Kékeré Yorùbá Study Module

A Basic Introduction to the Yorùbá L anguage

Introduction
The following study module is called Kékeré Yorùbá, which means “Little Yorùbá” in
English. It is a very brief introduction presenting only the very basic elements of the
Yorùbá language including basic pronunciation and vocabulary. Ifá was born from
Yorùbá culture and many of the praise songs, prayers and invocations that we use each
day are written in Yorùbá.

Further, for the student serious about learning Yorùbá the challenge also presents an
opportunity to learn more about not just the culture, but also the religion and deeper
philosophical ideas supporting Ifá itself. Yorùbá is a language rich with meaning that can
be interpreted at various levels. What is presented here is just the first of many steps in
learning this beautiful and powerful language. ²
Understanding the Yorùbá Alphabet

The Yorùbá Alphabet

a b d e e
f g gb h i
j k l m n
o o p r s
s t u w y

The Yorùbá alphabet contains 25 letters, with each letter representing its own unique
sound. As you can see from the above table, the Yorùbá alphabet uses characters not
found in the English alphabet. These characters also have unique pronunciations that will
be addressed in subsequent sections.

Learning the Yorùbá alphabet is important for students of Òrìsà because in addition to
being the first step in learning the language it also allows the traditional Ifá devotee to
determine when a word has been changed through interaction with another Òrìsà based
language, such as Lukumi. The presence of letters not native to the Yorùbá alphabet, such
as the letter “c” (very common in many Lukumi words), would indicate a word that has
since been changed from the original Yoruba.

In fact, the Yorùbá language has a way to indicate words borrowed from another
language through the use of tonal marks. However, this falls into a more advanced level
of study and is being presented for the purpose of general information only at this time. ²
Pronouncing the Yorùbá Letters
Learning to properly pronounce the Yorùbá letters is an essential step in learning to make
even the most basic use of the language. As you will learn in a later section, the
pronunciation coupled with the pitch is what delineates one word from another in
Yorùbá.

A Guide to Yorùbá Pronunciation

Letter Sound Example
a “ah” father

e “ay” bait

e “eh” let

i “ee” bee

o “oh” boat

o “aw” got

u “oo” moon

s “s” say

s “sh” shop
Like running the
words “back pay”
p “kp”
together at the
same time
Like saying the
words “big boy”
gb “p” or “b” sound
together very
quickly
Note: Both the “a” and the “o” sound similar. The difference
is with the shape of the mouth and the way that modulates
the sound. This can be one of the trickiest distinctions to
make for a non-Yorùbá person to make when hearing the
language being spoken.

The student is advised to spend time practicing the proper pronunciation of the Yorùbá
characters using the phrases and vocabulary words presented later in this module. ²
Proper Pronunciation for the Òrìsà Names
The following chart provides the proper pronunciation for the names of the Orisa, many
of which are mispronounced in the Diaspora. Please see the subsequent section on
tone/pitch in order to insure that both pronunciation and pitch come together to create
overall proper pronunciation. ²

Proper Pronunciation of
Òrìsà Names
Olódùmarè Oh-loh-doo-mah-ray
Èsù Ay-shoo
Òsun Aw-shoon
Sàngó Shahn-go
Oya Aw-yah
Ògún Oh-goon
Òsóòsì Aw-shaw-see
Obàtálá Aw-bah-tah-lah
Yemoja Yay-maw-jah (hard “j”)
Òrúnmìlà Aw-roon-mee-lah
Ìbejì Ee-bay-jee (hard “j”)
Olókun Oh-loh-koon
Orí Oh-ree
Egúngún Ay-goon-goon
Tonal Marks – The Key to Yorùbá Language
Yorùbá is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of words depends on the pitch
of one’s voice when speaking them. There may be several Yorùbá words consisting of
the same sequence of letters, but variations in the tonal marks distinguish one word from
another.

It is essential that one learn how to properly change the pitch of one’s voice when
speaking Yorùbá, especially to a native speaker. The differences in words can be quite
dramatic and maintaining the proper tone is the only way to avoid a miscommunication.

This is what most non-Yorùbá students seem to find the most challenging. However, with
a bit of practice it becomes much easier than it sounds on paper. While it does take some
time to understand and put into practice the changes in pitch, once mastered it allows one
to perceive the full beauty of the Yorùbá language. If one hears a native Yorùbá speaking
their language it often sounds as if they are singing, even when they are engaged in
normal conversation. It is one of the most lyrical and enchanting languages of the world!

The Yorùbá represent shifts in tone through using a high and low tonal mark. Using the
letter “a” as an example, the marks are represented below.

The Yorùbá Tonal Marks

á High tone, indicating higher pitch

