
to w h i c h the
usual reply is: M i f u a n o , literally:
/ h o l d it.
K y a , v., perf. a k y a , to be w r y , crooked,
oblique, sloping, e. g. O p o n y i a k y a ,
H a s table is c r o o k e d ;
negative: efik y a i , is n o t c r o o k e d .
K y a m f o , s., ( o k y - pi. a k y - ) a l a r g e
2 6
2 0 2
spider w h o s e bite is said to b e v e n o
m o u s .
K y a m i , s. , ( o k y - pi. a k y - ) speaker,
interpreter; o n e of (he elders of a
n e g r o - t o w n w h o iu their councils h a s
the oftice of a s p e a k e r or reporter;
cf. p a n y i n n e .
K y e a , v., to g r e e t , to salute, e. g. M i k y e a n o , I greeted M m
M i ni o n o
k y e a , w e greeted each other
M i k y e a n o n a o n g y e so, / greeted
h i m a n d he did not a n s w e r
W o k o-a,
k a k y e r r e w o a g y a s e m i k y e a
n o , w h e n y o u g o , tell y o u r f a t h e r that
I greet him.
K y e n , v., to s u r p a s s , to b e l a r g e r , e. g.
O p a u t y p n i n i k y e n a m p a n k a k r a ,
t h e p a n t y p n i n i is a little l a r g e r t h a n
the a m p a n .
It is m o s t l y u s e d in
stead of a conjunction, denoting a
difference in degree; h e n c e 1) w h e n
the p r e d i c a t e o f t h e s e n t e n c e is a n
adjective, or a v e r b translated in E n g
lish b y a n a d j e c t i v e , it m u s t b e r e n
d e r e d b y the c o m p a r a t i v e w i t h the
c o n j . t h a n , e. g. D a b o d a b u y e k o k r o k y e n a k o k o , o r D a b o d a b u
k y e n a k o k o k o k r o , a d u c k is l a r g e r
than a f o w l
N y a n k u p o n e n c i r a
e y e k y e n s i k a , G o d ' s blessing is
better than gold
M u a n y i n k y e f i
m i , y o u a r e o l d e r t h a n I.
2) w h e n
t u e p r e d i c a t e is a v e r b , w h i c h in E n g
lish is l i k e w i s e e x p r e s s e d b y a verb,
k y e n m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y a n a d v e r b
in the c o m p a r a t i v e together w i t h the
conj. than: m o r e than, better than, ra
ther t h a n etc., e . g . M i t u m a y e k y e f i
n e a e f i k r o f o b e b r i s u s u , / c a n do
m o r e than m a n y people think
M u a
n y i n s e n m i , e n t i m u t u t u m i r i k a
k y e fi m i , y o u a r e o l d e r t h a n I, t h e r e
f o r e y o u c a n r u n b e l l e r t h a n I.
3)
It is u s e d a l s o in t h e n e g a t i v e , a n d
m u s t than b e rendered b y not so
as,
n o l m o r e
than, e.g. B i r i b i e n k y e f i
o g y a k o k o , nothing is so r e d as fire
o r n o t h i n g is m o r e r e d t h a n fire;
syn. s e n .
K y e r e m a , s., ( o k y - pi. a k y - ) d r u m
m e r ;
syn. y a m f o .
K y e r e n k y e , s . , ( p i . e fi k y - ) b i r d ' s cage.
K y e w , v., to roast, to b a k e , to f r y ( b y
putting the f o o d into a p a n , w h e r e a s
t o t o is to roast at t h e b a r e fire) e. g.
k y e w a k o k o , to fry a f o w l
k y e w
k a f e , to roast coffee.
K y i r r e , v., to catch, to seize by pursuit,
e.g. A g i n a m o a k y i r r ' e n k u r a , the
cat catches mice
A k r o m a k y i r r '
e n k o k o , the h a w k catches fowls
K o a k o k o b u o m n a k y i r r e a k o k o
b e r e m , g o to the h e n - c o o p , catch a
f o w l , a n d b r i n g it t o m e , cf. p r v . 9 4 ;
k y i r r e n o m u m , to take prisoner, see
n o m u m .
2) to bind, prv. 40.
K y i r r e b e n , s., ( o k y - pi. a k y - ) a s p e
cies of snake.
K y i r r e b e f i k i i k u , s., t h e q u e e n o f t h e
w h i t e ants.
K y e , v., to divide, to cut up, e. g. k y e
n a m , to cut u p a piece o f m e a t
M i k y e a k u t u m a b i e n , / divide a n
orange in t w o parts.
2) to distribute,
to present, to give, e. g. O k y e n ' e m f e fo i n i a r a a d e , he distributed presents
to all his friends
O d e d u k u k y e
m i , h e g a v e m e a^ h a n d k e r c l d e f .
3)
to give a w a y , to m a k e a present of,
e. g. O b i m f a n e y i r r ' e n k y e , n o
b o d y will g i v e a w a y his wife, cf. p r v . 37.
4 ) to f o r g i v e , to p a r d o n , e. g. O d e
m e b o n n e a k y e m , he h a s forgiven
m e m y sin.
K y e , v., to last,
especially in the
perfect tense: a k y e, to be long, to last
long, to be o f l o n g duration, e. g. N ' a s e m a k y e d o d o , his speech w a s very
long.
W h e n a n o t h e r v e r b in the
infinitive is c o n n e c t e d w i t h k y e , it
denotes that the action e x p r e s s e d b y
the f o r m e r will not s o o n or not easily
c o m e to p a s s , o r if it is p u t in t h e
n e g a t i v e , t h a t it w i l l s o o n o r e a s i l y
t a k e p l a c e , e. g. e k y e b o , literally:
it l a s t s t o b r e a k i. e . it w i l l n o t b r e a k
s o o n o r easily, a n d e n k y e b o , it d o e s
n o t l a s t t o b r e a k i. e . it w i l l e a s i l y b r e a k ,
K
K
K
K
K
K
it is f r a g i l e , e. g . G i r a s e e n k y e b o ,
g l a s s is fragile
k y e s e i , to be durable,
so as not to be easily spoiled or ruined,
a n d e n k y e ; s e i , is n o t d u r a b l e , is p e
rishable, frait, e. g. D u a n o a p r o w ,
e n k y e s e i , this w o o d is r o t t e n , it w i l l
not be durable.
y e m f e r r e , s., (pi. e f i k y - ) p o t - s h a r d .
y e r r e o r k y e r e , v . , to s h o w , e. g.
O k y e r r e m i k w a n , he s h o w e d m e
the w a y
O d e e m f o u i n n e k y e r e
m i , he s h o w e d m e a picture
F a
w o h u k y e r e , s h o w yourself, cf p r v .
142, 215, 201.
2 ) to t e a c h , e. g.
O k y e r r e m i k a n or O k y e r r e m i
e n h u m a k a n , he teaches m e to read.
3) to advise, to e x h o r t , e. g. O b i
n k y e r r e b i n s e : t o e n k y i n n e di,
n o b o d y will exhort another person a n d
s a y to h i m : b u y sall a n d eat, prv. 29.
. 4) In connection w i t h the verbs k a
a n d k a s a , to s p e a k , it h a s t h e p o w e r
o f a preposition, denoting the reference
t o t h e p e r s o n s p o k e n to (cf. Gr. §. 189,
2, b.), a n d m a y b e r e n d e r e d in E n g
l i s h m e r e l y b y to, e. g . O k a s a k y e r e
m i , h e s p o k e to m e , cf. p r v . 8 2 ; it o c
c u r s t h u s especially v e r y often in
connection w i t h k a , a n d so the c o m
p o u n d v e r b k a k y < ; r r ? has arisen,
see k a k y e r r e .
y e r r e k y e r r e k w a n , s, fore-finger.
(fr. k y e r r e a n d k w a n : the finger
w h i c h s h o w s the w a y ) .
y e r 6 w , v . , to write, e.g. M i k y e r o w
e n h u m a , / a m writing a letter.
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m of k y g r r e ) .
y o w , s., ( e k y - ) hat, cap, bonnet, a n y
c o v e r for the head.
o , v., to g o ,
m o r e particularly: 1)
to g o a l o n g , to w a l k , e. g. Y e k o e n t e m ,
w e a r e w a l k i n g fast, cf. p r v . 42, w h e r e
it h a s t h e l e n g t h e n e d f o r m k o e ;
syn. n a m . - 2) to g o a w a y , to depart,
to leave, o p p o s e d to b a , to c o m e , a n d
to t r a , to slay , e.g. V a k o , h e i s g o n e
M i k o m a b a , I g o a w a y but shall
c o m e a g a i n (cf. Gr. §. 214, 3.)
W o b e k o n a m i d e m e t r a h a , y o u will
depart, but I shall stay here
M a
2 0 3
m i n k o , l e t m e g o i. e . l e t m e a l o n e ,
cf. p r v . 154, 191.
3) to g o to a place,
the place being d e n o t e d b y an a d v e r b
of locality or a substantive w i t h or
w i t h o u t a preposition, e.g. M i k o fie,
/ a m going h o m e
W o k o h e ? w h e r e
are y o u going?
M i k o A k r o p b n ,
/ a m going to A k r o p o n g
O k o A b r o k i r r i , he w e n t to E u r o p e
V a k o
n ' a k u r a , h e has g o n e to his planta
tion
Y e k o w u r a m , w e are going
into the forest
O k o b e p o so, he
w e n t u p o n a mountain
k o s o r r o ,
t o g o u p i. e . t o a s c e n d , s e e s o r r o ;
it o c c u r s t h u s in a n u m b e r o f p a r t i
cular expressions, see a g i n n a, a h a i o ,
a s u , e n t o k w a w , sa.
4) to be
going to d o s o m e t h i n g , to set a b o u t
doing, w i t h a n infinitive d e n o t i n g the
a c t i o n t h a t is t o b e p e r f o r m e d , e. g.
M i k o b i s a m i h o , / a m going to ask
advice
M i k o y e a d y u m a , / a m
going to w o r k
V a k o f r e n o , h e is
g o n e to call him.
5 J to take a w a y ,
to take to a place, to lead, to conduct,
this use of k o , h o w e v e r , b e i n g
restricted to sentences construed w i t h
t h e a u x i l i a r y v e r b s d e a n d f a , e. g.
V o d e n ' a k o , they h a v e led h i m a w a y
O d e p o n k o k o E n k r a n , he took
the horse to A c c r a
M a v o m f a n o
f i k o , let t h e m l a k e h i m , p r v . 2 5 8 , cf.
d e , v.
6 ) to fit, u s e d o f c l o t h e s ,
e. g . A t a d e n o k o m i ' y e , tliis c o a t
fits m e w e l l
E k y o w n o f i k o m e
t i , this h a t d o e s n o t fit m y h e a d .
In connection w i t h other verbs, k o
frequently supplies the place of a n
a d v e r b , a preposition, or a c o n j u n c
tion: a) the place of a n adverb, d e n o
ting removal, so as to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h
t h e E n g l i s h a d v e r b a w a y , e. g. N y a f i k u p o n a y i m ' a m a n n e b u n n u k o ,
G o d h a s t a k e n a w a y m y affliction.
b) the place of a preposition, d e n o t i n g
a direction t o w a r d s a place, e.g. V o t u t u m i r i k a k o t r u m , they r u n into
thegarden
O k a e n g w a n k o d a f i m ,
he drove the sheep into the p e n
V o k e k y i r r e n ' e n s a k o n ' e k i , they
2 0 4
tied his h a n d s behind his b a c k (cf. Gr.
§. 196).
c) the place of a c o n j u n c
tion, expressing a relation of purpose:
to, in o r d e r to, e. g. O k o k w a i m k o
b u n n u a , h e is g o i n g into the w o o d
to fell trees, cf. p r v . 144, 1 7 V, 2 0 5 .
K o , v., to g o o n , to c o n t i n u e ;
it is b u t
a s e c o n d a r y f o r m o f k o , a n d is u s e d
in connection w i t h other verbs to de
note continuation, s u p p l y i n g the place
o f a n a d v e r b , e q u i v a l e n t t o o n , stilly
e . g . K a n k o , r e a d o n i. e . c o n t i n u e
to read
b e r r e k o , to b e still r i p e n
ing, to continue ripening, prv. 230.
K o a , a., idle, u n e m p l o y e d , e. g. O g i n n a
h o k o a , h e is s t a n d i n g t h e r e idle
O n a m h o k o a , o n y e f y e , h e is
walking about idle, doing nothing;
a l s o o f i n a n i m a t e t h i n g s : u n u s e d , e. g.
P r e m o d a h o k o a , t h e c a n o n is lying
there unused.
K o a b e r a f i , s., a tall s t r o n g slave, p r v .
65.
(fr. a k o a a n d b e r a n ) .
K o a n n e , v., to cackle, said of fowls,
e . g . A k o k o n o k o a n n e , o b e t o ,
this h e n c a c k l e s it w i l l l a y ( e g g s ) .
2 ^ to h a w k , to h e m , e. g. O k o a n n e
n e m i n u w a m , h e is c l e a r i n g Ins t h r o a t
k o a n n e c o c o r r e , to force u p
p h l e g m b y hawking.
K o d i a w u a , s., (pi. e n k - ) pistol, syn.
a t y p r o a .
(the latter part of the
w o r d fr. d i - a w u ) .
K o h a , s. , t h e n a m e o f a l a r g e bird,
w i t h v e r y l o n g legs, a l o n g neck, a n d
a crest o n its h e a d , living in t h e vici
n i t y o f rivers. T h e w o r d is p r o b a b l y
f o r m e d b y w a y of o n o m a t o p o e i a , in
imitation of the s t r o n g voice of the
bird, o n a c c o u n t of w h i c h , a n d because
it is f r e q u e n t l y f o u n d a b o u t t h e r i v e r
S a k u m , t h e n e g r o e s call it s a k u m a b e n t i a i.e. t h e S a k u m - t r u m p e t , s a y i n g
o f it, t h a t it is t h e t r u m p e t e r o f t h e
fetish of the river S a k u m .
K o k o , s., breast, chest, p r v . 89,
syn.
bo.
2. a n e l e v a t i o n o f g r o u n d , hill.
K o k o , a., red, b r o w n , y e l l o w , prv. 28,
248;
the O j i - l a n g u a g e h a v i n g ori
ginally but three adjectives for simple
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
colours, viz. k o k o , red, t u n t u m , black,
a n d f u f u , white, to w h i c h b r u , blue,
a d o p t e d f r o m the English, h a s b e e n
a d d e d ,
these w o r d s are u s e d in a
w i d e r sense t h a n the c o r r e s p o n d i n g
w o r d s in English, a n d k o k o is a p p l i e d
also to the shades of b r o w n a n d yel
l o w a p p r o a c h i n g to red.
s.. ( o k o k o ) a r e d p e r s o n , p r v . 2 0 9 ,
referring to a distinction m a d e b y
the n e g r o e s themselves b e t w e e n black
( t u n t u m ) a n d r e d ( k o k o ) negroes,
as w e distinguish b e t w e e n a fair a n d
a d a r k c o m p l e x i o n ; the skin of the
f o r m e r b e i n g of a glossy black, that
of the latter of a b r o w n i s h hue.
o k o , s., a n e d i b l e r o o t , c o n s i d e r e d b y
t h e n e g r o e s a s a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e ,
prv. 128.
o k o a m , s., c o r n e r , f o r i n s t a n c e o f a
r o o m .
o k o b 6 , s., a s m a l l b e a s t o f p r e y , o f
the size of a small cat.
o k o b e t o , s , the little finger.
o k o m , s., t h e c o n c a v e s i d e o f a j o i n t ,
opposite to the knuckle, e.g. n a n k o
k o m , the cavity of the leg b e h i n d
the k n e e
b a s a k o k o m , the cavity
of the a r m at the e l b o w .
( p r o b . fr.
k o m , b y reduplication).
o k o s e k i , s., e p i t h e t o f t h e vulture,
see p e t e , prv. 82, 247.
o k o t e , s., w i l d hog, s y n . b a t a f o .
o k o t o . s. , a s p e c i e s o f c o r n , r e s e m
bling millet, prv. 164.
o k o t i k o , s., h i c c o u g h ;
K o k o t i k o
s i m (i. e. s i m i ) / h a v e g o t t h e h i c
cough, I hiccough;
syn. t i k o t i k o .
o k r o , a., great, large, big, syn. k e s e ,
cf. k o k r o k o.
a d v . , greatly, v e r y m u c h , e. g . m ' e n s a
b u n k o k r o , m y h a n d is v e r y m u c h
swollen.
i
o k r o b e t i , s., t h u m b .
o k r o k o , a., ( e m p h a t i c f o r m of k o
k r o ) v e r y large, v e r y big.
s. , largeness, bigness, l a r g e n e s s o f
the b o d y united w i t h strength, prv. 11.
o k w a w , v. , to g r o w smooth a n d round,
e. g. M m o s i a k o k w a w , t h e p e b b l e s
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
g r o w smooth, prv. 207;
perf. a k o k w a w , to be smooth.
o m , v , to e n t e r , to p e n e t r a t e , e. g.
O s e k a n n a m n a m t y a w o - a , e k o m ,
w h e n a s h a r p k n i f e c u t s y o u it p e n e
trates deeply.
2) lo g o together, to
close;
e n i k o m , the e y e s close i.e.
to b e s l e e p y , e. g. M ' e n i k o m , m i k o
d a , I a m sleepy , I g o to sleep.
(fr.
k o a n d m a ) .
o m , v., t o d a n c e w i l d l y in a state o f
frantickness or ecstasy, ascribed b y
the n e g r o e s to the a g e n c y of the fetish,
to be possessed wifh the fetish.
(prob.
fr. k o m u , t h e e t y m o l o g i c a l m e a n i n g
b e i n g to g o in, to enter, h e n c e to be
entered b y the fetish, to be possessed,
w h i c h state expresses itself in frantic
d a n c i n g a n d w i l d gestures).
o m , s , ( o k - ) hunger, prv. 155;
O k o m d i m i , / a m h u n g r y , prv. 7, 56,
cf. d i ;
also famine a n d in general
w a n t o f s o m e t h i n g , e. g. T a k o m d i
m i , / a m in w a n t o f tobacco, cf. e n s u k o m .
o m f o , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) priest, fetishpriest.
(fr. k o m , v., a n d t h e suffix
f o ; h e n c e t h e w o r d , a c c o r d i n g to its
e t y m o l o g i c a l m e a n i n g , a p p e a r s to de
n o t e a person into w h o m the fetish
h a s e n t e r e d , i. e . w h o i s i n s p i r e d b y
him).
o m m , a . , q u i e t , still, p e a c e a b l e , e. g .
Y e k o m m , be quiet.
a d v . , quietly, e. g. O n i p a ' d a , o d a
h o k o m m , w h e n a m a n sleeps, h e lies
quietly.
o n t r i n , v. tr., to b e n d , to m a k e c r o o k e d ,
e. g. k o n t o n p o m a , to b e n d a stick.
intr. to bend, a n d perf. a k o n t o n ,
to b e b e n t , to b e c r o o k e d , e. g. D u a b a s a n o a k o n t o f i , this b r a n c h is
crooked.
o n t o n k y e , a., c r o o k e d , distorted, e. g.
d u a k o n t o n k y e , a c r o o k e d stick, fry.
159.
( p r o b . fr. k o n t o n a n d k y a ) .
o n t o n k r o f i , a., circular, round, of
the s h a p e of a ring.
s. r o u n d , c i r c l e ;
b o k o n t o n k r o n ,
to m a k e a circle, h e n c e to g o r o u n d a
2 0 5
thing, see b o - k o n t o n k r o n , also
t y a - k o n t o n k r o n .
K o n t r o m f i , s., t h e l a r g e s t s p e c i e s o f
m o n k e y f o u n d in W e s t e r n Africa, the
chimpanzee, prv. 89, 9 0 etc.
K o f i , v. intr., to fight, to c o n t e n d in
b a t t l e o r i n s i n g l e f i g h t , e. g. M i n i
o n o k o n , / f o u g h t w i t h h i m , «f. p t v .
146, 227.
tr. to fight, to c o m b a t , to
oppose, prv. 154, 207.
K o f i , s., ( o k - ) w a r , battle, contest, c o m
bat, e. g. O k o f i v o y e f i n i A k w a m f o e n t e m , t h e r e is w a r b e t w e e n u s a n d
the A k w a m - p e o p l e .
(fr. k o f i , v.).
K o f i , s., n e c k .
K o n m , s., the fore -part of the neck, the throat.
(fr. k o f i a n d m u ) .
K o n e k i , s., t h e h i n d - p a r t o f t h e n e c k .
(fr. k o f i a n d e k i ) .
K o r a , s . , ( p i . e f i k - ) c a l a b a s h i. e . a
v e s s e l m a d e o f the shell o f a fruit.
K o r a , s., fellow-wife viz. w h e n a m a n
h a s several wives, t h e y call each other
a l t e r n a t e l y m e k o r a , cf. p r v . 2 6 2 .
2. t h e jealousy o f a w o m a u ;
t y o
k o r a , to b e jealous, cf. n i n k u n n u .
K o r a , adv., quite, wholely, entirely, a n d
i n n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e s : ( n o t ) a t a l l , e,. g .
Osti a f o w m ' e n t a m k o r a , the rain
has m a d e m y dress quite w e t - A n a d y o a i v u a m p a i k o r a , in the night
the s u n does not shine at all
O b i
n i h o k o r a , there is n o b o d y t h e r e a t
all.
( p e r h a p s fr. k o r r o o r k o r o,
k r o , one).
K o r a b o , s. , ( o k - pi. a k - ) bullet, m u s
ket-ball.
( p e r h a p s fr. k o f i a n d b o).
K o r a f o , s. , ( o k - pi. a k - ) a j e a l o u s
w o m a n .
(fr. k o r a a n d the s u f
fix f o).
K o r a t e n , s, a rafter f o r m i n g the ridge
of a roof, m o s t l y a b a m b o o - c a n e , o n
w h i c h the ends of the e m p a r r o (see
a p a r r o ) are fastened.
K 6 r r i , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) eagle.
K o r r o or k r o , n u m . , one, the same,
e.g. O b o e n t u m p a f i a s i a d a k o r r o ,
h e b r o k e six bottles in o n e day, cf. prv.
48;
cf. e k o , a k o f i , b a a k o f i .
K o s u , a., d a r k , g l o o m y , e. g. O s o r r o
2 0 6
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
y e k o s u , the s k y is d a r k
O d a f i m
h o e y e k o s u , e n t i m i n h u , it is
d a r k in the house, therefore I do not
see;
syn. s u m .
o s e , a t e r m of civility, used for in
stance w h e n a p e r s o n h a p p e n s to p u s h
against another, as m u c h as: / beg
y o u r p a r d o n , o r e x c u s e !
syn. taf a r a k y e .
o t o , v., to stoop d o w n , to squat, prv.
80;
p e r f . a k o t o , to sit c o w e r i n g ,
to sit in a s q u a t t i n g p o s t u r e ;
k o t o
u e u a n k r o m a e n i m , to kneel d o w n .
o t o d y 6 , s., k n e e , s y n . n a n k r o m a .
o t o k i i , s . , (pi. a k - ) bag, purse, pocket,
prv. 231.
2) a u:rapper or cover that
h a s the f o r m of a bag.
2) the skin
o f a n a n i m a l t a k e n a s a w h o l e , cf.
v o r r e .
r a , s., f o k r - pi. a k r - ) soul.
2) a
m a l e slave destined to be sacrificed o n
the death of his m a s t e r ;
the de
p a r t e d spirit of such a sacrificed slave
being considered as the c o m p a n i o n a n d
servant of the spirit of his m a s t e r in
t h e o t h e r w o r l d , h e is called, e v e n
w h i l e b o t h are living, n e k r a , A w
soul.
r a . s., ( o k r - pi. a k r - ) a f e m a l e s l a v e
destined to be sacrificed o n the death
o f h e r m a s t e r , cf. k r a .
(dim. of
k r a ) .
r a , s., (pi. e n k r a ) a s p e c i e s o f m o n
key, prv. 114.
r a d a , s., rattle, rustling, the noise
c a u s e d b y tearing cloth or paper, or
b y g r a z i n g a b r a n c h w i t h a h o o k ,
prv. 145.
r a d a , s. , w h i t e c o t t o n - c l o t h , s y n .
e n v i r a .
r a d o a , s., p a d l o c k .
r a k u m , s., (pi. e n k r - ) turkey.
( p r o b . fr. t h e D a n i s h k a l k u n ) .
r a m a n , s., (pi. a k r - ) d o g ;
it h a s
the epithets: a p e p e g y e b i , b o d o m ,
t y u a .
r a m o o r K r a m o f o , s., M o h a m m e d a n ,
prv. 96.
r o , n u m . , o n e , s e e k o r r o , cf. prv.
83, 186.
K r o , s., ( o k r - pi. a k r - ) a r o u n d w o o d en vessel m a d e of o n e piece, syn.
a p a m p a .
2) canoe, boat m a d e of
the e x c a v a t e d t r u n k of the siikcottontree (cf. n y a ) , prv. 166, syn. c?fi
a n d a c e m a .
K r o m f o , s., ( o k r - pi. a k r - ) thief, r o b
ber, syn. v u f o .
(fr. k r o n n o a n d
the suffix fo).
K r o n n o , s., theft, r o b b e r y , s y n . a i v u ;
b o k r o n n o , to c o m m i t a theft o r
robbery.
K r o f i k r o n , a., pure, unmingled, u n a d u l
terated, e. g. e n s u k r o f i k r o n , p u r e
water
e n g o k r o f i k r o n , p u r e p a l m oil ( n o t m i x e d w i t h w a t e r ) ;
figura
tively:- O m a m f e r e n n i nnyili k r o f i
k r o n , a foreign settler does not b e c o m e
p u r e i. e . h e w i l l n e v e r b e c o m e q u i t e
like a native, so as to retain n o t h i n g
of strange habits, prv. 172.
a d v , clearly, distinctly, e. g. K a s a
k r o f i k r o n , speak distinctly.
K r u , v., to thatch, to roof, to p u t a r o o f
on,
w i t h the prep, s o , e. g. O k r u
n e d a n s o , h e is putting a r o o f o n
his house.
K r u , s. , ( e k r - pi. e n k r - ) place, spot,
e. g N y a n k u p o n v o e f i k r u i f i i a r a
s o , G o d is in all p l a c e s ( e v e r y w h e r e ) .
2) town, village, the c o m m o n centre
of a n u m b e r of h a m l e t s a n d planta
tions scattered o v e r a larger tract of
country, a n d h e n c e b y w a y of excel
lence called k r u , the place, syn. m a n ,
cf. a k u r a ,
e. g. O t e k r u m (i. ek r u m u ) , h e is living in t h e t o w n ( n o t
o n the plantation)
M i k o k r u m ,
/ a m going into the t o w n
O g y a i
n ' a b u s u a f o n a o k o k r u bi so, he
left his relations a n d w e n t to a n o t h e r
t o w n ;
it o c c u r s o f t e n a s a c o m p o
nent of the p r o p e r n a m e s of t o w n s ,
e. g. A k r o p o f i fr. k r u a n d p o n
A d u k r u m , the n a m e of a t o w n in
A k w a p i m , fr. A d u k r u m u. literally:
in the place o f A d u (the p r o p e r n a m e
of a m a n , prob. the f o u n d e r of the
t o w n ) . - 3) a foul spot o n the b o d y ,
sore, ulcer, abscess, w o u n d , prv. 226.
K r u a , s , a k i n d of vessel.
(prob. a
dim. of k r o ) .
K r i i k r u a , a., round.
K r u k r u p a , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
K r u m , a . , false, e. g. a d a n s e k r u m ,
false witness.
K r u n k r t i n , a., deep, syn. d o n k u d o n k u .
K u , v., to fence, to fight, e. g. O d e efik r a n t e o k u , he fought with the s w o r d
A b e r r i k i v o m m e f i - a , o d e k u
g y e n e h u , the goat has horns, with
w h i c h it f i g h t s a n d d e f e n d s itself.
K u , s., ( e k - pi. a k - ) heap, e.g. e n t r a m a k u , a heap o f cowries;
b o k u ,
to m a k e a heap, to p u t in heaps, see
b o - k u.
K i i a f o , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) planter, hus
b a n d m a n , prv. 12.
K u b e , s., a species o f p a l m a n d its
fruit.
K u k r u , v., to rolt, e. g. k u k r u b o
k e s e , to roll a large stone.
K u k r u b i n s i n i , s., (pi. e n k-) a k i n d
of beetle that lives in d a n g .
(fr.
k u k r u , b i n , a n d sin, prop, that rolls
a piece of dung).
, K u k u , s., (pi. e n k - ) e a r t h e n vessel, p o t ;
k u k u is the g e n e r a l n a m e for
e a r t h e n vessel, w h e r e a s a h i n n a ,
a s a n k a , k u t u , p o d o , p o s i , s e n etc.
are particular kinds.
K u k u b a n , s., a s m a l l w i l d a n i m a l , o f
a yellowish g r a y colour, w i t h a l o n g
tail a n d pointed snout, feeding o n corn
a n d fruit.
K u k u r a , v. frq. of k u r a , to raise up,
to lift u p , e. g. k u k u r a a p a k a n , to
lift u p t h e t r a v e l h n g - b a s k e t .
K u k u w a , s., (pi. e n k - ) a s m a l l e a r t h e n
vessel, small pot.
(dim. of k u k u V
K u m , v., to p u t to d e a t h , to slay, to kill,
e. g. O b i n k o n e a v o b e k u m n o ,
n o b o d y will g o to a place w h e r e they
will kill h i m , prv. 1 7 8 cf. 81, 99, 133,
162;
it is f r e q u e n t l y u s e d h y p e r bolically to d e n o t e a s t r o n g sensation,
e. g. A v o w k u m m i , the c o l d is kil
ling m e
O k o m k u m m i , h u n g e r is
2 0 7
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
k i l l i n g m e , i. e . / a m v e r y c o l d , v e r y
hungrg.
u m a , a , small, little, e. g. m e n u a
k u m a , m y s m a l l i. e . m y y o u n g e r b r o
ther
a k a k u m a , little is w a n t i n g ,
u s e d for almost, soon, see k a , v.
u n n a f o , s , ( o k - pi. a k - ) w i d o w e r ,
w i d o w
o b a r r i m a k u n n a f o , w i
d o w e r
o b e a k u n n a f o , w i d o w .
i i n n u , s., ( o k - ) h u s b a n d .
u n t o m p o n i , s., ( o k - pi. a k u n t o m p o f o ) liar, calumniator, backbiter.
(fr. e n k u n t o m p o a n d the suffix ni).
u n l i i , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) w o o l l e n cloth,
flannel; woollen carpet, blanket.
u n tii n , v , to fight, to wrestle, p r v . 1 8 0 ;
a n obsolete w o r d .
u r a , v., to grasp, to clutch, to hold,
to b e a r in h a n d o r o n t h e a r m s , e. g.
M i k u r a p o m a v o m ' e n s e m , I hold
a slick in m y h a n d
M i k u r a a b o f r a
v o m ' a b a s a s o , / bear a child o n m y
arm,
cf. p r v . 2 3 2 .
u r a s e n n i , s., (pi. e n k u r a s e f o )
clown, rustic, peasant, a p e r s o n living
constantly o n the plantation, n e v e r
c o m i n g to the t o w n ;
syn. f u m n i .
(fr. a k u r a a n d a v e r b s e or s a ?
b y the suffix ni).
u r u t y a m e n s a , s. , e p i t h e t o f t h e
leopard, see s e b o .
u t r u k u , s., fist, t h e h a n d a n g u l a r l y
clenched so as to r e n d e r the k n u c k l e s
h a r d a n d p r o t u b e r a n t , a s is d o n e on.
p u r p o s e t o s t r i k e b l o w s w i t h it, c f
k u t r u m o a a n d t w y e r r e .
u t r u m d a , s., fist, t h e h a n d c l e n c h e d
r o u n d l y so as to a p p r o a c h to the
s h a p e o f a ball, cf. k u t r u k u .
u t u , s., (pi. e n k - ) a k i n d o f p o t , u s e d
t o boil s o u p in, cf. k u k u .
u t u k u r u d u . s, (pi. e n k - ) a n insect
r e s e m b l i n g a bee.
w a , a d v . , w i t h o u t a c a u s e , e. g . O b i
m f o i i k w a , n o b o d y g r o w s thin without
a cause, p r v . 7 cf. 164, 203.
(fr. k oa).
w a d i i , s., ( o k w - p i . a k w - ) a s p e c i e s
of antelope.
w a d u o r K w a d u e t i a , s. , b a n a n a ,
banana-tree.
2 0 8
K w a d u d r u , s. , the w h o l e cluster o f
fruits of the banana-tree.
(fr. k w a d u a n d d r u ) .
K w a d u d u a , s., b a n a n a -tree.
(fr.
k w a d u a n d d u a ) .
K w a d u s a w , s., o n e of the smaller
clusters of the banana-tree, of w h i c h
several f o r m the k w a d u d r u .
2)
epaulette, called s o f r o m its r e s e m b l a n c e
to a cluster of bananas.
(fr. k w a
d u a n d s a w ) .
K w a d u m , s., ( o k w - pi. a k w - ) a l a r g e
b a r r e l o f g u n p o w d e r , cf. a k o t o a.
K w a d i i r r o f o , s., ( o k w - pi. a k w - )
idler, sluggard.
(fr. a k w a d u r r o ) .
K w a i , s., ( e k w - ) w o o d , forest, thicket,
syn. w u r a a n d a b a b a n .
K w a k i i , s., ( o k w - pl. a k w - ) a s p e c i e s
of m o n k e y .
K w a k u n t a k u a n i i m , s., e p i t h e t o f t h e
geat, see a b e r r i k i .
( s e e m s to be
c o m p o s e d of K w a k u , a c o m m o n p r o
p e r n a m e of a m a n , e n t a k u , the
plural of t a k u , a n d the n u m e r a l a n u m ,
five; the e t y m o l o g i c a l m e a n i n g of the
w o r d is a c c o r d i n g l y : t h e five t a k u
of K w a k u ) .
K w a k w a a d a b i , s., r a v e n , s y n . a n e n ni.
( p e r h a p s f o r m e d b y w a y of
o n o m a t o p o e i a ) .
K w a f i , s., ( o k w - pi. a k w - ) i c a y , r o a d ,
path;
k w a n m (i. e. k w a f i m u ) o r
k w a f i s o , o n the w a y , e. g. M i c i a
n o v o k w a n m , / m e t h i m o n the w a y
f a k w a f i , to t a k e a r o a d , cf. f a
t y a k w a f i , to m a k e a w a y , to pass
o v e r a w a y . s e e t y a , cf. prv. 1 5 0
o k w a f i k y e n (i.e. o k w a f i e n k y e n )
the side o f the w a y , b y the w a y , e. g.
o k w a fi k y e fi m a k o , H i e p e p p e r - l r e e
b y the w a y - side, prv. 2 5 6
m e fi
k w a f i , m y h o u s e ' s w a y i. e. t h e w a y
to m y house, prv. 78.
2, figuratively :
permission, liberty, h e n c e the expres
s i o n s : m a k w a f i , t o g i v e w a y i. e . t o
give permission, to permit, to allow,
f o l l o w e d b y t h e c o n j . s e , e. g. O m a
tni k w a n s e m i k o a f u m . he allow
e d m e to g o to the plantation*
s i w
k w a n , to hinder, to prohibit, to forbid,
f o l l o w e d b y the conj. s e a n d the n e
g a t i v e o f t h e v e r b m a , e. g. O s i w
m i k w a f i s e o m m a m i n k o a f u m ,
he prohibited m e f r o m going to the
plantation.
K w a f i k w a r a , s. , (pi. e n k w - ) l a r g e
spoon, ladle.
(the f o r m e r part of the
w o r d p e r h a p s fr. e n k w a f i " ) .
K w a s i a , a., foolish, silly, s t u p i d , i g n o
r a n t , e. g. O y e k w a s i a s e o g w a n ,
h e is a s s t u p i d a s a sheep.
s., f o o l i s h n e s s , stupidity, s y n . g y i m i .
K w a s i a , s., ( o k w - pi. e n k w a s i a a n d
e f i k w a s i a f o ) foot, idiot, a s t u p i d p e r son, a silly fellow,
syn. g y i m f o .
K w a s i a m a n k w a , s., talebearer.
K w a s i d a , s. , t h e s e v e n t h d a y o f t h e
w e e k a c c o r d i n g to the r e c k o n i n g of
the Oji-tribe, coincident w i t h o u r S u n
d a y , cf. d a p e f i .
T o a m a n b o r n
o n this d a y the n a m e K w a s i is given,
a n d to a w o m a n the n a m e A k o s u a .
K w a t a , s., l e p r o s y ;
y a r r e k w a t a ,
to be leprous.
K w a t a f o , s., ( o k w - pi. a k w - ) leper.
I
fr. k w a t a a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
K w a t e k i , a., brave, valiant.
s. b r a v e r y , v a l o u r , e. g. K w a t e k i
e n t i o d i n i m , through valour he c o n
quered.
2. b r a v e p e r s o n , valiant m a n ,
hero, e.g. K w a t e k i n i m k o n d o d o ,
a valiant m a n is a g o o d w a r r i o r .
K w a t e r r e k w a , s . , ragamuffin, prv. 52,
else obsolete.
K w 6 b e r e , s., copper.
(fr. t h e E n g
lish, o r fr. t h e D a n i s h c o b b e r ) .
K e n t o n , s., (pi. e n k - > basket.
K e s a w , s., b u n c h , cluster, e. g. s a f i k e s a w , a b u n c h o f k e y s
a k u t u k y s a w , a b u n c h o f oranges (several
on o n e stalk)
a n k a k e s a w , a b u n c h
o f limes.
(cf. s a w ) .
K e s e or k a s e , a., big, great, large,
syn. k o k r o .
adv., strongly, vehemently, e.g. E m f r a m a b o k e s e , the w i n d blew vehe
mently.
K e t ? , s., (pi. a k - ) m a t , t h e u s u a l b e d
of the negroes.
I K e t e b d f o , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) m a n u f a c
K
K
K
K
K
M
turer o f mats.
(fr. k e t e , b o , v.
a n d the suffix f o).
e t e n y i i n n e f o . s . . ( o k - p l . a k - ) w e a v e r
o r plaiter of mats.
(fr. k e t e , n y u n n e a n d the suffix fo).
o t § , s., ( o k - pi. a k - ) c r a b , living in
holes in s a n d y g r o u n d o n the A c c r a coast, prv. 74, 75.
o t o a p r o w , s., c l a w o f a crab.
(fr.
k o t o a n d a p r o w ) .
o t o k o , a , (pi. a k - ) porcupine.
u s a , v., to turn at the fire, to roast,
e.g. k u s a o d e , to roait y a m , prv. 246.
e v e r , b y to c a u s e o r to m a k e (cf. Gr.
§. 1 7 4 ) e. g. O m a a b o f r a f y e e m f o n i n n e , h e lets the child l o o k at a
picture
A v o w v o e m f r a m a m ,
e m a m e h u c i m , t h e w i n d is c o l d , it
m a k e s m e shiver
O h i a n a m a o d e c e y e a k o a , poverty causes a f r e e m a n
to b e c o m e a slave, p r v . 31, cf. 58, 1 5 9 ;
m o s t frequently m a occurs thus in
imperative sentences, the predicate of
w h i c h is t h e n a l w a y s p u t in t h e p o
tential, e. g. M a m i n k o , let m e g o
i.e. let m e a l o n e
M a m in f y e a k o k o n o s o v a d o s r a d e a n a , let m e
l o o k a t t h e f o w l ( t o s e e ) w h e t h e r it is
M .
fat
E n k r o f o b e b r i v o h a i , n a
a , v., to give i.e. to hand, to c o m m u n i
m a v o f i k o , there are m a n y people
cate, to bestow, to confer, to present,
here, let t h e m d e p a r t
M a m e n u a
f i f y e e m f o n i n n e n o , let m y b r o t h e r
to y i e l d u p etc., e. g. E n t a k a r a d a
see thai picture
M a n t r a h o , let
h o f a m a m , t h e r e is o p e n , g i v e it
( i t ) r e m a i n t h e r e i. e . l e a v e it t h e r e c f .
m e
W o m m a y e n biribi y e n y e ,
t r a
M a w o n t r a h o , let y o u r s e l f
y o u m u s t give us something to do
r e m a i n t h e r e i. e. s t a y h e r e ( o f t e n p r o
A i v u a d e k a n n e a e n n i a h u h u r u
n o u n c e d b y contraction: m o n t r a h o )
m a a s a s e , the s u n gives light a n d
m a f i k a , let (it), s e e k a
cf.
w a r m t h to the earth
O d e a k u t u
prv. 60, 160, 258.
m a a b o f r a n o , he g a v e the child a n
3 ) It h a s t h e p o w e r o f a p r e p o s i t i o n ,
o r a n g e
O b e m a w o e n t a i n a , he
d e n o t i n g t h a t a n a c t i o n is p e r f o r m e d
will give y o u a dress, prv. 52 - W o m f a w o ni m m a d o m , y o u do not de
for the benefit of, o r o u t o f s y m p a t h y
w i t h s o m e b o d y (cf. Gr. §. 1 8 9 , 2),
liver u p y o u r k i n s m a n to the e n e m y ,
a n s w e r i n g to the English prep, for,
prv. 158;
m a a m o , to congratulate,
e. g. O y e a d y u m a m a o b r o n n i ,
see a m o
m a a k y e , to greet, to
he w o r k s for the E u r o p e a n
O d e
salute, see a k y e
m a k w a n , to give
a b r o g u g u m a e n k o k o , heispouring
permission, see k w a n .
corn out for the fowls
V a n g y a w
T h i s v e r b is in v a r i o u s w a y s u s e d
b i r i b i a m m a m (instead of a m m a
to express relations:
m i ) , h e h a s left nothing f o r m e
1) It o c c u r s a s a n a u x i l i a r y v e r b in
a c o m p o u n d f o r m of the imperative
M u n s u m m a m (i. e. m m a m i ) , d o
not w e e p for m e
O d i e n k o m o m a
negative, w h i c h a p p e a r s to b e used,
n e n u a , he laments for his brother.
w h e n a prohibition is to b e e x p r e s s e d
in a mild f o r m , m o r e in the w a y of M a , a., full;
it s e e m s t o b e u s e d
o n l y a s p r e d i c a t e a n d a d v e r b i a l l y ine n t r e a t y t h a n c o m m a n d (cf. G r. §. 8 4 ,
connection w i t h verbs:
a y ? m a ,
2.172;, e.g. M a n y e sa, do not so
is full (cf. y e ) , e. g. M ' a h i n n a a y e
M a n y e r a , d o n o t lose (it).
m a , m y w a t e r - p o t is full;
y e m a ,
2 ) It is e m p l o y e d a s a n a u x i l i a r y
t o m a k e f u l t , t o fill, e. g . M i d e e n s u v e r b o f m o o d , d e n o t i n g that the per
m i y e a h i n n a n o m a , / a m filling
f o r m a n c e o f a n action b y its subject
this p o t with w a t e r
E n s u a y e t u m is p e r m i t t e d o r c a u s e d b y a n o t h e r
p a f i n o m a , this bottle is full o f w a t e r ,
s u b j e c t ; i n E n g l i s h it m a y g e n e r a l l y
literally : w a t e r h a s filled this bottle
b e r e n d e r e d b y to let, s o m e t i m e s , h o w
2 7
2 1 0
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
T u m p a S si p o n so , e n s u a y ; m a ,
there is a bottle s t a n d i n g o n the table
full o f water;
c e m a or c e m a , to
fill, s e e c e ;
g u m a , to p o u r full,
t o fill, w i t h t h e p r e p , n i l , e. g . M i d e
e n s u m i g u a h i n n a n o m m a , / a m
filling this bottle with w a t e r ;
W o b e k y e r o w e n h u m a y i m a a n s a n a
w a g y a i a n a ? will y o u write this p a
per full before y o u leave off?
a d y o , a f o r m of salutation u s e d in
the evening,
g o o d evening!
a g u m , s., r e i n f o r c e m e n t , p r v . 133.
a h a o , a f o r m of salutation used in
the m i d d l e of the day,
g o o d d a y I
a k y 0 , a f o r m of salutation used in
the m o r n i n g ,
g o o d m o r n i n g I
a k 6 , s., pepper, p e p p e r - t r e e , p r v . 2 5 6 .
a k o d u a , s., pepper-tree.
(fr. m a k o a n d d u a ) .
a m f e r ^ n n i , s., ( o m - pi. a m a m f e r a f o ) settler, a p e r s o n w h o h a s
c o m e f r o m a n o t h e r place a n d settled
in a t o w n , prv. 172.
( p e r h a p s fr.
m a n a n d fra, w i t h the suffix ni).
a m p a m , s., g u a n a , iguana, a v e r y
large species of lizard, resembling a
small crocodile.
a n n e f o , s., ( o m - p l . a m - ) quarreller.
(cf. m a n s o ) .
a n n e h l i n n u f o , s., ( o m - pi. a m - )
o n e w h o labours u n d e r affliction, s u f
ferer.
(fr. a m a n n e h u n n u a n d t h e
suffix fo).
a n s o , s., discord, disagreement, v a
riance, m u t u a l animosity;
t y p m a n
s o , to b e at v a r i a n c e , e. g. M i n i o n o
t y p m a n s o , J a m at variance with
h i m
M a n s o v o y e n n i A k i m f o
e n t e m , w e are at variance with the
Akim-people.
(cf. m a n n e f o ) .
a n s o f o , s., p e r s o n s w h o a r e m u t u
ally offended w i t h o n e another, w h o
are at variance.
(fr. m a n s o a n d
the suffix fo).
a n , s., ( o m - pi. a m - ) t o w n , village,
see the syn. k r u ,
e.g. O v o m a n m
(i. e. m a n m u ) , h e is i n t h e t o w n
M i k o m a n bi m a b a , / w e n t to a n o
ther t o w n a n d h a v e returned (cf. Gr.
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
§. 1 9 3 ) ;
t o w n in the sense of the
public, the stale, prv. 1 8 8 ;
like k r u ,
it o c c u r s o f t e n a s a c o m p o n e n t o f t h e
p r o p e r n a m e s o f t o w n s , e. g. M a m p o n , fr. m a n a n d p o n , t h e n a m e o f
a t o w n in A k w a p i m .
a n g o , s., f o o t - s t o o l , b e n c h .
a n k a n i , s ., a n e d i b l e r o o t r e s e m b l i n g
the k o k o , considered as a k i n d of
y a m , cf. d e .
a n k a s a , pr. p e r s . , / m y s e l f , e. g.
M a n k a s a m a h u n o , / m y s e l f h a v e
seen him.
pr. p o s s . , m y o w n , e. g. m a n k a s a
d a n or m a n k a s a m e dafi, m y o w n
house.
(fr. m i a n d t h e p r o n o m i n a l
suffix a n k a s a ) .
a n k a s a d e a , pr. poss., m y o w n , e.g.
O d a f i yi y e m a n k a s a d e a , this h o u s e
is m y o w n .
(fr. m a n k a s a a n d the
suffix d e a ) .
a f i k y e m , v., to bend, to turn u p ;
intr. perf. a m a n k y e m , to be bent, to
b e l u r n e d u p , e.g. O s e k a n a n o a m a n
k y e m , m i n t u m i s e m i d e t y a a d e ,
the e d g e o f the k n i f e is t u r n e d u p , I
c a n n o t c u t w i t h it.
a r a o r m a r r a , s ., l a w , c o m m a n d m e n t ;
c e m a r a , to m a k e or to give a l a w
y e m a r a , to obey a l a w
t o
m a r a , to transgress a law.
a r ' a c e f o , s. , l a w g i v e r , legislator.
(fr. m a r a , c e , a n d t h e suffix fo).
a r a t o f o , s., transgressor o f the law.
(fr. m a r a , t o , a n d t h e suffix fo).
a - s o , v . , to r a i s e , to lift, to lift u p ,
e. g . M a a p a k a n n o s o , lift u p t h e
travelling -basket
M a w o n a n so,
lift y o u r f e e t i. e. m a k e h a s t e , q u i c k e n
y o u r steps.
2) figuratively : to exall.
m a n e h u s o , to exall oneself, cf.
b r e .
(fr. m a a n d s o z s s o r r o ) .
e , pr. poss., my', m e n u a , m y brother
m e s e k a f i , m y knife;
before a
w o r d b e g i n n i n g w i t h a v o w e l the e
is d r o p t , e. g. m ' e n n a n i m ' a g y a ,
m y mother a n d m y father;
of this
rule, h o w e v e r , t h e w o r d u r a is a n
exception: m e u r a , m y master.
(fr. mi).
M e , v., to eat s o as to b e satisfied, to
eat e n o u g h , (satiari);
perf. a m e , to
h a v e eaten e n o u g h , to be satisfied,
M a m e , / a m satisfied
M i m m e or
M i m m e y e , / a m not satisfied.
M e , s., t h e a c t o f e a t i n g e n o u g h o r t h e
state of h a v i n g eaten e n o u g h , so as
to be satisfied (satietas), prv. 155.
adv. enough, so as to be satisfied;
d i d i m e , to eat e n o u g h , e. g. E n k e k y e e n t i o n n i d i m e , f r o m avarice
h e d o e s n o t eat e n o u g h , cf. p r v . 86.
M e d e a o r m e d e , pr. poss., m i n e , e. g.
A d a k a y i y e m e d e a , Ihis b o x is
mine.
(fr. m e a n d the suffix d e
o r d e a ) .
M e h u , pr. refl., m y s e l f , e. g. M i r e m a
m e n u a m o , I congratulate myself, prv.
198.
(fr. m e a n d the suffix hu).
M e m e n n e , v. frq. of m e n n e , tostcallow
up, to s u c k up, to absorb, prv. 200.
M e m m e r e d a , s., t h e sixth d a y o f t h e
w e e k a c c o r d i n g to the r e c k o n i n g of
t h e Oji-tribe, coincident w i t h o u r S a t u r d a y , cf. d a p e f i .
T o a m a n b o r n
o n this d a y , the n a m e K w a m i n is
g i v e n , a n d to a w o m a n the n a m e
A m m a .
M e n y a k u , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
M e n n e , v., to swallow, to gulp, to de
v o u r , e. g. V a m e n n e p a n i , h e h a s
s w a l l o w e d a needle
O p a n t e n n e
m e n n e n i p a p r e k o n , the boa devours
a m a n at once
M m e n n e n a m s a
n a v o s a w a n s a n a w a m e n n e , do
not thus gulp d o w n the meat, but masti
c a t e it b e f o r e y o u s w a l l o w it.
(a se
c o n d a r y f o r m of m e ) .
M e r e , ' - s., m u s h r o o m , f u n g u s , prv. 2 0 2 .
M e r e b o a , s. , a s p e c i e s o f ant, s m a l l ,
o f a reddish colour, a n d living o n
trees.
M e r 6 w , a., soft, e. g. E n t a m a m e r o w ,
soft cloth
D u a n o y e m e r o w , this
w o o d is soft, prv. 70.
2 ) tender,
w e a k , feeble, e. g. A b o f r a y e m e r o w ,
a c h i l d is f e e b l e ;
syn. b o k o a n d
b e t e .
M i , pr. pers., 1) used as conjunctive
f o r m : /, e. g. M i s u r r o , / a m a f r a i d
2 1 1
M
M
M
M
M
M
M i r e b a , / a m c o m i n g
M i b e k o,
/ shall depart;
w h e n j o i n e d to the
perfect tense f o r m e d b y the a u g m e n t
a , t h e i is d r o p p e d , e. g, M a h u , /
have seen;
thus also in the future
o f t h e p o t e n t i a l , e. g. M e t r a h a , /
shall stay here.
2) as independent
f o r m : /, m e , e . g . M i e n k u n i k u a f o ,
/ alone a m a planter, prv. 12
M i - a
m i d s - ' y a n y a , / w h o a m lying o n m y
back
O f r e m i , h e is calling m e ;
w h e n following a v e r b e n d i n g in a
v o w e l a s o b j e c t , t h e i is f r e q u e n t l y
d r o p p e d , a n d the m contracted w i t h
the v e r b so as to f o r m o n e syllable
w i t h it, e. g . M a m i n s t e a d o f m a m i ,
give m e ;
w h e n standing at the e n d
o f a s e n t e n c e , it h a s s o m e t i m e s a n e
a d d e d , e. g. E n k a m i e , / a m n o t
wanting.
i a , v., to press, to squeeze, e. g. A t S d e
n o e n k o m i ' y e , e m i a m i , this coat
d o e s n o t fit- m e w e l l , i t s q u e e z e s m e ;
also w i t h the prep, s o , e.g. A d e s o a
n o m i a m e ti so, the load presses
m y head.
i a r a , p r . p e r s . , e v e n I, j u s t I.
(fr.
m i a n d a r a ) .
i n u w a , s., t h r o a t . ( p r o b . f r . m e n n e ) .
i r i k a , s., o c c u r s o n l y in t h e c o n n e c
tion : t u m i r i k a or t u t u m i r i k a ,
to r u n , e. g. V o t u t u m i r i k a se, they
are running very fast
V o t u t u m i
r i k a k o k r u m , they r a n into the town.
( T h i s w o r d is a plural, t h e s i n g u
lar o f w h i c h is a b r i k a , u s e d in t h e
As., but not in the A k w . ) .
m a a k o n , n u m . , a l w a y s p u t twice :
m m a a k o n m m a a k o n , o n e b y one,
o n e at a time, o n e after the other, e. g.
E f i h u m a y i m e m f o n i n n e e d u m i e n
v o m , m u i n i a r a m u n t y p n o m m a a
k o n m m a a k o n , in this p a p e r a r e
twelve pictures; all o f y o u shall d r a w
o u t o n e b y o n e , cf. p r v . 238.
( M m a a
k o n is t h e p l u r a l o f b a a k o n , d e n o
ting a simultaneous or successive re
petition of the n u m b e r ) .
o , v., to lie a b o u t , e s p e c i a l l y m o a m o
2 1 2
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
a s e , to tie the u n d e r - g a r m e n t a b o u t
e m f i m , y e f u n n u m ete. (cf. Gr. §. 54).
(the loins).
H e n c e also the t w o verbal c o m
o , a f o r m of congratulation a n d of
p o u n d s :
w i s h i n g success, said to a p e r s o n w h o
M u - d o , to b e d e e p , e. g. A b u r a n o
is e n t e r i n g u p o n s o m e u n d e r t a k i n g ,
m u - d o , this w e l l is d e e p , s e e d o .
f o r i n s t a n c e to o n e w h o is b e g i n n i n g
M u - a t e r o w , to be wide, spacious,
to build a n e w house.
e. g. O d a n n o m u - a t e r o w , this
o a , s., a k i n d o f calico.
h o u s e is w i d e
M ' a t a d e m u - a t e
o b a , s., d r y twigs, b r u s h - w o o d .
r o w , m y c o a l is w i d e
A d a k a
o b o , s., s e e m s to b e u s e d o n l y in t h e
n o m u - a t e r o w , this b o x is w i d e ,
t w o following expressions: y e m o bo,
cf. t e r o w .
to be a p o o r fellow;
a n d h u m o b o , M u , p r e p . , in, within, into, e. g. M i m p e
in imperative sentences f y e m o bo,
s e m i n a n t e w s u m m u , I do not like
to h a v e pity, m e r c y o n s o m e b o d y , e. g.
to w a l k in the d a r k , cf. p r v . 109.
O h u m i m o b o , he h a d m e r c y o n m e
Generally, h o w e v e r , the v o w e l of m u
F y e y e n m o b o , have m e r c y o n us.
is d r o p p e d , a n d the r e m a i n i n g m c o n
o g y a , s., blood, s y n . k a f o .
nected in pronunciation w i t h the s u b
o m a , s., f o r e h e a d .
s t a n t i v e t o w h i c h it refers, e. g. M i k o
o m o n o , a., r a w , n o t boiled, e. g. N a m
k r u m (instead of k r u m u ) , / a m
n o y e m o m o n o , m i n t u m i n n i , this
going into the t o w n
M i t e d a n m
m e a t i s r a w , I c a n n o t e a t it, c f . a m o n n o .
(i. e. d a n m u ) , / a m silting i n t h e h o u s e
o n o m a n d m o n o m m o n o m , a., s m o o t h ,
O d y p n n e b o n n e v o n ' a k u m a m ,
e. g. O p o f i n o y c m o n o m , this table
h e is m e d i t a t i n g e v d in his h e a r t
O k a
is s m o o t h ;
syn. t r o t r o .
e n g w a f i k o d a n m , he drove the sheep
o r e f i g o , s., E u r o p e a n oil.
(fr. b r o
into the pen.
W h e n it is t h u s s u f
a n d e n g o ) .
fixed to a substantive terminating in
o r o m o r o m e , s., a k i n d of w i l d pi
a, this v o w e l is g e n e r a l l y c h a n g e d
geon, syn. a b r o m a .
i n t o e o r e, e. g. O d e d a d e c e g y e m
o r o s a , s., r u m , b r a n d y .
(fr. b r o
(instead of g y a m , g y a m u ; , he p u t
a n d e n s a).
a piece o f i r o n into the fire, prv. 7 2
6 r r e , s , dough.
B i r i b i ni n ' e n s ^ m (instead of e n o si a , s., pebble, prv. 207.
s a m , e n s a m u ) , there is n o t h i n g in
r a n , s., s u r n a m e , b y - n a m e ;
V o b o
his h a n d , prv. 22;
a n d w h e n the
n o m r a n or Y o p a i n o m r a n , they
substantive t e r m i n a t e s in u, t h e r e is
gave him a surname.
s o m e t i m e s a n o put in b e t w e e n this
u . s., the u p p e r part of the b a c k
v o w e l a n d t h e p r e p o s i t i o n , e. g. a k o ( w h e r e a s e k i is the w h o l e h i n d e r
k o b u o m instead of a k o k o b u m ,
p a r t o f t h e b o d y ) , e. g. O p r o n n e
a k o k o b u m u , in the h e n - c o o p
m u , h e is b e n d i n g his b a c k
M i s o r r e
a f u o m instead of a f u m , a f u m u ,
m a t i e m e m u , I a m rising to stretch
in the plantation.
W h e n m u is p u t
m y back.
in conjunction w i t h the v e r b a l p r e p o
u , s., interior, i n n e r p a r t , e. g. O d a f i
sition fi, it is e i t h e r n o t t r a n s l a t e d
n o n ' e k i y e fe, n e m u e n s o y e
in English, or the t w o m u s t be ren
t a n , t h e outside o f this h o u s e is pretty,
d e r e d b y out of, e.g. O r e b a fi k r u m ,
b u t its i n t e r i o r is u g l y .
M u occurs
h e is c o m i n g f r o m (literally: f r o m i n )
frequently as the f u n d a m e n t a l c o m
the t o w n
Y i n a m n o fi k u t u m ,
p o n e n t of c o m p o u n d substantives, in
take the m e a t out of (literally: f r o m
d i c a t i n g , t h a t t h e o b j e c t d e n o t e d is
in) the pot.
In composition w i t h
m e n t i o n e d w i t h especial reference to
verbs m u h a s the p o w e r of a n adverb,
its inner part, see e.g. a n o m , a s o m ,
m e a n i n g in, b e t w e e n , together, cf. v o m ,
n i m , d a m , g a m , p a m etc.
occa
sioning also in this case a p e r m u t a
t i o n o f a p r e c e d i n g a i n t o e, e. g. c i e m ,
t i e m .
(fr. m u , s.).
M u , a., whole, entire, e. g. O d i d o k o n n o m u , he ate a whole (loaf of) bread;
t h e E n g l i s h w h o l e is r e n d e r e d in
O j i b y m u w h e n it is o p p o s e d to piece
o r f r a g m e n t ; in all o t h e r c a s e s it m u s t
b e translated b y iniara.
2) entire,
u n b r o k e n , in g o o d condition, o p p o s e d
t o g o , e. g. O d a f i n o y e m u , this
h o u s e is in g o o d condition.
M u , pr. pers., u s e d b o t h as conjunctive
a n d i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m (cf. Gr. §. 103),
y o u , e. g. M u k o , y o u g o
m u a b a ,
y o u are c o m e
m u m m e r e, y o u shall
c o m e ;
O f r e m u , he calls y o u .
pr. poss., y o u r , e. g. M u d a n a b u ,
y o u r h o u s e is p u l l e d d o w n .
M i i a , v. tr., to shut, to close, e. g. O m u a
n ' e n s a , he closes his hand, prv. 2 2
m u a n ' e n i , to close one's e y e s
m u a
a n o , t o s h u t o n e ' s m o u t h i. e. t o h o l d
one's tongue, to be silent, e.g. W o k a s a
d o d o , m u a S o o , y o u talk too much,
h o l d y o u r tongue, cf. p r v . 87.
2) to
p u t (a roof) o n (a house), prv. 167.
intr. to be shut, to be closed, e.g. N' e n i
a m p a , Ids e y e s are closed.
M u a n k a s a , pr. pers , y o u yourselves.
pr. p o s s . , y o u r o w n , e. g. M u a f i k a s a d a n n i , this is y o u r o w n h o u s e (fr. m u a n d the suffix a f i k a s a ) .
M i i a r a , pr. pers., even y o u , just you.
(fr. m u a n d a r a ) .
M u d e a or m u d e , pr. poss. , yours, be
l o n g i n g to y o u , e. g. O d a f i n o y e
m u d e a , this h o u s e is y o u r s , b e l o n g s
to you.
(fr. m u a n d t h e suffix d e
or d e a ) .
M u h u , pr. refi., y o u r s e l v e s .
(fr. m u
a n d the suffix h u ) .
M u k a , s., hearth.
M u m , a., d e a f a n d d u m b .
s. , ( e m u m ) d u m b n e s s c a u s e d b y
deafness.
2 ( o m u m ) a p e r s o n w h o
is d e a f a n d d u m b .
M u m u y e , s., crime, act o f w i c k e d n e s s .
M u m i i y e f o , s., ( o m - pi. a m - ) m i s c r e a n t ,
2 1 3
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
villain, a p e r s o n w h o delights in d o i n g
mischief.
(fr. m u m u y e a n d t h e
suffix fo).
u n a , v., perf. a m u n a , to b e d a r k , to
l o o k g l o o m y , e. g. O s u a m u n a , the
clouds are dark.
2) figuratively :
to look sullen, e. g. V a m u n a o r N ' e n i m a m u n a , he looks sullen.
u n u n k u m , s., ( o m - ) fog, mist;
O m u n u n k u m e r e s i , a f o g is c o m i n g
m u n u n k u m p i p r i , a dense fog.
u s i i , s., mischief, misfortune, disaster,
calamity, adversity, e. g. M u s u a b a m i
s o , a calamity has befallen m e
M ik o
b i s a m i h u , m i k o yi m e tirri m u
su, / a m going to ask advice to get rid
o f m y adversity (literally : to r e m o v e
m y head's calamity; said b y o n e w h o
is g o i n g to consult t h e fetish-priest)
b o m u s u , to do mischief, prv. 55.
e k w a f i , s. , p a l m n u t - s o u p , a g r e a s y
s o u p p r e p a r e d of the p a l m - n u t s , the
daily food of the negroes.
(fr. abe,
a n d e n k w a n ) .
e n n i , s., ( o m - p i . a m e n n i a n d a m ? n n i f o) guest, prv. 19.
e t i , s., s h o u l d e r .
(fr. m e z z b a r :
b a s a a n d ti, prop, the h e a d o f the
arm).
o t u a m , s., a r m - h o l e .
w .
N a , a., scarce, r a r e , e. g. S i k a y e fe,
n a o p e g y a f o y e n a , g o l d is p r e t t y ,
b u t the heir is r a r e , p r v . 1 8 3 - N n i p a
p a y e n a v o a s a s e s o , g o o d people
are scarce o n earth;
it s o m e t i m e s
t a k e s h u for its g r a m m a t i c a l subject,
e. g. S i k a h u y e n a o r S i k a y e
n a , g o l d is scarce..
N a , conj., and, but, for. T h e c o n j u n c
tion n a , in t h e first place, is e q u i v a l e n t
to a n d in English, denoting, in a g e n e r a l
w a y , the connection of t w o sentences
b y w a y of co-ordination. B u t as in
O j i t h e a d v e r s a t i v e relation is g e n e r a l l y
not distinguished f r o m the m e r e l y co
pulative, n a is m o s t l y p u t also, w h e r e
2 1 4
in English but, h o w e v e r , yet, never
theless, notwithstanding, are u s e d (see,
h o w e v e r , d e , e n s o , n a n s o ) . E v e n
the c a u s a l relation is e x p r e s s e d b y
n a , w h e n of t w o connected sentences
the o n e f o l l o w i n g contains a r e a s o n
for the statement m a d e in the o n e p r e
c e d i n g , a n d it m u s t , a c c o r d i n g l y , in
this c a s e b e r e n d e r e d b y f o r (cf. G r .
§. 2 0 8 . 2 0 9 etc.), e. g. T e k r e m a n a
k a m o n i p a , n a t e k r e m a n a g y a i
o n i p a , the t o n g u e kills m a n a n d the
tongue saves m a n , prv. 5
A h i m a d a k i n a a k o k o b o n , n n u m S su,
n a m m o a i n i a r a n y a n fi e n d a m ,
in the m o r n i n g the cock crows, the birds
sing, a n d all animals a w a k e f r o m sleep,
cf. p r v . 22, 61, 1 1 9 , 173, 1 7 5 etc.; N n o w o y o n k u n o m e n k u , n a d o
w ' a t a m f o e n s o , do not o n l y love
y o u r friends , b u t love also y o u r ene
mies
A b o f r a b o e n v a w , n a o m m o a k e k i r e , a child m a y crush a
s n a i l , b u t it w i l l n o t c r u s h a t o r t o i s e ,
p r v . 3, cf. 42, 116, 181, 183, 1 8 6 e t c ,
M a n y i f i , n a m i n n y a m i m f u dypfi,
/ a m old, b u t still I have n o gray
hairs yet
E f e , n a e n y e a n i b e r r e ,
It is p r e t t y , y e t it e x c i t e s n o desire,
prv. 23;
W a s u , n a w o e n i a b erre, y o u h a v e wept, f o r y o u r eyes are
r e d
E f i k o t r u m , n a e f a m a f o w ,
do not go into the garden, for the g r o u n d
is wet, cf. p r v . 60.
W h e n the causal
relation is the r e v e r s e o f that stated
a b o v e , so that of t w o c o n n e c t e d sen
tences the o n e preceding contains the
cause or r e a s o n for the statement
m a d e in t h e o n e f o l l o w i n g , it is g e n e r
ally expressed b y the conjunction enti,
therefore; but also in this case n a m a y
b e p u t instead of e n t i , e.g. O n i d a in
n a o d a w u r a m , he has n o house,
therefore he lives in the forest
O g w a n
n o a f o n , n a e n k u m n o e m p r i f i p r i n , this s h e e p is thin, t h e r e f o r e y o u
m u s t n o t kill it s o o n .
N a , a particle , put after s o m e part of
a s e n t e n c e t o r e n d e r it m o r e p r o
m i n e n t :
N
A ) In a simple sentence n a is p u t :
1) m o s t frequently after a n accessary
object (cf. G r . §. 183), w h i c h is p l a c e d
a t t h e h e a d o f t h e s e n t e n c e , e. g.
E n a r r a n a o b a i , he c a m e yesterday
- - A i v u a t o n a m i d u E n k r a f i , at
sunset I arrived at A c c r a
E m p r i n p r i n n a m i d u h a , just n o w I arrived
h e r e , cf. p r v . 57, 62, 64, 7 4 etc.
2)
f r e q u e n t l y after the subject, e. g. O h i a
n a m a o d e c e y e a k o a , p o v e r t y
causes a f r e e m a n to b e c o m e a slave,
p r v . 31, cf. 1, 5, 58, 84, 133, 157, 159,
1 8 5 etc.
3) rarely after a n integrant
object, e x c e p t w h e n it is a n interro
gative, or c o n n e c t e d w i t h a n interro
gative, placed at the h e a d of the sen
t e n c e , e. g. E n t a m b e n n a w a t o ?
w h a t kind o f stuff h a v e y o u bought?
H e n n a n a w o f r e n o ? w h o m do y o u
call?
4) after a substantive attribute,
standing at the h e a d of a sentence,
e. g. O k w a s i a n a n e g w a f i t e w
e m p e n a b i e n , a fool's sheep r u n s
a w a y twice, prv. 156.
R a r e l y n a is
a d d e d to the predicate of a sentence,
a s in p r v . 1 6 0 , o r t o a n y p a r t o f it
n o t p l a c e d at its h e a d , a s in prv. 6 9
(cf. G r . g. 1 5 8 ) .
B ) In a c o m p o u n d sentence n a is fre
quently put after a n accessary sentence
p r e c e d i n g its principal, for the s a k e
o f giving a greater e m p h a s i s to the
idea e x p r e s s e d in it; m o r e particularly
this is t h e c a s e : 1) after adjective s e n
t e n c e s (cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 , 2 2 0 ) e. g. A d e
e n y e n o n a , v o y e n ' i y e , a thing
that is n o t g o o d t h e y m e n d , p r v . 2 6 1
N e a o k u m T a b i r i f o n a , o f a n'ent o k o t a , h e w h o kills Tabirifo gets his
s a n d a l s , p r v . 9 9 , cf. 33, 59, 9 2 etc.
2) after adverbial sentences o f condition
a n d c o m p a r i s o n (cf. G r . §. 2 2 2 2 2 3 ) ,
e. g. W o e n i e f i k o m - a n a , w o s e :
m i n n y a d a b e r r e , w h e n y o u are not
sleepy, y o u say: I h a v e n o sleepingp l a c e , p r v . 1 6 9 , cf. 63, 78, 7 9 etc.
S e n e a a f o a te n a , b o h a te, as the
s w o r d is, s o is t h e s c a b b a r d , p r v . 7 3 .
a d a , s., deceit, i m p o s t u r e .
(fr. d a d a ) .
N a i , g., couch, bed.
(fr. d a , v . \
N a m , v., to w a l k ;
it d e n o t e s , in t h e
m o s t g e n e r a l w a y , the s p o n t a n e o u s
progressive m o t i o n of a n y living crea
ture, hence: to walk, to go, to run, to
c r a w l , to creep, to s w i m , to fly etc.,
e. g . O n i p a b i n a m h o , a m a n is
walking there
K w a d u n a m e n t e m t e m t e m , the antelope r u n s v e r y fast
O v o n a m , a serpent crawls
A n u m a n a m s o r r o , a b i r d flies in
the air
A p a t a n a m e n s u m , a fish
s w i m s in the water;
O n a m e m f e n s r e m k o d a n m , he w e n t through the
w i n d o w into the house, cf. p r v . 64, 144,
2 0 4 ;
cf. k o .
N a m , s., flesh, m e a t , p r v . 1 2 3 , 2 3 T .
N a m , a., reduplicated : n a m n a m , sharp,
e. g . M e s e k a n y e n a m , m y k n i f e is
sharp
O s e k a f i n a m n a m t y a w o a, e k o m , w h e n a sharp knife cuts you,
it e n t e r s d e e p l y .
N a m e , s., w e d g e .
N a m o n , s. , the sole o f the foot, e. g.
E n s o i a v o m e n a m o n m , a thorn
h a s entered the sole o f m y fool
N a
m o n m v i r r e y e p i p r l , the skin o f
t h e sole is thick.
2) fool -step, the
i m p r e s s i o n left b y t h e foot, e. g. M i h u n e n a m o i i v o e n v i a m , / see his
foot-steps in the s a n d , cf. p r v . 66, 151.
3) the space f r o m o n e foot-step to
a n o t h e r , step, stride, e. g. n a m o f i t e n t e n , a long step.
N a m o f i t e n t e f i , s., a p e r s o n w h o t a k e s
l o n g steps, w h o is a g o o d w a l k e r ,
prv. 211.
(fr. n a m o f i a n d t e n t e n ) .
N a n a , s. , g r a n d - p a r e n t
n a n a b a r r i m a , g r a n d - father
n a n a b e a
g r a n d - m o t h e r .
2 ) g r a n d - c h i l d , cf.
b a n a n a .
N a n s o , conj., a n d also, but also,
b e i n g a c o m p o u n d of n a , and, but,
a n d e n s o , also; in English, h o w e v e r ,
m o r e frequently a s i m p l e conjunction
is put, a s a n d o r but, w h e r e in Oji
n a n s o is used, e.g. W o b a si si w o
k o r a b a , e n y e ; n a n s o w o k o r a
b a sisi w o b a , e n y e , w h e n y o u r
c h U d c h e a t s y o u r s t e p - c h i l d , tt is n o t
2 1 5
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
right; a n d also w h e n y o u r step-child
c h e a t s y o u r c h i l d , it is n o t r i g h t , p r v .
2 5 2
W o f a n i f a , m e f a b e f i k u m ,
n a n s o w o f a b e n k u m - a , m e f a ni
f a , if y o u g o to the right, I shall g o to
the left; b u t if y o u g o to the left, I shall
g o to the right
O n i m O t y i k a s a ,
n a n s o o k a s a o f o m e n s o b e b r i ,
he c a n speak Oji, but w h e n he speaks,
he m a k e s m a n y mistakes.
a n t e f o . s., ( o n - pi. a n - ) walker,
traveller o n foot.
(fr. n a n t e w a n d
the suffix fo).
a n t e n i , s., heel.
a n t e w , v., to walk, to travel o n fool;
O n a n t e w d o d o o r O n i m n a n
t e w d o d o , h e is a g o o d w a l k e r .
a n t i e or n a n t i o , a f o r m of saluta
tion, said to o n e w h o is travelling
o n foot.
a n t y i j , s., bullock.
a n t y u b a , s., calf.
(fr. n a n t y u
a n d ba).
a n t y u b e r r e , s., cow.
(fr. n a n t y u a n d b e r r e ) .
a n t y u f i h u m a , s., hide o f a bullock.
(fr. n a n t y u a n d e f i h u m a ) .
a n t y u n i n i , s., bull
(fr. n a n t y u
a n d nini).
a n t y u s a i , s., o x , castrated bull.
(fr. n a n t y u a n d sai).
a n tii, s., c a l f o f t h e leg.
a n , s., (pi. a n ati) foot, leg.
a n a s e , s., t h e l o w e r p a r t o f t h e leg,
foot.
(fr. n a n a n d a s e ) .
a n k a s a , pr. pers. , ( o n - ) h e himself,
she herself, itself, e. g. 0 n a n k a s a
b e b a , he will c o m e himself, or she will
c o m e herself, cf. p r v . 91.
pr. poss., his o w n , h e r o w n , its o w n ,
e. g. O n a n k a s a d a n n i , this is his
(or her) o w n house.
(fr. n o a n d
the suffix a n k a s a ) .
a f i k a s a d e a , pr. p o s s . , his o w n , h e r
o w n , its o w n , e . g . O d a f i n o y ? n a f i
k a s a d e a , this h o u s e is his o w n ( o r
her own).
(fr. n a n k a s a a n d t h e
suffix d e a ) .
a n k r o m a , s., knee, s y n . k o t o d y o .
2 1 6
N a n s i S , s., s l u m p o f a leg, p r v . 13.
(fr. n a n a n d s i n ) .
N a n s o a , s., toe;
the particular toes
h a v e the s a m e n a m e s as the fingers:
n a n s o a k o k r o b e t i , tie large toe
n a n s o a k y e r r ? k y e r r e k w a n
n a n s o a h i n n e
n a n s o a h i n n e e k i or s a f o h i n n e
n a n s o a k o k o b e t o .
(fr. n a n , a n d s o a p e r
h a p s fr. s o a , to' b e small).
N a r r a , adv., (en-) yesterday, e.g. O k o
n a r r a or E n a r r a n a o k o , he de
parted yesterday.
N e , p r . p o s s . , his, h e r , its, e . g . N e d a n ,
his house;
w h e n put before a sub
stantive c o m m e n c i n g w i t h a v o w e l ,
t h e e is d r o p p e d , e. g. n ' e n s a , his
h a n d
n ' ? n i , his e y e
n ' a g y a ,
his father;
the w o r d u r a , master,
h o w e v e r , is a n e x c e p t i o n : n e u r a , A w
master.
(fr. n o ) .
N e, v., cacare;
b y w a y of e u p h e m i s m
the t e r m s g y a n ' a n a n a n d y e n e h u
i y e are u s e d instead of ne.
N e a , pr. d e m . , he ( w h o ) , she (who),
that {which) or what,
being p u t at
the h e a d of a n accessary sentence,
w h i c h is e q u i v a l e n t t o a s u b s t a n t i v e
adjective or participle, a n d supplies
the place of the subject, or of a n
object, or attribute, to its principal
(cf. Gr. §. 118. §. 2 2 0 ) , e. g. N e a o t a
w o o m m e r e - a , w h e n he w h o perse
c u t e s y o u is n o t tired, p r v . 1 6 1
N e a
o v o a k a n o o s u r r o s u n s o n , he
w h o m a s e r p e n t h a s bitten is a f r a i d o f
a sloworm, prv. 100
N e a o m a neh u s o v o b ? b r e n ' a s e , h i m w h o e x alls himself t h e y will put d o w n
N e a
' k a e k i r r i n a e d o s o , that which (or
w h a t ) is left b e h i n d is m u c h , prv. 3 3
F a n e a w o p e , take w h a t y o u like
M e f a n e a b e b a k a f i n o , / shall lake
w h a t c o m e s first, cf. prv. 27, 44, 59, 80,
92, 98, 99, 1 0 1 etc.
2) there ( w h e r e )
i. e. i n t h e p l a c e ( w h e r e ) o r t o t h e
place (where),
being p u t at the h e a d
of a n accessary sentence, w h i c h sup
plies the place of a n object of loca
lity to its principal (cf. Gr. §. 225),
N
N
N
N
N
e.g. N e a a b o g y a b u m v o n o , e h o
n a a d i d i v o , w h e r e there is plenty
o f b l o o d , t h e r e is f e a s t i n g , p r v . 1 3 8
O b i n k o n e a v o b e k u m n o , n o b o d y
will g o to a place w h e r e they will kill
him, prv. 178.
3) c o n n e c t e d w i t h
the conj. se: as, so as,
s e n e a
being put at the h e a d of a n accessary
sentence, w h i c h supplies the place o f
a n o b j e c t o f m a n n e r to its principal,
d e n o t i n g a similarity (cf. G r . §. 2 2 3 ) ,
e. g. A s e m n o b a i s e n e a m i k a
m i k y e r e w o , the event h a s c o m e ( s o )
as I told y o u
S e n e a a f o a te n a
b o h a t e , a s the s w o r d is, s o is t h e
scabbard, prv. 73.
(fr. n i , pr.)
e a m a , s. pi., t h i n g s , f u r n l u r e , g o o d s ,
property, e.g. N e a m a n e a m a t y p m ,
n a a s a s e d e b t t r a h o d a , liter
a l l y : t h i n g s , t h i n g s p a s s a w a y i. e . o n e
thing passes a w a y after the othir , but
the earth will r e m a i n for ever
V a y e r a n e n e a m a i n i a r a , he has lost
all his g o o d s ;
cf. a d e .
e d e o r n e d e a , pr. p o s s . , his, h e r , its,
b e l o n g i n g to h i m , e. g. O d a n y i y e
n e d e a , this h o u s e is his, b e l o n g s to
h i m , cf. p r v . 27.
(fr. n e a n d t h e
suffix d e or d e a ) .
e h u , pr. refl. , himself, herself, itself,
V a k u m n e h u , he has killed himself
O f r e n e h u S o n n e n n i , h e calls
himself a Sonna, prv. 249;
O d e n e
h u , h e is a f r e e m a n , s e e d e
V a n y a
n e h u . h e is rich, s e e n y a .
(fr. n e
a n d the suffix h n ) .
e n a m , v. frq. of n a m , to w a l k m u c h ,
to w a l k about, prv. 255.
e f i , pr. d e m . , e v e n this, t h e v e r y s a m e ;
it is a l w a y s p u t a t t h e e n d o f t h e
sentence, w i t h omission of the copula,
referring to a p e r s o n or thing, that
has b e e n m e n t i o n e d before , a n d e m
p h a t i c a l l y i d e n t i f y i n g it w i t h t h a t
s p o k e n of in the present case (cf. Gr.
8- 118. §. 167, 3.), e. g. A k u r a t e s e
n a n t y u - a , a g i n a m o ' a k o a nefi,
though a m o u s e w e r e (as big) as a bul
lock, y e t the v e r y s a m e w o u l d be the
slave o f the cat, prv. 110. T h e e m p h a
2 1 7
N
N
N
N
sis a l w a y s c o n v e y e d b y n e f i , is g e n e r
sentence w h i c h h a s a substantive for
ally increased a n d m a d e m o r e conspi
its predicate, b e i n g g e n e r a l l y a t t e n d e d
c u o u s b y a r a , w h i c h else occurs only
w i t h i n v e r t e d c o n s t r u c t i o n , e. g. M e
a s a t e r m i n a t i o n , p r e c e d i n g it, e. g
t r a b e r r e ni A k r o p o n , m y place of
r e s i d e n c e is A k r o p o n g , cf. prv. 90, 147.
E p y e b i r i b i n a e y e b i r i b i a r a
«- It is t h u s u s e d a l s o in a s e n t e n c e ,
a e f i , it is n o t h i n g , e v e n t h a t is s o m e t l u n g ,
prv. 46, cf. 44.
(fr. n i , pr.).
o f w h i c h t h e s u b j e c t is e x p r e s s e d in
a p r e c e d i n g a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , e. g.
e n k y e n e m a . s., a k i n d o f c o r a l o r
N e a o k o m g y e ni m e , w h a t h u n g e r
pearl, cf. a h i o n e .
desires is eating, p r v . 1 5 5 (cf. G r . §. 168).
i , v . , n o t to b e ( i u a p l a c e ) , e. g. O n i
h o , h e is n o t t h e r e , is n o t p r e s e n t
3 ) It s t a n d s a s t h e a n t e c e d e n t o f
T a p o n i a b a i l m , there is n o t a h a l f
a n adjective sentence, referring to a
person, a n d m u s t then b e r e n d e r e d b y
p e n n y in the palace, prv. 14
B i r i b i
n i n' e n s e m , t h e r e is n o t h i n g in his
he ( w h o ) or she (who), e.g. N i o d i d i
h a n d , p r v . 22, cf. 186, 1 8 9
E t y o n n e
w e o s e : ni o d i d i a n a d y o o y ?
b a i f o , he w h o has eaten e n o u g h will
n i a s u b o n t e f i n o s o , there is n o
s a y : h e w h o e a t s at n i g h t is a s o r c e r e r ,
b r i d g e a c r o s s the r i v e r (cf. G r . §. 160,
prv. 86. T h i s u s e o f ni, h o w e v e r , is
Observ.).
2) not to have, e. g. M i n i
u n c o m m o n , the f o r m n e a being g e n e r
a d a g y e w , I have n o time
N ' a s e m
n i a s e , A w talk has n o m e a n i n g
ally e m p l o y e d in this case.
is e m p l o y e d only in
O h i e n n i ni y o n k n , a p o o r m a n has N i , conj., a n d ;
contracted sentences, like e n n i , to
n o friend, p r v . 1 8 , cf. 140.
( N i is
connect t w o collateral subjects, objects,
virtually the n e g a t i v e of v o , to be in
o r a t t r i b u t e s , e. g. E n s u n i m o g y a
a place a n d to h a v e ; its origin, h o w e v e r ,
b e b r i efi, m u c h water a n d blood r a n
is d o u b t f u l , p e r h a p s it is e t y m o l o g i out
A i v u a d e k a n n e a ni a h u cally related to n y a ) .
h u r u m a a s a s e , the s u n gives light
i , s., kinsman, relation, relative, prv.
a n d w a r m t h to the earth
O h u b i r i
158;
t h e m o r e c o m m o n w o r d is
bi t e n t e n ni fita, he s a w something
b u s u e n n i, a n d n i s e e m s to be a l m o s t
long a n d white
N a n t y u bi ni, n e
obsolete.
h u k o k o n i f u f u , t h e r e is a b u l l o c k
i , pr. d e m . , this, that,
is e m p l o y e d
w h i c h is r e d a n d w h i t e .
T h e difference
i n t h e f o l l o w i n g c a s e s : 1 ) it f o r m s
o f n i f r o m e n n i consists in its c o n
the subject of a sentence, w h i c h has
v e y i n g a m o r e intimate connection
a s u b s t a n t i v e o r p r o n o u n for its p r e
b e t w e e n t h e t w o w o r d s , a n d h e n o e it
dicate, d e n o t i n g w h o or w h a t the
is p r e f e r a b l y e m p l o y e d , w h e n t h e t w o
p e r s o n or thing referred to is; such
ideas are n o t o n l y accidentally c o n
a sentence h a v i n g a l w a y s ' a n inverted
nected, but conceived as essentially
construetion, w i t h omission of the co
b e l o n g i n g t o g e t h e r , e. g. m ' e n n a n i
p u l a , e. g. M e n u a n i , this is m y b r o
m ' a g y a , m y m o t h e r a n d m y f a t t i e r j. e .
t h e r ~ - O h i n n e ni, that is the k i n g
a n d in connecting t w o
A b e r r i k i ni, e n y e o g w a n t e n , that] m y parents,
subjects, w h i c h are conceived as reci
is a g o a t n o t a s h e e p
M i n i , it is I.
procally or jointly p e r f o r m i n g the
It is t h u s u s e d s o m e t i m e s , w h e r e
a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d in t h e p r e d i c a t e , e. g.
in English the adverbial p r o n o u n there
O p e t e ni a k r o m a e n s e , the vullure
is e m p l o y e d , e. g . N a n t y u b i n i , n e
a n d the eagle do not resemble £«ac/i
h u k o k o n i f u f u , there is a bullock,
other). In the latter case in English
that is r e d a n d w h i l e
W o f y u f y e
e n t a k a r a a n a ? e b i ni, do y o u look
the p r e p o s i t i o n with is g e n e r a l l y e m
f o r a. p e n ? t h e r e is o n e .
2 ) It is p u t
ployed, for w h i c h the Oji, h a v i n g n o
instead of the c o p u l a y e , to be, in a
c o r r e s p o n d i n g preposition, a l w a y s uses
2 1 8
N
N
N
N
N
N
t h e connection b y the conjunction ni,
e.g. M i ni o n o k a s a , l a n d he speak
i. e. / s p e a k w i t h h i m
M i ni o n o
b o e n k o m o , / converse with h i m
M i ni o n o si k a n n e tu m i r i k a , /
r a n a race with h i m
W o ni w o
a g y a a k o a t y a a b e - a , If y o u cut
d o w n a p a l m - t r e e with y o u r father's
slave, p r v . 108, cf. 1 4 6
M i ni o n o
di a tutu, / quarrel with him.
A s
a n exception, t w o short imperative
sentences m a y b e c o n n e c t e d b y ni,
e. g. B e r a n i y e n k o , c o m e a n d let
u s go. - (cf. G r . §. 215).
i f a , a., r i g h t ( d e x t e r , o p p o s e d t o b e n k u m , left), e. g. M ' e n s a n i f a , m y
right h a n d
B e r a b o d a o n i p a y e m
n i f a , the liver is in the right (side o f
the) a b d o m e n ;
substantively a n d
adverbially: the right ( h a n d ) , o n the
right, to the right, e. g. O t e m e n i f a ,
h e is sitting at m y right ( h a n d )
M e f a n i f a , / shall turn to the right.
i f i r a i , a., blind.
(fr. e n i a n d
fir a).
i f i r a i f o , s., ( o n - pi. a n - ) a blind
person.
(fr. n i f i r a i a n d t h e suf-j
fix fo).
i f i r i , a., sharp-sighted, quick-sighted,
e. g. O y e n i f i r i s e a k r o m a , h e is
as quick-sighted as a h a w k .
i f i r i f o , s. , ( o n - pi. a n - ) a q u i c k sighted person;
a n u m a n i f i r i f o ,
a quick-sighted bird, prv. 242.
(fr.
n i f i r i a n d the suffix fo).
i m , v . , to k n o w , e. g. M i n n i m n o ,
m i n h u n o p e n , / d o not k n o w him,
I never s a w him;
n i m a d e , to k n o w
t h i n g s i. e . t o h a v e k n o w l e d g e , e . g .
A b r o f o n i m a d e k y e f i a b i b i f o ,
the E u r o p e a n s have m o r e k n o w l e d g e
than the negroes;
n i m n y a n s a , to
k n o w w i s d o m i. e. t o h a v e w i s d o m , t o
be wise, learned;
n i m f o l l o w e d b y
se: to k n o w that, e.g. Y e n i m s e m o g y a v o y e n a n o m , w e k n o w that
there is b l o o d in o u r m o u t h , prv. 20.
2) to k n o w h o w to d o a thing, h e n c e
to be able, c a n ( d e n o t i n g a n acquired
ability, d e p e n d i n g o n k n o w l e d g e a n d
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
e x e r c i s e , cf. t u m i ; s o in F r e n c h s a v o i r ) , e. g. W o n i m d e n y e ? w h a t
c a n y o u d o ? i. e . w h a t a c q u i r e m e n t s
or a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s h a v e y o u ?
O n i m
a b e f i c e n , he c a n s o u n d the h o r n
O n i m d y o m to, he c a n s i n g O n i m
kafi or O n i m e n h u m a kafi, he c a n
r e a d
O n i m a s e m k a , he c a n de
l i v e r a s p e e c h i. e . h e i s a g o o d s p e a k e r
O n i m n a n t e w , h e is a g o o d w a l k e r
M i n n i m k u , I c a n n o t fight, cf. prv.
24, 116, 122.
i m , v., n o t to b e in a p l a c e , e. g. A h i n n a n o b i r i b i n i m the s a m e as B i r i b i
n i a h i n n a n o m , there is n o t h i n g in
this pot
M in t u m i n n i a d u a n no,
e n k y i n n e n i m , I c a n n o t eat thus food,
there is n o sall in it;
w h e n n i m
w i t h its subject f o r m s a n a d j e c t i v e
s e n t e n c e , it m a y b e r e n d e r e d in E n g
lish b y t h e p r e p o s i t i o n w i t h o u t , e. g .
O b e d i a d u a n - a e n k y i n n e n i m , li
terally: he shall eat f o o d (which) sall
i s n o t i n i. e . f o o d w i t h o u t s a l l , p r v . 4 .
{fr. ni a n d m u ) .
i m a d e f o , s. , ( o n - pi. a n - ) a p e r s o n
w h o h a s k n o w l e d g e a n d experience,
a n intelligent person , prv. 211.
(fr.
n i m , a d e , a n d the suffix fo).
i n i , s., ( o n - pi. a n - ) m a l e o f a n i m a l s ,
e. g. A k o k o y i y e n i n i , this f o w l
is a m a l e , cf. p r v . 1 7 7 ;
it o c c u r s
especially in composition w i t h the n a
m e s of animals, d e n o t i n g the m a l e sex,
e. g. n a n t y u n i n i , bull
a k o k o nini, cock;
cf. b e r r e .
i n i , s., (en-) the largest species o f
serpent f o u n d in W e s t e r n Africa, t h e
boa, syn. p a n t e n n e .
i n k u f o , s., ( o n - pi. a n - ) a jealous
m a n , cf. k o r a f o .
(fr. n i n k u n n u
a n d the suffix fo).
i n k u n n u , s., j e a l o u s y o f a m a n , cf.
k o r a ;
t y o n i n k u n n u , to be j e a
lous.
i p a, s., ( o n - pi. n n i p a ) m a n , h u m a n
b e i n g , p e r s o n , e. g. O n i p a t e a s a s e
s o k e t e w a b i n a o w n , m a n lives a
short time o n earth, a n d dies, cf. p r v .
252, 258;
pi. m e n , people, prv. 139,
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
187;
it is f r e q u e n t l y p u t a s o b j e c t
o r a t t r i b u t e , w h e r e it is n o t e x p r e s s e d
in E n g l i s h , e. g. O v o k a n i p a , a s n a k e
bites ( m a n )
A b e n t u a n i p a a n o i
the h o r n is p u t to t h e m o u t h , p r v . 1 3 2
(cf. Gr. §. 186).
i p a s a i , s., ( o n - pi. n n i p - ) e u n u c h .
(fr. n i p a a n d sai).
isii, s., tear.
(fr. e n i a n d s u
e n s u , prop, eye-water).
i t a m f o , s., ( o n - pi. a n - ) e n v i o u s o r
spiteful person.
(fr. nitafi a n d the
suffix fo).
i t a f i , s., e n v y , spite, hate.
(fr. e n i tafi, see eni).
i w a , s., a single c o w r y , cf. e n t r a m a .
y a v., to get, to receive, to obtain, a n d
in the perfect tense: to have, to p o s
sess, e. g. D a o s r a m w u a o n y a n ' a k a t n a , at the e n d o f e v e r y m o n t h he
g e t s his w a g e s , cf. p r v . 15, 1 2 3 , 134,
175;
M i n n y a d a b e r r e , I h a v e n o
sleeping-place, prv. 169
O k o t o n n y a
t i , tlie c r a b h a s n o h e a d , p r v . 7 4 , cf.
6 7 , 192;
n y a n e h u , to get oneself
i. e. t o b e c o m e a f r e e m a n , cf. p r v . 1 9 7 ,
249, a n d in the perf. tense: to be free
Ccf. d e n e h u ) , also: to be rich, prv.
25;
n y a a d e , t o g e t t h i n g s i. e . t o
g r o w rich, a n d in the perf. to be rich,
prv. 120, 125.
T h e negative of n y a frequently
supplies the place of a n adverb, being
p u t before the predicate, a n d d e n o t i n g
that the action expressed in the pre
dicate h a s u p to the present time not
b e e n p e r f o r m e d , t h o u g h its p e r f o r m a n c e
is e x p e c t e d ; in E n g l i s h it m u s t a c c o r d
ingly b e r e n d e r e d b y not y e t (cf. Gr.
§.179), e.g. M e n u a o n n y a o m b a i ,
n a m i s u s u s e o k a n n a o b e b a , m y
brother has not yet come, but I suppose
he will c o m e t o - m o r r o w
O y e a b o f r a , o n n y a o m f u b o g y e s e , h e is
a b o y , h e h a s got n o b e a r d y e t , cf.
prv. 77.
y a , s., ( o n y a ) slave, p r v . 1 9 7 ;
the
m o r e c o m m o n w o r d is a k o a .
y a , s., ( o n y a , pi. a n y a ) silkcottontree, a l a r g e tree of the African forests
2 1 9
of the trunk of w h i c h the n e g r o e s
m a k e tbeir canoes.
N y a , a. a n d a d v . , slow, slowly,
n o t
so m u c h used as the syn. b r e o ,
N y a a d o , s., a w o r d o f civility, a d d e d
to y a in reply to the salutation of a
m a n s u p e r i o r in r a n k , cf. y a .
(prob.
fr. n y a a n d a d e , its e t y m o l o g i c a l
m e a n i n g b e i n g weallhy m a n ) .
N y a m , v., to squint;
O n y a m n'eni,
he squints
O n y a m n ' e n i n i f a , he
squints with las right eye;
also intr.
N ' e n i a n y a m , h e is s q u i n t - e y e d .
N y a m e , s., ( O n y - ) the s u p r e m e being,
God.
2. h e a v e n , sky.
O n y a m e is
the m o r e c o m m o n w o r d for G o d in
Asante, w h e r e a s in A k w a p i m N y a f i k u p o n is m o r e f r e q u e n t l y used. T h e
o r i g i n o f t h e w o r d is u n c e r t a i n ; it is
evidently the s a m e as N y o n m o , the
t e r m for G o d in the G a or Accra-lan
g u a g e , cf. N y a n k u p o n .
N y a n s a , s., k n o w l e d g e , learning, wis
d o m ;
n i m n y a n s a , to possess k n o w
ledge, to be wise
O k y e r r e m i n y a n
s a , h e t e a c h e s m e k n o w l e d g e i. e . h e
instructs me.
N y a n s a f o , s., ( o n y - pi. a n y - ) a p e r
s o n w h o possesses k n o w l e d g e , a w i s e
or intelligent m a n .
(fr. n y a n s a
a n d the suffix fo).
N y a n , v., to a w a k e , e.g. A n o p a t u t u
m m o a i n i a r a n y a n fi e n d a m , in
the m o r n i n g all a n i m a l s a w a k e f r o m
sleep;
perf. a n y a n , to w a k e , to be
a w a k e , e. g. A n a d y o n a y a d a , a i v u a
n a y a n y a n , in the night w e sleep, in
the day w e wake.
tr. to w a k e , to
r o u s e , e. g. O n y a n m i fi e n d a m , h e
r o u s e d m e f r o m sleep.
N y a f i , v., to be sour, acid, e.g. A k u t u
y i n y a n , this o r a n g e is sour.
N y a n , a., sour, acid.
s., s o u r n e s s , acidity.
N y a n k u e n s u , s., r a i n - w a t e r , p r v . 197.
(fr. n y a n k u , w h i c h s e e m s to o c c u r
o n l y in c o m p o u n d s , a n d e n s u ) .
N y a n k u n t o n , s. , r a i n - b o w .
(fr.
n y a n k u , see the p r e c e d i n g w o r d , a n d
e n t o f i , see e n t o n k a ) .
2 2 0
N y a n k u p o n . s., ( O n y - ) the s u p r e m e
these derivations are futile, b # i n g
being, G o d , cf. N y a m $ ; - c o n c e i v e d
based o n a m i s a p p r e h e n s i o n o f t h e
p r o p e r phonetical f o r m of the w o r d s ,
hy. the n e g r o e s of the Oji-tribe as a
great spirit, living a b o v e , the a u t h o r
a s if p r o n o u n c e d y o m e a n d y a f i k u p o f i ; besides, the explanation of
of all g o o d , eternal a n d omnipotent,
the latter w o r d b y greatest friend
t o W h o m t h e c r e a t i o n o f t h e w o r l d is
ascribed , a n d the natural p h e n o m e n a
standing in direct opposition w i t h the
notions entertained b y the n e g r o e s of
of the a t m o s p h e r e , as thunder, light
the s u p r e m e being. W h a t m a y b e said
ning, rain, a n d to w h o m the d e c e a s e d
w i t h s o m e d e g r e e o f c e r t a i n t y is, t h a t
spirits of g o o d m e n are c o n v e y e d to
n y a n k u p o n is a c o m p o u n d o f n y a f i live u n d e r his d o m i n i o n in N y a n k u
k n a n d p o n . P o n s e e m s , f r o m its
p o n f i o r N y a n k u p o n k r n (cf. a b o n occurrence in other w o r d s as b e r e m s a m ) . O n the other h a n d , h o w e v e r ,
p o n , A k r o p o n , M a m p o f i a n d p e r
h e is c o n s i d e r e d as far f r o m the earth,
h a p s p o f i k o , to signify great or high.
too high, to trouble himself w i t h the
T h e derivation of n y a n k u is nncertain,
small affairs of m a n , w h o m for the
but v e r y p r o b a b l y n y a m e a n d n y a f i p r e s e n t life h e h a s p u t u n d e r the d o
k u are f r o m the s a m e root, a n d but
m i n i o n of the fetishes (see b o s o m ) ;
t w o different f o r m s of the s a m e w o r d .
a n d e v e n the idea of h i m as of a
T h e i r r o o t is p e r h a p s n y a f i , to a w a k e ,
s u p r e m e spirit is o b s c u r e a n d u n c e r
s u p p o s i n g the original m e a n i n g of this
tain, a n d often c o n f o u n d e d with the
v e r b to b e to rise, to raise, so that
visible h e a v e n s or sky, the u p p e r w o r l d
n y a f i k u a n d n y a m e , in their p r i m a r y
( s o r r o ) , w h i c h lies b e y o n d h u m a n
signification, w o u l d be s y n o n y m . e s of
r e a c h ; a n d h e n c e t h e s a m e w o r d is
s o r r o , the h i g h , that w h i c h is a b o v e ;
u s e d also for heavens, sky, a n d e v e n
p o n being a d d e d to n y a n k a for the
i f o r r a i n a n d t h u n d e r , e. g. E n s o r r o s a k e of giving a greater e m p h a s i s to
m a d a N y a n k u p o n s o , the stars are
it, s o t h a t t h e m e a n i n g o f N y a n k u
in the s k y
M i - a m i d a - y a n y a ,
p o n w o u l d be the very high, the most
mifihii N y a n k u p o n , though I a m
high. This hypothesis w o u l d easily a c
lying o n m y back I do not see the sky,
count for the circumstance, that b o t h
prv. 53
N y a n k u p o n b o m , it t h u n
w o r d s are u s e d also for sky, Iteavem
ders
N y a n k u p o n a b a or N y a n
a n d for the occurrence of n y a n k u in
k u p o n a t o , rain has fallen.
T o
the c o m p o u n d s n y a f i k u e n s u a n d
N y a n k u p o n the f o l l o w i n g epithets
are given: A m o s u , A m o v u a , D a n y a n k u n t o n .
m a n k a m a , T e t r e b o e n s u , T y p - N y a fi k u p o fi f i , s . , h e a v e n , t h e h o u s e o r
d u a m p o f i ,
a n d s o m e t i m e s K w a habitation of G o d a n d of the d e p a r t e d
m i n is a d d e d t o it, o t h e r w i s e a n a m e
spirits of g o o d m e n .
(ft. n y a n k u
g i v e n to a m a n w h o is b o r n o n t h e
p o n a n d fi).
sixth d a y of the w e e k (see M e m m e - N y a n k u p o n k r i i , s, heaven, the t o w n
r e d a ) .
A s to the e t y m o l o g y of the
o f G o d , the place w h e r e G o d lives
w o r d s N y a m e a n d N y a n k u p o n ,
a n d u n d e r his d o m i n i o n the d e p a r t e d
the f o r m e r has b e e n considered as a
spirits of g o o d m e n .
(fr. n y a n
derivative of y e , to m a k e , so as to
k u p o n a n d k r u ) .
signify creator; a n d t h e latter a s a N y i n , v., to g r o w , to increase in stature,
c o m p o s i t i o n o f y o fi k u a n d p o n , w h i c h
used especially of m a n a n d animals,
are explained b y greatest friend (see
prv. 112;
h e n c e in t h e p e r f . a n y ill,
the publication r A s h a n t e e a n d the Goldto b e g r o w n - u p , to b e old, e. g. V a n y in,
Coast b y J o h n B e e c h a m " , pag. 171 a n d
n e ti a f u d y g f i , h e is old, h e h a s g r a y
172). T h e r e c a n be n o doubt, that
hair
M u a n y i n s e n m i , y o u a r e
older than I;
negative: M i n y i f i i e ,
I a m not old.
2) to g r o w , to b e c o m e
b y a g r a d u a l p r o c e s s (cf. d a n ) , prv.
172.
N o , pr. pers . ( o n o ) he, him, she, her,
(it), e. g. M i n i o n o k a s a , / a n d h e
( o r s h e ) s p e a k i. e . / a m s p e a k i n g w i t h
M m (or her)
K o f r ? n o , go a n d
call hi m ( o r her)
K o k y e r r e n o
k w a n , go a n d s h o w h i m (or her) the
w a y ;
f o r it it i s u s e d o n l y a s t h e
o b j e c t o f a s e n t e n c e , e. g. K a n n e a
i pofi s o , k o f a n o b e r a , a hght
is s t a n d i n g o n the table, g o a n d fetch
it,
b u t is in this c a s e g e n e r a l l y left
out, e.g. O s r a m a y e r a , m i n h u b i o
instead o f m i n h u n o b i o , the m o o n
h a s d i s a p p e a r e d . I n o l o n g e r s e e it (cf.
G r . §. 1 8 6 , 3. ).
B e f o r e a n o t h e r v o w e l
t h e o o f n o is f r e q u e n t l y d r o p p e d ,
e. g . F y e n ' i y e , l o o k w e l l to it, cf.
prv. 128.
N o is o f t e n p u t a t t h e
e n d of a n accessary sentence, w h e r e
it is n o t t r a n s l a t e d in E n g l i s h , e. g.
N e a ' k o n e y e m n o , e n n i n e d e ,
w h a t h a s g o n e into his belly is his, p r v .
2 ?
A n u m a t e a f i r i m n o . a bird
w h i c h is in a s n a r e , p r v . 260.
N o , pr. d e m . , this, that, the, e. g. S e k a n
n o y e n a m , this k n i f e is s h a r p
M a
t n i a f y e e m f o n i n n e n o , let m e see
that picture;
n o is d i s t i n g u i s h e d f r o m
y i b y h a v i n g a less s t r o n g particu
l a r i z i n g p o w e r , a n d h e n c e it m a y o f t e n
b e r e n d e r e d m e r e l y b y the definite
article, e. g. F a k a n n e a n o m a m .
g w e m e the light (cf. G r . § . 1 1 2 )
a n d
is s o m e t i m e s n o t translated at alii
e.g. A k a a b o f r a n o b a a k o n , (the)
o n e b o g is w a n t i n g
S o n ' e n s a b a a k o n n o m (instead of n o m u ) , take
hold o f (the) o n e o f his hands.
O f
n o the plural n o m occurs, w h i c h a p
pears to b e used, w h e n a plurality of
p e r s o n s , k n o w n a s c o n n e c t e d , is r e
f e r r e d to, e. g. m e n u a n o m , m y b r o
thers a n d sisters
n e y i r r e n o m ,
his wives
a d y u m a y e f o n o m . the
labourers.
N o a , v., to c o o k , to boil, e. g. n o a a d u a n ,
2 2 1
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
to c o o k food, prv. 19, 170.
perf.
negative: v o n n o a i , they have not
c o o k e d o r boiled, e. g. N a m n o y e
m o m o n o , v o n n o a i , this m e a t is r a w <
it h a s n o t b e e n b o i l e d .
6 a r a , pr. pers. a n d d e m . , (on-) just
h e , t h e v e r y s a m e , e. g . O b a r r i m a ,
e n a r r a w o b u n o , o n o a r a ni, this
m a n is the v e r y s a m e , w h o m y o u s a w
yesterday.
(fr. n o a n d a r a ) .
o m , v., to d r i n k , e. g. n o m e n s u , to
drink water
n o m t a , to s m o k e
tobacco.
o m , pr. dem., see n o .
o m u m , a. a n d s., captive, captured,
prisoner;
k y i r r e n o m u m , to lake
prisoner.
o n o m a , s., little bell.
(dim. of don).
o p a o , a f o r m of salutation, used o n
taking leave in the evening, g o o d
night, to w h i c h t h e c o m m o n r e p l y is
d a y e.
u , v., to stir, e. g. n u m e k w a n m , to
stir the p a l m n u t - s o u p .
u a , s., brother, sister;
n u a b a r r i m a , brother
n u a b e a , sister
m e n u a n o m , m y brothers a n d sisters
i i f u , s., breast o f a f e m a l e , u d d e r .
u f u a n o , s. , p a p , nipple.
'fr. n u f u
a n d a n o).
u f u s v i , s., milk.
(fr. n u f u a n d s u
= e n s u , prop, w a t e r o f the breast).
e d a d u , adv., ten days ago.
(fr.
e n n e , d a , a n d e d u ) .
e n n a e n n a f i , adv., four d a y s a g o .
(fr. e n n e , n n a pi. o f d a , a n d a n a n ) .
e n n a e n n u m , adv., five d a y s ago.
(fr. e n n e , n n a pi. of d a , a n d a n u m ) .
e n n a e n s a , a d v . , t h r e e d a y s a g o i. e.
the day before yesterday.
(fr. e n n e ,
d a , a n d e s a ) .
e n n a e n s i a , adv., six days ago.
(fr. e n n e , d a , a n d a s i a , .
e n n a e n s o n , adv., seven days ago.
(fr. e n n e , d a , a n d a s o n ) .
e n n a e n k r o n , adv., nine days ago.
(fr. e n n e , d a , a n d a k r o n ) .
e n n a o t y o , a d v , eight d a y s a g o , this
day a week.
(fr. e n n e , d a , a n d
a o t y o ).
2 2 2
It
f t y u n n e , v., to w e a v e , to braid, to plait,
e. g. n y u n n e t a m , to w e a v e cloth
f i y u n n ' a k o t e , to w e a v e mats.
f t y i i n n e f o , s., ( o f i y - pi. a n y - ) w e a v e r ,
platter.
(fr. n y u n n e a n d the suf
fix fo).
ft w a m , s. , ( o f i w - pi. a n w - ) a l a r g e
bird that feeds o n p a l m n u t s , prv.
207, 208.
S w a n s a n a , s., fly, prv. 33.
N w a n s i , v.. to sneeze.
N w y i n n e , s., ( o f i w y - ) the cool o f the
e v e n i n g , e. g. M i p e n w y i n n e d o d o ,
/ like the cool o f the evening very m u c h
O n w y i n n ' a t o m o r O n w y i n n '
a d y o , the c o o l o f the e v e n i n g is c o m e .
N w y i n n e , a . , coot, cold, e. g. e n s u
n w y i n n e , cold water.
f t w y u n n e , v., to leak, to be leaky, e.g.
O d a f i n o f i w y u n n e , e n s u r e g u
f a m , this h o u s e is l e a k y , the w a t e r is
coming d o w n
O k r e n o f i w y u n n e ,
e n s u v o m , this c a n o e is l e a k y , t h e r e
is w a t e r i n it
K o r a n o a s e i , e r e n w y u n n e , this c a l a b a s h is b r o k e n , it
is leaking.
R w y u n n e , s., bitterness, e . g . S w y u n n '
e n t i m i n t u m i n n o m , for bitterness
f c a n n o t d r i n k it.
S w y n n n e , n w y u n n e n w y u n n e , a.,
bitter, e. g. A d r u n w y u n n e n w y u n n e
s a y e f u n n u m y a r r e , a bitter m e d i
cine cures a disordered stomach
E s i k r e y e f r e m f r e m , a d r u y e n w y u n
n e , n a a n k a y e n y a f i , s u g a r is
s w e e t , m e d i c i n e is bitter a n d a l u n e ^ i s
sour.
perfect tense, f o r m e d b y the a u g m e n t
a , it is c h a n g e d i n t o v , e. g. V a b a i
h e ( o r s h e ) is c o m e .
O h a , n u m . , (pi. a h a , see a h a n n u ,
a h a s s a etc.) h u n d r e d .
O k a n n a , a d v . t o - m o r r o w , e. g. O b e b a
o k a n n a or O k a n n a n a o b e b a , he
will c o m e t o m o r r o w
o k a n n a a n o p a t u t u , to m o r r o w morning.
O k a n n e k i , adv., the day after t o - m o r
row, e.g. O k a n n e k i n a m i k o a k u ra, the d a y after to m o r r o w I shall
g o to the plantation
(fr. o k a n n a
a n d eki).
, ,
O p e d u , num., ten thousand.
(fr. a p i m
a n d e d u ) .
O p e d u a k r o n , num., ninety thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a k r o n ) .
O p e d u a n a n , num., forty thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a n a n ) .
O p e d u a n i i m , n u m . , fifty thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a n u m ) .
O p e d u a o t y n , num., eighty thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a o t y o ) .
O p e d u a s a , n u m . , thirty thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d e s a ) .
O p e d u e n u , n u m . , t w e n t y thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d e n u ) .
O p e d u e s i a , n u m . , sixty thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a s i a ) .
O p e d u e s o n , num., seventy thousand.
(fr. o p e d u a n d a s o n ) .
O p e h a , num., h u n d r e d thousand.
(fr.
a p i m a n d o h a ) .
O t o d a b i a , a d v . , s o m e t i m e s , e. g. O t o d a b i a o b a , he comes sometimes
O t o d a b i a m i h u n o , I see him s o m e tones.
(fr. t o a n d d a b i fr. d a
a n d bi).
O .
P .
0 - ,
i n
Gr
he
he
(o
do
pr. pers., (the conjunctive for
d e p e n d e n t f o r m o f w h i c h is n
. §. 1 0 3 ) h e , s h e , e. g. O n a
( o r s h e ) is w a l k i n g there
O
( o r s h e ) is c o m i n g
O b e b
r she) witl c o m e
O n t e , he (
es not hear ;
w h e n prefixed
m,
o ,
m
r e
a ,
or
to
the P a , v.
e. g.
cf.
hence
h o ,
m p a
b a ,
wanti
he
tr. 1 )
she)
g a r m e
the
intr., perf.
N e ti a p
2) to be
n e fi d a
ng in his
to put off
n t , cf. y i
a p a , to be bald, bare,
a , his h e a d is bald.
w a n t i n g , e. g. E n s a
, p a l m - w i n e is n e v e r
h o u s e , cf. p r v . 109.
, to strip off (a n e g r o ) e. g. M i p a m e t a m ,
/ put off m y dress;
also w i t h the
p r e p , h u : to strip of, e. g. O p a m i
h u t a m , he stripped m e o f m y dress;
"
h e n c e p a e k y o w , to beg, see
e k y o w .
2) to strike in the t e r m
p a g y a , to strike fire, cf. a p a g y a .
3) perf. a p a , to contemn, to despise,
e. g. M a p a n o , / despise him.
4)
to p l a n e , t o s m o o t h w i t h a p l a n e , e. g.
O p a d u a s o , h e is p l a n i n g a piece o f
w o o d , cf. a p a s o .
P a , a., g o o d , e. g. o n i p a p a , a g o o d
m a n
e n s a p a , g o o d p a l m - wine
a h i n e p a , t h e g o o d i. e . p r e c i o u s c o r a l
a k u m a p a , a g o o d h e a r t i. e . j o y ,
gladness, see a k u m a .
(fr. p a , v.)
P a , s.. (pi. a p a ) h a n d - c u f f , m a n a c l e .
P a f o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) a p e r s o n w h o
w o r k s for w a g e s , hired labourer;
b o a p a f o , to hire labourers, cf. b o p a .
(fr. p a , see b o - p a , a n d the
suffix fo).
P a i , v. tr. , to split, to cleave, to crack,
e. g. p a i d u a , to split a p i e c e o f w o o d
2 ) to strike,
O p a i n o a s o m , he
struck h i m o n the ear.
3 ) to c a U
out, to c r y , in the expression: O s e f i
p a i tio, see s e n ;
h e n c e p a i mrafi,
to give a surname.
intr. 1) to spht,
to burst, to b r a n c h , e. g. O p r a n n a
d r u d u a m - a n a , e p a i , w h e n the
l i g h t m n g s t r i k e s a t r e e , it b u r s t s
O k w a n n o p a i a b i e f i , the r o a d
branches off into t w o ;
perf. a pai,
to be split, c r a c k e d , to h a v e a chink,
e. g. D u a n o a p a i , the tree is split
K o r a n o a p a i , the calabash has a
chink.
2 ) to p a i n , to a c h e , e. g. M e
ti p a i m i the s a m e as m e ti b e n
m i , m y h e a d aches.
3) perf. a p a i ,
to s h i n e , to flash, e. g. A i v u a ' p a i ,
the s u n shines
O s r a m a p a i , the
m o o n shines
O p r a n n a 'pai, the
lightmng flashes.
P a i p a i , v. frq. of p a i ,
tr. to spht
into m a n y pieces or to split m a n y
things.
intr. to burst asunder, to
fly into pieces, to g e t m a n y chinks or
cracks.
P a k a n f o , s,, ( o p - pi. a p - ) carrier o f
2 2 3
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
the travelling-basket, see a p a k a n .
(fr. a p a k a n a n d the suffix fo).
a k a n s o a f o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) the
s a m e as p a k a n f o .
(fr. a p a k a n ,
s o a , a n d the suffix fo).
a k i i m , s., ( o p - ) cold, catarrh;
y a r r e p a k u m , to be affected with a
catarrh.
a m , v. , to join, to m a k e b y joining,
e. g. p a m a d a k a , to m a k e a b o x ;
h e n c e to s e w , prv. 1 2 2 , a n d to m a k e
b y s e w i n g , e. g . ' p a m a f a d e , to m a k e
a coat.
2) to expel, to drive a w a y ,
e.g. A k o k o di w o y o n k u a i v u - a ,
p a m n o , w h e n a f o w l is e a t i n g y o u r
n e i g h b o u r ' s c o r n , d r i v e it a w a y , p r v . 3 4 ;
h e n c e to p u t to flight, to r o u t , p a m
d o m , to rout a n a r m y , syn. yi.
3) to clear the plantation of the shrub
b e r y that h a s b e e n cut d o w n .
(fr.
p a a n d m o ) .
a m , s., the l o w e r part of the back,
syn. sisi a n d s i s i e k i . ( f r . p a m , v . )
a m f o , s. , ( o p - pi, a p - ) s e w e r , s e a m
stress, tailor.
(fr. p a m a n d t h e s u f
fix f o ) .
a n i , s., (pi. e m p - ) needle, p r v . 122,
syn. a b u i .
(fr. p a m ) .
a n y i f i or p a n y i n n e , a., old, aged,
stricken in years (used of persons,
w h e r e a s d e d a w of things) e.g. M a y e
p a n y i n , / a m old
m e n u a p a
n y i n n e , m y elder brother.
s., ( o p - pi. e m p - ) o l d p e r s o n , adull,
o p p o s e d to a b o f r a , prv. 38, 142, 148,
152.
pi. E m p a n y i n o r E m p a n y i n n e f o , the elders, grandees of a
t o w n , w h o f o r m the council of the
caboceer or chief, e a c h of t h e m h a v i n g
his, particular c h a r g e , a s t h e s a f o h i n n e , military c o m m a n d e r , the f o t o s a n f o , treasurer, the k y ami-, speaker,
reporter, t h e b o f o , a m b a s s a d o r etc.,
cf. p r v . 180.
(fr. p a , p e r h a p s iden
tical w i t h the last syllable of o n i p a ,
see n i p a , a n d the v e r b n y i n ) .
a n y i n a s e m , s., ( o p - pi. e m p a n y i n B e m ) the w o r d , talk, or s p e e c h of a n
old m a n , h e n c e 1) w h a t a n old m a n
relates, legend, history, the narrative
of a n event that h a s h a p p e n e d in b y
g o n e times, for instance of a w a r or
law-suit,
k a p a n y i n a s e m , torelate such a n event.
2) the m o d e of
talking peculiar to a m a n a d v a n c e d
in years, h e n c e the expression: k a
e m p a n y i n s e m , to talk like a n old
m a n , t o t a l k w i s e l y a n d g r a v e l y , e. g.
A b o f r a n o k a e m p a n y i n s e m , this
child talks like a n old m a n .
(fr. p a n y i n a n d a s e m ) .
P a n n e m e r r i , s., ( o p - pi. a p-) a s p e c i e s
of snake.
P a n o . s . . E u r o p e a n bread, whealen bread,
cf. a b o d o a n d d o k o n n o .
(prob.
f r o m t h e P o r t u g u e s e , cf. t h e L a t i n
pants, a n d F r e n c h pain).
P a n t e n n e , s., ( o p - pi. a p-) t h e l a r g e s t
species of s n a k e , f o u n d in W e s t e r n
Africa, syn. nini).
P a n t y p n i n i , s. , ( o p - pi. a p - ) a s p e
c i e s o f b a t , c f . a m p a n a n d a h y li
re de.
P a n k r a n . s. , ( o p - pi. a p - ) a s m a l l
barrel, small cask.
P a p a , a d v . , v e r y , m u c h , e. g. O k a s a
p a p a , he talks m u c h ,
syn. d o d o .
(fr. p a , a.).
P a p o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) he-goat, syn.
a b e r r i kinini.
P a s s e o r p a s s e p a s s e , v., to walk, to
take a walk,
M i k o p a s s e p a s s e
k a k r a , / a m t a k i n g a little w a l k .
P a t a , v., to put together, to join;
h e n c e in connection w i t h other verbs
it s u p p l i e s t h e p l a c e o f a n a d v e r b ,
a n d m a y b e r e n d e r e d b y together , at
the s a m e lime, simullaneously, e.g. W o p a t a a d a b a f i a b i e n c e g y e m - a ,
b a a k o f i c e w , if y o u put t w o pieces
o f iron together into the fire, o n e will
be burned, prv. 72.
2) to compose,
to a d j u s t , to settle, e. g. p a t a a s e m ,
to c o m p o s e a law-suit
M i p a t a v o n
m a n s o , / c o m p o s e d their difference.
P a t a , s., (pi. e m p - ) a scaffold m a d e
of sticks, o n w h i c h plantain* a n d other
fruits are preserved, syn. a p a .
P a t a f o , s., ( o p - p i a p - ) peace-maker,
mediator.
(fr. p a t a , v., a n d <i>e
suffix fo).
P a t a k u , s., (pi. e m p - ) jackall, hyena.
P a t i r u w , v., (o slide, to slip,
h e n c e
figuratively: to commit a fault, prv.
151;
also v a t i r u w .
P a t i i , s (pi. e m p - ) owl.
P a w , v., to choose, to select, to pick W t ,
e. g. M i p a w n e a m i p e , I c h o o s e w h a t
I like
M i p a w e n t r a m a f u f u
/ a m picking out the while cowries
M i p a w e n k o k o k e s e , I select the.
l a r g e f o w l s , cf. p r v . 2 1 6 .
P e a w , s., (pi. e m p - ) s p e a r , lance.
P e g y a f o , 8,, ( o p - pi. a p - ) heir, in
heritor, prv. 183.
P e m , v., to k n o c k against s o m e t h i n g ,
e. g. M e b a t y o w a p e m d u a , e n t i
e y e m i y a w , m y elbow has k n o c k e d
a g a i n s t a p i e c e o f w o o d , t h e r e f o r e it
hurts me.
P e m p e , s., (pi e m p - ) hillock, h e a p o f
earth,
P e m p e m . v. frq. of p e m , (o m o v e to
a n d fro, to thrust about, prv. 112.
P e n , v., to s q u e e z e , to p i n c h , e. g. O p e u
m ' a s o , he pinched m y ear.
P e n p e n , a., brittle, fragile, e . g . C i r a s e
y e p e n p e n , glass is fragile.
P e p e a , s., a k i n d o f y a m , cf. d e .
P e s i i , a., h e n - c o o p , s y n . a k o k o b u .
P e t e , v., to scatter, to strew, e. g. O p e t e
a b r o m a e n k o k o , he strews corn
for the fowls.
P e t e , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) vullure, c a r r i o n kile, o n e of the m o s t c o m m o n a n d
useful birds of W e s t e r n Africa, feed
ing o n carrion, h e n c e v i e w e d as sacred
to the fetish;
it h a s t h e e p i t h e t s :
a k r a m p a , b u r r e b i f i , k o k o s e k i .
P i a , v., to c o m m a n d , to o r d e r , e. g.
O p i a m i o s e m i n y e a d y u m a yi,
h e o r d e r e d m e to d o this w o r k
O s a f o h i n n e p i a d o m , the w a r - c h i e f
c o m m a n d s the army.
P i a , s., ( e m p - ) a small r o o m , store
r o o m , w a r e h o u s e , syn. p u m p u n n n .
P i a p i a , v. frq. of p i a , to c o m m a n d ,
e. g. O s a f o h i n n e p i a p i a d o m . t h e
war-chief c o m m a n d s the army.
P i k i , s., ( e m p - ) mattress.
P i p r l , a l s o p i p r i p i , a . , thick, e. g.
d u a p i p r l , a thick stick.
2. dense,
e. g. m u n u n k u m p i p r l , a d e n s e fog.
P i r a , v., to w o u n d , e.g. M a p i r a m ' e n
s a , / h a v e w o u n d e d m y hand.
intrperf. a p i r a , to be w o u n d e d , to h a v e
a w o u n d , e.g. M ' e n s a a p i r a , m y h a n d
is w o u n d e d
M a p i r a v o m ' e n s e m ,
/ have a w o u n d in m y hand.
P i r a , s., w o u n d .
P i r a f o , s., ( o p - pi. a p-) a p e r s o n w h o
is w o u n d e d .
(fr. p i r a a n d t h e s u f
fix fo).
P i r a k r i i , s. , w o u n d .
(fr. p i r a a n d
k m ) .
P i r a p i r a , v. frq. of p i r a , to w o u n d
repeatedly or in m a n y places, to in
flict w o u n d s .
intr. perf. to be w o u n d e d
in s e v e r a l p l a c e s , to h a v e w o u n d s , e. g.
M a p i r a p i r a m ' e n s a h u a n u m , /
have five w o u n d s in m y hand.
P i r r e , v . , to d e f e n d , to p r o t e c t , e. g.
O p i r r e n e h u o r ' O p i r r e n e ti, he
defends himself
M i p i r r e m e ti fi
n e s o t o r r e h u , / defend m y h e a d
against his blows
M i p i r r e n o n a
v o f i k u m n o , / defended him that Ihey
m i g h t n o t kill him, cf. p r v . 238.
P i t i , s., s w o o n , fainting-fit;
t o piti,
to s w o o n a w a y , to faint, prv. 83.
P i t r i , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) a k i n d o f r i v e r fish, prv. 200.
P o , v. , to d r o p the leaves , to g r o w
l e a f l e s s , e. g. A k a k u m a s e d u a y i
b e p o , this tree will s o o n lose its l e a v e s ;
perf. a p o , to b e leafless, e. g. D u a
y i a p o , this tree is leafless.
P o , s., ( e p . pi. e m p - ) sea, o c e a n .
P o d o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) a l a r g e k i n d
of pot.
P o f o n i , s. , ( o p - pi. a p o f o f o ) fisher.
P o k y e r e , s., ( e m p - ) fetter for the
feet.
P o m a , s., (pi. e m p - ) stick, staff.
P o m p o , s., (pi. e m p - ) c a r i c o u s t u m o u r .
P o m p r o n , v frq. of p r o f i , to b e n d
m u l t i t u d i n o u s l y , h e n c e to w r i n k l e , e. g.
M i p o m p r o f i m e m o m a , l a m w r i n k ling m y forehead.
intr, to be w r i n k -
2 2 5
led, to get wrinkles, perf. a p o m p r o n ,
to b e w r i n k l e d , to h a v e w r i n k l e s , e. g.
A k o k o r a n ' e n i m a p o m p r o n , the
f a c e o f a n o l d m a n is w r i n k l e d .
P o f i , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) d o o r , gate, hatch,
cf. d a f i a n o p o f i .
2 ) table, cf. d i dipofi.
P o n k o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) horse.
P o n k o b a , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) coll, foal.
(fr. p o n k o a n d b a ) .
P o n k o b e r r e , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) mare.
(fr. p o f i k o a n d b e r r e ) ,
P o n k o n i n i , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) stonehorse , stallion.
( fr. p o n k o a n d
nini).
P o n k o s a i , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) castrated
horse, gelding.
(fr. p o n k o a n d sai).
P o p a , v., to wipe, to w i p e off, e.g. P o p a pofi so, wipe the table
O p o p a
n ' e n i m fifiri, he w i p e d off the per
spiration f r o m his face,
syn. kita.
(prob. a frequentative of pa).
P o p a , s., (pi. e m p - ) b r a n c h o f the
palm-tree, of the a b e , prv. 38, 145.
P o p o , v. intr., to tremble, to s h a k e ,
O p o p o or N e h u p o p o or N e h u n a m p o p o , he trembles.
tr. to shake,
e.g. E m f r a m a p o p o n n u a , t h e w i n d
shakes the trees;
syn. c i m , p o s o w ,
v o s o w .
P o s a , v., to rub ( w i t h the hands), e.g.
p o s a ta, to r u b the tobacco
E n t a m a n o a b i r r i m i p o s a , the dress is
d i r t y , I a m r u b b i n g it
A v o w a d i
m ' e n s a , n a m i p o s a , m y h a n d s are
cold, therefore I a m rubbing them;
a l s o w i t h t h e p r e p , s o , e. g. M i p o s a
m e k o k o so, I a m rubbing m y chest.
P o s i , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) a k i n d o f e a r t h e n
vessel, cf. k u k u .
P 6 s i e , s. , t h e y o u n g e s t c h i l d , a c h i l d
b o r n to a m a n in his age,
M e p o s i e n i o r M e b a p o s i e n i , this is m y
youngest child.
P o s o w , v. intr., to tremble, to shake,
M e h u p o s o w or M e h u n a m p o s o w ,
/ a m trembling.
tr. to shake, to m o v e ,
e. g. E m f r a m a p o s o w a h a b a f i , the
w i n d shakes the leaves;
syn. c i m .
p o p o , v o s o w .
2 9
2 2 6
P o t o f o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) f o r e i g n e r , o n e
w h o d o e s n o t s p e a k Oji.
P o t 6 w , v. tr., to k n e a d , to p o u n d , to
beat, e. g. p o t o w m o r r e , to k n e a d
the d o u g h
p o t o w d o t e , to k n e a d
clay ( w i t h the feet).
intr., perf.
a p o t o w , to be k n e a d e d o r p o u n d e d ,
to b e p r e p a r e d b y k n e a d i n g or p o u n d
i n g , e. g. D o t e n o a p o t o w ;
syn.
v o w .
P r a , v., to s w e e p , e. g. p r a d a n m , to
s w e e p the house
p r a a b o n t e n so,
to s w e e p the street, prv. 54.
P r a , s., a r m a d i l l o , p r v . 237.
P r a i , s., ( o p r - pi. a p r - ) b r o o m , b e s o m ,
brush.
(fr. p r a , v.).
P r a k o or p r e k o , s., (pi. e m p r - )
pig, hog.
P r a k o b a , s., y o u n g pig, farrow.
(fr. p r a k o a n d b a ) .
P r a k o b e r r e , s., s o w , female pig.
(fr. p r a k o a n d b e r r e ) .
P r a k o n i n i , s. , boar.
(fr. p r a k o
a n d nini).
P v a n n a, s. , ( o p r - ) t h u n d e r , lightning,
thunder-storm, tornado,
O p r a n n a
, ' p a i , t h e l i g h t n i n g f l a s h e s , it l i g h t e n s
O p r a n n a b o m , it t h u n d e r s
O p r a n
n a si o r d r u , the lightning strikes
O p r a n n a e k i n a o s u to d a , after
t h u n d e r it a l w a g s r a i n s .
P r i m , v., to burn, to be singed, scorched,
p a r c h e d , e. g. W o k u s a o d e b e b r e b e - a , e p r i m , if y o u roast the g a m too
m u c h , it is b u r n t , p r v . 2 4 6 .
P r o n t 6 m , s., ( o p r - pi. a p r - ) pocketknife.
(fr. p r o n a n d t o m ) .
P r o n , v., to b e n d , e. g. p r o n n e n a f i k r o m a , to b e n d one's k n e e
p r o n
n e m n , to b e n d one's back.
P r u w , a., r o u n d ;
s e e m s to b e o b s o
lete, cf. k r u k r u a .
P r e k o n , a d v . , o n c e , e. g. M a h u n o
p r e k o n p e , I have seen h i m but once.
2 ) a t o n c e , e. g . E n i n i m e n n e
n i p a p r e k o n , the b o a swallows a
m a n at once.
( p r o b . fr. p e n a n d
a k o f i ) .
P r e m o , a., ( o p r - pi. a p r - ) c a n n o n .
P r e m o b a , s., c a n n o n - b a l l .
(fr. p r e
m o a n d b a or a b a ) .
P r o w , v., to rot, to p u t r e f y , e. g. D u a
n o b e p r o w e n t e m , this w o o d will
soon rot;
perf. a p r o w , to be rotten,
putrid, e.g. N a m n o a p r o w , the m e a t
is putrid.
P u a , v., to challenge, to irritate, to pick
u p a q u a r r e l w i t h s o m e b o d y , e. g. O k i s i
m p u a g y a h i n n e , a rat does not chal
lenge a leopard.
P u a p u a , v. frq. o f p u a , to challenge.
P u e , v. , to c o m e f o r t h , to a p p e a r , e. g.
O p u e a b o n t e n s o , h e is c o m i n g f o r t h
into the street.
2) to rise, o f sun,
m o o n , a n d stars, e. g. A i v u a p u e ,
t h e s u n is rising,
syn. s o r r e .
P u m p u n n u , s . , small r o o m , store-room,
store-house, syn. pi a.
P e , v., to like, to love, e . g . M i m p e n o ,
/ dont like h i m
A m p a f i p e s u m .
the bat likes the d a r k ;
p e a tutu,
to be quarrelsome
M i m p e n ' a s e m ,
/ d o n t l i k e h i s w o r d i. e . I w i l l h a v e
n o t h i n g to d o w i t h h i m
O p e a t u t u
d o d o , e n t i o b i a r a m p e n ' a s e m ,
h e is v e r y q u a r r e l s o m e , t h e r e f o r e n o
b o d y will h a v e anything to do with h i m
p e a d e f u d e , to be g r e e d y , see
a d e f u d e ;
f o l l o w e d b y the conj.
se, to like to, e. g. M i p e s e m i t e
n ' a s e m , / like to hear his talk
2)
to wish, to w a n t , will, f o l l o w e d b y t h e
a u g m e n t e d infinitive, or b y the conj.
s?, or b y the perfect tense (cf. Gr.
§. 188. 2 1 4 , 3. 2 2 1 ) , e. g. W o p e a k a
a s e m a k y e r e N y a n k u p o n - a , if y o u
w a n t to tell a n y t h i n g to G o d , p r v . 79,
cf. 2 4 7
O p e s e o h u a d e i n i a r a
k r o n k r o f i , he w a n t s to k n o w e v e r y
thing clearly
M i p e m a k a ase.ni
m a k y e r e n o , / w i s h to tell h i m
something.
P e , s. , ( o p e ) t h e d r y s e a s o n , d u r i n g
the first m o n t h s of the year, m a r k e d
b y a cool north-easterly wind, e x t r e m e
drought, a cloudless sky, a n d a d e n s e
f o g filling the atmosphere, c a u s e d b y
clouds of dust w h i c h p r o b a b l y a r e
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
excited b y the w i n d in the m o r e re
m o t e interior.
? , a., like, alike, s a m e ;
y e p e a n d
s e p e , to b e alike, to b e t h e s a m e , e. g.
N n i p a a b i e n - a v o k o yi, se p e , the
t w o m e n w h o are walking (there) are
like each other
A s e m a b i e n n o
a s e s e p e , the m e a n i n g o f these t w o
w o r d s is the s a m e .
e , adv., just, exactly, but,
a p p e a r s
to b e used o n l y in connection w i t h
n u m e r a l s , e. g. A d a t S a n a f i p e v o
k r u y i m , there are but four houses
in this village;
cf. p e p e .
e b e r r e , s., ( o p - ) t h e d r y s e a s o n , cf.
pe.
(fr. p e , s , a n d b e r r e ) .
e n , s., pen.
( a d o p t e d f r o m the
English).
e n , s. , (pi. e m p - ) time, d e n o t i n g t h e
f r e q u e n c y o f a n a c t i o n , e. g. M a h u
s o n n o e m p e n a b i e s a , / have seen
a n elephant three times
W a k o A b u d e e m p e n a h e ? h o w m a n y limes w e r e
y o u in A b u d e ?
N e g w a f i t e w
e m p e n a b i e n , his sheep r a n a w a y
twice, prv. 156.
adv., once, in interrogative sentences :
ever, in negative sentences: never, e.g.
M i b i s a n o s e v a b a k r u m h a p e n
a n a ; o b u a m i o s e : m a b a h a p e n ,
/ asked h i m whether he h a d ever been
in this t o w n ; h e a n s w e r e d m e : I h a v e
been here once
M i n t e yi p e n , /
n e v e r h e a r d this
N e h u y e d e n ,
o n y a r r e p e n , h e is v e r y h e a l l h y , h e
i s n e v e r ill.
e p e i , a., covetous, avaricious.
s., covetousness, a v a r i c e , s y n . e n k e k y e .
(fr. p e b y reduplication).
e p e i f o , s., ( o p - pi. a p - ) o n e w h o is
covetous, avaricious person, miser, syn.
k e k y e f o .
(fr. p e p e i a n d t h e s u f
fix fo).
e p e , adv., exactly , just ,
put after
n u m e r a l s , e. g. V o s i n n i p a o h a p e
p e v o k r u y i m , there are exactly a
h u n d r e d people in this town.
(redu
plication of p e ) .
e s ? , s e e m s to occur o n l y in the p h r a s e
2 2 7
N e h u p e s ? or N e h u y e p e s ? , he
is quite well.
P o w , s., k n o t , e. g. P o w y i y ? d e n
s e , m i n t u m i n s a n , this k n o t is too
tight, I c a n n o t u n t i e it
b o p o w , to
lie a k n o t , to tie into a k n o t , e. g. b o
h a m m a p o w , to tie a r o p e into a k n o t .
2) knuckle, e . g . n a n p o w , the anklebone.
S.
S a , v. intr. , to diminish, to pass a w a y ,
to e n d , to c o m e to a n e n d , e. g. M e
t a r e s a n ' k a k r a f i k a k r a , m y to
b a c c o is g r a d u a l l y d i m i n i s h i n g , c o m i n g
to a n e n d ;
especially in the perf.
a s a , to be at a n end, to be done, to be
gone, to be spent, ended, past, negative :
e n s a y e (cf. G r . §. 7 9 ) , e. g. M ' e n t r a m a i n i a r a a s a , m i ni bi bie.
D a b i , e n s a y e , e b i v o w o a d a k a m ,
all m y cowries are spent, I h a v e n o
more. N o , they are not ( < d Q spent,
there a r e s o m e in y o u r b o x , cf. prv. I l l
M e y a r r ' a s a , m e h u a y ? m i
d e n b i o , m y disease is past, I h a v e
b e c o m e heallhy again.
2) to recover
in the c o m p o u n d M e h u a s a , / h a v e
recovered.
tr. to finish, to c o n s u m e ,
to spend,
it o c c u r s t h u s especially
in connection w i t h other verbs, s u p
p l y i n g t h e p l a c e o f a n a d v e r b , e. g.
d i n a s a , t o e a t a n d f i n i s h i. e. t o e a t
u p
W o t o n w o tu'-a, m i n i w o
b e d i n a s a ( f r o m a s o n g ) , if y o u
sell y o u r g u n , I a n d y o u w i l l e a t it u p
i. e . w e w i l l s p e n d t h e m o n e y i n
feasting.
h e n c e 2) to cure, to heal
(i.e. t o finish t h e disease), e. g. V a s a
m e y a r r e , he has c u r e d m y disease
A d r u n w y u n n e n w y u n n e s a
y ? f u n n u m y a r r e , a bitter m e d i c i n e
cures a disordered stomach.
S a , s., ( o s a ) w a r ,
k o s a , to g o to
war, prv. 187.
S a , a d v . , s o , t h u s , e. g . S a n a y e , .so
it is r i g h t
O s e s a or S a n a ose,
so he said
S a n a v o f r e n ' a r a
n e n , s o t h a t is called,
cf. se.
2 2 8
S a b o f o , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) c a r o u s e r ^
drunkard.
(fr. a s a b o or e n s a b o
a n d the suffix fo).
S a f i , s., (pi, e n s - ) key.
S a f i , s., b u n d e l o f g r a s s .
(fr. s a r r e
a n d fi, s.)
S a f i k e s a w , s. , b u n c h o f keys.
(fr.
safi a n d k e s a w ) .
S a f o h i n n e , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) w a r - c h i e f ,
c o m m a n d e r o f a n a r m y , p r v . 201, cf.
p a n y i n ;
syn. d o m a n i n .
(fr.
a s a f o a n d h i n n e ) .
S a i , s., ( o s - pi. as-) e u n u c h , gelding,
castrated m a n or a n i m a l ; hence fre
quently c o m p o s e d w i t h the n a m e s ot
a n i m a l s , cf. n a n t y u s a i , p o n k o s a i .
S a k i r a , v., to c h a n g e , to aller, e. g. M e
t a m a f o w , m i k o s a k i r a , m y clothes
are wet, I a m going to change them;
h e n c e figuratively : s a k i r a n ' a k u m a ,
to change one's heart or m i n d
s a
k i r a n ' a d y p n n e , to change one's
thoughts or purpose, views.
S a m a, s., figures m a d e o n t h e h e a d b y
u n e q u a l cutting of the hair, prv. 188.
S a m a n , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) skeleton.
2 ) d e p a r t e d spirit, ghost, goblin, spectre.
S a n s a , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) a c o m m o n
bird of prey.
S a n , v . , to f l o w , to r u n , e. g. E n s u
safi, water flows
A s u b o n t e f i safi,
the river flows.
2 ) to r e t u r n , e. g.
M i safi fi b e p o s o , / a m r e l u m i n g
f r o m the m o u n t a i n ;
m o s t l y connected
w i t h k o or b a , denoting the particu
l a r d i r e c t i o n , e. g. M a y e n s a f i k o
f i e b i o , let u s r e t u r n h o m e a g a i n
O n i p a a w u - a , o b e s a f i a b a bio,
w h e n a m a n is d e a d , h e will r e t u r n
again (by m e t e m p s y c h o s i s , a c c o r d i n g
to the ideas of the n e g r o e s ) ;
also
safi e k i r r i , to return (back).
3)
to l o o s e , to untie, to l o o s e n , e. g. s a f i
p o w , to untie a k n o t
safi h a m m a .
to loose a r o p e ;
perf. a s a f i , to be
untied, l o o s e n e d , to b e loose, n o t tight,
e.g. M e t a m a s a f i , m y dress is loose,
wide.
4) to infect, e. g. O y a r r e
a s a f i m i , the disease has infected me.
S a f i , v., to d r a w a hne, to m a k e a stroke,
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
for instance w i t h a stick in the sand'
M i r e s a f i f a m , I a m d r a w i n g a line
o n the g r o u n d , cf. s e n s a n.
a f i , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) b a r n , shed, a h u t
erected o n poles in a plantation, in
w h i c h fruits, as I n d i a n corn, y a m etc.,
are laid up.
a r r e , s., a l o n g g r a s s u s e d b y the
n e g r o e s to c o v e r their houses.
a s a b o n s a m , s., a n i m a g i n a r y evil
being.
T h e literal m e a n i n g of the
w o r d is Devil o f the earth , in c o n t r a
distinction to the a b o n s a m , s u p p o s e d
to live in the u p p e r regions, in the
w o r l d of spirits. T h e s a s a b o n s a m
is c o n c e i v e d a s a m o n s t r o u s b e i n g ,
h a v i n g a h u g e b o d y of h u m a n shape,
but of a red colour a n d w i t h v e r y
l o n g hair, living in the deepest recess
of the forest, w h e r e a n i m m e n s e silkc o t t o n - t r e e is his a b o d e , i n i m i c a l to
m a n , especially to the priests, but the
friend a n d chief of the sorcerers a n d
w i t c h e s , cf. p r v . 45.
(fr. a s a s e a n d
a b o n s a m ) .
a w , v. , to dance.
a w , v., to take u p f r o m the g r o u n d
(a collective multitude), to d r a w , e. g
s a w e n s u , to d r a w water.
a w , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) t h e c l u s t e r o f
fruits of the b a n a n a or plantain-tree,
cf., d r u .
e , v . , t o s a y , e. g . S e n ' i y e , s a y it
right
O n s e biribi, he said nothing
O s e s a , so h e said. It is u s e d e s p e
cially in quoting the w o r d s of a n o t h e r
p e r s o n , e. g. O s e o b e b a e m p r i f i p r i n , he said he w o u l d c o m e i m m e
diately
B a t a f o s e e n y e n ' a n o ,
t h e w i l d h o g s a y s it is n o t h i s m o u t h .
p r v . 1 1 5 , cf. 1 2 , 2 7 , 52, 1 0 1 etc.
K o n t r o m f i se: m e s u m a f i n i m ' e n i ,
the c h i m p a n z e e s a y s : m y c h a r m is m y
eye, p r v . 90, cf. 36, 86, 119, 162, 1 6 9 ,
185 etc.
W h e n thus u s e d in t h e
n e g a t i v e , it is g e n e r a l l y p u t t w i c e ,
e. g. O n i p a r e b a , w o n s e n s e : b e r a ,
w h e n a m a n is c o m i n g , y o u d o n o t s a y :
c o m e , p r v . 43, cf. 67, 131, 153, 161, 196.
S e , s. , ( e s e ) tooth, the teeth, p r v . 44,
163, 235.
S e a b a w , v., to gird, to bind r o u n d the
loins, e. g. O s e a b a w n ' e n t a m a , he
girds his garment.
S e b o , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) l e o p a r d , p a n t h e r ,
syn. g y a h i n n e ;
it h a s a n u m b e r
-of epithets, as k e t e b o , a d a m a k w a d y o , k u r n t y a m e n s a .
S e d a , s., velvet.
S e i , v. tr., to m a k e useless, to spoil, to
corrupt, to d a m a g e , to ruin, prv. 1, 16.
intr. to g r o w useless, to spoil, to g o
to ruin, a n d perf. a sei, to be spoiled,
ruined.
S e i , s. , ( o s - ) k m g , m a j e s t y ,
title o f
the k i n g of A s a n t e a n d his royal v a s
sals, p u t b e f o r e h i s n a m e , e. g. O s e i
K w a k u D u a (the n a m e of the present
k i n g of Asante).
S e k a n , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) knife.
S e k a n f u a , s., (os- pi. as-) the blade
o f a knife, prv. 157.
( p r o b . fr. s e k a n
a n d a f o a ) .
S e n s a n , v. frq. of safi, to d r a w m a n y
lines, to c o v e r with lines.
S e n s e n , v.frq. o f s e n , tocut, tocarve;
h e n c e to cut off, to peel ( a fruit b y
cutting a w a y its rind b y s m a l l pieces,
cf. v a i a n d h u a f i ) e. g. s e n s e n a b r o b e , to peel a pine -apple (in the w a y
mentioned).
S e n , v., to surpass, to excet, to exceed,
to o u t - d o , e. g. W o s e n m i a d i d i ,
y o u out-do m e in eating, prv. 71
M i s e n n o a d y u m a y e , I out-do h i m
in w o r k i n g
O s e n m i a k y i n n e k a ,
he out-does m e in beating the drum, or
h e c a n b e a t the d r u m better t h a n I , cf.
prv. 231;
h e n c e to be beller o r to
b e w o r s e than, e.g. W o t o b o a s e e y i
s e n s e w o f a a b u f u , If y o u have
patience, that is better t h a n if y o u g r o w
a n g r y
A n o p a t i r u w - a , esefi
n a m o n , t h e s t u m b l i n g o f the m o u t h is
w o r s e than that of the feet, prv. 151.
L i k e k y e f i , it supplies, in c o n n e c
tion w i t h a n o t h e r v e r b or w i t h a n
adjective , the place of a conjunction,
d e n o t i n g a difference in degree; a n d
2 2 9
m u s t then b e r e n d e r e d b y the c o m
parative of a n adjective w i t h the conj.
than, or b y a n a d v e r b in the c o m
parative w i t h the conjunction than, as
m o r e than, better than, rather than etc.
e. g. O p o i l k o y e k e s e s e n n a n t y u
o r O p o n k o s e n n a n t y u k e s e , a
h o r s e is l a r g e r t h a n a b u l l o c k
N y a n s a
y e s e n s i k a o r N y a n s a s e n s i k a
e y e , w i s d o m is better t h a n g o l d
M u a n y i n s e n m i , y o u are older than
I
M u t u t u m i r i k a s e n m i , y o u
can r u n better than I;
w h e n the
c o m p a r i s o n is m a d e b e t w e e n t w o a c
tions or qualities, a n d s e n a c c o r d i n g l y
c o n n e c t s t w o p r e d i c a t e s , it is f o l l o w e d
b y t h e conj. s e , e. g. O y e k w a s i a
s e n s e o y e b o n n e , h e is m o r e s t u p i d
O p e s e o b o k r o n n o
than wicked
s e n s e o y e a d y u m a , he likes better
to steal than to w o r k ;
cf. k y e f i .
S e n , v., to cut, to carve, to m a k e b y
cutting or carving, e.g. s e n a k o n w a
o r a g w a , to m a k e a stool (the c o m
m o n stool of the n e g r o e s to b e u n d e r
s t o o d , w h i c h is c a r v e d o u t o f o n e
piece of w o o d , w h e r e a s w i t h reference
to another stool or chair p a m w o u l d
b e used)
s e n e n t a k a r a , to m a k e
a p e n
s e n a n o , to cut the point
i. e . t o p o i n t , t o m a k e p o i n t e d , e . g . s e n
d u a a n o , to point a piece o f w o o d ,
prv. 224.
S e n , v., to pass a w a y , to perish, syn.
t y o m .
S e r i k i , s., silk.
S e r r e , v., to beg, to ask, e.g. O s e r r e
w o h u a d e , he begs Cthings) o f you,
prv. 68.
M i s e r r e e n s u k a k r a
m a n o m , / b e g f o r a little w a t e r to
drink
M i s e r r e n o e n t r a m a k a
k r a , / a s k e d h i m for s o m e cowries.
S e r r e , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) thigh.
S e r r e b o , s., ( o s - pi. as-) grindingstone.
(fr. s e w a n d b o ) .
S e r r e m , s., g r a s s y plain.
(fr. s a r r e
a n d m u ) .
S e r r e m s e i , s., e p i t h e t o f t h e lion, cf.
I g y a t a .
(the literal m e a n i n g of the
2 3 0
w o r d is p r o b a b l y king o f the g r a s s y
g w a si h o , a c h a i r is s t a n d i n g t h e r e
plain, fr. s e r r e m a n d s e i ) .
T u m p a u s i p o n s o , a bottle is
S e r r e s e r r e , v. frq. of s e r r e , to beg
standing onthetable
A d a k a si p o n
m u c h , to beg constantly, to mendxcate,
a s e, a b o x is s t a n d i n g u n d e r t h e table
e. g. O n i p a o s e r r e s e r r e n e a m a
O h i n n e d a n si k r u e m f i n e m f i n i ,
v o f r e n o h u a f o , a m a n w h o always
the c h i e f s h o u s e is s t a n d i n g in the m i d s t
begs, is called a beggar.
o f the town.
2 ) to stick, to be stuck,
S e r r o a , s., c o w r i e s ,
not m u c h used,
t o sit, to p e r c h , e. g . E n t a k a r a s i n e
t h e c o m m o n w o r d b e i n g e n t r a m a.
k y o w e k i or n e k y o w so, a feather
S e s a w , v. frq. o f s a w , to take u p ( a
is s t u c k o n his h a t
P a t u si d u a collective quantity or multitude f r o m
b a s a s o , a n o w l is p e r c h i n g o n the
the ground), to d r a w (as w a t e r ) repeat
twig.
3) to c o m e d o w n , to descend,
e d l y o r to d r a w a g r e a t q u a n t i t y , e. g.
syn. d r u , e.g. O f i d u a s o o s i f a m ,
s e s a w e n s u , to d r a w water
s e s a w
b e c a m e d o w n f r o m the tree;
hence:
e n v i a , to take u p s a n d
s e s a w
M u n u n k u m e r e s i , a f o g is c o m i n g
e f i g u r a , to take u p the sweepings a n d
a n d o f lightning: to d e s c e n d into,
carry t h e m a w a y , prv. 54.
to strike, e. g. O p r a n n a s i d u a m ,
S e s e , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) s m a l l h o u s e , hut,
the lightning d e s c e n d e d into a tree L e.
cottage.
s t r u c k a t r e e , cf. d r u .
4) to be, to
S e s e , adv. , immediately, instantly, s u d
a m o u n t to,
si b e i n g u s e d as c o p u l a
d e n l y , e. g. S e s e n a m i r e b a , / a m
w h e n the p r e d i c a t e is a n u m e r a l (cf.
coming immediately
E m p r i n p r i n
Gr. §.166), e. g. E s i a b i e f i , there a r e
n a m i h u n o , n a s e s e v a y e r a , just
V o s i a n u m p e , there are but
t w o
n o w I s a w him, a n d s u d d e n l y he dis
five
M m o f r a a h e n a v o h o ? v o s i
appeared.
a d u o n u , h o w m a n y boys are there?
S e s e a r a , adv., immediately, instantly,
there are twenty.
tn a trice, in a twinkling, expressing
tr. 1 ) to put, to place, to set, e. g. F a
the s a m e as s e s e , but m o r e e m p h a
k a n n e a n o si p o n s o , put the light
tically.
(fr. s e s e a n d the t e r m i n a
onthetable
O d e h o n i o s i n e d a n
tion a r a ) .
S n o , he placed a n idol before his door.
S e s i e , v. frq. o f s i e , to a r r a n g e , to p u t
2) to erect, to build ( a h o u s e o f
in order, to m a k e ready, to put in rea
s t i c k s , cf. d a n , w h e r e a s t o to b u i l d
diness, e.g. O r e s e s i e n e n e a m a , he
a s t o n e - h o u s e ) , e. g. O s i d a n , h e
is p u t t i n g his t h i n g s in o r d e r
M a se
builds a house.
3 ) to p u s h w i t h t h e
sie m e d a n m , / h a v e put m y house
h o r n s , to g o r e , e. g. A b e r r i k i d e n e
in order
M a y e n s e s i e ' y e n h u
m m e n n a si n o , the goat p u s h e d h i m
a n s a n a y e n u r a a b a , let u s p u t
w i t h its h o r n s
A p a p o si, the r a m s
ourselves in readiness before o u r master
are pushing, goring each other.
comes.
2 ) to settle, to c o m p o s e , to
m a k e p e a c e , e. g. V a s e s i e v o n e n - S i e , v., to put, to s t o w in a p l a c e , p r v .
59.
2) to lay up, to preserve, to r e t e m , he has settled (the difference)
p
o
s
i
t
,
e
.
g. F a a d u a n n o k o s i e , take
between them.
this f o o d a n d p r e s e r v e it
V o m f a
S e w , v., to s h a r p e n , to grind, e. g. M i m
e
r
e
v
o
n
s
i
e
s
i
w
s
o
,
m
u
s
h
r
o
o m s are
s e w m e s e k a n , / a m sharpening m y
not reposited o n a n a n t ' s - M t , cf. p r v .
knife.
202.
3) to keep, to p e r f o r m a w o r d
S e w , s. , m o t h e r - i n - l a w .
(irregular
o r p r o m i s e , e. g. O s i e n ' a s o m , h e
d i m of S s e ) .
kept his word.
( s e c o n d a r y f o r m
S i , v. intr , to stand (of things that a r e
of si).
placed, w h e r e a s of m a n a n d a n i m a l s
g i n n a is u s e d ) , s y n . t a , e. g . A b r o - S i f o , s., ( o s - p L a s - ) o n e w h o is l a m e ,
o n e h a v i n g a short leg.
( p e r h a p s
fr. s i n a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
S i g y a f o , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) u n m a r r i e d
p e r s o n i. e . a m a n o r w o m a n w h o h a s
either not b e e n m a r r i e d at all, or a
m a n w h o h a s sent a w a y his wife, or
a w o m a n w h o h a s f o r s a k e n her hus
b a n d , in g e n e r a l o n e w h o is n o t in
the state of regular marriage. A s
s u c h a state w i t h the n e g r o e s is h a r d l y
ever o n e of abstinence, the w o r d rather
includes t h a n excludes irregular inter
course w i t h the other sex.
(fr. sig y a w a n d the suffix fo).
S i g y a w , s. , ( o s - ) single life, u n m a r ried stale, t h e state o f a s i g y a f o , see
this w o r d ;
d i s i g y a w , to be single,
unmarried.
S i k a , s., gold.
S i k a d a r r i , s., gold-coin.
(fr. s i k a
a n d d a r r i ) .
S i k a d y o m f o , s., gold-smith.
(fr.
s i k a d y p n n e a n d the suffix fo).
S i k a d y o n n e , s., g o l d - w o r k ,
di
s i k a d y p n n e , to w o r k in gold.
(fr.
s i k a a n d a d y p n n e ) .
S i k a f e r r e , s., horse-whip.
S i k a f o , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) rich m a n , o n e
w h o h a s m u c h gold.
(fr. s i k a a n d
the suffix fo).
S i k a p e f o , s , o n e w h o is g r e e d y after
gold.
(fr. s i k a , p e , v., a n d the
suffix fo).
S i m , v., to set out, to start (for a j o u r
n e y ) e.g. A h i m a d a k i n a m i s i m v o
E n k r a n , early in the m o r n i n g I set
out f r o m A c c r a
W o n s i m e n t e m - a ,
e n s o s o w o n d u e n t e m , i / y o u do not
set out in time, y o u will not arrive in
time.
( p e r h a p s fr. si o r s i e a n d
m u ) .
S i n , s., (es- pi. as-) piece, fragment,
e.g. d u a s i n , apiece o f w o o d
efihum a s i n , a piece o f paper.
2) fathom,
a m e a s u r e of a b o u t six feet, e.g. M a t o e n t a m a s i n a s i a , / h a v e bought
six f a t h o m s o f cloth.
S i r 6 w , v. intr., to laugh;
tr. to l a u g h
at, to deride, to m o c k , prv. 6.
2 3 1
S i r r e , s., a k i n d of sea-fish, c a u g h t
frequently in the m o n t h of A u g u s t .
S i s i , v . f r q . o f s i , l o sit, to p e r c h , e. g .
N n u m a b e b r i sisi d u a n o s o , there
are m a n y birds perched o n the tree
K o k o s e k i sisi s u m a n a s o , thevulture (often) perches o n the dung-hill,
prv. 247.
2) to cheat, to deceive, to
i m p o s e u p o n , cf. p r v . 2 3 4 , 248, 2 6 2 ;
syn. d a d a a n d g e g y e .
S i s i , s., the l o w e r part of the back,
syn. p a m .
S i s i f o , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) cheat, deceiver,
impostor.
(fr. sisi, v., a n d t h e suf
fix fo).
S i t i f o , s., ( o s - pi. as-) a d e a f person.
(fr. a s o t i w a n d t h e suffix fo).
S i w , v., 1. s i w k w a f i , p r o b . to b l o c k
u p the w a y , h e n c e to hinder, to prevent,
to prohibit, e. g. O s i w m i k w a n s e
m i n i ) y e a d y u m a , he hinders m e f r o m
w o r k i n g , cf. k w a n .
2. si w a t i m u m ,
to let the h a i r g r o w l o n g , to w e a r l o n g
hair , a sign of m o u r n i n g , prv. 61 ;
a l s o s i w b o g y e s e , to let the b e a r d
grow.
S i w , s., ( e s-) ant-hill, t h e c o n i c a l s t r u c
ture of the w h i t e ants, m a d e of a
reddish clay, a n d f r o m eight to t w e l v e
feet high, prv. 202.
S o , v., to catch, to seize, to lake hold of,
e. g. S o m ' e n s a o r S o m ' e n s e m ,
lake hold o f m y h a n d
S o p o n n o m ,
take hold o f the table, syn. k i t a .
2)
to w e a r (cf. s o a ) , e. g. s o k y o w , to
w e a r a hat
s o e n t a m a , s o a t a d e ,
to w e a r a dress, a coat.
H e n c e the
f o l l o w i n g c o m p o u n d terms:
S o - a f y e (perf. of f y e , to view) liter
ally : to t a k e h o l d o f to l o o k al, h e n c e
in g e n e r a l : to e x a m i n e , to try, a l s o
to taste, e. g. M i s o m e h u m a f y e
s e m e h u y e d e n a n a , / a m trying
myself whether I a m strong
M i s o
a d u a f i m a f y e , / a m tasting the
food.
S o - a n o , to seat, e. g. M i d e d a g i r e
m i s o e f i h u m ' a n o , / a m sealing a
letter with sealing-wax.
S o - d a i , to d r e a m , prv. 178, cf. dai.
2 3 2
S o - e n i , to satisfy, to c o n t e n t , e. g.
B i r i b i a r a
e n s o
d e f u d e p e f o
e n i , nothing satisfies the discon
tented.
S o , p r e p . , o n , u p o n i. e. o n t h e u p p e r
s u r f a c e o f ( s u p e r ) , e. g. O s e k a n d a
p o f i n o s o , a k n i f e is l y i n g o n the
table , cf. p r v . 76, 128, 143, 2 4 ?
H u
m ' e n i s o , blow u p o n m y eye, prv. 64.
(fr. s o r r o ) .
S o a , v., to c a r r y , e. g. s o a a d e s o a ,
to c a r r y a l o a d
O h o h o n s o a f u n n u ti, a stranger does not c a r r y the
h e a d o f the corpse, prv. 171.
It is a
s e c o n d a r y f o r m of s o , a n d in the
p r o v e r b s it s e e m s t h a t o n e f o r m is
s o m e t i m e s u s e d instead of the other,
cf. prv. 8 5 a n d 218.
S o a , v . , t o b e s m a l l , t o b e little, e. g . K r u
n o s o a , this t o w n is s m a l l
M a m f e
s o a s e n A k r o p o n , M a m f e is s m a l l e r
than A k r o p o n g .
( T h e r e is a slight
difference in the pronunciation of this
w o r d f r o m the f o r m e r , but not suffi
ciently distinct to constitute a difference
in spelling).
S o a , s.. ( o s - pi. a s - ) a s p e c i e s o f m o n
key, prv. 184.
S o a n e , v . , to tear, e. g. D a d e w a n o
a s o a n e m e t a m , the nail has torn
m y dress.
S o a n , v., to bleed, to d r a w blood.
(the o but slightly p r o n o u n c e d ; prob.
a s e c o n d a r y f o r m of s a n ) .
S o c o r i , s., oslrtch.
S o d o n i , s., (pi. a s o d o f o ) cook.
S o m , v. , to seize , to take hold of, see
s o ;
h e n c e s o m a s r a , to take snuff,
prv. 254.
S 6 m a , v., to s e n d , e. g . O s o m a n o k o
E n k r a n , he sent h i m to A c c r a
O s o
m a n o a f i r i f y e , he sent him to look
after a snare, p r v . 137, cf. 211.
S o m a f o , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) o n e w h o is
sent, messenger, syn. b o f o .
S 6 n n o , s. , ( e s - ) e l e p h a n t , p r v . 11, 76.
(fr. s o n ) .
S o f i , v. , to be big, large, to be very or
too big,
sofi k o k r o a n d s o n k e s e
to be very large.
S 6 r r e , v., to rise, to get up, e.g. O s o r r e fi n e k e t e s o , he got u p f r o m
his m a t
S o r r e fi m e t r a b e r r e ,
get u p f r o m m y seat
A i v u a s o r r e ,
the s u n rises, cf. p u e .
2 ) to worship,
to a d o r e , e. g. V o s o r r e , t h e y a r e
worhipping , have divine service
O s o r r e N y a n k u p o n , n a o n s o r r e
b o s o m , he worships G o d a n d not the
fetish.
S o r r o . s., ( o s - ) w h a t is a b o v e , t h e
upper world, upper regions, sky, heaven,
e. g. N y a n k u p o n a b o s o r r o n i
a s a s e , G o d has created h e a v e n a n d
earth.
adv., above, o n high, up, upwards,
e. g. N y a n k u p o n t e s o r r o , G o d
dwells o n high
A n u m a t u v o s o r
r o , t h e b i r d f l i e s o n h i g h i. e . i n t h e
air;
k o s o r r o , to g o up, upwards,
to m e , t o a s c e n d , e. g. V i s i w k o
s o r r o , the s m o k e ascends.
(fr.
s o r r e ) .
S o r r o b o a , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) a n i m a l
l i v i n g a b o v e i. e . o n t r e e s , a s t h e d u a c e it , i n c o n t r a d i s t i n c t i o n t o t h o s e w h i c h
live o n the g r o u n d , see a t o t e b o a (fr. s o r r o a n d a b o a ) .
S o r r o k i , s. , w a v e , s u r f .
( p e r h a p s
fr. s o r r e a n d e k i , w h a t rises a n d
falls back).
S o s 6 w , s., (os- pi. as-) hoe, m a t t o c k ,
smaller t h a n the a s o w , b u t w i t h a
longer handle.
(dim. of a s o w ) .
S o t 6 r r e . s., (pi. a s - ) palm, the i n n e r
part of the hand.
hence 2) a b l o w
with the p a l m , b o x o n t h e ear, e. g.
O b o n o s o t o r r e , he g a v e h i m a b o x
o n the ear, prv. 35.
S o ? , v., to set d o w n , t o p u t d o w n , e. g
O s o e n' a d e s o a , h e p u t d o w n hisload.
2) to bait, to s t o p o n the r o a d f o r
t h e s a k e o f resting, cf. a s o e .
3 )
to alight, to p u t up, to take up lod
g i n g s s o m e w h e r e , e. g. O s o e b a i f o
fi, he takes u p his lodgings in the h o u s e
o f the sorcerer, prv. 45.
S r a , v., to d a u b , to smear, to besmear,
to anoint, e.g. O d e c i r o w o s r a daft"
n o h u , he daubs the house with white
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
clay
O d | e e f i k u os'ra n e b u n a m ,
he anoints his b o d y with efiku.
r a , v., to watch, to he in wait for.
e. g. O s r a d o m , h e w a t c h e s the hostile
a r m y
O s r a n o o p e s e o k u m no,
h e is l y i n g in w a i t f o r h i m o n p u r p o s e
to kill him.
r a d a , s., s a w .
(prob. a d o p t e d f r o m
a E u r o p e a n l a n g u a g e ) .
r a d e , s., fat, g r e a s e , suet, tallow;
d o s r a d e , to g r o w fat, see d o ;
syn. a o f i w a .
(fr. s r a a n d a d e ) .
r a m , s., ( o s r - ) m o o n ,
O s r a m p u e ,
the m o o n rises
O s r a m a p a i , the
m o o n shines
O s r a m fi, the m o o n
i. e . t h e n e w - m o o n a p p e a r s , p r v . 4 8 .
2) month.
r a m a f i , s., ( o s r - ) lightning,
O s r a m a f i a p a i , t h e l i g h t n i n g f l a s h e s , it
lightens
O sr a m a n si or d r u d u a m ,
the lightning strikes a tree.
r a m f i a , adv., ( o s r - ) at the beginning
o f the month.
(fr. s r a m a n d fi, v.).
r a m w i i a , adv., (osr-) at the e n d of
the month, e.g. D a o s r a m w u a o n y a
n ' a k a t u a , at the e n d o f every m o n t h
he gets his wages.
(fr. s r a m a n d w u ) .
r a s o m f o , s. , ( o s r - pi. a s r - ) o n e
w h o takes snuff, snuff -taker,
(fr.
a s r a , s o m , a n d the suffix fo).
r a s r a , v. frq. of s r a , to stroke, to
caress, to flatter, w i t h the prep, h u ,
e. g . O s r a s r a a g i n a m o a h u , h e is
stroking the cat.
r a w n i , s., ( o s r - pi. a s r a f o ) soldier,
warrior.
r e f i , v., to c o m b , e . g . M i s r e f i m e ti,
/ a m combing m y head.
u , v . , to w e e p , e. g. W a s u , n a w o
e n i a b e r r e , y o u h a v e wept, for y o u r
eyes are red.
2 ) to cry, to squall, to
scream, to roar, to bellow etc. u s e d of
a n y k i n d of a n i m a l voice.
u , s. , c r y , squalt, s c r e a m , r o a r etc.,
d e n o t i n g a n y kind of a n i m a l voice,
e.g. A n u m a te a f i r i m n o , e s o n n o
n e s u e f i k u , w h e n a b i r d is in a s n a r e ,
its c r y is p e c u l i a r .
(fr. su, v.)
u , s. , ( o s u ) r a i n ,
O s u t o , r a i n is
falling, it is r a i n i n g
also O s u r e b a ,
2 3 3
r a i n is c o m i n g .
( T h e original m e a n
i n g o f t h e w o r d is p r o b a b l y w a t e r ,
a n d it o c c u r s t h u s in c o m p o u n d s , a s
n i s u , n u f u s u , a s u b o n t e n , cf. e n s u , a s u ) .
S u a , v., to learn, e . g . O s u a k a n , h e is
learning to read;
a l s o to learn f r o m ,
to be taught b y , a s prv. 149: O s u a
p r a k o , h e is l e a r n i n g f r o m o r t a u g h t
by the pig.
S u c $ , s., ( o s - ) roof, p r v . 167.
S u h u r u , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - > a species o f
turtle f o u n d in rivers, syn. s u k e k y i r r e , cf. a p u h u r u a n d a w u r u .
S i i k a , s., h o l l o w p a s s a g e o r fissure in
the g r o u n d c a u s e d b y the w a t e r , gut
ter, syn. b o f i k a .
S u k e k y i r r e , s., ( o s - p i . a s - ) t h e s a m e
as s u h u r u .
S u m , v., to serve, to b e a s e r v a n t , e. g.
O s u m m i , h e s e r v e s m e , is m y s e r v a n t
O s u m N y a f i k u p o n , h e s e r v e s G o d
k o s u m , t o g o t o s e r v e i. e . t o e n t e r
service, to b e c o m e a servant, prv. 250.
2) to lay, in the expression: s u m
a f i r i , to l a y a snare, prv. 144.
S u m , a., dark.
s. , ( e s - ) t h e d a r k ,
d a r k n e s s , e. g. E s u m a b a , d a r k n e s s
h a s c o m e , it h a s b e c o m e d a r k .
S u m a n a , s., dung-hill, h e a p o f s w e e p i n g s ,
f o u n d at the e n d or outskirts of e v e r y
n e g r o t o w n , prv. 247.
S i i m f o , s., ( o s - p l . a s - ) s e r v a n t , atten
dant.
(fr. s u m , v., a n d the s u f
fix fo).
S u m i , s., pillow.
S u n s o n , s. , ( o s - ) s l o w - w o r m , blindw o r m , a h a r m l e s s reptile r e s e m b l i n g
a serpent, believed b y the n e g r o e s to
b e blind, cf. p r v . 100, 112.
S i i o , s,, ( o s - pi. a s - ) a s p e c i e s o f s e r
pent living in the water.
( p r o b . fr.
s u
e n s u ) .
S u p o m , a., isle, island.
(fr.su = e n s u ,
p o m p e r h a p s the s a m e as p o w , or
as p o in b e p o ) .
S i i r r o , v., to fear, to be afraid, to dread,
e. g. W o n s u r r o d a b i s e w o b e n a n t e w v o s u m , y o u w e r e never
afraid o f w a l k i n g in the d a r k
O s u r
3 0
2 3 4
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
larity in m a n n e r or degree, e.g. O y e
r o s u n s o f i , h e is a f r a i d o f a s l o w h u s e a k o k o , h e is as timid a s a f o w l
n o r m , prv. 100.
O y e n i f i r i s e a k r o m a , h e is a s
u s 6 n n o , s. , ( o s- pi. a s-) h i p p o p o t a m u s .
guick-sighted as a h a w k
A k u r a te
(fr. s u = e n s u a n d s o n n o , p r o p .
s e n a n t y u - a , if a m o u s e w e r e as
water-elephant).
(big as) a bullock, prv. 1 1 0
W a m a
u s u , v. frq. of s o , to m e a s u r e b y the
m i s e w o m a w o b a , if y o u h a d g i v e n
application of a staff or similar instru
m e as ( m u c h as) y o u g a v e y o u r child,
m e n t of a certain length, e.g. O s u s u
prv. 36;
e t e s e , it is a s t h o u g h , it
t a m , h e is m e a s u r i n g cloth.
2) to
a p p e a r s as if, prv. 2 5 4 ;
se. n e a ,
think, to imagine, to suppose, to p r e
as, so as, as what, e.g. A s e m n o b a i
sume, e.g. M i s u s u s e o b e b a o k a n s e n e a m i k a m i k y e r e w o , theevent
n a , / suppose he will c o m e to m o r r o w
has c o m e as I told y o u ( m o r e literally:
O h u b i r i b i t e n t e n n i f i t s , n a
as w h a t I told y o u )
S e n e a a f o a
o s u s u s e e y e s a m a n , he s a w s o m e
t e n a , b o h a t e , a s the s w o r d is, s o
t h i n g l o n g a n d w h i t e , a n d t h o u g h t it
is the s c a b b a r d , p r v . 7 3 , (cf. n e a ) .
w a s a ghost.
u s u d u a , s., a n i n s t r u m e n t serving
2) w h e n put after a n indefinite p r o
for m e a s u r e or direction, measure,
n o u n in a n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e , it h a s
the p o w e r of restriction or exception,
y a r d , ell, r u l e r .
(fr. s u s u a n d d u a ) .
u w , v., to rot, putrefy, syn. p r o w ;
a n d m u s t b e r e n d e r e d b y but, e. g.
perf. a s u w , to be rotten, putrid,
O n n i b i r i b i a r a se d u a b a e n k u t o ,
e. g. K e s u a n o a s u w , this e g g is
he eats nothing but fruit, (cf. Gr. § . 2 2 3 ) .
(fr. s e , v.).
putrid.
e , v.,- to r e s e m b l e , to b e like, e . g . A b o - S e , c o n j . , that,
serving to c o n n e c t
f r a n o s e n ' a g y a , this b o y is like
a n accessary sentence, w h i c h virtually
supplies the place of the object o r
his father
O p e t e n i a k r o m a e n s e ,
subject, w i t h its principal, e. g. M i t e
the vullure a n d the h a w k do not resemble
each other.
2) the future b e s e is
s e o s u , / h e a r d that he s c r e a m e d (the
u s e d instead of a n a d v e r b , being put
s a m e as: / h e a r d his screaming)
b e f o r e a n u m e r a l t o s i g n i f y , t h a t it
Y e n i m se m o g y a v o y e n a n o m ,
d o e s n o t state the exact n u m b e r , but
w e k n o w that t h e r e is b l o o d in o u r m o u t h ,
m e r e l y the a m o u n t p r o b a b l e a c c o r d i n g
p r v . 2 0
E y e m i f e w se y a d u h a ,
to the estimation 'of the p e r s o n s p e a k
it r e j o i c e s m e t h a t w e h a v e a r r i v e d h e r e
i n g ; in E n g l i s h it m a y , a c c o r d i n g l y ,
(the s a m e as : o u r arrival here rejoices
b e r e n d e r e d b y t h e p r e p , a b o u t , e. g.
m e )
E t y a s e o b e k o , itisnecessary
M m o f r a b e s e a d u o n u m n a v o h o
that he should go,
cf. t h e v e r b s : h u ,
or M m o f r a v o h o b e s e a d u o n u m ,
te, n i m , s u s u , s u r r o , p e , t u m i ,
there are about fifty b o y s there
h i a , t y a etc. (cf. Gr. §.221).
2 ) to,
M a t o e n k o k o b e s ? a d u o n u , I have
in o r d e r to,
w h e n the predicate o f
bought about t w e n t y fowls.
the accessary sentence stands in the
? , adv., so, thus,
it is t h u s u s e d
potential, expressing a n action w h i c h
s o m e t i m e s i n s t e a d o f s a , e. g. S e t e
is p u r p o s e d b y t h e a c t i o n e x p r e s s e d
n e n o r S e t e a r a n e n , t h u s is the
in t h e p r e d i c a t e o f t h e p r i n c i p a l , e. g.
matter.
2 ) v e r y , e. g. O t u m i r i k a
M a b o bi p a s e o n g e g y e m e b a ,
/ have hired a person to nurse m y child
s?, he r u n s v e r y fast
O y e k o k r o
s e , h e is v e r y tall
A k a k a k r a
O t u n o f o s e o n y e ' p a p a , he e x
se, n a w o i v i e w o a d y u m a ye,
horted h i m to behave well
O g e g y e
n o s e o n y e b o n n e , he seduced him
t h e r e is v e r y lillle w a n t i n g till y o u h a v e
to d o evil.
3 ) w h e t h e r , if,
w h e n
finished y o u r work.
e , conj., as, like,
denoting a simi
the a c c e s s a r y sentence, c o n n e c t e d b y
S
S
S
S
S
6 e w i t h its principal, is interrogative,
w h i c h is indicated b y the interroga
tive particle a n a b e i n g p u t at its e n d ,
e. g. M a m i n l ' v e a k o k o n o s e v ad o s r a d e a n a , hi m e look at the f o w l
( t o s e e ) w h e t h e r it is f a t
K o f y e
a d a k a m s e a b o d o v o m a n a , g o
a n d look into the closet ( a n d see) w h e
t h e r t h e r e i s b r e a d i n it.
4 ) if,
b e i n g p u t at the h e a d of a conditional
a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , e. g. S e o m m a ,
m e c e n o n a v a b a , if he does not
c o m e I will compel h i m to c o m e
S e w o p e s e w o d u h o e n t e m - a ,
t u t u m i r i k a , if y o u wish to arrive
there in time, y o u m u s t r u n fast (see,
h o w e v e r , G r . §. 2 2 2 ) .
5) a n a se,
or, in a disjunctive question, see a n a .
( p r o b . fr. s e , adv.).
e k y e r e m p e o w , s., epithet of the
goat, see a b e r r i k i .
(It is s a i d to
b e c o m p o s e d o f S e k y e r e , the p r o p e r
n a m e of a t o w n , w h e r e n o g o a t s are
admitted, a n d m p e , the negative of
p e , to like, m e a n i n g a c c o r d i n g l y : t h e
a n i m a l w h i c h is n o t l i k e d in S ek y e r e ) .
e m m i n a , s., soap.
( a d o p t e d f r o m
s o m e E u r o p e a n language).
e m o d e , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) a g r e e a b l e
w o r d i. e . a g r e e a b l e n e w s , o r a g r e e a b l e ,
interesting conversation,
Y e b o s e m o d e , w e h a v e a n interesting conver
sation.
(fr. a s e m a n d de).
e n n i n i , s., ( o s - pi. a s e n n i f o ) j u d g e .
(fr. a s e m , di, a n d t h e suffix fo).
e n , v. intr. , to h a n g , to be suspended,
e. g. E m f o n i n n e s e n d a n h u , the
picture is h a n g i n g o n the wall,
A t a d e
s e n d a d e w a s o , the dressis suspended
o n a nail.
tr. to h a n g , to s u s p e n d ,
e.g. O d e e m f o n i n n e o s e n d a n hu,
he suspended a picture o n the wall
M i d e m ' a t a d e m a s e f i d a d e w a so,
/ h a v e h u n g m y coat o n a nail.
2)
to h a n g , to kill b y h a n g i n g , V a s e n
n e h u , he h a s h u n g himself.
3) to
b e a r s o m e t h i n g h u n g u p , e. g. F a s u
s e n a k o t o k n , the wall bears bags,
prv. 231.
2 3 5
S e n , s., ( o s - pi. a s - ) a k i n d o f pot'
u s e d b y the n e g r o e s to c o o k their f o o d
in, p r v . 2 5 5 , cf. k u k u .
S ? n , s., ( o s - ) h e r a l d , a n officer o f t h e
k i n g , c o m m a n d i n g silence w h e n the
latter desires to speak,
O s e n pai:
tio! the herald cries: Attend!
S e f i k i i , s., ( o s - p L a s - ) a s t r i n g e d m u
sical instrument, a r u d e kind of fiddle;
b o s e f i k u , to play o n the fiddle.
S e s i e , s., a k i n d o f basket, r o u n d , w i t h
a fiat cover, w i d e r at the b o t t o m t h a n
at the top.
S o , v., to kindle, to light, to m a k e a l i g h t
o r a fire, e. g. S o k a n n e a , m a k e a
light
S o g y a , m a k e a fire.
S o , v., to drop, to drip.
S 6 f o , s. , ( o s - pi. a s - ) priest,
(per
h a p s fr. s o r r e a n d t h e suffix f o ) .
S o n s o a n e , v. frq. of s o a n e , to tear
m u c h or in m a n y places, lo tear in
p i e c e s , e. g. M a s p n s o a n e m e t a m ,
/ h a v e lorn m y dress.
S u m p i , s., lead.
S u n s u m , s , spirit.
(prob. derived b y
reduplication f r o m s u m , dark, its pri
m a r y m e a n i n g b e i n g s h a d o w , see the
f o l l o w i n g w o r d ) .
S u n s u m a , s., shade, shadow.
(dim.
of s u n s u m ) .
T .
T a , v. intr., to stand, to be put, to be
placed,
it is u s e d o f t h i n g s , n o t o f
p e r s o n s , cf. si a n d g i n n a , a n d , a s it
s e e m s , chiefly of l o w things as pots
a n d s u c h l i k e , e. g. A h i n n a t a h o
a n d K o r a t a h o , a pot, a c a l a b a s h is
standing there
E n s u t a g y a s o - a ,
e r e n n y o d a , w h e n w a t e r is ( s t a n d i n g )
o n t h e fire, it w i l l n e v e r cool,
tr. to
p u t , to p l a c e , e. g. O b i m f a a d u a f i
e n k o t a e n k w a n t a , n o b o d y will
t a k e f o o d , a n d g o a n d p l a c e it w h e r e
t w o roads meet, prv. 19.
T a , v., to pursue, lo chase, prv. 161.
, T a , s., tobacco.
(in the As. t a w a ,
o f w h i c h t a is c o n t r a c t e d ) .
2 3 6
T a b o , s., (pi. e n t - ) b o a r d , piece of
timber.
T a f a r a k y e , a t e r m of a p o l o g y , used
b y a p e r s o n w h o involuntarily h a p
pens to i n c o m m o d a t e another, for in
stance b y treading o n his toes , as
m u c h as E x c u s e or / beg y o u r p a r d o n ;
s o m e t i m e s it is j o i n e d w i t h t h e s y n o
n y m o u s t e r m k o s e : k o s e t a f a r a
k y e .
T a f o r o o r t a f r o , v., to hck,
g e n e r
a l l y c o n s t r u e d w i t h a p r e p o s i t i o n , e. g.
O t a f r o t a f r o b o t o m , h e is licking
( i n ) the plate, cf. p r v . 44.
T a f r o b 6 t o , s., (pi. e n t - ) plate.
T a k i i , s, (pi. ent-) a small weight, of
gold, equal in value to seven strings
of cowries, or a b o u t sixpence half
p e nn y .
T a m , s., ( o t - pi. a t - ) stuff, cloth, calico.
2 ) dress, n e g r o - d r e s s o f calico, cf.
e n t a m a , prv. 199.
T a m f o , s., (ot- pi. at-) foe, e n e m y ,
prv. 162.
( fr. t a n a n d t h e s u f
fix f b).
T a n t a k u m a , s., a large species of
beetle.
T a n , v., to hale, to dislike, to detest,
prv. 63, 158, 251.
Tafi, t a n tail, a , ugly, nasty, o p p o s e d
to fe.
(fr. t a n , v.)
T a n , s., (ot- pi. at-) a net in w h i c h
fruits are carried.
T a p o , s., half a string of cowries,
t w e n t y cowries, not quite a halfpenny,
p r v . 14, cf. b a n .
T a r r e , v., to plaster, to overlay a w a l l
w i t h a m u d d y s u b s t a n c e , e. g. V o d e
d o t e v o t a r r e d a n n o , they areplastering the house with clay.
(a s e c o n d
a r y f o r m of ta; a n d originally the
s a m e w o r d w i t h t r a , to sit, t a r r e
h a v i n g the causative sense: to m a k e
t o s i t v i z . m u d o n t h e w a l l i. e . t o
piaster).
T a s s e , v., to pick up, to glean, to gather,
to collect, to a s s e m b l e , e. g. M i t a s s e
m o sia. I a m picking u p pebbles
M i k o w u r a m m i k o t a s s e e n v a w ,
/ a m going into the forest to gather
T
T
T
T
pnails
O l a s s e n ' e n k r o f o o d e k o
s a , he assembled his people, a n d led
t h e m to w a r , syn. b o - a n o .
a s e f i , s. , (pi. e n t - ) t o b a c c o - p i p e .
(fr. t a a n d s e n ) .
a t a , s., t w o - e d g e d s w o r d .
e , v., to perceive, as t e e n k a a n d te
h u a , to perceive a smelt, see these
w o r d s ;
h e n c e m o r e particularly
2 ) to h e a r , e. g. W o t e d o n a n a ? d o
y o u hear the bell?
G e g y e e n t i
m i n t e n ' a s e m , o n account of the noise
I do not hear his w o r d s ;
also fol
l o w e d b y t h e c o n j . s e , e. g. M i t e s e
a k o k o r e b o n , I hear the cock c r o w
ing;
the imperative h a s s o m e t i m e s
the a u g m e n t e d f o r m s tic, prv. 52, a n d
tio.
3 ) te a s e m , to obey, e. g.
A b o f r a n o n t e n ' e n n a ni n ' a g y a
a s e m , this child d o e s n o t o b e y its p a
rents, cf. p r v . 4.
4) to understand,
e. g. M i n t e a s e m n a s e , / d o n o t
understand the m e a n i n g o f the w o r d ;
t h e perf. m a t e e s p e c i a l l y , is o f t e n
said in reply to a c o m m a n d or request,
the p e r s o n a n s w e r i n g t h e r e b y indica
ting, n o t o n l y that h e u n d e r s t a n d s
w h a t is njeant, b u t also his w i l l i n g
n e s s to d o w h a t is desired.
e , v . , t o sit, s y n . t r a , e. g . M i t e a b r o g w a s o , l a m sitting o n a chair
O t e
d a n m , h e is sitting in the h o u s e
O t e m e n i f a , h e is sitting at m y right
h a n d
O t e p o n k o s o , h e is sitting
o n a h o r s e i. e . r i d i n g , p r v . 1 4 3 .
2 ) to b e in a p l a c e , s y n . v o , e. g. A n u m a t e a f i r i m , t h e b i r d is in a s n a r e ,
prv. 260;
generally, h o w e v e r , there
is this difference b e t w e e n t e a n d v o ,
that the latter denotes the m o m e n t a r y
a n d casual being in a place, w h e r e a s
te expresses the idea of regular a n d
lasting a b o d e : to live in a place, syn.
d a (which, h o w e v e r , s e e m s to be u s e d
m o r e o f b e a s t s ) , e. g. K r u y i s o a,
a b u s u a a b i e s a p e n a t e m , this vil
lage is smalt, b u t t h r e e families live in
it
M m o a b e b r i te a s a s e so,
e b i n o m e n s o te e n s u m , m a n y a m
m a l s live o n land, s o m e also live in th"
T
T
T
T
T
T
water
O n i p a te a s a s e s o k e t e w a b i , n a o w u , m a n lives a short
time o n earth, a n d dies;
te h o , to
live, to exist, s y n . t e a s e , e . g . N y a n k u p o n te h o d a , G o d lives for ever.
3) to be w i t h respect to quality, to
b e in a certain state, e. g. A k u r a t e
s e n a n t y q - a , if a m o u s e w e r e as
(big as) a n o x , prv. 1 1 0
S e n e a
a f o a t e n a , b o h a te, as the s w o r d
is, s o is t h e s c a b b a r d , p r v . 7 3
S o te
n e n , t h u s is t h e m a t t e r .
e a s e , v., to live, to exist, s y n . t e h o ,
e. g. N y a n k u p o n t e a s e d a , G o d
lives for ever.
( T h e etymological
m e a n i n g i s p r o b a b l y t o b e b e l o w i. e.
o n e a r t h , h e n c e to h v e , fr. t e a n d
a s e , adv.).
e a , t e a t e a , a., thin, slender, e.g. P o m a t e a t e a , a thin shck; h e n c e n a r
r o w , tight, e. g. O k w a f i t e a t e a , a
n a r r o w path
a f a d e t e a t e a , a tight
dress.
e k r e k i , s., (pi. e n t - ) a b a g m a d e
of a kind of grass.
e k r e m a , s . , t o n g u e , p r v . 5-, 8 3 .
( p r o b . fr. k y e r r e b y r e d u p l i a t i o n .
t h a v i n g b e e n substituted for k).
e n t e f i , a . , l o n g , e. g. E s e t e n t e f i ,
long teeth, prv. 235.
2 ) h i g h , tall,
e. g. B e p o t e n t e f i , a high m o u n t a i n
o b e a t e n t e f i , a tall w o m a n , prv.
208;
h e n c e as a substantive : o t ent e n , a tall p e r s o n , o p p o s e d to a k o t i a ,
prv. 15.
(fr. t i e , w h i c h in the As.
h a s the f o r m t e n n e ) .
e r o w , v., to e x p a n d itself, to spread.
Iff b e c o m e b r o a d , e . g . K r a k u m t e r o w
v o n e d u a m , literally : the turkey
e x p a n d s i t s e l f i n its t a i l i. e . e x p a n d s
its tail;
perf. a t e r o w , to be e x
p a n d e d , to b e b r o a d , e. g. O t a m n o
a t e r o w , this stuff is b r o a d ;
h e n c e
m u - t e r o w , to b e c o m e wide, spacious,
literally: the interior becomes b r o a d
a n d m u - a t e r o w , to be wide, spacious,
e.g. O d a f i n o m u a t e r o w , this h o u s e
is w i d e , cf. m u .
2) figuratively: to
spread, to be divulged, diffused, syn. ce,
e.g. N e h u a s e m a t e r o w v o a s a s e
2 3 7
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
n ' i n i a r a s o , the r u m o u r o f h i m has
spread over the whole country.
e t e does not s e e m to occur as a p a r
ticular w o r d , but o n l y as the quali
fying c o m p o n e n t of c o m p o u n d s , indi
cating that the object d e n o t e d refers
to b y - g o n e times, see t e t e a s o e a n d
t e t e s e m.
e t e a s o e , s., a place b y the side of
the road, w h i c h w a s f o r m e r l y resorted
to b y travellers as a resting-place,
b u t h a s n o w g r o w n o u t o f use-, prv.
287.
(fr. t e t e a n d a s o e ) .
e t e r e , a., broad, wide, spacious, e. g.
O p o f i t e t e r e , a b r o a d table
a d a k a t e t e r e , a b r o a d or wide b o x
a s a s e t e t e r e , a spacious country.
(fr. t e r o w ) .
e t e r o t e , a , very broad, wide, spa
cious,
a stronger f o r m of t e t e r e ,
f r o m w h i c h it is f o r m e d b y a r e p e t i
tion of the reduplication at the e n d
of the w o r d .
e t e s e m , s. , (pi. a t - ) history, legend,
tale referring to b y - g o n e times, a c
count of an event that t o o k place in
time past, syn. p a n y i n a s e m .
(fr.
t e t e a n d a s e m ) .
e t e w , v. frq. o f t e w , to rend, to tear
m u c h , in m a n y places, to tear in pie
ces, e. g. A b o f r a n ' a t e t e w n e t a m ,
the child h a s t o r n its dress.
2) to
p l u c k off m a n y t h i n g s , e. g. t e t e w
o n K u t u , to p l u c k off o r a n g e s ( w h e r e a s
t e w a k u t u , to pluck off a n orange').
intr. to be lorn, cracked, prv. 85.
e t r e b o e n s i i , s., epithet of N y a n
k u p o n .
( T h e m e a n i n g of b o e n s u
s e e m s to b e : c r e a t o r o f w a t e r , fr. b o
a n d e n s u ,
that o f t e t r e is o b s
cure).
e w , v. tr., to t e a r , e. g . D a d e w a n o
a t e w m ' a t a d e m t o k r u , the nail has
torn a hole in m y coat.
2) to tear
off, to p l u c k off, e. g. t e w h a m m a ,
to tear off a (piece of) siring, prv. 192
t e w a k u t u , to pluck off a n orange,
cf. t e t e w .
3) to tear open, to open,
e. g. M i t e w m ' e n i , / o p e n m y e y e s ,
syn. h u e .
intr., 1) to be torn, to
2 3 8
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
b r e a k , to burst, e. g. M e t a m a t e w ,
m y dress is t o r n
A h i n e t e w , the
string of pearls breaks, prv. 148.
2)
to s e v e r itself, to b r e a k loose, to r u n
off, e. g. A k u t u t e w e t o m e t i r i
s o , a n o r a n g e s e v e r e d itself ( f r o m t h e
tree, a n d ) fell o n m y h e a d
N e g w a f i
t e w e m p e n abiufi, his sheep broke
loose twice, prv. 156.
3) to open,
perf. a t e w , to b e o p e n , e. g. N ' e n i
a t e w , his eyes are, open.
4) to clear
u p a n d in the perf. to be clear, h e n c e
f i g u r a t i v e l y : to b e s e r e h e , e. g. E v u m
o r O s o r r o a t e w , t h e s k y is c l e a r
N ' e n im a t e w , his c o u n t e n a n c e is se
rene.
Peculiar t e r m s are: N e h o m m '
a t e w , h i s b r e a t h i s t o r n i. e . h e i s o u t
of breath
N ' e n s a o r N ' e n s a b o
a t e w n ' e n i s o , his intoxication is
gone.
i , v., to scratch, e. g. E n s o i a t i m ' e n s e m , a thorn has scratched (in) m y
hand.
2 ) to p i n c h , s y n . p e n , e. g.
O t i m e b a s a , he pinches m y a r m
3 ) to pick, to eat b y s m a l l p o r t i o n s
t a k e n w i t h the fingers, as is t h e c u s t o m
of the negroes, prv. 173.
i , s., ( e t i , pi. a t i ) , a l s o t i r r i o r tiri,
head, prv. 7 4 , 85, 109 etc.
2) h e a d
o f c o w r i e s i. e . f i f t y s t r i n g s o f c o w r i e s ,
cf. b a n a n d t r a m a t i r i .
i a , v . , to t r e a d , e. g. t i a a f i r i s o ,
to tread o n a snare, prv. 126.
i a , t i a t i a , a., short.
(fr. t y a ) .
i a t i a , v. frq. o f tia, to tread m u c h ,
to tread about, to trample, prv. 152.
i e , v . , to h e a r , s e e t e o f w h i c h it is
a n a u g m e n t e d form.
i o ! Attend! give ear ! a call for silence
w h e n a p e r s o n desires to a d d r e s s a
m u l t i t u d e , cf. s e n .
(It is a n a u g
m e n t e d imperative-form of te).
i p a i , a . , b a l d - h e a d e d , e.g. O n i p a
tipai, a bald-headed m a n , a bald-head
O y e t i p a i , h e is a b a l d - h e a d .
(fr. ti a n d p a i fr. p a , cf. h u p a i ) .
i r i o r t i r r i , s., h e a d , s e e ti.
i ti , v. frq. o f ti, to scratch, e. g . A g i n a m o a t i t i m ' e n s a o r m ' e n s a h u.
the cat scratched m y hand.
2) to pick,
T
T
T
T
T
to pull w i t h the fingers , for instance
a c l o s e d h a n d o n p u r p o s e t o o p e n it,
prv. 22.
i t y a , v. frq. of t y a , to cut multitudinously, to clip, to cut off b y m a n y
cuts. e. g. O t i t y a n ' e n v i , h e is c u t ling off his hair
O t i t y a d u a h u
a b o fi , h e i s c u t t i n g o f f t h e b a r k o f
the tree.
i e , v., to stretch, to stretch out, to e x
t e n d , e. g. M i t i e m ' e n s a , / stretch
out m y h a n d
M i s o r r e m a t i e m e
m u , I a m getting u p to stretch m y back.
(in the As. t e n n e ) .
i e m , v., to tread into, to step into, p r v
195.
(fr. t i a a n d m u ) .
y a , v., to cut, to h e w , to c h o p , e. g.
t y a d u a , to chop w o o d , prv. 70, 69.
2 ) to cut, to m a k e b y cutting, e. g .
t y a s a m a , to cut figures o n one's head,
prv. 188.
3) to c u t off, to cut d o w n ,
to sever, to fell, e. g. O d e e n k r a n t e
o t y a d u a b a s a , he cut off a b r a n c h
with his s w o r d
t y a a b e , to fell a
palm-tree, prv. 1 0 8
t y a ti, to cut
off one's head, to b e h e a d
O t y a n e
t e k r e m a s o , he cut off (a piece) o f
M s tongue, prv. 123 ;
h e n c e to shor
ten, to m a k e shorter, prv. 150,
4) to
cross over, to p a s s over, e.g. t y a a s u b o n t e n , to cross a river
O s r a m
t y a m a n m , the m o o n passes over the
town, prv. 48.
5) t y a w i t h the prep,
h u : to pass by, to overtake, to outstrip,
e. g. M i t y a n o h u v o k w a n m , /
passed h i m o n the road.
Peculiar
p h r a s e s are: t y a n ' e n i , to look about,
to look back, to turn r o u n d , prv. 4 2
t y a e n k u n t o m p o , to calumniate, see
e n k u n t o m p o .
y a , v . i m p e r s . , it is n e c e s s a r g , m u s t ,
f o l l o w e d b y the conj. s e a n d the v e r b
in t h e f u t u r e tense, e. g. A b o f r a y e
m e r o w , n a e t y a s e o b i b e f y e n o
s o , a c h i l d is f e e b l e , a n d it is n e c e s s a r y
t h a t s o m e b o d y l a k e c a r e o f it
O k o m
b a , n a e t y a s e v o b e k o a s a s e bi
s o k o to a b r o , there c a m e a famine,
a n d they w e r e obliged to g o to another
c o u n t r y to b u y food,
syn. h i a.
T y a - S n o , v., to anticipate, to do s o o n e r
t h a n a n o t h e r , e. g. M a t y a n ' a n o , /
h a v e anticipated him;
in conjunction
w i t h a n o t h e r v e r b , it m a y b e r e n d e r e d
in English b y the preposition before,
e. g. O b i n t y a a k o k o a n o , e m m a
a k y e , n o b o d y anticipates the cock in
s a y i n g g o o d - m o r n i n g , or: n o b o d y will
s a y g o o d - m o r n i n g before the cock, prv.
51!
(fr. t y a a n d a n o ) .
T y a - c i a , v. , to s u r r o u n d , to encircle,
to e n c o m p a s s , w i t h t h e p r e p , h u , e. g.
V o t y a d a n h u cia, they e n c o m p a s s e d
the house
E n s u t y a a s a s e h u cia,
the water s u r r o u n d s the land.
(ft.
t y a a n d cia).
T y a - k o n t o n k r o n , v., to g o r o u n d
s o m e t h i n g , w i t h t h e p r e p , h u , e. g.
t y a d a n h u k o n t o n k r o n , to go
r o u n d a h o u s e , cf. k o n t o n k r o n a n d
b o - k o n t o f i k r o n .
T y a i , a d v . , over, across, e. g. E t y p n n e
ni a s u b o n t e n n o s o , e n t i o g w a r r e
t y a i , there w a s n o bridge across the
river, therefore he s w a m over.
(fr.
t y a , v.)
T y a p 6 , s., axe, hatchet, syn. a b o n u a .
T y a r r e , v. impers., to faint, to s w o o n ,
to be stunned, for instance b y a b l o w
o n the h e a d or b y loss of blood,
E t y a r r e n o , h e w a s s t u n n e d , cf.
b r a w a n d piti.
T y a s e a n a m , s., carriage, chariot, w a
gon.
( p r o b . fr. t e a n d a s e , to sit
d o w n , a n d n a m , to w a l k , cf. G r . §. 58).
T y e r r e , v., to lean, to incline against,
e. g. M i t y e r r e d u a , / a m l e a n i n g
against a tree.
2) to put, to place so
a s t o l e a n a g a i n s t s o m e t h i n g , e. g.
F a t u o t y e r r e k o k o a m , put the
musket into the corner.
T y e t i a , s., c i r c u m c i n i o n , p r a c t i s e d b y
several of the s u r r o u n d i n g tribes, as
the E n k r a n f o a n d H u a f o , but held
in g r e a t d i s d a i n b y t h e Oji-tribe, cf.
prv. 129.
T y a - t y e t i a , to circum
cise, p r v . 130.
T y i , s., ( O t y i ) the Oji-tribe, Oji-lang u a g e (see pag. 1 4 ) .
T y i f o , s., ( O t y - pi. A t y - ) o n e b e l o n g
2 3 9
ing to the Oji-tribe.
(fr. T y i a n d
the suffix fo).
T y i k a s a , s . , ( O t y - ) the Oji-language.
(fr. T y i a n d k a s a ) ,
T y o m , s., a river-fish.
T y u , v., to rub, h e n c e to clean, to wipe,
to brush, to trim, e.g. t y u a s p a t e r e ,
to clean a shoe
t y u p o n s o o r
p o n h u , to wipe the table
M i d e
tui m i t y u m ' a t a d e , I a m cleaning
m y c o a t w i t h t h e b r u s h i. e . b r u s h i n g it.
T y u t y u , v. frq. o f t y u , to r u b , e. g.
A g i n a m o a d e n e ti t y u t y u m e
n a n h u , the cat is r u b b i n g its h e a d
against m y leg.
2) to cleanse, to wipe,
to b r u s h m u c h o r m a n y things, e. g.
t y u t y u e n s p a t e r e , to clean shoes
t y u t y u e n t a d e , to brush clothes.
T y e f i , v. intr., to wait, e.g. T y e f i k a k r a , w a i t a little.
tr. , to wait for,
to e x p e c t , e. g . M a y e n t r a h a n a
n t y e f i n o , let u s sit d o w n h e r e a n d
wait for him.
T y o , v., to pull, to d r a w , to d r a g , e. g.
A p o n k o t y p t y a s e a n a m , thehorses
d r a w the carriage
O t y p d u a di
n' e k i , h e is d r a g g i n g a p i e c e o f w o o d
after h i m
O t y p a d a k a fi e m p a
a s e , he d r e w forth a b o x f r o m u n d e r
the bed.
Z) to pinch, e. g. O t y p
m ' a s o , he pinches m y ear.
3) t y p
w i t h the prep, m u : to d r a w in, to
d r a w together, to contract, e.g. M i t y p
k o t o k u m , / a m d r a w i n g a purse to
gether.
F o r the peculiar terms :.typ
m a n s o , t y p e m p e n n a , t y p d y u r a ,
see these w o r d s .
T y p , s., ( o t y - pi. a t y - ) a s m a l l s p e c i e s
of antelope, prv. 105.
T y p d u a m p o n , s., e p i t h e t o f G o d , s e e
N y a n k u p o n . It is s a i d t o m e a n the
Almighty, b u t its d e r i v a t i o n is o b s c u r e .
T y p m , v. tr. , to d r a w together, to c o n
tract, see t y p w i t h the prep. m u .
intr. 1) to be d r a w n together, to be
c o n t r a c t e d , e. g. K o t o k u n o a t y p m ,
the p u r s e is d r a w n together.
2) to
p a s s , to g o b y o f t i m e , e. g. E m f r i h i a a s o n a t y p m , seven y e a r s h a v e
passed.
3) to pass a w a y , to vanish,
2 4 0
T
T
T
T
T
to perish, e. g. N e a m a n e a m a t y p m ,
n a a s a s e d e b e t r a b o d a , things
pass a w a y , o n e after the other, but the
earth m i l r e m a i n for ever.
(fr. t y p
a n d m u ) .
y o n n e , s . , ( e t y - ) bridge, e . g . E t y p n n e d a a s u b o n t e n n o s o , t h e r e is a
bridge across the river.
y 6 r r e , v., to gnash, to grate, to grind,
e. g. M i t y p r r e m e s e , / g r i n d m y
teeth.
2) to peel w i t h the teeth,
prv. 154.
y u r i , v., to slander, to calumniate, syn.
t o a t o.
y u r i f o , s., ( o t y - pi. a t y - ) s l a n d e r e r ,
calumniator.
(fr. t y u r i a n d the suf
fix fo).
o , v. tr., to t h r o w , to cast, e.g. t o b o ,
to t h r o w a stone.
1 ) to put, to lay,
e. g. F a a d e n o t o p o n s o , p u t this
o n the table
M i d e a h i n e to m e
k o n m , / put a string o f pearls r o u n d m y
neck;
t o k e s u a , to lay a n egg, a n d
s i m p l y : t o , to lay, e. g. A k o k o n o
b e t o , t h e h e n is g o i n g to l a y ;
to e m p e s e i . to put forth blossoms, see e m p e s e i ;
t o d y o m , to sing, see d y o m ;
t o a p e , see a p e .
3) to build,
t o a b a n , to build a house o f stone,
cf. si.
4) to meet, to light on, to find,
p i v . 2 3 7 ; to join, p r v . 194, cf. 153.
5) to beat, to strike, e.g. t o s o t o r re,
to strike with the p a l m o f the hand, see
s o t o r r e , cf. t w y e r r e , k u t r u k u ,
a n a n k u t i .
6) to lose, t o k w a f i ,
to lose the w a y , to g o a s t r a y , cf. y e r a .
7) to transgress, to trespass, t o m a r a , to transgress a law.
8) to name,
to call, to g i v e a n a m e , e. g. M a t o n e
d i n B e k u e , I h a v e given him the n a m e
B e k u e
M a t o m e b a A d o , I h a v e
called m y child A d o , cf. p r v . 124.
9) t o w i t h the prep, m u : to close, to
shut, e. g . T o p o n m u o r T o p o u m ,
s h u t t h e door, prv. 25, cf. t o m .
10)
w i t h the prep, so: to iron, to smooth,
'e. g . O t o a t a d e s o , h e i r o n s t h e
dress.
intr., 1) to t h r o w oneself, to fall,
e. g. O c u r u fi a c e m a m o t o p o m ,
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
he j u m p e d out o f the canoe a n d t h r e w
himself into the sea
M i t o e n s u m ,
a k a k u m a s e m i w u , / fell into the
water, a n d h a d nearly perished
O s u
t o , r a i n falls, it rains.
2) to set,
o f s u n , m o o n , a n d s t a r s , e. g. A i v u '
a t o , the s u n h a s set.
3) perf. a to,
t o lie, t o b e q u i e t , h e n c e t h e p h r a s e s :
M' a k u m a a t o m e y e m , M e b o a t o
m e y e m , a n d M e h u a t o m e y e m ,
see a k u m a , b o , a n d hu.
In the
latter significations t o is o f t e n c h a n g e d
i n t o t o , e. g. A i v u a b e t o , t h e s u n
is g o i n g t o set.
o , s. , b a c k s i d e , b u t t o c k s , p r v . 122.
(fr. t o , v.).
o , v., to shoot, to fire, to d i s c h a r g e a
g u n , e. g. H e n n a n a t o ? w h o d i d
shoot?
also of the g u n : to be fired,
e.g. a n k a o t u o n t o v o w u r a m da,
then n o g u n w o u l d ever be fired in the
f o r e s t , pi' v. 2 6 , cf. t o - t u o .
(a s e c o n
d a r y f o r m of to).
o a, v., to assail, to a t t a c h w i t h a b u s e
or blows, prv. 21.
o a , s., (pi. e n t - ) s m a l l b o x , e.g. a s r a toa, snuffbox.
o a p o , s., s p i t t i n g - b o x .
o - a s e , v., to p u t d o w n , to lay d o w n ;
h e n c e t o b o a s e , literally : to lay
d o w n the breast, used figuratively for:
t o h a v e p a t i e n c e , t o w a i t p a t i e n t l y , e. g.
W o t o b o a s e y i s e n s e w o b e f a
a b u f u , if y o u h a v e p a t i e n c e , t h a t is
better t h a n if y o u g r o w a n g r y
T o
b o a s e n a m i n k y e r o w m ' e u h u m a
a n s a , n a m i ni w o n k a s a , have p a
t i e n c e till I h a v e w r i t t e n m y letter,
then I will talk with you.
(fr. t o , v.,
a n d a s e , a d v ).
o a t o , v., to calumniate, to backbite,
to slander, syn. tyuri.
o k r i i , s., ( p i . e n t - ) h o l e ,
tu t o k r u ,
to tear a hole, as in a dress
b o
t o k r u , to m a k e a hole, as in a b o a r d
or in the g r o u n d ,
cf. p r v . 122.
o m , v. tr., to close, t o s h u t , s e e t o
w i t h the prep. m u .
intr. , to be
shut, to be closed, e. g. T o p o n m u ,
V a t o . m d e d a w , shut the d o o r ,
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
it is s h u t a l r e a d y .
2) to fall in,
h e n c e to c o m e o n , e. g. O n w y i n n '
a t o m , the cool o f the evening has come.
3) to disappear, to vanish b e h i n d
the clouds, of sun, m o o n a n d stars,
e. g. A i v u ' a t o m , the s u n h a s dis
appeared.
(fr. t o a n d m u ) .
o m f o , s. , ( o t - pi. at-) smith.
(fr.
t o n n o a n d the suffix fo).
o n n o , v . , t o h a m m e r , e. g. t o n n o
d a d e , to h a m m e r ta piece of) iron.
2) to m a k e by hammering, to forge,
e. g. t o n n o a s o w , t o f o r g e a hoe. - ( s e c o n d a r y f o r m of to).
o n k 6 m , v., to fall asleep, prv. 118.
(fr. t o a n d e n k o m , t h e latter fr.
k o m , v.J.
o r r e b e n t o , s., ( e n t - ) trumpet.
(prob. a d o p t e d f r o m a E u r o p e a n lan
g u a g e ) .
d t e , s., (pi. e n t - ) foot, p a w , claw,
hoof.
o l o , v . f r q . o f t o , t o r o a s t i. e . t o
dress b y a p p l y i n g to the fire w i t h o u t
m a k i n g u s e o f a n y p o t o r p a n , cf.
k y e w , e. g. t o t o a b r o d e , t o r o a s t
p l a n t a i n s , cf. p r v . 1 2 3 .
o - t u o . v . , t o s h o o t i. e. t o k i l l b y t h e
d i s c h a r g e o f a g u n , cf. t o , e. g. O t o
b a t a f o t u o , he shot a wild h o g
O t o n e h u t u o , he shot himself.
(fr. t o a n d t u o ) .
r a , v . , to sit, e. g. M i t r a a b r o g w a
s o , / a m sitting o n a chair, syn. te.
2 ) to slay, to r e m a i n , to c o n t i n u e , e. g.
W o b e k o , n a m i d e m c ; t r a h a , y o u
are going to depart, but I shall stay
here
M e t r a h a a d a p e n a n a f i , /
shall stay here four w e e k s
A s a s e
b e t r a h o d a , the earth will continue
f o r e v e r ;
h e n c e M a n t r a h o , leave
it t h e r e (i. e. l e t it r e m a i n w h e r e it is),
e.g. A k u t u n o m m e r r e y e , m a n t r a
d u a s o , t h e o r a n g e is n o t ripe, l e a v e
it o n t h e t r e e
M a w o n t r a h o k a k r a (cf. m a ) , s l a y h e r e a little.
r a b e r r e o r t r a b e o , s., seat, place
t o sit in , e. g. V a t r a m e t r a b e r r e ,
he has taken m y seat
M e t r a b e r r e
ni, this w m y place
S o r r e fi m e
2 4 1
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
t r a b e r r e , get u p f r o m m y place
Y e n k o y e f i t r a b e r r e , let u s g o to
o u r places.
2) abode, dwelling, place
o f r e s i d e n c e , e. g. M e t r a b e r r e n i
A k r o p o n , m y p l a c e o f r e s i d e n c e is
Akropong.
(fr. t r a a n d b e r r e ) .
r a m a t i r i , s., ( o t r - pi. a t r - ) h e a d
o f c o w r i e s L e. fifty s t r i n g s ( b a n ) o f
c o w r i e s , cf. e n t r a m a .
(fr. e n t r a
in a a n d t i r i o r ti).
r a s e , v . , to stt d o w n , to s e a t oneself,
e. g . T r a s e k a k r a , stt d o w n a little.
(fr. t r a a n d a s e ) .
r a t r a , a., thin, u s e d of things that
h a v e a n extended surface, as paper,
cloth, a n d such like, syn. f r a f r a a n d
h a t a .
r o , t r o t r o , a., s m o o t h , slippery, e. g .
O k w a n y i s o e y e t r o , o n this p a t h
it is s l i p p e r y .
r 6 f o , s., ( o t r - pi. a t r - ) liar.
(fr.
a t o r r o o r a t r o a n d the suffix fo).
r u , v., to hold, to c a r r y o n the a r m s ,
e. g. O t r u a b o f r a v o n ' a b a s a s o ,
h e is c a r r y i n g a child o n his a r m , s y n .
k u r a .
r u m , s., g a r d e n .
u , v. tr., to pull out, to p l u c k out, to
tear out, e. g. t u e f i v i , to pull o u t a
hair, cf. p r v . 2 4
t u s e , to pull out
a tooth, to d r a w a tooth
t u eni, to
t e a r o u t a n e y e
t u e n g u r a , topluck
out w e e d s
t u m e r e , to pluck m u s h
r o o m s
tu t o k r u , to tear a hole,
e. g. D a d e w a n o a t u m ' a t a d e m
t o k r u , the nail has torn a hole in m y
coat
tu a m o a , to m a k e or dig a
hole in the g r o u n d .
2) to send, to
dispatch, in the t e r m t u b o f o , to s e n d
a messenger.
Peculiar t e r m s : t u
m i r i k a , to run, see m i r i k a
t u
a g i n n a , see a g i n n a .
intr., 1) to fly, e. g. A n u m a t u v o
s o r r o , the b i r d flies in the air.
2)
t u k o , to g o a w a y , to g o off, e. g,
O b r o n n i t u k o A b r o k i r r i , the E u
r o p e a n h a s g o n e off to E u r o p e , prv. 244.
3) perf. a t u , to be torn out, plucked
out, fallen out, e. g. N ' e n i b a a k o n
a t u , o n e o f his e y e s is t o r n o u t
N e
3 1
2 4 2
T
T
T
T
T
s e i n i a r a a t u , a U his teeth are fal
len out.
u a , v. tr., to slick, to fix, to fasten, to
p u t s o m e w h e r e , e. g. O d e e n t u a n o
o t u a t u m p a n a n o , he put a cork
into the m o u t h o f the bottle
O d e d u a
t u a d a d e so, he fastened a piece o f
w o o d o n the iron.
intr., to stick, to
b e stuck, fixed, fastened, a p p l i e d to, e. gB o n n e v o n n e t u a t u o 'ano, the
b a y o n e t is f i x e d o n the e n d o f the m u s
ket
E n t u a n o t u a t u m p a n a n o ,
the cork sticks in the m o u t h o f the bottle
A b e f i t u a n i p ' a n o , the h o r n is
applied to the mouth, prv. 1 3 2
E k r u
t u a m ' e n s a h u , t h e r e is a w o u n d o n
m y hand, h e n c e simply: e t u a m e hu,
/ have a w o u n d , a sore, prv. 229.
u a , v , to pay, e.g. t u a e k a w , to p a y
a debt;
t u a e k a b o n n e , to punish,
e. g . O b e t u a v o n e k a b o n n e , o r
w i t h the prep, so: O b e t u a v o n s o
e k a b o n n e , he will punish them;
t u a e k a w o r s i m p l y t u a h a s also
the signification to p a y d a m a g e s , to
suffer for, to expiate, prv. 9 4 a n d 91.
i i l o , s., ( o t - pi. a t - ) a s o l d i e r a r m e d
w i t h a gun.
(fr. t u o a n d the suf
fix fo).
u - f o , v., to exhort, to a d m o m s h , fol
l o w e d b y the conj. s e a n d the poten
tial, e.g. O t u n o f o s e o n y e p a p a ,
h e e x h o r t e d h i m to b e h a v e well.
u m o r t u m i , v., to be able, can, fol
l o w e d b y the a u g m e n t e d infinitive or
b y t h e c o n j . s e , e. g. W o b e t u m i
a y e d e n ? or: E d e n n a w o b e t u m i
a y e ? w h a t w o u l d y o u be able to d o ?
(said in a b u s e or scorn , o t h e r w i s e :
W o n i m d e n y e ? see n i m )
M i s u s u s e m i t u m a y e a d e b e b r i , /
think I c a n do m a n y things
M i t u m
a y e k y e n s e n e a e n k r o f o b e b r i
s u s u , / c a n do m o r e than m a n y people
think.
T h e negative e n t u m i , c a n
not, is either f o l l o w e d b y the conj. s e
o r b y the negative of the infinitive,
e. g. O n t u m i s e o y e m i f y e , h e c a n
d o m e nothing ( n o h a r m )
M i n t u m i
n s o a a d e s o a n o , / c a n n o t c a r r y this
load.
T u m i denotes a n ability d e
p e n d i n g o n natural gifts or on p o w e r
a n d influence; in other cases the E n g
lish w o r d c a n m u s t be r e n d e r e d b y
n i m .
T u m f o , s., (ot- pi. at-) o n e w h o h a s
great strength or p o w e r , a s t r o n g
m a n , a m a n of p o w e r , prv. 113.
(fr. t u m a n d ihe suffix fo).
T u m i , v., see t u m .
T u m m , a., black, for w h i c h , h o w e v e r ,
t h e r e d u p l i c a t e d f o r m t u n t u m is c o m
m o n l y used;
substantively: s o m e
thing black, prv. 195.
T u m p a n , s., (pi. e n t - ) bottle, syn.
a b o d e a m o .
T u n t u m , a., black, dark;
substan
tively: o t u n t u m , b l a c k p e r s o n , cf.
k o k o .
T u o , s. , ( o t - pi. a t - ) m u s k e t , g u n .
(fr. t o ) .
T u t u , v. frq. o f t u , tr., to pull out, to
pluck out m a n y things,
h e n c e t u t u
a n u m a, to pluck a bird, prv. 142
t u t u m i r i k a , to r u n fast, see m i r i ka.
intr., 1) to fall o u t , e. g. M e
s e t u t u ifiiara, all m y teeth fall out.
2 ) to fly, w h e n m a n y b i r d s a r e r e
f e r r e d to, cf. tu.
3) to smart, to
ache, e. g. M e k r u t u t u o r t u t u m i ,
m y w o u n d smarts, cf, prv. 226.
T u t u , s., ( o t - ) dust, s y n . e m f u t u m a .
T u t u , adv., early,
s e e m s to b e u s e d
only in connection w i t h a n o p a :
a n o p a t u t u , early in the m o r m n g
o k a n n a a n o p a t u t u , to m o r r o w
morning.
T u t u p e f o , s., (ot- pi. a t - ) q u a r r e l s o m e
person.
(fr. a t u t u p e a n d the suf
fix fo).
T w y e r r e , s.,the h a n d h a l f - w a y clench
e d o n p u r p o s e to s t r i k e w i t h ' it;
also the b l o w thus inflicted, prv. 175;
t o t y w e r r e , to inflict s u c h a b l o w ,
cf. k u t r u k u .
T w y e a , s., corner, the extremity o f
s o m e t h i n g angular, for instance of a
table, of a house.
T e , s., a n o c u l a r disease, prv. 196.
T e d u a , s. , (pi. e n t - ) c r o s s - b o w , syn.
b e m a .
( p e r h a p s fr. t i e a n d d u a ) .
T e n , s., ( o t - pi. a t - ) a k i n d o f s t i n g i n g
insect, prv. 109.
T e n m u n i , s., ( o t - pi. a t e n m u f o ) a r
biter, arbitrator , umpire, judge.
(fr.
b u - a t e n a n d the suffix ni).
T ? w , v., to plant, to set, e. g. M a t e w
d u a , / h a v e planted a tree.
T o , v., see to.
T o , v., to buy, to purchase, prv. 29, 41,
66, 93.
T o , c o n j , suppose, if;
like k a , it is
p u t at the h e a d of a conditional sen
tence, m a r k i n g the idea e x p r e s s e d in
it a s a m e r e l y s u p p o s i t i t i o u s c a s e ,
contrary to reality, the principal sen
tence f o l l o w i n g b e i n g introduced b y
t h e c o n j . a n k a , e. g. T o t a m f o
e f i k u - a , a f i k a m a b o n a n a d y o n a
v a k u m m i , suppose (I h a d ) only ene
mies , then I should have c r o w e d in the
night a n d should h a v e been killed, prv.
162. - (fr. t o , v.).
T 6 f o , s., (ot- pi. at-) o n e w h o h a s
b e e n killed, w h o h a s fallen in battle.
(fr. t o = t o , to fall, a n d t h e s u f
fix fo). '
T o m a , s. , (pi. e n t - ) string o f c o r a l s
or of pearls, syn. a h i n e .
T o n , v., to sell, p r v . 93.
T u i , s., brush.
(fr, t y u ) .
U .
U k u d a , s., t h e t h i r d d a y
coinciding w i t h o u r W e
d a p en.
T o a m a n
d a y the n a m e K w a k i i
to a f e m a l e the n a m e A
U r a , s., ( o i i r a , pi. a u r a
sir, e. g. O b i n t u m i
a M e n , n o b o d y c a n serv
cf. prv. 63, 78, 200, 216.
U r a , s., w e e d , grass, s y n .
V
V a i , v., to p e e l off,
especially w i t h a
i n s t r u m e n t , cf. h u
.
of the w e e k ,
d n e s d a y , see
b o r n o n this
is g i v e n , a n d
k u a .
) master, lord,
n s u m a u r a
e t w o masters,
e n g u r a .
to p a r e off, to scale,
knife or s o m e other
a f i , e. g. v a i d u a -
2 4 3
b o n , to peel off the b a r k o f a tree
v a i a p a t a h o t i h o n n o , to scale a fish.
V a n s a f i , s., ( o v - pi. a v - ) a s p e c i e s o f
antelope, of a reddish colour w i t h
w h i t e stripes, prv. 61.
V a r r e , v., to b e l o n g , e.g. O k w a n n o
v a r r e , t h e w a y is l o n g , p r v . 1 5 0
K o yi w o b o g y e s e , e v a r r e d o d o ,
g o a n d s h a v e o f f y o u r b e a r d , it is v e r y
long.
2) to m a r r y , to take in m a r
riage.
v a r r e y i r r e o r v a r r e b e a ,
to take a wife, syn. cia.
V a t i r i i w , v., to slip, to slide, t h e s a m e
as p a t i r u w .
V a w , s., ( o v - ) cough,
b o v a w , to
c o u g h ~ y a r r e v a w , to h a v e a cough.
V i , v., to pick, to g n a w , to m b b l e , to eat
b y w a y o f g n a w i n g o r nibbling, e. g.
O g w a n vi s a r r e , the sheep eatsgrass
M i r e v i a b r o , / a m eating Indian
c o r n ( p i c k i n g it w i t h t h e teeth f r o m
t h e c o n e ) , cf. p r v . 123, 14-1.
V ia , v , to creep, to sneak, to w a l k s l o w l y
o n four legs as q u a d r u p e d s , or o n
h a n d s a n d feet as children do, h e n c e
to m o v e steallhily in o r d e r to b e u n
observed, prv. 205.
V i a , s., g u i n e a - p i g .
V i a r e , v., to peel, the s a m e as vai.
V i e , v , to finish, to c o m p l e t e , e. g. K o
v i e w o a d y u m a , g o a n d finish y o u r
w o r k .
perf. e i v i e (cf. G r . §. 7 5 ) ,
e. g. M e i v i e m ' a d y u m a , o r m o r e
frequently: M e i v i e m ' a d y u m a y e ,
/ have finished (to do) m y w o r k .
V i r r e , s., s k i n , e s p e c i a l l y t h i c k s k i n a s
that of the sole of the foot a n d of
thick-skinned quadrupeds.
2) thick
stuff as coarse linen, sack-cloth.
H e n c e the f o l l o w i n g c o m p o u n d s :
V i r r e - f i , to forget (literally: the
s k i n lets o u t ) e. g. M e v i r r ' a f i
n' a s ? m , / h a v e forgotten his w o r d s
K a i m ' a s e m i y e , m a w o virr'
e m f i , r e m e m b e r m y w o r d s welt, do
not forget them.
K e k y e - v i r r e , to comfort, to console,
see k e k y e - v i r r e a n d k e k y i r r e .
V i s i w , s., ( o v - s m o k e , steam.
V o , v . , to h a v e , e. g. A b e r r i k i v o
2 4 4
V
V
V
V
m m e f i , the goat has horns
O v o m o s i a v o n e k o t o k u m , he has pebbles
in his b a g
M i v o a b u s u a f o v o h a
n i A k i m , I h a v e relatives here a n d in
A k i m
M i v o n n a m f o b e b r i v o
k r u y i m , / h a v e m a n y friends m this
t o w n , cf. n y a .
2) to be in a place,
cf. t e , e. g. O v o h e ? w h e r e is h e ?
M i v o h o , I a m here, present
O v o
d a n m , h e is in the h o u s e
M o g y a
v o y e n a n o m , t h e r e is b l o o d in o u r
m o u t h , prv. 2 0 , cf. 1 3 8 , 1 8 6 . 233.
A s negative o f v o in b o t h significa
tions n i is used.
o , v., to b e a r , to b r i n g f o r t h , e. g. V a v o e m m a e d u , she h a s b o r n ten chil
d r e n , cf. p r v . 127.
o , v. tr., to drg, e.g. O t e l e w a h u a h a n a o b a t a v o a i v u a s o n a vo,
he plucks tobacco -leaves, a n d spreads
t h e m in the sun, a n d dries them.
intr., to dry, to g r o w dry, a n d perf.
a v o , to b e d r y , e. g. M ' a t a d e a v o ,
m y coat is d r y ;
n e g . e n v 6 i , is
not dry.
o - , pr. pers., (the conjunctive form,
t h e i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m o f w h i c h is v o n ,
cf. Gr. §. 1 0 3 ) they, e. g. V o b a , they
c a m e
V o r e b a , they are c o m i n g
V o b e b a , they will come.
W h e n
v o is j o i n e d w i t h the perfect f o r m e d
b y the a u g m e n t a, t h e o is d r o p p e d ,
e. g. V a b a , t h e y a r e come.
V o is
often e m p l o y e d , w h e r e in English the
p a s s i v e is u s e d , e. g. V o t o n w o - a .
w h e n t h e y s e l l y o u i. e . w h e n y o u a r e
sold, p r v . 93, cf. 1 6 2 , 1 8 5 etc.
o , prep., is originally t h e v e r b v o , to
be in a place, w h i c h is u s e d as a p r e
position to express the relation o f a n
action to a place with neutrality o f direc
tion, o r in o t h e r w o r d s : it is u s e d t o
connect a n object of locality w i t h the
predicate, w h e n the object is m e r e l y
qualifying or accessary (not integrant),
a n d the action expressed b y the p r e
dicate is c o n c e i v e d as a m o t i o n o r
rest in a place ( n o t as a m o t i o n to
or f r o m a place). A s the relation
m e n t i o n e d is not particularly e x p r e s s e d
V
V
V
V
V
V
in English, the latter h a s n o w o r d
c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h v o , a n d it is n o t
t r a n s l a t e d a t all, e. g. O y e a d y u m a
v o a f u s o , h e is w o r k i n g in the p l a n
tation
M a g y a w m e p o m a v o n o
d a f i m , / h a v e left m y stick in his h o u s e
M i b u n o v o M a m f e , / s a w k m
at M a m f e
M i k o f y e n o v o fiase,
/ w e n t to visit h i m in the p r i s o n
M i h u n o v o h o e m p r i f i p r i n , I s a w
h i m there just n o w
O d i g w a v o
b e b i , h e is t r a d i n g s o m e w h e r e .
T h e
prep, v o is, h o w e v e r , often left out,
w h e r e a c c o r d i n g to t h e r u l e it o u g h t
to b e put, especially in p r o v e r b s ; t h u s
e. g. i n p r v . 4 1 , 76, 9 7 , 128, 1 4 8 , 2 4 3 .
F o r a m o r e detailed specification o f
t h e rules f o r its u s e a n d its o m i s s i o n ,
s e e Gr. §. 1 9 4 - 1 9 6 , cf. §. 143.
o f a , s. , u n c l e i e. t h e m o t h e r ' s b r o t h e r .
o f a s e , s., n e p h e w , t h e sister's s o n .
o f a s e w a , s. , n e p h e w , t h e s a m e a s
v o f a s e , o f w h i c h it is t h e d i m i n u t i v e .
o m , v . , to b e in, e. g . K o f y e a d a k a m s e d o k o n n o v o m a n a , g o a n d
look into the closet, ( a n d see) w h e t h e r
t h e r e is b r e a d i n it;
in this sense
v o m is b u t a c o n t r a c t i o n o f the v e r b
v o w i t h the preposition m u (cf. Gr.
§. 45).
2) to be reat, to be actual,
to be truly so, e. g. A s e m y i v o m
a m p a , t h e m a t t e r is r e a l l y so.
6 n n i , pr. dem., that;
it a p p e a r s t o
be a n inverted contraction of n i w i t h
t h e p r e p , v o , a n d is u s e d o n l y , r e f e r
ring to a substantive m e n t i o n e d before,
in connection w i t h a substantive attri
bute, in w h i c h the local existence of
t h e o b j e c t is d e f i n e d , e. g. A t o d r u
a s a , e n y e v o n n i o h i n n e e n t o a m ,
w h e n the p o w d e r is all c o n s u m e d , it is
not that in the king's powder-case, prv.
I l l (cf. G r . §. 2 0 5 ) .
o n , pr. pers., they, them (the i n d e p e n
d e n t f o r m o f v o - ) e. g. V o n i n i a r a
n a te n a s e m , they all o b e y h i m
K o f r e v o n , g o a n d call them
M i c i a v o n , / m e t them.
pr. p o s s , , their, e. g. V o n d a n ni,
this is their h o u s e , cf. v o n d e a . ,
V o n a n k a s a , pr. p e n . , they themselves,
themselves, e. g. V o n a n k a s a b e b a ,
they will c o m e themselves.
p r . p o s s . , their o w n , e. g. V o n a n
k a s a d a n n i , this is their o w n h o u s e .
(fr. v o n a n d the suffix a n k a s a ) .
V o n a n k a s a ilea or v o n a n k a s a d e ,
pr. poss., their own, belonging to them
selves, e. g. O d a n n o y e v o t i a n k a s a d e a , this h o u s e is their o w n .
(fr. v o n a n k a s a a n d the suffix d e
or d e a ) .
V o n a r a , pr. pers , just they, just them.
- (fr. v o n a n d t h e t e r m i n a t i o n a r a ) .
V o f i d e a or v o n d e , pr. poss., theirs,
b e l o n g i n g to t h e m , e. g. O d a n n o y e
v o n d e a , this h o u s e is theirs, b e l o n g s
to t h e m , cf. v o n .
(fr. v o n a n d t h e
suffix d e or d e a ) .
V o n h u , pr. red., t h e m s e l v e s , e. g. V o s e s i e v o f i h u , they put themselves in
readiness.
(fr. v o n a n d t h e s u f
fix h a ) .
V o r r e , v., to strip off, to take off the
skin or surface of a n y t h i n g , hence:
v o r r e k o t o k u , to flay, e.g. O v o r r e
g w a f i k o t o k u , he flayed the sheep.
cf. v r o .
V o s a w , v., to c h e w , to m a s t i c a t e , e. g.
Y e v o s a w a d u a n a n s a n a y a m e n n e , w e masticate the f o o d before w e
s w a l l o w it.
V o s o w , v. intr., to tremble, to shake.
tr., to shake;
syn. p o s o w , p o p o ,
c i m .
V r a n v r a n , a., variegated, spotted, e.g.
O s e b o y e v r a n v r a n , t h e l e o p a r d is
spotted;
syn. e n t o k o a n t o k o a .
V r o , o r v r o w , v. , to p u s h , to pull, to
m o v e , e. g . v r o k a , to p u s h a ring,
prv. 113.
2 ) to pull off, to t a k e off,
to strip off, e. g. M i v r o a k a t a i v u a
k o t o k u , / a m pulling off the cover o f
the umbrella
M i v r o m ' a t a d e , /
take off m y coal.
(a contracted f o r m
of v o r r e ) .
V o , v,, to sting, to pierce, e. g. O d e
p e a w o v o n ' e n i , he pierced his eye
w t t h a spear^ cf. p r v . 2 2 4 .
V o , s., ( o v - pi. a v - ) s n a k e , serpent,
prv. 100.
2 4 5
V o d r i i , s., ( o v - pi. a v - ) w o o d e n m o r
tar, in w h i c h y a m a n d plantains a r e
p o u n d e d , cf. f u f u .
( v o fr. v o w ,
d r u p e r h a p s instead of d u a ) .
V o m a , s., ( o v - pi. a v - ) w o o d e n pestle,
w i t h w h i c h y a m a n d plantains are
p o u n d e d in the v o d r u .
( v o fr.
v o w . the origin of m a uncertain).
V o w , v., to knead, to p o u n d , e.g. v o w
f u f u , see this w o r d ;
syn. p o t o w .
V u , s. , o n e o f the l a r g e r species of
antelope, of d a r k colour, called also
b o b i r i , cf. prv. 105.
V i l a , v., to steal, e.g. O v u a m e s e k a n ,
he stole m y knife ;
perf. a i v u a , see
Gr. § . 7 5 ;
cf. b o - k r o n n o .
V u a m o , s., ( o v - pi. a iv-) a l a r g e s t o n e
o n w h i c h t h e c o r n is g r o u n d .
(fr.
a i v u a n d bo).
V u a m o b a , s., ( o v - pi. a i v - ) a s m a l l e r ,
s t o n e w i t h w h i c h t h e c o r n is g r o u n d
s y n . b o b a.
(fr. v u a m o a n d ba,
dim. of v u a m o ) .
V i i a s e , s., (ev-) world.
(fr. a i v u a
a n d a s e , p r o p , w h a t is u n d e r the
sun).
V u a s e f o , s., inhabitant of the w o r l d ,
m a n , mankind.
(fr. v u a s e a n d the
suffix fo).
V i i f o , s., ( o v - pi. a i v - ) thief, p u r loiner,
syn. k r o m f o .
(fr. v u a a n d the
suffix fo).
V u m , s. , t h e a p p a r e n t l y v a c a n t s p a c e
e n c o m p a s s i n g t h e earth, air, atmosphere,
firmament, syn. a d u a n u m .
V u r 6 w , s., (pi. a i v - ) nail, talon, prv.
57, 254, also b o i v u r o w .
W .
W o , s., ( e w o ) h o n e y .
W o , pr. pers., 1) as conjunctive f o r m
(cf. G r . §. 1 0 3 ) : t h o u , e. g. W o b a ,
thou eamest
W o r e b a , thou art
coming;
w h e n j o i n e d to the perfect
t e n s e f o r m e d b y t h e a u g m e n t a, t h e o
o f w o is d r o p p e d , e. g. W a b a , t h o u
art come.
2) as i n d e p e n d e n t f o r m :
thou, thee, e.g. W o - a w o g w a n , thou
w h o art fleeing
O t a f i w o , he hates
thee
O b e m a w o e n t a m a , he will
give thee a dress.
2 4 6
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
pr. poss., thy, e. g. W o t a m f o , thy
e n e m y
W o d a n n i , this is t h y
house.
o a n k a s a , pr. pers., thou thyself,
e.g. W o a n k a s a w a t e n ' a s e m , thou
thyself hast h e a r d his words.
p r . p o s s . , t h y o w n , e. g. W o a n
k a s a d a n n i , this is t h y o w n h o u s e .
(fr. w o a n d t h e suffix a f i k a s a ) .
o a n k a s a d e a o r w o a n k a s a d e , pr.
p o s s . , thine o w n , e. g. O d a n n o y e
w o a n k a s a d e a , this h o u s e is thine
o w n .
(fr. w o a n k a s a a n d t h e s u f
fix d e o r d e a ) .
o a r a , pr. pers., even thou, just thou.
(fr. w o a n d the t e r m i n a t i o n a r a ) .
o d e a or w o d e , pr. poss., thine,
e. g . O d a n n o y e w o d e a , this h o u s e
is thine.
(fr. w o a n d the suffix d e
or d e a ) .
o h u , pr. refl., thyself, e.g. F a w o h u
k y e r e , s h o w thyself.
(fr. w o a n d
the suffix hu).
u , v., to die, to expire, prv. 89, 124,
166;
perf. V a w u , h e is d e a d , h a s
died, prv. 61, 118.
u , s., ( o w - ) death, prv. 60.
o w u
a d a r r e , death's scythe, prv. 228.
u d i f o , s., ( o w - pi. a w - ) m u r d e r e r .
(fr. d i - a w u a n d the suffix fo).
i i r a , s. , w o o d , forest, prv. 2 6 , syn.
k w a i , a h a b a n .
E.
E
E
E
E
E
E
E f u , s., h u m p , h u n c h , h u m p - b a c k .
a., h u m p b a c k e d , h u n c h b a c k e d ,
a n d
substantively: h u n c h b a c k e d person.
( p r o b . fr. f u ) .
E f u k y a k y a , s., h u m p - b a c k , a p p l i e d a s
a n i c k n a m e to h u n c h b a c k e d persons. E
(fr. e f u a n d k y a k y a , t h e latter
b y r e d u p l i c a t i o n fr. t h e v e r b k y a ) .
E g i n a m , s. , surety, security, bail;
d i e g i n a m , to bait, to give security,
e. g. O d i e g i n a m m a m i , h e g a v e E
security for me.
(fr. g i n n a a n d m u ,
l i t e r a l l y : s t a n d i n g - i n i. e . t a k i n g a n o
ther's place).
E h i n a n a n , a., s q u a r e , e. g. O p o n e h i n -
a n a n , a square table
O p o n n o
y ' e h i f i a n a n , the table is s q u a r e
(fr. h i n , in As. the s a m e as t w y e a ,
corner, a n d anafi, four).
b u n m , s., epilepsy, epileptic fit,
E h u n m a s i n o s o or a t o n o s o , he
h a s h a d a n e p i l e p t i c fit.
k k or e k a w , s., debt,
di e k a w ,
t o h a v e debts, prv. 7
V a t u a n ' e k a w ,
he has paid his debts
O t u a n o s o
e k a w b o n n e , literally: he paid b a d
d e b t s u p o n h i m i. e . h e p u m s h e d h i m
O t u a n o s o e k a w p a , he r e w a r d e d
him.
(fr. a k a , to be w a n t i n g , perf.
of k a , v.).
k i , s., back, the hinder part of the
b o d y , cf. m u .
2) outside, outer part
of a thing, as of the hand, prv. 22.
k i , p f e p . , b e h i n d , e. g. D u a k e s e s i
d a n n' e k i , t h e r e is a l a r g e tree b e h i n d
the house
O y e a d y u m a v o d a n
n ' e k i , h e is w o r k i n g b e h i n d the h o u s e
M i k o d a n n'ieki, I a m going behind
the house, cf. p r v . 80.
2) after, e.g.
O p r a n n a e k i n a o s u t o d a , after
a t h u n d e r - s t o r m it a l w a y s r a i n s .
k i d i , v., see d i - e k i .
k i r r i o r e k i , a d v . , behind, b a c k , e. g
O n a m e k i r r i , h e is w a l k i n g b e h i n d
a k a e k i r r i , to stay behind, see
k a , v.
safi e k i r r i , to turn back,
to return, see s a n .
2) m o s t l y w i t h
n o affixed to it: e k i r r i n o , after
w a r d s , e. g. O h u b i r i b i t e n t e f i n i
fita, n a o s u s u s e e y e s a m a n ; n a
e k i r r i n o o h u s e e n y e b i r i b i n a
e y e t a m , he s a w something long a n d
w h i t e , a n d t h o u g h t it w a s a g h o s t ; b u t
a f t e r w a r d s h e p e r c e i v e d t h a t it w a s
nothing but a dress.
(fr. e k i ) .
k i r r i , a. a n d a d v . , m o s t l y redupli
cated: e k i r r i k i r r i , o r e v e n : e k i r r i k i r r i k i r r i , far, distant, e. g. V a k o
a s a s e e k i r r i k i r r i , he has g o n e to
a distant country.
k y o w , s., o c c u r s o n l y in t h e e x p r e s
sion: M i p a e k y o w , I beg submissively,
u s e d as a f o r m o f civility.
(prob.
the s a m e as k y o w ,
p a k y o w
m e a n i n g originally: to take off the hat).
E k o , s., buffalo.
E k o , n u m . , one, not m u c h used except
in counting, -whereas in other cases
t h e c o m p o u n d b a a k o n is g e n e r a l l y
e m p l o y e d ; other f o r m s of the s a m e
n u m e r a l a r e a k o n , k o r r o a n d k r o .
E m 6 , s., rice.
E n e , s., voice, e. g. M i n i m n ' e n i m
n i u ' e n e , / k n o w his face a n d his
voice.
E n i , s., e y e , p r v . 114, 196.
H e n c e
the following c o m p o u n d s :
E n i - a g y e , to be glad, to rejoice.
E p i- a \v u , to be ashamed, to be a b a s h
ed.
(fr. w u , literally: the e y e
is d e a d ) .
E n i - h e r r e , to desire, to covet, e. g.
N ' e n i b e r r e n e y o n k u a d e , he
covets his neighbour's property.
( p r o b . fr. b e r r e , to bring, to fetch).
E n i - d a , lo rely, to trust, e.g. M ' e n i
d a N y a f i k u p o n so, I trust in God.
(fr. d a , to he, to rest).
E n i - s a , to find out, to select, prv.
104, 102.
E n i - s o , to honour, to respect, prv. 38.
(fr. s o , l o lift).
E n i d i , s., h o n o u r .
(fr. d i - n i ) .
E n i f i r a i , s., blindness.
(fr. e n i a n d
fira).
E n i f i r i , s., sharpness o f sight, quicksightedness.
'fr. nifiri).
E n i m , s. , f a c e , e. g. N ' e n i m a p o m p r o f i , his f a c e is w r i n k l e d ;
h e n c e
surface, top, prv. 160.
prep., before, in front of, in presence
of, e.g. A b o f r a f y e e n s u m v o n'ag y a e n i m - a , o n w u , w h e n a child
falls into the water .in the presence o f
its f a t h e r , it w i l l n o t p e r i s h , cf. p r v . 1 4 8 .
E n i w a , s., e y e , p r v . 117, 134.
(dim.
of eni).
E n n i , pr. d e m . , this, that;
it is b u t
a s t r o n g e r f o r m of ni, f r o m w h i c h
it h a s s p r u n g b y initial a u g m e n t a t i o n ,
a n d a p p e a r s to b e e m p l o y e d o n l y in
t h e f o l l o w i n g c a s e s : 1) it is p u t a t
the h e a d of a sentence, referring to
s o m e p r e c e d i n g s t a t e m e n t , e. g. E n n i
2 4 7
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
m i n i m , / k n o w t h a t (i. e. w h a t y o u
tell m e ) .
2 ) L i k e n i it is u s e d e m
phatically instead of the auxiliary v e r b
y e , in a sentence w i t h inverted c o n
s t r u c t i o n , e. g A d e b o n n ' a k a t u a
e n n i w u , the w a g e s o f sin is death,
a n d in a principal sentence, corre
s p o n d i n g w i t h n e a in a p r e c e d i n g
a c c e s s a r y s e n t e n c e , e. g. N e a v o n e
y e m n o , e n n i n e d e , w h a t is in his
belly, is his, p r v . 27.
n u , num., two, both,
it is u s e d chiefly
in counting a n d in s o m e particular
expressions, as b a e n u , t w o persons,
a f a e n u , both sides,
prv. 103, 144
prv. 165, 226,
w h e r e a s in other
cases the c o m p o u n d f o r m a b i e n is
c o m m o n l y e m p l o y e d , cf. e k o .
n u e n y a m , s., glory.
s a , n u m . , three,
u s e d chiefly in
counting, w h e r e a s in other cases the
c o m p o u n d f o r m a b i e s a is c o m m o n l y
e m p l o y e d , cf. e k o .
s i k r e , s. , s u g a r .
(adopted f r o m
s o m e E u r o p e a n language).
s i k r e s a m , s. , w h e a t e n flour.
s o n n o , a., different, peculiar, e. g.
E s o n n o k a s a b e b r i v o a s a s e so,
there are m a n y different languages o n
e a r t h A n u m a te a f i r i m n o , e s o n
n o n e k a s a e n k u , a b i r d w h i c h is in
a snare has a peculiar cry. prv. 260.
It is q u e s t i o n a b l e , h o w e v e r , w h e t h e r
this w o r d is a n a d j e c t i v e ; it m a y p e r
h a p s b e the perfect of a v e r b s o n n o .
In either c a s e its construction is irre
gular.
t i f i , s., the c r o w n or lop o f the head,
h e n c e v e r t e x , z e n i t h , e. g. A i v u a
g i n n a y e n e t i f i , the s u n is in o u r
zenith;
a n d in g e n e r a l : top, summit,
e. g. b e p o e t i f i , the s u m m i t o f a
mountain.
(fr. ti, head, a n d fi p r o b the s a m e as e m f i n e m f i n i ) .
t u , s. , clasp, e m b r a c e ,
y e e t u , to
e m b r a c e , s y n . b a m a n d f a m , e. g.
V o y e e t u , they e m b r a c e each other
M i y e n o e t u , / e m b r a c e d him.
I N D E X
T O
T H E
A .
A , a n , see bi.
A b a s e , to, b r e a s e .
A b a s h e d , to be, e n i - a w u .
A b a t e , to, d y o , g y a i .
A b d o m e n , y e m , y e f u n n u , y e f u n n u m .
A b h o r , to, k i , t a n .
A b i d e , to, t r a .
Able,
6e, f u m i , n i m .
A b o d e , fi, t r a b e r r e , t r a b e o .
A b o u t , b e s e see s e , v.
A b o v e , s o r r o .
A b r o a d , a d i , a d i w , a d u o .
A b s o l v e , to, b u - b e m ;
to b e absol
ved, d i b e m .
A b s o r b , to, m e m e n n e .
A b u s e , to, y a w .
A c c o m p a n y , to, k a w i t h the p r e p . h u .
A c c o u n t , a k o n t a ;
o n that account,
e n t i , conj.;
o n a c c o u n t of, enti,
prep.
Ache, y a w .
A c b e , to, b e n , p a i , t u t u , y e y a w .
Acid, nyafi.
A c q u i t , to, b u - b e m ;
to be acquitted,
d i b e m .
A c r o s s , t y a i , cf. t y a .
A c t u a l , to be, v o m .
A d d , to, k a with t h e p r e p . h u .
A d h e r e , to, b o , a k a see k a .
A d j o i n , to, b a t a.
A d j u s t , to, p a t a , s e s i e .
A d m o n i s h , to, t u - f o .
A d o r e , to, s o r r e .
A d o r n , to, c e c e .
Adult, p a n y in.
Adulterer, y e f a r r e f o .
Adultery, a y e f a r r e ;
to c o m m i t a d u l
tery, f a y i r r e .
V O C A B U L A R Y .
A d v e r s a r y , t a m f o .
Adversity, a m a n n e , a m a n n e h u n n u ,
m u s u .
Afflicted, tobe, h u a m a n n e , h u - a d y u r u w .
Affliction, a m a n n e h u n n u , a h o d y u r u w .
Afraid, h u ;
to b e afraid, y e h u ,
s u r r o .
Africa, A b i b i r i .
African, bibini.
After, e k i r r i .
A f t e r w a r d s , e k i r r i , e k i r r i n o .
A g a i n , bis.
Against, see h u .
A g r e e , to, y ? b a a k o f i ;
to a g r e e
with, fata.
Agreeable, d e , d e w .
A i d , to, b u a .
Air, v u m , a h u n n u m .
A l a r m , a h o p o p o .
Alike, p e ;
to b e alike, se, s e p e ,
y ? P<?All, i n i a r a , e n k a i n i a r a ;
at all,
k o r a .
Alligator, d e n k y e m .
A l l o w , to, m a k w a n .
A l m o s t , a k a k u m a see k a .
Aloft, s o r r o .
,
Alone, e n k u , e n k u t o .
Already, d e d a w.
Also, e n s o , e n s o s o .
Alter, to, s a k ira.
A l w a y s , d a , d a p i m .
A m a z e d , to be, h u - a y e r a w .
A m b a s s a d o r , b o f o .
A m o n g , e n t e m .
A n a n a s , a b r o b e .
A n d , n a , ni, e n n i .
A n
A n
A n
A n
An
A n
g e r , a b u f n .
g r y , to g r o w , fa a b u f u , b o - f u .
i m a l , a b o a .
k l e , n a n p o w tee p o w .
o i n t , to, s r a .
o t h e r , see bi a n d f o f o r o ;
a n o t h e r
place, b e b i ;
a n o t h e r time, d a b ) ,
d a a k i.
A n s w e r , to, b u a , g y e - s o .
Ant, white, e info tie;
other kinds of
ants: e n t e t i a , h a h i n n i , a h o h o ,
m e r e b o a , efi krafi.
Ant-hill, s i w .
Antelope, a b e r r e , a d o a , b o b i r i , d a b o , k w a d u , t y p , v a n s a f i , vu.
A n t i c i p a t e , to, t y a - a n o .
A n y , bi, b i a r a .
A n y b o d y , bi, b i a r a .
A n y t h i n g , bi, b i r i b i , b i r i b i a r a .
A n y w h e r e , b e b i , b e b i a r a .
A p p e a r , to, fi, p u e .
A p p e a r a n c e , hu.
Appetite, k o m .
A p p l y , to, t u a .
A p p r o a c h , to, b e n .
A r a b , K r a m o .
Arbiter, t e n m a n i .
Arid, a v o .
A r i s e , to, s o r r e , b a , fi.
A r m , b a s a .
A r m - h o l e , m o t u a m .
A r m dillo, p r a , a p r a .
A r m y , d o m , a s a f o .
A r r a n g e , to, s e s i e .
A r r e s t , to, b o d u a m ;
to be arrested,
d a d u a m , d a f i a s e .
A r r i v e , to, d u .
A r r o w , a g y a n .
Art, a d y o n n e .
Artist, d y o m f o .
As, se, s e n e a .
A s c e n d , to, f r o , k o s o r r o .
A s h a m e d , to be, f e r r e , e n i - a w u .
Ashes, e n s o n .
A s k , to, b i s a , s e r r e .
Asleep, to be, da.
Ass, a f u n o m p o n k o .
A s s a i l , to, p u a , p u a p u a , t o a .
A s s e m b l e , to, intr. c i e m
tr. b o - a n o .
Assist, to, b u a .
Assoeiation, a s a f o
Astonished, to be,
Astray, to go, y e r
At, e n k y e n , hu.
A t m o s p h e r e , r u n ,
A t t a c k , to, t o a .
A t t e n d , to, f y e .
Avarice, e n k e k y e
Avaricious person,
A w a k e , to, n y a f i .
A w a y , see k o , k i
A x e , a k u m m a , a
2 4 9
.
h u - a y e r a w .
a , to k w a f i .
.
a h u n n u r a .
k e k y e f o .
n n e .
b o n u a , t y a p o .
B .
B a c k , e k i . m u ;
to lie o n t h e b a c k ,
see a y a n y a,
Back, adv., ekirri.
B a c k b i t e , to, t o a t o , t y u r i .
Backbiter, t y u r i f o , k u n t o m p o n i .
Bad, b o n n e .
B a g , k o t o k u ;
m a d e of grass, tek r e k i .
Bait, to, s o e .
B a k e , to, t o t o , k y e w .
Bald, to be, see p a ;
bald o n the body,
h u p a i ;
o n the bead, tipai.
Bald-head, o n i p a tipai.
B a m b o o , e m p r e m p r u .
B a n a n a , k w a d u , k w a d u e t i a .
Banana-tree, k w a d u , k w a d u d u a .
B a n k (of a river), a s u b o n t e n a u o .
B a r of iron, d a b a f i ;
of lead, a b o d a b a n .
Barber, yifo.
Bark, a b o f i , h o n n o .
Barn, s a n .
Barrel, p a n k r a n ;
o f g u n - p o w d e r ,
a k o t o a , k w a d u m .
Basin (of brass), a y o w a .
Basket, k e n t e n , s e s i e ;
for travel
ling, a p a k a n .
Bat, a h y u r e d e , a m p a f i , p a n t y o nini.
B a t h e , to, g w a r r e .
Battle, kofi.
B a y o n e t , b o n n e v o n n e .
B e , to, y e , cf. di, si;
to b e (in a
place), v o , te;
not to be (in a
2 5 0
place) ni;
to b e ( w i t h respect to
quality), te.
Beach, e n s u a n o , e m p o a n o .
b e a d , a h i n e .
B e a k , a n o , a n u m a n o .
, .
B e a m , e m p u r a f i , e n s a m s o d u a .
Bean, a s e .
B e a r , to, s o a , s e n ;
(to bring forth) vo.
Beard, b o g y e s e . . .
Beast, a b o a .
B e a t , to, b o , t o , f y e .
Beautiful, f e f e , f t j f e w .
B e c o m e , to, d a n , n y i f i , y e ;
( t o fit)
f a t a .
Bed, n ai, e m pa.
B e d r o o m , d a b e r r e .
Bedstead, e m p a d u a .
B e e , d o a.
Beef, n a n t y u n a m .
Beer, a h a i .
Befall, to, b a w i t h the prep. s o .
Before, adv., k a n , k a n n o ;
prep.,
see t y a - a n o , e n i m ;
conj., a n
s a n a.
B e g , to, s e r r e , b i s a .
B e g g a r , h u a f o .
B e g i n , to, c e a s e , f i t i a s e , see a s e .
B e h a v e , to, y e .
Behind, e k i r r i .
B e l c h , to, k e s u .
B e l i e v e , to, g i - d i .
Bell, d o n .
B e l l o w , to, s u .
Bellows, a fa.
,
Belly, y e f u n n u , y e f u n n u m , y e m .
B e l o w , a s e , f a m .
Bench, m a n g o ,
fiend, to, k o n t o i l , p r o f i .
Beneath, a s e .
Benefactor, d ? f o .
B e n e v o l e n t , to be, y e m - y e .
Bent, a k o n t o n , a m a n k y e w .
B e s m e a r , to, s r a , d u e .
B e s o m , prai.
B e t w e e n , e n t e m .
Big, k e s e , k o k r o ;
to b e big, s o n .
Bile, b o n y u m a .
B i n d , to, k e k y i r r e , k y i r r e .
Bird, a n u m a .
Bird's-cage, k y e r e fikye.
t
Birth, a v o .
Birth-day, a v o d a .
Bite, to, k a , k e k a .
Bitter, f i w y u n n e , n w y u n n e n w y u n n e Bitterness, f i w y u n n e .
Black, t u n t u m .
Bladder, d y p n s o t o S .
B l a d e of a knife, s e k a n f u a .
Blanket, k u n t u .
B l a s p h e m e , to, b o d i n b o n n e , y a w .
B l a z e , to, d e w .
Blaze, g y a f r a m a .
B l e e d , to, fi m o g y a ; s o a n .
Bless, to, c i r a . ,
Blessing, e n cira.
Blind, n i f i r a i ;
blind person, nifir aifo.
Blindness, e n i f i r a i .
B l i n d w o r m , s u n s on.
Block, d u a .
Blood, m o g y a , k a f o .
Blood-vessel, e n t e n n i .
B l o s s o m , e n c u r e n ;
of Indian corn,
e m p e s e L
B l o s s o m , to, g u e n c u r e n ;
o f Indian
corn, to e m p e s e i .
B l o w , to, b o , h u , h u h u , f i t a ;
to
b l o w (a h o r n ) , cefi;
(the n o s e )
c e m .
Blue, b r u .
B l u n t , to, s e e b u .
Boar, p r a k o n i n i .
B o a r d , t a b o .
Boat, cefi, a c e m a .
B o d y , h u n a m , h u .
Boil, to, c u r u ; n o a .
,
Boiling, a c r u .
Bold, k w a t e k i .
B o n e , d o m p e.
Bonnet, k y o w .
B o o k , b r u k u .
Boot, a s p a t e r e t e n t e n .
Booty, a s a d e .
Border, ce.
, ,
B o r e , to, fiti.
,
B o r r o w , to, f e m , b o b o s i a .
;
Both, e n u .
Bottle, a b o d e a m o , t a m p a n .
B o t t o m , a s e .
B o u g h , d u a b a ' s a .
B o u n d a r y , ce.
B o w , b e m a , t e d u a .
B o w e l s , e n s o n n o .
B o x , a d a k a , t o a , a b o m p n r n a .
B o y , a b o f r a , a b o f r a b a r r i m a .
B r a n c h , d u a b a s a ;
; of a palm-tree,
p o p a .
B r a n d y , m o r o s a .
Brass, a y o w a .
'
Brave, k w a t e k i .
B r e a d , a b o d o , d o k o n n o , p a n o .
B r e a k , lo, b u , b o ;
to b r e a k loose,
t e w .
Breast, b o , k o k o ;
of a f e m a l e , n u f u .
Breath, h o m m e ;
to get out of breath,
b o - b u , h o m m e - t e w .
B r e a t h e , to, h o m m e .
B r e e d , to, y e m , y e n .
Bride, a y e f o r r o .
Bridge, t y p n n e .
Bright, cirefi, h a n n a h a n n a ;
to be
brigt, h o a.
Brim, a no.
to bring np,
B r i n g , lo, b e r e , cf. b a ;
y e n .
Brittle, p e n p e n .
B r o a d , t e t e r ? , t e t e r ? t ? ; to b e c o m e
broad, t e r g w .
B r o o k , a s u b o n t e n .
B r o o m , prai.
Brother, n u a b a r r i m a .
B r o w , e n t o n k a .
B r o w n , see k o k o .
B r n i s e , to, b o b o , b u b u .
Brush, tui, praf.'
B r u s h , to, t y u , t y u t y u . '
B r u s h - w o o d , m o b a.
Buffalo, e k o .
B u i l d , to, si, to.
Bull, n a n t y u n i n i .
Bullet, k o r a b o , a d a r r e b o .
Bullock, n a n tyu.
B u n c h , k e s a w ;
ofkeys, s a f i k e s a w .
Bundle, fi;
of grass, safi.
B u r d e n , a d e s o a .
B u r n , to, c e , c e w . p r i m .
B u r s t , to, p a i , t e w , t e t e - w .
B u t , n a , d e , cf. e n s o , n a n s o ; p e ,
e n k a .
Butterfly, a f a f a n t o .
Bu
Bu
By
B y
tton,
y , to,
, e f i
- n a m e
2 5 1
e n k n r o p e i .
to.
k y e n , cf. e n t i a n d the v e r b d e .
, m r a n .
C .
C a b b a g e , fan.
C a b o c e e r , h i n n e.
C a c k l e , to, k o a n n e .
Cactus, a k a r a t e .
Cage, k y e r e l i k y e .
Calabash, k o r a , a p a k i , a p a k i w a .
Calamity, a m a n n e , m u s n .
C a l c u l a t e , to, y e o r b u a k o n t a .
Calculation, a k o n t a .
Call, n a n t y u b a .
Calf of the leg, n a n t o .
Calico, e f i v i r a , k r a d a , m o a .
Call, to, f r e , to;
to be called,
di ;
t o call on, f y e.
C a l m , k o m m ;
to b e c a l m , see d y o ,
C a l u m n i a t e , to, t y u r i , t o a t o .
Calumniator, t y u r i f o , k u n t o m p o n i
C a l u m n y , e n t y u r i , e n k u n t o m p o .
C a m e l , y u m a.
C a n , t u m i , cf. n i m .
Candle, k a n n e a .
C a n n o n , p r e m o .
Cannon-ball, p r e m o b a .
C a n o e . k r o , c e n , a c e m a .
Cap, k y o w .
C a p s i z e , to, b u t n .
Captain, s a f o h i n n e , d o m a n i n .
Captive, n o m u m .
C a r c a s s , f u n n u.
C a r e , , to, see d y p n n e.
Care, to take, f y e iye.
Careful, to be, see f y e .
C a r o u s e , to, b s e n s a.
Carouser, s a b o f o .
Carpenter, d y o m f o .
Carpet, k u n t u .
Carriage, t y a s e a n a m .
Carrier, d o s o e n n i ;
of the travelli
basket, p a k a n f o , p a k a n s o a f o .
Carrion, f u n n u .
Carrion-kite, p e t e .
C a r r y , lo, s o a , f u a , k u r a , t r u .
C a r t r i d g e - b o x , e n t o a.
.
see
to.
ng-
2 5 2
C a r v e , to, g w a , s e n .
Case, a d a k a , t o a , b o h a .
Cask, p a f i k r a n ;
of g u n p o w d e r , a k ot o a , k w a d u m .
Cassaria, cassavi, b a n k y e , d u a d e .
C a s t , lo, to.
Castle, a b a n .
Cat, a g i n a m o a ;
wildcat, a d u a t i a .
Catarrh, p a k u m .
C a t c b , to, y i , k y i r r e ;
t o e a t c h fire,
s o o g y a .
Cause, a s e ;
w i t h o u t a cause, k w a .
C a u s e , to, s e e m a , y e .
Cave, bofi.
Cease, to, g y a i ;
f r o m g r o w i n g , t o
a p e .
Ceiling, e n s a m so.
C e l e b r a t e , to, di.
Cellar, fiase.
Centre, e m f i n e m f i n i .
Certainly, a m pa.
Cessation in g r o w t h , a p e .
Chain, e n k o n s o n k o n s o n .
Chair, a b r o g w a , a k e n t e f i w a .
C h a l l e n g e , to, p u a , p u a p u a .
C h a m b e r - p o t , d y o n s o k u k u .
C h a m e l e o n , b u s m a k e t e w .
C h a n g e , to, s a k i r a .
Chapel, a s o r r e d a f i .
Charcoal, g e b i r u .
C h a r m ( a m u l e t ) s u m an.
C h a r m e r , b a i f o , ayefi, b e n i n y e n .
Chase, a h a i o .
C h a s e , to, ta.
Chatter, a k a s a k a s a .
C h a t t e r , to, k a s a k a s a .
C h e a p , a b o m e r o w , f o f o ; -- to b e
cheap, b o - y e - m e r o w .
Cheapness, a b o m e r o w .
Cheat, sisifo.
C h e a t , to, s i s i , d a d a , g e g y e .
C h e e k , a f o n n o
Cheerful, to be, see a k u m a , a t e w .
Cheerfulness, a k u m a p a , a b o t o y e m ,
a b o a d y o.
Chest, a d a k a ;
breast, b o , k o k o .
C h e w , to, v o s a w .
Chicken, a k o k o b a .
C h i d e , lo, k a s a .
Chief, h i n n e .
Child, b a , a b o f r a , a k o k o a .
C h i m p a n z e e , k o n t r o m f i .
Chin, a b o g y e .
C h i r p , lo, k a s a , s u .
C h o o s e , to, p a w .
C h o p , to, p a i , t y a .
Church, a s o r r e d a f i .
Circle, h a n k a r a , k o n t o n k r o f i .
Circular, k o n t o n k r o f i , k r u k r u a .
C i r c u l a t e , to, k i n n e.
C i r c u m c i s e , to, t y a - t y e t i a .
Circumcision, t y e t i a .
Cistern, a h u r a .
Civet-cat, k a n k a n n e .
C l a m o u r , a k a s a k a s a .
C l a w , t o t e ;
of a craw-fish, a p r g w ,
k o t o a p r o w .
Clay, d o t e .
Clay-pipe, a b u a , a b r o b u a .
Clean, fit a;
to b e clean, afi see fi.
C l e a n , c l e a n s e , to, t y u , t y u t y u .
Clear, a t e w , fita;
to b e clear, a t e i r
see t e w .
C l e a r up, lo, t e w .
Clearly, k r o n k r o n .
C l e a v e , to, a k a see k a ; p a i .
C l i m b , to, f r o .
Clip, to, t i t y a .
Clock, d o n .
Close, lo, m u a , t o m , t o with the prepm a .
Closet, a d a k a .
Cloth, t a m , e n t a m a .
Clothes, e n t a m a , a t s d e .
Cloud, su.
C l o w n , f u m n i, k u r a s e n n i .
.
Cluster of palm-outs, b e m u ;
of p l a n
tains or bananas, d r u , s a w .
C l u t c h , to, k u r a .
f .
Coal, g e a , g e b i r u ;
live coal, e S g y a . n s r a m a .
Coast, e m p o a n o .
Coat, a t a d e .
C o b w e b , a n a n s e h u f i h u a .
C o c k , a k o k o n i n i .
C o c k c r o w i n g , a k o k o b o n i .
Cold, a v o w ; p a k u m .
C o l l e c t , to, b o - a n o , b o a b o - a n o , t a s s e .
Colt, p o f i k o b a .
C o m b , a f i.
C o m b , to, s r e n .
C o m b a t , k o n .
C o m b a t , to, k o n .
C o m e , to, b a ; - t o c o m e forth, f
to c o m e d o w n , si, d m .
C o m f o r t , k e k y e v i r r e .
C o m f o r t , to, k e k y e - v i r r e .
C o m m a n d , to, p i a , p i a p i a .
C o m m a n d e r , s a f o b i n n e , d o m a n
C o m m a n d m e n t , m a r a .
C o m m e n c e , to, c e a t e , fiti a s e .
C o m m e r c e , b a l a .
C o m m i t , to, b o , g o r r o .
C o m p a n i o n , y o n k u .
C o m p a n y , a s a f o .
C o m p a s s i o n , a h u m o b o r r e
C o m p e l , to, c e .
C o m p e n s a t i o n , a c e n e n m .
C o m p l a i n , to, d i e n k o m o .
Complaint, e n k o m o .
C o m p l e t e , to, v i e .
C o m p o s e , to, p a t a, s e s i e .
C o m p o s e d , to be, b o - a d y o , b o
C o m p o s u r e , a b o a d y o , a h u t o .
C o m p u t a t i o n , a k o n t a .
C o m r a d e , f e , y o n k u , a v e .
C o n c e a l , to, h i n t a w .
Concern, a s e m .
C o n c u b i n a g e , e m p e n n a .
Concubine, e m p e n n a .
C o n c u p i s c e n c e , a n i b e r r e.
C o n d e m n , to, b u - f o .
C o n d u c t , to. d e - b a , d e - k o ; t o
oneself, see y e .
C o n e of Indian corn, a b r o b e t e
C o n g r a t u l a t e , to, m a a m o .
Congratulation, a m o .
C o n q u e r , to, d i n i m .
Conqueror, d i n i m f o .
C o n s i d e r , to, d y o n n e .
C o n s u m e , to, sa.
Constantly, da.
Consternation, to get into, b o - t
Consultation, see a g i n n a .
Contagion, e n s an.
C o n t e m n , to, s e e p a .
C o n t e n d , to, si k a n n e .
C o n t e n t , t o , s o e n i.
C o n t e n t , to be, b o - a d y o .
C o n t e n t m e n t , a b o a d y o .
Contest, k o n . k a n n e ;
C o n t i n u e , to, d a s o , k o ; t r a .
2 5 3
C o n t r a c t , to, t y p m .
Conversation, a v i r r e h o s e m , e n k o m o .
C o n v e r s e , to, d i a v i r r e h o s e m , b o
e n k o m o .
C o o k , s o d o n i .
C o o k , to, n o a .
Cool, n w y i n n e .
C o o l , to, d y o .
Copper, k w o b e r e .
Coppice, a k w a i w a .
C o r a l (pearl) a h i n n e .
Cord, h a m m a .
Cork, e n t u a n o .
Corn, a b r o .
Corner, k o k o a m ; t w y ? a .
Corpse, f u n n u .
Corridor, a b r a n n a .
C o r r u p t , to, sei.
Cottage, sese.
Cotton, a s a w a ;
r a w cotton, a s a w a e m f u t u r u .
y o .
Cotton-cloth, e n t a m a .
Cotton-tree, a s a w a d u a .
Cotton-yarn, a s d w a .
C o u c h , n a i.
C o u g h , v a w .
C o u g h , to, b o v a w .
C o u n t , to, k a n .
Cover, k o t o k u .
C o v e r , to, k a t a .
d u c t Coverlet, d a s o .
C o v e t , to, e n i - b e r r e .
C o v e t o u s person, p e p e i f o , k e k y e f o .
Covetousness, p e p e i .
C o w , n a n t y u b e r r e .
C o w a r d , h u f o.
C o w e r , to, k o t o .
C o w r i e s , e n t r a m a , s e r r o a ;
a single
c o w r y , n i w a .
Crab, k o t o .
< ' r a w l , to, n a m , v i a .
C r e a k , to, k a s a .
C r e a t e , to, b o , y e .
Creator, d a m a f i k a m a .
C r e e p , to, v i a .
Crest (of the cock), a d a m .
Cricket (insect), a k e t e k e r e .
Crime, m u m u y e , a d e b o n n e .
Crocodile, d e n k y e m ,
i, p u e ;
i n .
- a d
c o n
m .
u .
"
2 5 4
C r o o k e d , a k y a , k o n t o f i k y e ;
t
crooked, see k y a , k o n t o n .
C r o s s , to, t y a .
C r o s s - b o w , b e m a , t e d u a .
C r o w , to, b o n.
C r o w n (of the head), etifi.
C r u m b s , e m p r o p r u a ;
of bread,
k o n n o h u e m p r o p r u a .
Cry, su.
C r y , to, s n .
Cudgel, a b a .
C u d g e l , to, f y e .
Cupidity, a d e f u d e , a n i b e r r e .
C u r e , to, s a .
Curse, e m p a i , e n s e w .
C u r s e , to, b o - d u a .
C u s h i o n , a t e ;
w o r n in the dres
w o m e n , a t o f o .
C u s t o m , ayi.
C u t , to, t y a , t i t y a , s e f i ;
to cut
g w a , k y e .
D .
D a m a g e , a b o r r o .
D a m a g e , to, s e i , d i a b o r r o
D a m a g e d , g o .
D a m p , a f o w .
Dance, a s a w .
D a n c e , to, s a w .
Dark, s u m , k o s u ;
to b
d i o d a.
Darkness, s u m .
....
D a s h , to, b o , b o b o .
D a u b , to, d u e , s r a .
D a u g h t e r , b a b e a.
D a z z l e , to, g e g y e .
D a y , d a ;
to d a y , e n n e ;
break, a d e k i a .
Dead, a w u ;
to b e dead,
D e a f person, sitifo;
d e a
m u m .
Deafness, a s o t i w .
D e a l , to, d i b a t a , d i - g w a .
D e a r (costly) a b o e d e n ;
b o - y e - d e n .
Death, w u .
Debate, a s e m .
D e b a t e , to, d i a s e m .
D e b a u c h e e , h o h y n n n i .
o b e
d o -
s of
up,
.
e d a r k , see
at d a y
see w u .
f a n d d u m b ,
to b e dear,
D e b a u c h e r y , a h o h y u .
Debt, e k a w .
Deceit, n a d a .
D e c e i v e , to, s i s i , g e g y e , d a d a .
Deceiver, s i s i f o , g e g y e f o , d a d S f o .
Deep, d o f i k u d o n k u , k r u n k r u n ;
to
b e deep, see do.
Deer, f r o t e .
D e f e a t , to, h o r r o . p a m .
D e f e n d , to, g y e . p i r r e .
Dejected, to be, h u - a d y u r u w .
Dejection, a b o d y u r u w .
Deliver, to, y i , g y e e n k w a .
Deliverer, a g y e f i k w a .
D e l u d e , to, d a d a , g e g y e .
,
Deluge, e n s u e y i r r i .
D e l u g e , to, y i r r i .
D e m o l i s h , to, b o b o , b u .
D e n , b o n.
Dense, p i p r i , p i p r i p l .
D e r i d e , to, si r o w .
D e s c e n d , to, d r u , si.
Desire, a n i b e r r e .
D e s p i s e , to, p a .
D e s t r o y , to, s e i , b o b o .
Destroyer, b o f o .
D e t e s t , to, k i , t a n .
Detriment, a b o r r o .
Devil, a b o n s a m , cf. s a s a b o n s a m .
Devoted, see a s e m .
D e v o u r , to, m e n n e .
'-.' i
D e w , b o s u .
Die, to, w u . : , ,
,
Die, to (colour), ce.
, .Dier, b i b i c e f o .
, .,, , , ,,
Different, a e r o , e s o n . n o .
D i g , to, tu.
- . ,.o-i
D i m i n i s h , to, s a .
- i , -: ; - .
D i p , to, b o .
,!-,
Dirt, fi, bin.
. J .
Dirty, fi;
to b e dirty, see birri.
D i s a g r e e , to, t y o , m a n s o .
Disagreement, m a n s o .
-i »
D i s a p p e a r , t o , y e r a , t o m . , ...i
D i s a s t e r , a m a n n e , m u s u . .,
Discontent, a d e f u d e .
Discontented person, d e f u d e p e f o .
D i s c o n t i n u e , to, g y a i .
,'
Discord, a t u t u , m a n s o .
Disease, y a r r e .
D i s l i k e , to, ki.
Distant, e k i r r i k i r r i .
Distinctly, k r o n k r o n .
Distress, a m a n n e h u n n u ;
to b e in
distress, h u a m a n n e , hia.
Distribute, to, k y e .
Ditch, a m o a.
Divide, to, k y e , p a i .
D o , to, y e , b o ;
to d o a w a y , k i n n e ;
to b e done, see b e n , sa.
D o g , k r a m a o ; a p e p e g y e b i , t y u a ,
b o d o m .
Dollar, d a r r i .
D o n k e y , a f u n u m p o n k o .
D o o r , d a f i a n o , pofi, d a n a n o p o f i .
Double, see ta.
Double-barrelled gun, e n t u t a .
D o u g h , m o r r e .
D o v e , a b r o m a , m o r o m o r o m e , a b r u b u r u .
D o w n , a s e , f a m .
D r a g , to, t y p .
Draughts, d a m .
D r a w , to, t y p ; s a w , s e s a w ;
to d r a w
a line, s a n ,
lines, s e n s a n ;
to
d r a w blood, soafi.
D r e a d , to, s u r r o .
D r e a m , dai.
D r e a m , to, s o d a i .
D r e n c h , to, f p w .
Dress, a d u r a d e , e n t a m a , a t a d e .
Dress, to, f u r a e n t a m a ; c e a t a d e ;
c e c e .
D r i n k , to, n o m ;
i m m o d e r a t e l y , bo.
D r i p , to, s o .
D r i v e , to, k a ;
a w a y , p a m .
D r o p , a so.
D r o p , to, s o ; g y a i .
D r u m , a k y i n n e , b o m a , a t u m p a f i .
D r u m , to, y a n , k a a k y i n n e .
D r u m m e r , y a m f o , k y e r e m a .
D r u n k , to be, see bo.
D r u n k a r d , s a b o f o.
D r u n k e n n e s s , a s a b o , e n s a b o . , ,
Dry, a v o , g w e n g w a n ;
d r y season,
pe, p e b e r r e .
D r y , to, v o .
D u c k , d a b o d a b u .
D u m b , m u m .
D u m b n e s s , m u m .
D u n g , bin.
Dunghill, s u m a n a .
D u r a b l e , to be, k y e b o , k y e sei, see
k y e .
2 5 5
Dust, e m f u t u m a , tutu.
D w a r f , a k o t i a .
E .
Each, see i n i a r a .
Eagle, k o r r i .
Ear, a so.
E a r of Indian corn, a b r o b e t e m
Early, a n o p a t u t u , a h i m a d a k
k i a .
E a n h , a s a s e ; d o t e . 1
E a r t h e n vessel, k u k u .
E a t , to, di, d i d i , cf. ti, vi.
E d g e , a no.
Eel, a b e r r e k u r i .
E g g , k e s u a .
Eight, a o t y p .
Eighteen, e d u n o t y p .
Eight hundred, a h a n o t y p .
Eight thousand, e m p i m a o t y p .
Eighty, a d u a o t y p .
E i g h t y thousand, o p e d u a o t y p .
Elastic, f a nfi.
E l b o w , b a t y o w .
Elephant, s o n no.
E m b r a c e , etu.
E m b r a c e , to, b a m , f a m , y e e t
E m i t , to, fi.
E m p t y , h u n n u ;
it is e m p t y
n i m .
E n c o m p a s s , to, t y a - c i a .
Encounter, e n c i a .
E n c o u n t e r , to, c i a .
E n d , a s e ;
u p p e r end, S n o
c o m e to a n e n d , to b e at
see sa.
E n d , to, s a .
E n e m y , t a m f o ; d o m .
E n o u g h , b e b r e b e ;
to b e
d o so;
to eat e n o u g h , m e .
Enter, k o with the prep, m u , k
Entire, m u .
Entirely, k o r a .
Entrails, e n s o n no.
E n v i o u s person, n i t a m f o .
E n v y , n i t a n .
E n v y , to, e n i - t a n .
Epilepsy, e h u f i m .
Equal, fe.
E r e c t , to, si.
E r r , to, f o m .
E s c a p e , to, g w a i .
E s t e e m , to, b u .
.
i , a d e -
u.
, ibiribi
;
to
end,
a n
e n o u g h ,
o m .
- " ,
2 5 6
E u
Eu
E u
Ev
Ev
n u c h , sai, n i p a s a i .
rope, A b r o k i r r i .
r o p e a n , b r o n n i , cf. b r o .
en, m o n o m m o n o m , fita.
ening, a n a d y o f a , a n y u m e
it is e v e n i n g , a d e a s a ; i n
ing, a d e s a .
Evening-star, K e k y e .
Ever, p e n , d a , d a b i , d a b i
for ever, d a , d a p i m .
E v e r y , see in ia r a.
Evidence, a d a u s e .
Evil, b o n n e , a d e b o n n c .
E w e , g w a n m e r r e .
Exactly, p ? , p e p e .
E x a l t , to, m a - s o .
E x a m i n e , s o - a f y e .
E x c e l , to, k y e f i , s e n .
E x c h a n g e , to, s a k i r a .
Excrement, bin.
Excuse! k o s e ! t a f a r u k y e !
Execration, e m p a i , e n s e w .
Executioner, b r a f o .
E x h o r t , to, t u - f o .
Exist, to, t e a s e , t e h o .
E x p a n d , to, t e r o w .
E x p e c t , to, t y e n.
E x p e l , to, p a m .
E x p i a t e , to, t u a e k a w , see t u
E x p i r e , to, w u .
E x s t i n g u i s h , to, d u m .
E x t e n d , to, tie.
E x t o l , to, b o d i n p a , y i - a y e
Eye, e n i , e n i w a .
E y e , to, f y e .
E y e - b r o w , e n t o n k a ,
Face, e n i m .
Fable, a n a n s i s e m
F a d e , to, foil, g w a
F a i n t , to. t o p i t i .
Fainting-fit, piti.
Fall, to, f y e , t o ,
t o n k o m .
False, h u n n u , k r
Falsehood, a t o r r o
Family, a b u s u a .
F a m i n e , k o m .
*
F .
.
f i .
.
g u ; u m .
Far, e k i r r i .
F a r r o w , p r a k o b a .
Fast (quick), e n t e m .
Fast (abstinence f r o m food), a b u a d a .
r r e ;
F a s t , to, d i a b u a d a , d i m m u a d a .
t h e e v e n F a s t e n , to, k e k y i r r e , b o , t u a .
F a t , I . , s r a d e , a o fi \ v a .
Fat, to be, d o s r a d e see do.
a r a ; - Father, a g y a .
Father-in-law, ase.
F a t h o m , sin.
Fatigue, bre.
F a t i g u e , to, ce. b r e .
F a t i g u e d , to be, b r e , f a b r e .
F a t t e n , to, d o g r a d e .
Fear, h u , a b o p o p o .
F e a r , to, s u r r o ; f e r r e .
Fearful, hu.
Feast, d i d i m e .
Feather, e u t a k a r a .
Feeble, m e r p w .
Fell, to, b u , t y a .
Fellow, a k o a , y o n k u , fe;
fellows,
e m f e f o .
F e l l o w - m a n , y o f i k u .
Female, b e r r e , b e a , b a b e s i a , a f a n n a .
Fence, b a n .
F e n c e , to, k u .
Festival, a y L
a.
Fetish, b o s o m , cf. k a b e r e , e u n a o .
Fetish-priest, k o m f o .
Fetter for the feet, p o k y e r a ;
for
the hands, p a .
.
Fever, a t i r r e d i .
F e w , k a k r a w a b i , k e t e w a b i .
Fiddle, s e n k u .
Fifteen, e d u n n u m .
Fifty, a d u o n u m .
Fifty thousand, o p e d u a n u m .
F i g h t , to. k u , k o n .
Figure, h o n i , a m a g a.
Filings, e m p r o p r u a .
Fill, to, c e m a , y e m a , g u m a , s e « m a .
Filth, fi, bin.
t o fall a s l e e p , F i n d , to, h u , to.
Fine, fe, f ? w .
Finger, e n s a t i a .
Finger-ring, ka.
Finish, to, v i e , s a .
Fire, g y a .
Fire, to, to.
, '
F o r b e a r , to, g y a i .
Fire-place, a s o m e r o f i .
F o r b i d , to, s i w k w a f i .
Fire-tongs, d a w a.
Force, e m m i m .
F i r m , d e n , d e n e f i .
F o r c e , to, ce.
F i r m a m e n t , v u m .
Forefathers, see a g y a .
First, kafi.
Forefinger, k y e r r e k y e r r e k w a n .
Firstborn, a b a k a n .
F o r e h e a d , m o m a .
Fish, a p a t a; e n s u n a m .
F o r e i g n e r , h o h o , p o t o f o , m a m
F i s h e r m a n , p o f o n i .
r e n ni.
Fishing-hook, d a r r o w a .
Foreskin, f e t r e .
Forest, w u r a , k w a i , a h a b a n .
Fishing-net, a s e w .
Fist, k u t r u k u , k u t r u m ' o a .
F o r g e , to, t o n n o .
F o r g e t , to, v i r r e - f i .
Fit, to, f a t a , k o .
F o r g i v e , to, k y e , f i r r i .
Five, a n u m .
F i v e h u n d r e d , a h a n n u m .
F o r k , a d i n a m .
F o r m e r l y , kafi, k a f i n o .
F i v e thousand, e m p i m e n n u m .
F o r m i d a b l e , to be, h u y e h u .
Fix, to, t u a , b o .
Fornication, a g w a m a f i , a g w a m a
F l a g , f r a n k a.
F l a m e , g y a f r a m a .
g o r r o.
F l a m e , to, d e w .
Fort, a b a n .
Forthwith, e n k y $ .
F l a s h , to, p a i .
F l a y , to, g w a , v o r r e k o t o k u .
Four, a n a n .
F l e e , to, g w a n .
F o u r hundred, a h a n n a n .
Flesh, n a m .
Fourteen, e d u n n a n .
Flexible, fafin.
F o u r thousand, e m p i m e n n a n .
F l o g , to, f y e .
Fourty, a d u a n a n .
Flood, e n s u e y i r r i .
F o u r t y thousand, o p e d u a n a n .
F l o u r , e s i k r e s a m ;
of Indian corn, F o w l , a k o k o .
a i vu.
Fragile, p e n p e n ;
to b e fragile,
F l o w , to, s a n .
k y e b o , see k y e .
F r a g m e n t , s i n , e m p r o p r u a .
F l o w e r , e n c u r e n .
Free, d e c e ; - to be free, d e n e
Fly, f i w a n s a n a .
F l y , to, t u , cf. n a m .
n y a n e h u .
Foal, p o n k o b a .
Fresh, f o f o r o .
Friend, y o n k u , d a m f o , a v e , e m f e
F o a m , a h u r u .
F o a m , to, y e a h u r u .
Friday, F i d a .
Foe, t a m f o .
Fright, hu.
F o g , m u n u n k u m .
Frightful, to be, h u y e h u .
Frog, a p o n k y e r e n , a p o t o r o .
F o l d , to, b u b u .
F o l l o w , to, d i - e k i .
F r o m , fi, enti.
Folly, k w a s i a , g y i m i .
Froth, a h u r u .
F o o d , a d u a f i .
Fruit, a b a , d u a b a .
Fool, k w a s i a , g y i m f o .
F r y , to, k y e w .
Foolish, to be, g y i m i , y e k w a s i a .
Fuel, g e a , g y a .
Foolishness, k w a s i a .
Fulfilled, to be, b a m .
Foot, n a n , tote.
Full, m a .
Foot-step, n a m on.
F u n g u s , m e r e , d u a h o m e r r e .
Foot-stool, m a n g o .
G .
For, prep., m a , enti.
For, conj., na.
Gaiu, e m f a s o .
3 3
\
2 5 7
f e -
f i -
efih u ,
f o .
2 5 8
Gall, b o n y u m a.
Gallery, a b r a n n a .
G a l l o w s , a s e n d u a.
G a m e , a g o r r o .
G a n g , a k o m f o d i .
G a r d e n , t r u m .
G a r m e n t , a d u r a d e .
Gate, b e r a p a i , a b o b o , pofi.
G a t h e r , to, t a s s e , b o - a n o .
Gelding, sai, p o f i k o s a i .
General, s a f o h i n n e , d o m a n i n .
G e n t l y , b r e o , cf. d y o .
G e t , to, n y a .
Ghost, s a m a n .
Gift, a k y e d e , a d e k y e .
Gird, to, s e a b a w .
Girl, a b o f r a b e a .
Give, to, m a , k y e ;
to give a l a w ,
c e m a r a .
Glad, to be, e n i - a g y e , h u - a k a ;
to
r e n d e r glad, y e f e w .
Gladness, a k u m a p a , a h u m a k a .
Glass, g i r a s e .
G l e a n , to, t a s s e .
Glisten, to, h o a.
Glitter, to, h o a , y e h a n n a h a n n a .
Glittering, h a n n a h a n n a .
G l o o m y , k o s u ;
to l o o k g l o o m y , see
m u n a .
Glory, e n u e n y a m .
Glossy, h a n n a h a n n a .
Glutton, d i d i f o .
G n a s h , to, t y p r r e .
G n a w , to, vi.
Go, to, k o , n a m , n a n t e w ;
to g o
by, t y p m ;
to g o off, a w a y , t u k o ;
to g o on, d a so, k o ;
to g o out,
d u m .
Goat, a b e r r i k i .
Goblin, s a m a n .
G o d , N y a n k u p o f i , N y a m e .
Gold, s i k a .
Gold-coin, s i k a d a r r i .
Gold-dust, e m f u t u r u .
Gold-finger, e n s a t i a h i n n e e k i r r i .
Gold-smith, s i k a d y o m f o .
G o l d - w o r k , s i k a d y o n n e .
G o o d , a y e ; p a , p a p a ;
to b e g o o d ,
y e ;
g o o d evening! m a d y o !
g o o d d a y ! m a h a o !
g o o d m o r n i n g
m a k y o!
G o o d - n a t u r e d , to be, y e m - y e .
Goods, a d e , n e a m a .
G o r e , to, si.
G o v e r n o r , a m r a d o .
G o w n , a t a d e .
Gradually, e n k a k r a n k a k r a .
Grain of Indian corn, b r o f u a .
G r a n d - c h i l d , b a n a n a , cf. n a n a .
G r a n d e e , p a n y i n .
Grand-father, n a n a b a r r i m a .
G r a n d - m o t h e r , n a n a b e a .
Grand-parent, n a n a .
G r a s p , to, f u a , s o , k u r a .
Grass, u r a , e n g u r a , s a r r e .
G r a s s y plain, s e r r e m .
Grave, da.
Gravel, m o si a.
i G r a y h a i r , d y o fi.
Grease, s r a d e , a o f i w a .
Great, k e s e , k o k r o .
Greatly, k o k r o , d o d o .
Greediness, a d e f u d e , p e p e i .
G r e e d y , p e p e i ;
to be g r e e d y , pe=
a d e f u d e , di a d e f u d e ;
g r e e d y
person, d e f u d e p e f o , p e p e i f o .
G r e e t , to, k y e a , m a a k y e .
Greeting, a k y e .
Grief, a v i r r e h o .
G r i n d , to, (corn-) y a m . ( a k n i f e ) s e w ;
the teeth, t y g r r e .
Grinding-stone (for corn), b o b a , v u a m o b a , v u a m o ;
( f o r knives ) ,
s e r r e b o .
Groan, a h o m m e , a h o m m e g u .
G r o a n , to, g u a h o m m e .
G r o u n d , f a m ;
o n the g r o u n d , f a m ,
ase.
Ground-nuts, e n k a t i e .
G r o w , to, fi, f i f i , i'u; n y i f i .
G u a n a , m a m p a m .
G u a r d , to, f y e w i t h the p r e p . s o .
Guest, m e n n i .
Guiava, g u a .
Guiava-tree, g u a , g u a d u a .
G u i d e , to, g y e - t a t a .
Guiltless, to be, see d i b e m .
Guilty, to be, d i f o .
G u i n e a - h e n (domestic),
(wild) a n s u m .
Guinea-pig, via.
G u l p , to, m ' e n n e.
G u m , a m a n n e .
G u n , t u o , p r e m o .
G u n - p o w d e r , a t o d r u .
Gutter, b o n k a , s u k a .
a k o e n f e m ;
H e
H e
He
He
He
He
H e
2 5 9
a p , k u ;
of earth, p e m p e .
a p , to, b o - k u .
a r , to, te.
art, a k u m a .
arth, a s o m e r o f i ) , m u k a .
at, a h u h u r u .
a v e n , s o r r o , N y a f i k u p o f i f i , N y a f i k u p o n , N j y a m e .
H e a v y , d r u .
H e d g e - h o g , f i a m p a k w a , ? a p e s e i .
H .
Heel, n a n t e n i .
H a g , b a i f o , b a y e n , ayefi.
He-goat, p a p o , a b e r r i k i n i n i .
Hail, e n s u b o .
Heir, p e g y a f o .
Hair, e n v i ;
l o n g hair, a t i m u m .
Hell, a b o n j s a m k r u .
Half, fa.
H e l p , to, b u a .
H a l t , to, s o e .
Helper, b o a f o .
Helve, d u a .
H a m l e t , a k u r a .
H e m , to, b u - a n o .
H a m m e r , asaji.
Hen, a k o k o b e r r e .
H a m m e r , to, t o n n o .
Hence, e n t i , e y e n t i ; fi ha.
H a n d , e n s a .
H a n d , to, m a .
H e n - c o o p , a k o k o b u , p e s u , a k o k o p e s u .
Handcuff, pa.
Handkerchief, d u k u .
Her, n e ;
her o w n , n a f i k a s a , nafiHandle, d u a .
k a s a d e a .
H a n d s o m e , fe, f e w .
Herald, s e n .
Herb, d u a , fan.
H a n g , to, s ? n .
Here, h a , hai.
H a p p e n , to, see b a , y e .
Happiness, a b o a d y o , a b o t n y e m , a h u - Hero, b a r r i m a , b e r a n , k w a t e k i .
m a k a , a k u m a pa.
Hers, n e d e a .
H a p p y , to be, b o - a d y o , b o - a t o , h u - Herself, n e h u .
H e w , to, t y a .
a k a .
H a r d , defi.
Hiccough, k o k o t i k o , t i k o t i k o .
Hare, a d a n k o .
Hide, e n h u m a .
H i d e , to, h i n t a w .
Harlot, a g w a m afi, b e a g w a m a n .
H a r m , a b o r r o ;
to d o h a r m , di High, t e n t e n , b a e n s o n ;
o n high,
a b o r r o .
s o r r o .
Hill,-bep o w a .
Hat, k y o w.
Himself, n e h u .
Hatchet, a k u m m a , t y a p o , a b o n u a .
H i n d e r , to, s i w r k w a f i .
H a t e , to, t a i l , ki.
Haughtiness, a h a n tan.
Hind-foot, a n a n k u t i .
H a u g h t y person, h a n t a n i .
Hip, a t a s o , d y o f i k u .
H a v e , to, n y a , v o ;
n o t to have, ni. H i p p o p o t a m u s , s u s o n n o .
H a w k , a k r o m a , s a n s a ,
H i r e , to, b o - p a .
H e , o-, n o ;
h e himself, n a f i k a s a ; H i r e d labourer, p a f o .
h e ( w h o ) , n e a .
His, n e , n e d e a ;
his o w n , n a f i k a s a ,
H e a d , ti, tiri.
n a n k a s a d e a .
H e a l , to, sa.
History, a s e m , p a n y i n a s e m , t e t c Health, a h u e d e n .
s e m .
Healthy, lobe, h u - y e , h u - y e - d e n ;
Hit, to, b o .
,
a healthy person, h u e d e u f o .
Hither, h a , hai.
2 0 0
Hoe, a s o w , s o s o w , a t o p e .
H o g , p r a k o ;
wild h o g , b a t a f o ,
k o k o t e .
Hold, to t a k e h o l d of, s o , k i t a .
H o l d , to, k u r a , t r u , l u a ;
to hold
the tongue, m u a a no.
H o l e , t o k r u , a m o a.
H o m e , fi;
h o m e , at h o m e , lie.
H o n e s t person, a n o k w a f o .
Honesty, a n o k w a r r e .
H o n e y , w o .
H o n o u r , e n i d i .
H o n o u r , to, d i - n i , c n i - s o .
Hoof, tote.
H o o k , a d a r r e .
H o o p , hafi k a r a .
H o p , to, c u r u.
H o p e , to, e n i - d a with the prep. so.
H o r n , a b e n ; a b e n t i a , a b r o b e n .
Horse, p o f i k o .
H o r s e - whip, s i k a f e r r e .
Hostile a r m y , d o m .
H o t , c e w , c e w c e w , cf. a h u h u r u ,
H o u r , d o n .
H o u s e , d a n , a b a f i , fi.
H o w ? d e n ?
h o w m a n y ? h o w m u c h ?
a h e ?
H o w e v e r , n a , d e , cf. e n s o , n a n s o .
H u m b l e , to, b r e - a s e .
H u m p , efu.
H u m p - b a c k , e f u , e f u k y a k y a .
H u n g e r , k o m .
H u n g r y , to be, see k o m .
H u n t , to, y e h a , k o a h a i o .
Hunter, b o m m o f o .
H u s b a n d , k u n n u .
H u s b a n d m a n , k u a f o .
H u s k , h o n n o , h o f i h o n n o , a b o n .
Hut, s e s e , s a n .
H y e n a , p a t a k u .
I.
I, m i ;
I myself, m a i i k a s a .
Ice, e n s u b o .
Idiot, k w a s i a , g y i m f o .
Idle, k o a , h u n n u .
Idleness, a k w a d u r r o , e n n i h a w .
Idler, k w a d u r r o f o.
I d o l , h o 11 i , a m a g a .
If, s e , k a , {cf. G r . g. 2 2 2 ) .
,
Ignorant, k w a s i a .
Ill, to be, y a r r e .
Illness, y a r r e .
I m a g e , a m a g a , h o n i .
Immediately, e m p r i n p r i f i , s e s e .
Import, a s e .
I m p o s e u p o n , to, d a d a . g e g y e ,
Imposture, n a d a .
Imprecation, e m p a i , e n s e w .
In, m u .
Indeed, a m pa.
Indian corn, a b r o .
Individual, b a , b a a k o n .
Inebriation, a s a b o , e n s a b o .
Infant, a k o k o a , a b o f r a .
Infect, to, s a n .
Infection, e n s a n .
Infectious, to be, y e ensafi.
Inherit, to, d i a d e .
Inheritor, p e g y a f o .
Injury, a b o r r o .
Ink, a d r u .
Inner, inner part, m u .
Innocent, to be, see d i b e m a n d d
Inquire, to, b i s a.
Insect, a b o a , a b o a w a .
Inside, m u .
Insignia (of a chief), a h i n d i e .
Instantly, s e s e , e m p r i f i p r in.
Insult, to, y a w .
Intelligent, to be, n i m a d e ,
n y a n s a .
Intelligent person, n i m a d e f o ,
s a f o.
Interior, m u .
Interpreter, k y a m i .
Intestines, e n s o n n o .
Into, m u .
Intoxication, a s a b o , e n s a b o .
I n u n d a t e , to, y i r r i .
Inundation, e n s u e y i r r i .
Iron, d a d e .
Iron, to, t o w i t h the p r e p . s o .
Iron-filings, d a d e e m p r o p r u a or
h u e m p r o p r u a .
Iron-plate, d a d e k w a s i .
Irritate, to, p u a , p u a p u a .
Island, s u p o m .
Issue, (o, fi.
si si.
ifo.
a i m
n y a n -
d a d e -
It, see n o , yi, {cf.
Itch, to, y e h i n n e ,
Itch, itching, h i n n e
Its, n e , n e d e a ;
n a n k a s a d e a .
Itself, n e h u .
Ivory, a s o m e n .
.
2 6 1
G r . §. 160).
k a k a .
its o w n , n a n k a s a ,
J .
Jackall, p a t a k u .
J a w , a b o g y e .
J e a l o u s m a n , n i n k u f o ;
w
k o r a f o .
J e a l o u s y of a m a n , n i n k u n n u ;
a w o m a n , k o r a .
Join, to, p a t a .
Joiner, d y o m f o .
Joint, a k w a , cf. k o k o m .
Joy, a b o t o y e m , a h u m a k a .
J o y f u l , to be, see a k u m a , h u - a k
J o y fulness, a h u m a k a , a k u m a
Judge, s e n n i n i , t e n m u n i .
J u d g e , to, di a s e m , b u - a t e n .
J u m p , to, c u r u .
Just, p e , p e p e ;
just n o w , e m
p r i n .
K .
K e e n -sighted, nifiri;
k
person, nifirifo.
K e e p , to, ( o n e ' s w o r d ) s i e .
Kernel, a b a .
K e y , safi.
K i c k , to, b o a n a n k u t i , t o
K i d n a p , to, y i - a d y o .
Kill, to, k u m , d i - a w u .
Kind, to be, y e m - y e .
K i n d l e , to, so.
King, h i n n e , sei.
K i n s m a n , b u s u e n n i , ni.
K n e a d , to, p o t o w , v o w .
K n e e , n a n k r o m a , k o t o d y
K n e e l , to. see k o t o .
Knife, s e k a n , p r o n t o m .
K n i t , to, n y u n n e .
K n o c k , to, b o , b o b o , h i n t
K n o t , p o w .
K n o w , to, n i m , cf. h u .
o m a n ,
of
a .
pa.
p r i n -
e e n -sighted
a n a n k u t i .
p .
i w , p e m .
K n o w l e d g e , n y a n s a .
Knuckle, p o w .
L .
L a b o u r , a d y u m a .
L a b o u r , to, y e a d y u m a .
Labourer, d y u m e n n i , p a f o .
Lad, b a r r i m a a b o f r a .
L a d d e r , e n t y e r r e .
Ladle, k w a n k w a r a .
L a k e , b a k a .
L a m e , a p a k y e ;
l a m e p e r s o n , a p a k y e , s i fo.
L a m e n e s s , a p a k y e .
L a m e n t , to, d i e n k o m o .
L a m e n t a t i o n , e n k o m o .
L a m p , k a n n e a .
Lance, p e a w .
L a n d , a s a s e .
L a n e , broil.
L a n g u a g e , k a s a .
L a r g e , k e s e , k o k r o ;
to be large,
s o n .
Largeness, k o k r o k o .
Lass, b e a a b o f r a , a b a b a .
L a s t , to, k y $ .
Lately, see d a b i .
Latten, a y o w a .
L a u g h , to, s i r o w .
Lavishness, a h o h y u .
L a w , m a r a .
L a w g i v e r , m a r a c e f o .
Law-suit, a s e m .
Laziness, e n n i h a w , a k w a d u r r o .
L a y , to, t o , s u m ;
to lay up, sie;
to lay h o l d of, k i t a , so.
Lead, s u m p i ;
b a r of lead, a b o d a b a n .
L e a d , to, d e - k o , d e - b a , g y e - t a t a .
Leaf, a h a b a f i ;
of a p a l m - t r e e ,
b e r o w , d a h a .
Leafless, a p o.
L e a k , to, n w y u n n e .
L e a n (thin), see f o n .
L e a n , to, t y e r r e .
L e a p , to, c u r u .
L e a r n , to, s u a .
L e a r n e d person, n y a n s a f o .
Learning, n y a n s a .
Leather, e f i i i u m a .
2 6 2
L e a v e , to, g y a w ;
to l e a v e off, g y a i .
Left, b e n k u m .
L e f t h a n d e d person, b e f i k u m f o .
Leg, nafi.
L e g e n d , t e t e s e m , p a n y i n a s e m .
L e g i s l a t e , to, c e m a r a.
Legislator, m a r a c e f o .
Leisure, a d a g y e w .
L e m o n , a n k a .
L e n d , to, f e m , b o b o s i a .
L e o p a r d , s e b o . g y a h i n n e ; k e t e b o ,
a d a m a k w a d y o , k u r u t y a m e n s a .
Leper, k w a t a f o .
Leprosy, k w a t a .
L e t , to, s e e m a , k a .
Letter, e n h u m a.
Level, fita, m o u o m .
L e v e l , to, b o f i t a .
Liar, t r o f o .
Liberal person, d e f o .
L i b e r a t e , to, yi.
L i c k , to, t a f o r o .
Lie, to, d a , g u .
Lie (mentiri), to, di a t o r r o , b o a , k a
a t o r r a s e m .
Lie (untruth), a t o r r o , d a g o .
Life, e f i k w a .
Lift, to, m a - s o , s o , k u k u r a .
L i g h t (in weight), h a r r e .
Light, k a n n e a .
L i g h t , to, s o .
Lighten, to, p r a n n a 'pai; s r a m a n
a p a i. ,
Lightning, s r a m a f i , p r a n n a .
Like, p e ;
to b e like, s e , s e pe,
y ? pe.
L i k e , to, p e , d o .
Lime, a k a d o .
L i m e (lemon), a n k a .
Line,
to d r a w a line, sail;
to
d r a w lines, to c o v e r w i t h lines, se';ns a n .
Linen, d u k u d o f i .
Lion, g y a t a , s e r r e m s e i .
Lip, a n o f a f a .
Litigation, a s e m .
Little, k e t e w a , k a k r a , k u m a , e n k e t e n k e t e ;
to b e little, s o a ;
a
little, k e t e w a b i ;
t h e little finger,
k o k o b e t o .
L i v e , to, d a , b e , t e a s e
Liver, b e r a bo.
Lizard, k e t e w , b r o m .
Load, a d e s o a , a d o s o a .
Loan, b o s i a .
L o a t h e , to, ki.
Lock, a p r a t y p m . L o c k , to, t o m .
Locust, a b e b e w , e n t u n t u m e .
Loins, a s en.
Loiterer, k w a d u r r o f o .
L o n g , t e n t e n ;
to b e long, v a r r e .
L o o k , to, f y e ;
to l o o k for, f y u f y o .
Looking-glass, a f y u f y e .
L o o m , a s a , a s a d u a .
L o o s e , to, s a n .
L o o s e , to be, a s a n see s a n .
L o s e , to, y e r a , to.
Louse, d y u .
L o v e , to, d o , p ? .
L o w e r , a s e .
L u k e w a r m , b o t r o b o d y o .
L u n g s , h u r u t u t u .
M .
M a d , to be, b o d a m .
M a d m a n , b o d a m f o .
Magic, b a y i .
Magician, a y e f i , b a i f o .
Maid, a b a b a .
M a k e , to, y e , b o , p a m ;
to m a
light, a fire, s o ;
to m a k e a law
Male, nini, b a r r i m a , a k o a .
Malefactor, d e b o n n e y e f o .
M a n , nip'a; b a r r i m a .
Manacle, p a .
Manifest,
to b e c o m e manifest, fi
to m a k e manifest, y i adi.
Manioc, b a f i k y e , d u a d e .
M a n y , b e b r i ;
h o w m a n y ? a h e
M a r e , p o n k o b e r r e .
Margin, a no.
M a r k , e n s o w .
M a r r o w , h o n .
M a r r y , to, v a r r e y i r r e , c i a y i r r
M a s o n , b a n t o n i.
Master, ura.
M a s t i c a t e , to, v o s a w .
Mat, k e t e .
k e a
, cf>.
a d i ;
?
e .
Matter, a s e m :
to be the m a t t e r with,
see y e .
M a t t o c k , a s g w , s o s o w , a t o p e .
.Mattress, p i k i .
M e a g e r , afofi.
M e a n w h i l e , a n s a .
Measure, s u s u d u a .
M e a s u r e , to, s u s u ; re.
M e a l (flour), e s i k r e s a m ;
of Indian
corn, a i v u .
M e a n i n g , a s e .
M e a t , n a m .
Mediator, p a t a f o .
Medicine, a d m .
M e d i t a t e , to, d y p n n e o r d y p f i .
M e e t , to, c i a , c i e m , to.
M e m o r y , e n k a i .
M e n d , to, y e iye.
Mendicant, h u a f o .
M e n d i c a t e , to, s e r r e s e r r e .
M e r c h a n t , b a t a n i , g w a d i f o .
M e r c y , a h u m o b o r r e ;
to h a v e m e r c y ,
h u m o bo.
M e s s e n g e r , b o f o , s o m a f o .
Middle, e m f i n e m f i n i .
Middle-finger, e n s a t i a h i n n e .
Midnight, d a s u m .
Midst, e m f i n e m f i n i .
Milk, n u f u s u .
M i n d , a d y p n n e , s u n s u m ;
to bear
in mind, kai.
M i n d , to, s e e d y p n n e , f y e .
Mine, m e d e a .
Miracle, e n k a n y a.
Mirror, a f y n f y e .
Mischief, m u s u .
M i s c h i e v o u s person, b o f o , m u m u y e f o .
M i s e r , y a m o n w y u n n e f o , p e p e i f o ,
k e k y e f o .
Misery, a m a n n e , a m a n n e h u n n n .
M i s s , to, f o m .
Mist, m u n u n k u m .
M i s t a k e , to, f o m .
M i stress, a u r a .
M i x , to, f ra.
M o a n , to, d i e n k o m o .
M o c k , to, s i r d w .
M o h a m m e d a n , K r a m o .
M o n d a y . D y o d a .
M o n e y , s i k a , d a r r i .
2 6 3
M o n k e y , a v i l j h i m a , a s i b e , d u a c e n .
k r a , k w a k u , s o a , k o n t r o m f i .
M o n t h , s r a m ;
at the b e g i n n i n g of
the m o n t h , s r a m f i a ;
at the e n d
of the m o n t h , s r a m w n a .
M o o n , s r a m .
M o r e , see k a ;
m o r e than, see kyefi,
s e n .
M o r n i n g , a n o p a.
Morsel, sin.
Slortal, a m e k y e w a .
Blortar, v o d r u .
Mosquito, e n t u n t u m .
Mother, e n n a ; b a t a n .
Mother-in-law, s e w .
M o u n t , to, f r o .
Mountain, b e p o .
M o u r n , to, h u - a d y n r u w .
M o u r n i n g , a h o d y u r u w .
M o u s e , a k u r a . a b o t u k u r a .
M o u t h , a n o , a n o m .
M o v e , to, c i m , p o p o , p o s o w ; k e k a .
M o w , to, d o .
M u c h , b e b r i ;
to b e m u c h , d o s o ;
too m u c h , b e b r e b e ;
h o w m u c h ?
a h e ?
.Mud. d o t e .
M u r d e r , a w u d i .
.Murder, to, d i - a w u , k u m .
M u r d e r e r , w u d i f o .
M u s h r o o m , m e r e .
Musket, t u o .
Musket-hall, a d a r r e b o , k o r a b o .
.Musketeer, t u f o .
Must, see t y a .
Muzzle, a no.
M y , m e ; m y o w n , m a f i k a s a , m a f i k a s a d e a .
BIyself, m e h u .
N .
finger),
Nail ( o f the
vu,ro w .
Nail (of iron), d a
N a k e d , see a d e g y
N a m e , d i n .
N a m e , to, i r e , to.
Narrative, a s e m ,
sent a n a n s i s e
d e w a .
o w .
v n r o w .
b o i -
p a n y i n a s e m , tetem .
2 6 4
O b l i q u e , a k y a cf. k y a .
O b t a i n , to, n y a .
O c e a n , p o.
Ochre, red-, e n t y u m a ; white-, c i r o w .
Of, h u ; e n t i ;
out of, f i - m u .
O f f e n d , to, f o m .
Offering, a f o r r e .
Oil, e n g o ;
E u r o p e a n oil, m o r e n g o .
Old, d e d a w , p a n y i n ;
to be old,
see n y i n ;
to b e old (so a n d so
m a n y years), see di.
O l d m a n , a k o a k o r a .
O l d w o m a n , a b e r r e w a .
On, s o , h u ; k o .
Once, p e n , p r e k o f i , d a b i ;
at once,
p r e k o n .
One, e k o , a k o n , k r o , k o r r o , b a a k o n ;
o n e b y o n e , m ' m a a k o n
m m a a k o n .
Only, e n k u , e n k u t o .
O p e n , to be, see b u e , t e w .
O p e n , to, b u e , c i e , t e w i
Or, a n a se.
O r a n g e , a k u t u .
Orange-tree, a k u t u d u a .
O r d e r , to, p i a.
Origin, ase.
O r p h a n , a y i s a .
Ostrich, s o c o r i .
Other, see bi a n d f o f o r o , y o f i k u .
Our, y e n , y e f i d e a ;
o u r o w n , yefia n k a s a , y e n a n k a s a d e a .
Ourselves, yefihu.
Out, adi;
out of, f i - m u ,
O u t d o , to, s e n , k y e f i .
Outside, e k i , hu.
O u t s t r i p , to, t y a w i t h the p r e p . h u .
O v e n , f r o n n o .
Over, so; tyai.
O v e r f l o w , to, y i r r i .
O v e r g r o w , to, fu.
O v e r l a y , to, t a r r e .
O v e r t a k e , to, b a with the prep, so;
t y a with the prep. hu.
O v e r t u r n , to, b u t u .
O w l , p a t u .
to o b e y a l a w , O w n , see m y , t h y etc.
Ox, n a n t y u s a i .
!Oyster, a d o d e ,
N a r r o w , t e a t e a \
Navel, f u n n u m a .
Near, see b e n , e i l k y e n .
Necessary, to be, h i a , t y a .
N e c k , kofi.
Needle, p a n i , a b u i .
N e g r o , b i b i n i .
N e i g h b o u r , y o f i k u .
N e p h e w , v o f a s e , v o f a s e w a .
Nest, b e r r e b u .
Net, a s e w , b o a ; tan.
Nether, ase.
Nettle, a c e c e w e n s a .
Never, see d a , d a b i , d a b i a r a , p ? n .
N e w , f o f o r o .
N e w s , a k w a f i m u s e m .
Nice, fe, f e w .
N i g g a r d l y , see y a m o n w y u n n e f o .
Night, a n a d y o .
Nine, a k r o f i .
N i n e hundred, a h a f i k r o n .
N i n e t h o u s a n d , e m p i m e n k r oil.
Nineteen, e d u n k r o f i .
Ninety, a d u a k r o f i .
N i n e t y thousand, o p e d u a k r o n .
Nipple, n u f u a n o .
N o , d a b i ; see bi.
N o b o d y , see bi.
Noise, g e g y e ;
noisy talking, a k a s a k a s a .
N o n e , see b i a r a .
N o ns e n s e , a s $ m h u n h u .
N o o n , a i v u a g i n a .
N o s e , h w y u n n e .
Nostril, h w y u n n e m , h w y u n n e m t o k r u.
N o t , see G r . §. 1 7 2 ;
n o t to b e (in a
place) ni;
n o t to have, ni.
Nothing, see bi, biribi, fye.
N o w , a f e y i or a f e d i ;
just n o w ,
e m p r i n p r i f i .
N o w h e r e , see b e b i , b e b i a r a .
Nurse, g e g y e f o .
Oath,
O b e y ,
y e
Oblige
O .
e n t a m .
to, t e ( a s e m ) ;
m a r a .
, to, c e .
P .
Packet, b o a .
Padlock, k r a d o a .
Pain, y a w .
P a i n , to, y e y a w , b e n , t u t u .
Paint, a d m .
P a i n t , to, k a w i t h the p r e p . h u .
P a l m (of the hand), s o t o r r e .
P a l m - b r a n c h , p o p a.
Palm-leaf, b e r g w , d a h a .
P a l m - n u t , a b e , b e f u a ;
cluster of
palm-nuts, b e m u .
P a l m n u t - s o u p , m e k w a n .
Palm-oil, e n g o .
Palm-tree, a b e , a b e d u a ; k u b e , a d o
b e ;
y o u n g palm-tree, a b e d y o a ;
f u l l g r o w n palm-tree, b e ten.
Panther, s e b o , g y a h i n n e .
P a p a w (a fruit), b r o f e r r e .
P a p , n u f u a n o .
P a p e r , e n h u m a.
Parable, b e , a b e b u .
P a r a m o u r , e n v u v u , e m p e n n a .
Parasol, a k a t a i v u a , k a t a m a n , kini.
Parcel, b o a .
P a r d o n , to, firri, k y e j see k o s e , taf a r a k y e.
P a r e , to, v a i .
Parrot, blue-, a k o ; green-, a v i r i k w a w .
Part, see fa, sin.
Party, a k o m fodi.
P a s s , to, t y a ;
to pass j u d g m e n t , b u a t $ n ;
to pass a l a w , c e m a r a;
to pass a w a y , t y p m , s e n , sa.
P a s s i o n (.anger), a b u f u .
Path, k w a n .
P a t i e n c e , to have, t o b o a s e , see toa s e .
P a w , tote.
P a y , a k a t u a .
P a y , to, t u a .
P e a c e , a s o m d y p ; a b o a d y o , a b o t o y e m .
P e a c e - m a k e r , p a t a f o .
Pearl, a h i n n e .
Pebble, m o s i a .
Peculiar, e s o n n o .
P e e l , to, h u a n , v a i , v i a r e .
Peeling, hofi , h o n h o n n o .
2 6 5
P e e r , f e , tf. e m f e f o .
Pen, e n t a k a r a .
Penetrate, to, k o with the prep, m u ,
k o m .
People, e n k r o f o .
Pepper, m a k o .
Pepper-tree, m a k o , m a k o d u a .
P e r c e i v e , to, t e , h u.
P e r c h , to, si, sisi.
P e r f o r m , to, ytf, b o .
Perhaps, ebia.
P e r i s h , to, w u , t y p m , s e n .
Perishable, a m e k y e w a ;
to be peris
hable, e n k y e sei, see k y e .
Permission, see k w a n .
P e r m i t , to, m a k w a n , see k w a n .
P e r p e t r a t e , to, b o , g o r r o , y e .
Perplexed, to be, b o - t u .
P e r s e c u t e , to, h a .
Person, b S , o n i p a .
Perspiration, fifiri.
P e r s p i r e , to, fi fifiri.
Pestle, v o m a .
P h l e g m , c o c o r r e .
Physic, a d r u .
P i c k u p , to, t a s s e ;
to pick out, p a w .
Picture, e m f o n i n n e .
Piece, sin.
Pierce, to, v o , fiti.
Pig, p r a k o .
Pigeon, a b r o n u m a .
Pillow, s u m i .
Pin, a k o r a t e a .
P i n c h , to, p e n , ti.
Pine-apple, a b r o b e .
Pipe, a b u a , a b r o b u a , t a s e n .
Pistol, a t y p r o a , k o d i a w u a .
Pit, a m o a.
Pity, a h u m o b o r r e .
Pity, to, h u m o b o .
P l a c e , k r u , cf. b e r r e ;
place to sit
in, t r a b e r r e ;
to lie d a w n in, d a b e r r e .
P l a c e , to, s i , t a .
P l a g u e , to, h a .
Plait, to, n y u n n e .
Plaiter, n y u n n e f o .
Plane, a p a s o .
P l a n e , to, p a w i t h t h e p r e p . s o .
Plant, d u a .
3 4
2 6 6
P l a n t , to, f u a , t e w .
Plantain, b r o d e .
Plantain-tree, b r o d e , b r o d e d u a .
Plantation, a fa.
Planter, k u a f o .
Plate, t a f r o b o t o .
Plaster, to, t a r re.
P l a y , to, g o r r o ; b o , c ? 2 .
Pleasant, d e , d ? w .
Pleiades, a k o k o t a n ni n ' e m m a .
P l u c k , to, t e w , t e t e w , t u , t u t u .
Plunder, a s a de.
Pocket, k o t o k u .
Pocket-knife, p r o n t o m .
Point (sharp end), a n o .
Poison, a d m .
P o i s o n , to, t o a d r u .
P o o r , to be, d i hi a;
a p o o r m
h i e n n i .
Porcupine, k o t o k o .
Porter, d o s o e n n i .
P o s s e s s , to, s e e n y a , v o .
Pot, k u k u , s e n , k u t u , a h i n n a ,
d o , p o s i .
P o u n d , to, p o t o w , v o w .
P o u r , to, g u ;
to p o u r out, fue.
Poverty, h i a.
P o w d e r , a d r u ; a t o d r n .
P o w d e r - c a s e , d a n k a.
P r a c t i c e , to, y e , d i , g o r r o .
P r a i s e , to, b o d i n p a , k a m f o , y i a
Prattle, a k a s a k a s a .
Prattle, to, k a s a k a s a .
P r a y , to, s o r r e .
Precentor, d y p n t o f o .
P r e g n a n t , to be, y e m .
Prepuce, f e t r e .
Present, to be, v o h o ;
at pres
a f e d i , a f e y i .
P r e s e n t (gift), a d e k y e , a k y e d e .
P r e s e n t , to, k y e .
Presently, e m p r i n p r i n .
P r e s e r v e , to, g y e , g y e e i l k w a ; si
Preserver, a g y e n k w a .
P r e s s , to, m i a.
Pretty, fe, f $ w .
P r e v e n t , to, s i w k w a n .
P r i c k , to, fiti, v o .
Pride, a h a n t a n .
Priest, s o f o , k o m f o .
Prince, h i n n e .
Prison, f i a s e .
Prisoner, d e d u a n i .
P r o c e e d , to, k o , n a m .
P r o d i g a l person, h o h y u n n i .
Prodigality, a h o h y u .
Profit, e m f a s o .
P r o h i b i t , to, s i w k w a n .
P r o m i s e , to, c e a s e .
Property, a d e , n e a m a .
Prostitute, a g w a m a n , b e a g w a m a n .
Prostitution, a g w a m a n .
P r o t e c t , to, g y e , p i r r e .
P r o u d person, h a n t a n i .
Proverb, b e , a b e b u , a b e / b u s e m .
P r u d e n t person, u y a n s a f o , n i m a d e f o .
Pull, to, t y p ;
to pull out, tu, t u t u .
a n , P u n i s h , to, t u a e k a w b o n n e .
P u n i s h m e n t , a k a t u a b o n n e .
P u n y , e n k e t e n k e t e .
P u r c h a s e , to, to.
Pure, k r o n k r o n .
p o - P u r l o i n , to, v u a .
Purloiner, v u f o .
P u r r , to, k a m i n u w a m .
Purse, k o t o k u.
P u r s u e , to, d i - e k i , ta.
P u s h , to, v r o ; si.
P u t , to, t o , si, c e ;
to p u t d o w n ,
b r e - a s e ;
to put on, ce, f u r a ;
to put off, yi, p a ;
to p u t out,
y e .
d u m ;
to p u t so as to lean a g a i n
something, t y e r r e .
P u t r e f y , to, p r o w , s u w .
Putrid, a p r o w , a s u w .
ent,
e.
Q u a d r u p e d living o n land,
living in the water, e
o n trees, s o r r o b o a .
Quarrel, a t u t u , m a n s o .
Q u a r r e l , -to, d i a t u t u , t y p
Quarreller, m a n n e f o .
Q u a r r e l s o m e person, t u t u p
Q u a r r e l s o m e n e s s , a t u t u p e .
Q u e e n , h i m i n i a.
Q u e n c h , to, d u m .
Quick, quickly, o n t e m .
Quickness, e n t e m .
a t o t e b o a ;
n s u b o a ;
m a n s o .
el' o.
Quick-sigh
person,
Quicksight
Quietly, k
Quill, e n t
Quit, to, g
Quite, k o r
Relative, b u s u e n n i , ni.
R e l e a s e , to, yi.
R e l y , to, e n i - d a .
R e m a i n , to, t r a .
R e m a i n d e r , e n k a i .
R e m e m b e r , to, k a i .
R e m e m b r a n c e , e n kai.
R e m o v e , to, f a k o , y i , y i y i.
R e n d , to, t e t e w , s o n s o a n e .
R e p a i r , to, y e i y e .
R e p a y , to, c e - a n e n m .
R e p a y m e n t , a c e n e n m .
R e p l y , to, b u a , g y e s o .
Report, a k w a n m u s e m , e n k a .
Reporter, k y a m i .
Repose, h o m m e .
R e p o s e , to, h o m m e , d a .
R e p o s i t , to, sie.
o w b e r r e . R e p r o v e , to, k a s a .
Reputation, din.
R e s e m b l e , to, s e. .
Residence, t r a b e r r e ;
of the king,
a h i m f i , a h i f i k r u .
R e s p e c t , to, b u , f e r r e , e n i - s o .
R e s t (remainder), e n kai.
R e s t (repose), h o m m e , a s o m d y p .
R e s t , to, h o m m e ;
o n the road, so?.
R
e
s
t
i
n
g
p
l
a
c
e
(
o
n
t
h
e
road), a s o e .
a b i .
R e s t o r e , to, c e - a n e n m .
R e t u r n , to, s a n , s a f i e k i r r i .
R e v e r e , to, f e r r e .
.
R e v e r s e d , to be, see b u t u .
s s , s e s i e . R e v i l e , to, y a w .
R e w a r d , a k a t u a pa.
R e w a r d , to, t u a a k a t u a p a .
Rib, e m p a r o w .
Rice, e m o .
R i c h person, h u n y a f o , d n f o , s i k a f o ;
a k o n t a .
to b e c o m e rich, n y a a d e , n y a
n e h u .
Riches, a h u n y a d e .
Right, to be, ye.
R i g h t (dexter), nifa.
b e r r e see Rind, h o n n o , h o n h o n n o , abofi.
Ring, ka.
R i n g , to, s e e b o .
R i p e , a b e r r e , cf. b e r r e .
R i p e n , to, b e r r e , b o .
h u - a k a , Rise, to, s o r r e , k o s o r r o ; p u e .
River, a s u b o n t e n .
ted , nifiri;
quicksighted
n i f i r i f o .
edness, e nifiri.
o m m .
a k a r a .
y a w .
a .
R .
R a c e , see k a n n e.
Rafter, a p a r r o .
R a g g e d , a t e t e w .
R a g s , e n n u k u n n u k u a .
Rain, su.
R a i n , to, s u to.
R a i n b o w , n y a n k n n t o n .
Rain-water, n y a n k u e n s u .
R a i n y season, a s u s o w , a s u s
R a i s e , to, m a - s o , k u k u r a .
R a m , d y p n n i n i .
R a m b l e , to, k i n n e .
Rapidity, e n t e m .
Rapidly, e n t e m .
Rare, na .
Rat, kisi.
Rather, see k y e n a n d s e n .
R a v e n , a n e n n i , k w a k w a a d
Ravine, b o n k a , s u k a .
R a w , m o m o n o , a m o n n o .
Razor, y i s e k a n .
R e a d , to, k a f i .
Readiness,
to put in readine
Real, to be, v o m .
Really, a m p a.
R e a r , to, y e n .
R e c e i v e , to, e n s a - k a , n y a .
R e c k o n , to, y e a k o n t a " b u
R e c k o n i n g , a k o n t a .
R e c o l l e c t , to, k a i .
R e c o l l e c t i o n , e n k a i.
R e c o m p e n s e , a k a t u a p a .
R e c o v e r , to, h u - s a .
R e d , k o k o ;
to be red, a
b e r r e .
Red-hot, see d o .
Reed, d e m e r r e .
R e e l , to, c i m .
Rejoice, to, y e f e w ; y e m ,
e n i - a g y e.
2 6 7
2 6 8
R o a d , k w a f i .
R o a r , to, s e e su.
R o a s t , to, t o t o , k y e w , k u s a .
R o b , to, b o - k r o n n o .
R o b b e r , k r o m f o .
R o b b e r y , k r o n n o .
R o c k , a b o t a n .
R o d , a b a .
R o g u e , b u s u f o .
R o l l , to, k u k r u .
R o o f , s u e ? ;
to cover w i t h a roof,
k r u with the prep. so.
R o o m , a s a , d a m p a n , p i a , p u m p u n n u .
R o o t , e n li i n , e n t i n i , d u a h i n , d u e n tini;
figuratively for cause, ase.
R o p e , h a m m a.
R o t , to, p r o w , s u w .
Rotten, a p r o w , a s u w .
R o u g h , a v i r r a v i r r e .
R o u n d , k r u k r u a , p r u w ;
to g o
routed, b o - k o n t o n k r o n , t y a - k o n t o n k r o n .
R o u s e , to ( f r o m sleep), n y a f i .
R o u t , to, y i , p a m .
R o v e , to, k i n n e .
R o w , to, h a r r e .
R u b , to, t y u , p o s a , t y u t y u .
R u i u , to, s e i ;
to g o to ruin, bo, sei.
Ruinous, g o .
Ruler, s u s u d u a .
R u m , m o r o s a .
R u m o u r , e n k a .
R u n , to, t u t u m i r i k a ;
to r u n off,
g w a f i , t e w .
Rust, e n k a n a r r e .
Rust, to, d o e n k a n a r r e , y e e n k a
n a r r e , g y e e n k a n a r r e .
Rustling, k r a d a .
Sacrifice, a f o r
Sacrifice, to, b
S a d , to be, h u
S a k e ,
for t
Salary, a k a t u
Salt, e n k y i n n
Salutation, a k
S a l u t e , to, k y e
r e .
o
- a
he
a .
e .
y e
a ,
s .
a f o r r e , to a f o r r e .
d y u r u w .
s a k e of, enti.
or a k y e .
m a akye..
S a m e , see b a a k o f i , pe.
S a n d , e n v i a .
Sandals, e m p a b u a , e n s o k o t a or e n t o k o t a ;
of w o o d , e n k r u n n u a .
S a n d s t o n e , e n v i a n v i a b o .
S a t i s f y , to, s o e n i .
Saturday, M e m m e r e d a .
S a v e , to, g y e , g y e e f i k w a , yi.
Saviour, a g y e n k w a .
S a w , s r a d a .
S a w - d u s t , d u a h u e m p r o p r u a .
S a y , to, s e , k a k y e r r e .
Saying, a s e m .
S c a b b a r d , b o h a.
Scaffold, p a t a , a p a .
S c a l e (of a fish), a b o n , h o n n o , a p a t a h o f i h o n n o .
Scale (ladder), e n t y e r r e .
S c a l e , to , (a fish) , v a i a p a t a h o n h o n n o .
Scales, e n s e n n i a .
Scarce, n a .
S c i s s o r s , a k a p e.
S c o r c h , to, p r i m .
Scorpion, a k a k a e n t y e r r e .
S c r a t c h , to, ti, h u a n e .
S c r e a m , to, s u .
Scuffle, e n t o k w a w .
S c u m , a h u m .
! S e a , p o.
S e a l , to, s o - a n o .
S e a l i n g - w a x , d a g i r e .
S e a m , to, b u - a n o .
Seamstress, p a m f o .
Sea-shore, e m p o a n o .
Season, b e r r e ;
d r y season, p e , p e b e r r e ;
rainy season, a s u s o w ,
a s u s o w b e r r e .
Seat, a g w a , t r a b e r r e .
S e a t , to, see t r a , t r a s e .
Security, e g i n a m ;
for debts, a k a g i n a m .
S e d u c e , to, g e g y e .
S e e , to, h u .
Seed, a b a .
S e e k , to, f y u f y ? .
S e i z e , to, k i t a , s o , k y i r r e .
S e l e c t , to, p a w .
Selfish person, b o p e f o .
Selfishness, a h o p e .
Sell, to, t o n .
S e n d , to, s o m a , t o .
Sense, ase.
S e r e n e , to be, a t e w see t e w .
Serpent, v o .
Servant, s u m f o , a b o f r a .
S e r v e , to, s u m .
S e t , to, si, t a ; t e w ; t o ;
to set out,
s i m .
Settle, to, p a t a , s e s i e .
Settler, m a m f e r e n n i .
Seven, asofi.
S e v e n hundred, a b a n s on.
Seventeen, e d u n s o n .
S e v e n thousand, e m p i m e n s on.
Seventy, a d u o s 08.
S e v e n t y thousand, o p e d u e s on.
S e v e r , to, t y a .
S e w , to, p a m .
S e w e r , p a m f o .
S h a d o w , s u n s u m a .
S h a k e , to, c i m , p o p o , p o s o w , v o s o w .
S h a m e , a n i w u , a f e r r e .
S h a r d , k y e m f e r r e .
S h a r p , n a m .
S h a r p e n , to, s e w .
Sharp-sighted, nifiri;
sharp-sighted
person, nifirifo.
S h a t t e r , to, b o , b o b o .
S h a v e , to, yi.
She, o-, n o ;
she herself, n a f i k a s a ;
s h e ( w h o ) , n e a .
S h e a f , fi.
Sheath, b o h a .
S h e d , s a n .
S h e e p , g w a f i .
S h e e p ' s - s k i n , g w a f i h u m a.
Shell, h o n n o , b o n h o n n o , abofi.
Shell-fish, e n v o r a.
S h e l l - l i m e , a k a d o.
S h i n e , to, I i o a ; p a i .
Ship, c ? n , a c e m a .
Shoe, a s p a t e r e .
S h o o t , to, t o , t 5 - t u o .
Shore, a n o , e n s u a n o , e m p o a n o .
Short, t i a , a k o t i a .
S h o r t e n , to, t y a .
Shot, e m p e w a .
S h o u l d e r , m e t i .
S h o w , to, k y ? r r e .
2 6 9
S h r u b b e r y , a k w a i w a .
S h u n , to, ki.
Shut, to, t o with the prep, m u , t o m ,
m u a . b u a - s o .
Shuttle, a k r o k u r a .
Sick, to be, y a r r e ;
sick person,
y a r r e , y a r r e f o .
Sickness, y a r r e .
S i d e , e m f i , e n k y efi t cf. f a .
Sigh, a h o m m e , a h o m m e g u .
S i g h , to, g u a h o m m e .
Sign, e n s o w .
Signification, a s e .
Silent, k o m m ;
to b e silent, y e k o m m ,
m u a a n o .
Silk, s e r i k i .
Silkcotton-tree, n y a .
Silliness, g y i m i , k w a s i a .
Silly person, g y i m f o , k w a s i a .
Silver, g w i t e i .
Sin, a d e b o n n e .
Sin, to, y e a d e b o n n e .
S i n g , to, t o d y o m .
S i n g e , to, p r i m .
Singer, d y p n t o f o .
Single, b a a k o n , b a a k o n p e ;
single
individual, b a a k o n , b i a k o f o ;
single state, s i g y a w ;
single p e r
son, s i g y a f o .
S i n k , to, k o f a i n .
Sinner, d e b o n n e y e f o .
Sister, n u a b e a.
Sit, to, t r a , te, si;
to sit d o w n ,
t r a s e .
Situated, to be, da.
Six, a si a.
Six hundred, a h a n s i a .
Sixteen, e d u n s i a .
Six thousand, e m p i m e n s i a .
Sixty, a d u o s i a.
Sixty thousand, o p e d u e s i a .
Skeleton, s a m a f i .
Skin, e n h u i n a , v i r r e , k o t o k u .
S k i p , to, c u r u .
S k y , s o r r o , N y a m e , N y a n k u p o n .
Slander, e n t y u r i , e n k u n t o m p o .
S l a n d e r , to, t y u r i , t o a t o , t y a e n k u n
t o m p o .
S l a v e , a k o a , n y a f e m a l e slave,
2 7 0
a f a u n 3;
slave destined for sacri
fice, k r a , k r a .
S l a y , to, k u m .
Sleep, e n da.
S l e e p , to, d a.
Slender, t e a , t e a t e a .
Slide, to, p a t i r u w , v a t i r u w .
Slightly, k a k r a .
Sling, a t a n bo.
Slip, to, p a t i l u w , v a t i r u w .
Slippery, t r o , t r o t r o .
S l o p i n g , to be, see k y a .
Sloth, e n n i h a w , a k w a d u r r o .
S l o w , slowly, b r e o , n y a .
S l o w n e s s , g u m .
S l o w o r m , s u n s o n .
S l u g g a r d , k w a d u r r o f o .
Small, k e t e w a , k u m a ;
v e r y small,
e n k e t e n k e t e ;
to be small, soa.
Small-pox, e m p e t e .
S m e a r , to, s r a .
Smell, h u a , e n k a .
S m e l l , to, h u a m , t e e n k a , t e h u a .
S m i l e , to, s i r o w .
Smith, t o m f o .
S m o k e , v i s i w .
S m o k e , to, ( t o b a c c o ) , n o m ( t a ) .
S m o o t h , m o n o m m o n o m , tro, t r o t r o ;
to g r o w s m o o t h , k o k w a w .
Snail, e n v a w .
S n a k e , v o ;
particular kinds of s n a
kes: a c r u t u a , b o r r e , n i n i , p a n t e n n e , k y i r r e b e n , p a n n e m e r r i .
S n a p u p , to, h w a n .
Snare, afiri.
S n e a k , to, v i a .
S n e e z e , to, n w a n si.
Snot, k w y u n n e r o .
Snuff, a s r a ;
to take snuff, s o m
a s r a .
Snuff-box, a s r a t o a.
Snuff-taker, s r a s o m f o .
So, s a , se;
so as, see n e a .
S o a k , to, d o n .
S o a p , s e m m i n a .
Society, a s a f o .
Soft, m e r o w , b e t e , b o k o .
Softly, b r e o , n y a .
Soil, a s a s e , f a m ; d o t e .
Soil, to, b i r r i .
Soldier, s r a w n i .
S o l e fof the foot), n a m on.
S o l e m n i z e , to, di.
S o m e , bi, k a k r a w a b i , k e t e w a b i .
S o m e b o d y , bi (obi).
S o m e t h i n g , bi (ebi). biribi.
S o m e t i m e s , o t p d a b i a .
S o m e w h e r e , b e b i .
Son, b a b a r r i m a .
S o n g , d y o m .
S o o n , e m p r i n p r i n , e n k y e , e n t e
a k a k u m a s e e k a , cf. k y e .
Sorcerer, a y e n , b a i f o , b e n i n y e n .
Sorcery, b a y i , a b a y i g o r r o .
Sore, k r u .
Soul, k r a , s u n s u m .
S o u n d , to, ( a w i n d - i n s t r u m e n t ) , c e n .
Soup, e n k w a n .
Sour, n y a n .
S o u r c e (cause), ase.
Sourness, n y a n .
S o w (pig), p r a k o b e r r e .
S o w , to, d u a .
Spacious, t e t e r e ;
to be spacio
m u - t e r o w see t e r o w .
Spar, a p a r r o .
S p a r k , e m p r o p r u a , g y a h u e m p r
p r u a .
S p a r r o w , a k a s a n u m a .
S p e a k , to, k a s a , k a a s e m , k a k y e r r
Speaker, k y a m i .
Spear, p e a w .
Spectre, s a m a n .
Speech, a s e m , k a s a .
S p e e d , e n t e m .
Spider, a n a n s e , e n t e k u m a , k y a m f
S p i n , to, t o , f i r a.
Spirit, s u n s u m .
Spit, to, fi e n t e s u .
Spite, nitafi.
Spiteful person, n i t a m f o .
Spitting-box, n i t a m f o .
Spittle, e n t e s u .
Splinter, d u a , d u a h u e m p r o p r u a .
Split, to, p a i .
Spoil, a s a d e .
S p o i l , to, sei.
S p o o n , a t e r r e.
Sport, a h a io.
S p o r t , to, g o r r o .
m ,
us,
o e .
o .
S p o r t s m a n , b o m m o f o .
Spot, k r u .
Spotted, e n t o k o a n t o k o a , v r a n v r a n
S p o u t , to, b o - g u .
S p r e a d , to, c e , t e r o w ; h a t a .
S p r i n g , to, c u r u .
Springe, afiri.
S q u a n d e r e r , h o h y u n n i .
Square, e h i f i a n a n .
S q u a t , to, k o t o .
S q u e e z e , to, m i a , p e n .
S q u i n t , to, n y a m .
Staff, p o m a.
Stag, f r o t e .
S t a g g e r , to. c i m .
Stairs, e n t y e r r e .
Stallion, p o n k o n i n i .
S t a n d , to, g i n n a , si, ta.
Star, e n s o r r o m a .
Start, to ( o n a journey), s i m .
Statue, a m a g a, h o n i .
S t a y , to, t r a .
Steal, to, v u a .
S t e a m , v i s i w , c u r n c o r o .
Steel (for striking fire) a p a g y a .
Stench, k a n k a n .
Step, n a m on.
Stick, p o m a , a b a , d u a .
S t i c k , to, b o , a k a see k a , si, t u a .
Still, see d a s o , k o .
S t i n g , to, v o , k a , k e k a .
Stinginess, e n k e k y e .
Stink, k a n k a n .
S t i n k , to, b o n , b o n k a n k a f i , y e k a n
k a n .
Stir, to, k e k a n e h u ; a n .
S t o m a c h , y e f u n n u m .
Stone, b o .
Stool, a g w a , a k o n w a , m a n g o .
S t o o p , to, k o t o .
Stopple, e n t u a n o .
Storehouse, f i a s e , p i a , p u m p u n n u .
S t o r y , a s e m , a n a n s i s e m , p a n y i n
a s e m , t e t e a s e m .
Stout, d e n ;
to be stout, h u - y e - d e n
a stout m a n , b e r a n , h u c d e f i f o
S t o w , to, s i e .
Straight, atie.
Stranger, h o h o .
S t r e a m , a s u b o n t e f i .
2 7 1
Street, a b o n t e n , b r o n .
Strength, a h u e d e n .
. S t r e t c h , to, t i | .
S t r e w , to, p e t e .
S t r i d e , n a m o fi.
Strife, a t u t u .
S t r i k e , to, b o , t o ; ( o f l i g h t n i n g ) d r u , si.
String, h a m m a ;
string of pearls,
a h i n e , t o m a ;
string of cowries,
b a n ;
half a string of c o wries,
t a p o .
S t r i p off, to, v o r r e , v r o , g w a , p a .
S t r o k e , to, s r a s r a .
Stroll, to, k i n n e .
Strong, d e n , d e n e n ;
a s t r o n g m a n ,
b e r a n .
Strongly, d e n e n .
S t u n n e d , to be, t y a r r e .
S t u m p , sin;
of a tree, d u n sin.
Stupid, to be, g y i m i ;
a stupid p e r
son, g y i m f o.
Stupidity, g y i m i .
Stupified, to be, h u - a y e r a w .
S u c c e s s o r (to the throne), a h indiesk i n .
Suddenly, s e s e , s e s e a r a .
Suffer, to, y a r r e ; t u a , t u a e k a w .
Sufferer, m a n n e h u n n u f o .
S u g a r , e s i k r e .
Sugar-cane, a h w u r o w .
Suet, s r a d e .
Suit, to, f a t a , cf. k o .
Sullen,
to l o o k sullen, see m u n a .
S u m m i t , e ti fi.
S u n , a i v u a .
S u n d a y , K w a s i d a .
Sunrise, a i v u a p u e , a i v u a f i .
Sunset, a i v u a to.
Supporter, b o a f o .
S u p p o s e , to, s u s u .
Surely, a m pa.
Surety, e g i n a m ;
for debts, a k a g i n a m .
Surf, s o r r o k i .
; Surface, see h u ;
of the w a t e r , en.
s u e n i .
S u r n a m e , m r a n .
S u r p a s s , to, s e n , k y e n .
S u r r o u n d , to, t y a - c i a .
S u s p e n d , to, s e n .
2 7 2
That, yi, n o ;
that (which), n e a .
That, se.
T h a t c h , to, k r u .
The, see no.
T h e e , w o.
Theft, a i v u , k r o n n o .
Their, v o n ;
theirs, v o n d e a ;
their
o w n , v o n a n k a s a , v o n a n k a s a d e a .
T h e m , v o n .
T h e m s e l v e s , v o n h u .
Then, d a n o , b e r r e no.
T h e r e , h o.
T h e r e f o r e , e n t i , e y e n t i , cf. n a .
T h e y , vo-, v o n ;
they themselves,
v o n a n k a s a .
Thick, p i p r l , p i p r i p l .
Thicket, a h a b a f i , k w a i , w u r a .
Thief, k r o m f o , v u f o .
Thigh, s e r r e , a t a s o .
Thin, tea, t e a t e S , afofi, h a t a , f r a T .
fra, t r a t r a .
Thine, w o d e or w o d e a ; - thine o w n ,
Table, profi.
w o a n k a s a d e a .
Tail, d u a .
Thing, a d e , n e a m a .
Tailor, p a m f o .
,
T a k e , to, f a ;
t o t a k e a w a y , yi, T h i n k , to, d y p n n e , s u s u .
Thirst, e n s u k o m .
f a k o .
Thirsty, to be, e n s u k o m di.
Tale, a s e m , a n a n s i s e m .
Thirteen, e d u m i e n s a .
Talebearer, k w a s i a m a n k w a .
Thirty, a d u a s a .
Talk, a s e m , a k a s a k a s a .
Thirty thousand, o p e d u a s a .
T a l k , to, k a a s e m , k a s a .
This, yi. n o , ni, e n n i , nefi, adl.
Talker, k a s a f o .
Thither, h o .
Tall, t e n ten.
Thorn, e n s p i .
T a l l o w , s r a d e .
T h o u , w o ;
t h o u thyself, w o a n k a s a .
Talon, v u r p w .
T h o u g h t , a d y p n n e .
Tardiness, g u m .
T h o u s a n d , a p i m .
T a s t e , to, s o - a f y e .
Three, a b i e s a , esa.
Tatters, e n n u k u n n u k u a .
T h r e e h u n d r e d , a h a s s a.
T e a c h , to, k y e r r ? .
T e a r , to, t e w , s o a n e , t e t e w , s g n - T h r e e thousand, e m p i n s a .
Threshold, a b o b o a n o .
s o a n e ;
to tear out, tu.
Thrice, e m p e n a b i e s a see p e n .
Tear, n i s u .
Throat, k o f i m , m i n u w a .
Tell, to, k a k y e r r e .
T h r o n e , a h i fi w a .
T e n d , to, g e g y e , f y e .
T h r o u g h , e n t i , see t y a .
Tender, m e r o w , b e t e , b o k o .
T h r o w , to, t o ;
to t h r o w d o w n , fye,
Tepid, b o t r o b o d y o .
g u f a m ;
to t h r o w a w a y , t o k i n n e .
Terrible, to be, h u y e h u see hu.
T h u m b , k o k r o b e t i .
Terror, h u .
T h u n d e r , to, b o m .
Testimony, a d a n s e .
Thunder-bolt, N y a n k u p o n a b o n u a .
T h a n , see k y e n a n d sen.
T h u n d e r - s t o r m , p r a n n a .
T h a n k , to, d a s e , d a - a s e .
S w a l l o w , a s o m f a n a .
S w a l l o w , to, m e o n e , m e m e n n e .
S w e a r , to, k a e n t a m .
S w e a t , fifiri.
S w e a t , to, fi f i f i r i .
S w e e p , to, p r a .
S w e e p i n g s , e n g u v a.
S w e e t , d o k o d o k o , f r e m f r e m .
Sweet-heart, e n v u v u .
S w e l l , to, n u n .
Swift, e n t e m .
S w i m , to, g w a r r e , cf. n a m .
S w o l l e n , a h u n .
S w o o n , piti.
S w o o n , to, t o p i t i .
S w o r d , e f i k r a n t e , a f o a .
S w o r d - b e a r e r , f o a s o a f o .
S y m p a t h y , a h u m o b o r r e .
2 7 3
T h u r s d a y , \ a o d a .
T r e a d , to, t i a , t i a t i a .
Thus, s a , se.
Treasurer, f o t o s a n f o .
T h y , w o ;
thy o w n , w o a n k a s a .
Tree, d u a .
Thyself, w o h u .
Tremble, to, c i m , p o p o . p o s o w , vo,
Tie, to, k e k y i r r e .
s o w .
Till, n a - a n s a see a n s a .
T r e m b l i n g , a h o p o p o .
T r e n c h , a m o a.
T i m b e r , d a n d u a .
T i m e , b e r r e ; a d a g y e w ; p e n , acru.
T r e s p a s s , to, t o ( m a r a ) .
Timid, h u ;
a timid person, h u f o .
Tribulation, a m a n n e h u n n u .
Tricks, e n k o d a s e m .
Tiny, e n k e t e n k e t e .
T r i m , to, t y u , t y u t y u , c e c e .
T i r e , to, b r e ; c e b r e .
To, see b a , k o ; e u k y e f i ; se.
T r i u m p h , to, d i n i m .
T r o u b l e , a m a n n e h u n n u ;
to be in
T o - d a y , e n n e .
T o - m o r r o w , o k a n n a ;
t o - m o r r o w
trouble, h u a m a n n e , hia.
m o r n i n g , o k a n n a a n o p a tutu.
T r o u b l e , to, h a , h i a .
T o b a c c o , ta, a h a b a f i t a .
T r u m p e t , t o r r e b e n t o .
Tobacco-pipe, t a s e n , a b u a , a b r o b u a . T r u n k (box), a d a k a;
of a tree, a s e Tobacco-plant, a h u a h a .
d u a s e .
T r u s t , to, e n i - d a .
Toe, n a n s o a .
Truth, a n o k w a r r e , a n o k w a s e m .
Together, see p a t a .
T r y , to, s o - a f y e .
T o n g u e , t e k r e m a .
Tub, k r o .
T o o , e u s o .
T u e s d a y , D e n a d a .
T o o t h , se.
T u f t ( o f hair), e m p e s o .
Tootch-ache, a d e s e , k e k a w .
T u n e , d y o m .
T o p , a n o , etifi.
T u r k e y , k r a k u m .
Torch-thistle, a k a r a t e .
T u r n , to, d a n .
T o r n a d o , p r a n n a .
T u r n ,
it is m y t u r n , a d u m i s o
Tortoise, a k e k i r e , a w u r u .
see du.
Totter, to, c i m .
Turtle, a p u h u r u ; s u h u r u , s u k e T o u c a n , a k y e & k y i n a .
kyirrie.
T o u c h , to, k a ;
to touch reciprocally,
T u s k (of a w i l d boar), b a t a f o s e .
cia.
T o u g h , fanfi, h u a .
T w e l v e , e d u m i e n .
T w e n t y , a d u o n u .
T o w n , k r u , m a n .
T w e n t y thousand, o p e d u e n u .
T r a d e , b a t a.
T w i c e , e m p e n a b i e n see p e n .
T r a d e , to, d i - g w a , d i b a t a .
T w i n , a t a , a t a .
Trader, b a t a n i , g w a d i f o , d e t o n n i .
T w i n e , d o w i e m f i r u w a .
Traitor, f a t y a f o .
T w o , e n u , a b i e n .
T r a m p l e , to, t i a t i a .
Tranquil, k o m m .
T w o hundred, a h a n n u .
Tranquillity, a b o a d y o , a h u t o .
T w o thousand, e m p i n n u .
Transaction, a s e m .
T r a n s f o r m , to, d a n .
u .
T r a n s g r e s s , to, t o ( m a r a ) .
Transgressor, m a r a t o f o .
U d d e r , n u f u .
Transient, a m e k y e w a .
Ulcer, k r u .
Trap, afiri.
U m b r e l l a , a k a t a i v u a , k a t a m a n , kini.
T r a v e l , to, n a n t e w .
U m p i r e , t e n m u n i .
Traveller, n a n t e f o .
Unadulterated, k r o n k r o n .
Travelling-basket, a p a k a f i .
Uncle, v o f a .
3 5
2 7 4
U n d e r , a s e .
U n d e r - g a r m e n t , a m o ase.
U n d e r s t a n d , to, h u , te.
U n e m p l o y e d , k o a .
U n e v e n , a v i r r a v i r r e .
U n f o r t u n a t e , to be, h u a m a n n e .
U n l e a v e n e d bread, apiti.
U n m a r r i e d , to be, di s i g y a w ;
u n
m a r r i e d state, s i g y a w ,
u n m a r r i e d
person, s i g y a f o .
U n m e a n i n g , h u n n u .
U n m i n g l e d , k r o n k r o n .
Unripe, b u n .
U n t i e , to, s a n .
Until, n a - a n s a see a n s a .
U n u s e d , k o a .
U p , s o r r o .
U p p e r region, s o r r o .
U p s e t , to, b u t u .
U p s i d e - d o w n ,
to stand or lie upside
flown, see b u t u .
U p w a r d s , s o r r o .
Urine, d y o n so.
Useless, to be, see sei.
U t t e r , to, k a , k a a s e m .
V .
Valiant, k w a t e k i .
Valley, b o n .
Valour, k w a t e k i .
V a n i s h , to, y e r a , t y p m .
V a p o u r , c u r u c o r o .
Variance, m a n s o .
V a r i e g a t e d , v r a f i v r a n ,
t o k o a .
Various, a e r o , e s o n no.
V e h e m e n t l y , d e n e n , k e s e
Vein, e n t e n n i .
Velvet, s e d a .
Vender, d e t o n n i .
Venison, h a n a m .
V e n o m , b o r e .
V e r a n d a , a b r a n n a .
V e r t e x , e t i fi.
Very, se, d o d o , p a p a .
Vessel, k r 6 , c e n .
V e x , to, h a .
Victor, d i n i m f o .
Victorious, to be, d i n i m .
V i e , In, s i k a n n e .
V i e w , to, f y e .
Village, k r u , m a n .
Villain, n i p a b o n n e , m u m u y e f o .
Violence, e m m i m .
Virgin, a b a b a .
Visit, to, f y e .
Voice, e n e .
V o m i t , to. fe.
Vulture, p e t e , a k r a m p a , b u r r e b i n ,
k o k o s e k i .
w .
W a i t , to, t y e n .
W a g e s , a k a t u a .
W a g o n , t y a s e a n a m .
W a k e , to, n y a n .
W a l k , to, n a m , n a n t e w , p a s s e .
W a l l , f a s u .
W a n d e r , to, n a n t e w , k i n n e .
W a n t , h i a , k o m .
W a n t , to, p e , g y e .
W a n t i n g , to be, a k a see k a .
W a r , s a , k o n .
W a r - c h i e f , s a f o h i n n e , d o m a n i n .
W a r m , c e w .
W a r m , to, k a c e w .
W a r r i o r , s r a w n i .
W a s h , to, c o r r o , c o c o r o , g w a r r e
W a s t e , to, s e i .
W a t c h , to, s t a.
W a t e r , e n s u .
W a t e r - p o t , e n s u k r u a , a h i n n a .
e n t o k o a n - W a t e r - s n a k e , s u o .
W a v e , s o r r o ki.
W a y , k w a f i .
W e , ye-, y e n ;
w e ourselves, y
.
a n k a s a .
W e a k , m e r o w .
W e a l t h , a h u n y a d e .
W e a l t h y , to be, n y a a d e ;
a w e a l
m a n , d e f o , h u n y a f o , b e r e m p o n
W e a r , to, s o .
W e a r i n e s s , b r e .
W e a r y , to, c e b r e .
W e a r y , to be, b r e .
W e a v e , to, n y u n n e .
W e a v e r , n y u n n e f o .
W e a v e r ' s shuttle, a k r o k u r a .
.
e n -
.
t h y
2 7 5
W i n d o w - f r a m e , e m f e n s r e d u a .
W e d g e , n a m e .
W i n g , e n t a b a f i .
W e d n e s d a y , U | k u d a .
W i p e , to, k i t a , p o p a , t y u , t y u t y u .
W e e d , e f i g u r a , u r a .
W i s d o m , n y a n s a .
W e e k , d a p e f i .
W i s e , to be, n i m n y a n s a ;
w i s e per
W e e p , to, s.u.
son, n y a n s a f o .
W e i g h , to, k a r i .
W i s h , to, p e .
W e i g h t , a b r a m o .
W i t c h , b a i f o , a y e f i , b a y e f i .
W e l c o m e ! a b o ! a k w a b o !
Witchcraft, b a y i , a b a y i g o r r o .
W e l l , i y e ;
to b e well, h u - y e .
W i t h , see d e , e n k y e f i , ni;
to be
W e l l (cistern), a b u r a .
with, k a with the prep. hu.
W e n c h , a f a n n a .
W i t h e r , to, g w a f i .
W e t , a f o w .
W i t h e r e d , g w e n g w a n .
W e t , to, f o w .
W i t h i n , m u .
W h a l e , b o e n s u .
W i t h o u t , adv., a d i , a d i w , a d u o ;
W h a t , see n e a , d e k o d e .
prep., see n i m .
t
W h a t ? d e n ? b e n ?
W i t n e s s , a d a n s e ; d a n s e f o .
W h e a t e n bread, p a no.
W o m a n , b e a , b a b e s i a ;
o l d w o m a n ,
W h e n ? d a b e f i ?
a b e r r e w a ;
y o u n g w o m a n , a b a b a .
W h e n c e ? fi h e ?
W o m b , y e m .
W h e r e , see n e a .
W o n d e r , e f i k u n y a .
W h e r e ? h i n n e ? h e ?
W o o d , d u a ;
(forest), a h a b a n , w u W h e t h e r , s e - a n a see a n a .
r a , k w a i .
W h i c h , see n e a , cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 - 2 2 0 .
W o o d - h e n , a k o k o h u r r e , a s a m a n t e .
W h i c h ? b e n ?
W o r d , a s e m .
W h i p , a b a , e m p i r e , s i k a f e r r e .
W o r k , a d y u m a;
artificial w o r k ,
W h i s k e r s , b o g y e s e p u t u .
a d y o n n e .
W h i s t l e , to, b o c u r e m a.
W o r k , to, y e a d y u m a .
W h i s t l i n g , c u r e m a .
W o r l d , v u a s e , a d e i n i a r a .
W h i t e , f u f u , fita.
W o r m e a t e n , a h u n n u see h u n n u .
W h i t e ant, e m f o t i e .
W o r s h i p , to, s o r r e .
W h i t h e r ? h e ?
W o u n d , p i r a , p i r a k r u , k r u .
W h o , see n e a , cf. G r . §. 2 1 9 2 2 0 .
W o u n d , to, p i r a , p i r a p i r a .
W h o ? h e n n a ?
W o u n d e d person, p i r a f o .
W h o l e , m u , i n i a r a , e f i k a i n i a r a .
W r a p p e r , k o t o k u .
W h o l e l y , k o r a .
W r a t h , a b u f u .
W h o r e , a g w a m a n , b e a g w a m a f i .
W r i n k l e , to, p o m p r o n .
W h o r e d o m , a g w a m a n .
W r i s t , b a k o n .
W h o s e ? h e n n a ? h e n n a d c a ?
W r i t e , to, k y e r o w .
W h y ? d e n e n t i ?
W r o n g , b o n n e ;
to b e w r o n g , see ye.
W i c k e d , b o n n e .
W r o n g , to, f o m .
W i c k e t , a b o b o , b e r a p a i .
to be
W i d e , t e t e r | , t e t e r e t e ;
to be wide, W r y , a k y j i , k o n t o n k y e ;
m u - t e r o w .
w r y , k y a .
W i d o w , k u n n a f o , b e a k u n n a f o .
W i d o w e r , k u n n a f o , b a r r i m a k u n
Y .
n a f o .
W i f e , y i r r e .
Y a m , de.
Y a m - c u s t o m , d y u r a .
W i l l , to, p;e.
W i n d , e m f r a m a.
Y a w n , to, y e r a m .
W i n d o w , e m f e n s r e .
Year, a f r i h i a
2 7 6
Y e l l o w , see k o k o .
Yes, y u .
Yet, see n a ;
not
Y e s t e r d a y , n a r r a ;
yesterday, n e n n a
Y o u , m u ;
y o u
k a s a .
Y o u n g one, a b o f r
a b e r a n t e , a k w a
y o u n g w o m a n , a b
yet, see n y a .
the d a y before
e n s a .
yourselves, m u a n a ;
y o u n g m a n ,
n k w a , y i m m a ;
a b a ;
to be w i t h
Y o
Yo
Yo
Y o
y o u n g , y e m ;
sie.
u r , m u ;
y o
m u a f i k a s a d e a
urs, m u d e , m u
urselves, m u h u
u t h , a b o f r a ,
k a , y i m m a .
Z e n i t h , e t i f i.
-«-3-3-?-QMCCC c .
P R I N T E D B Y B A H I V U A 1 E R IN B A S E t v
.
y o u n g e s t child, p o -
.
u r o w n , m u a n k a s a ,
d e a .
a b e r a n t e ,
Z.
a k w a n -
Chizoro Okeke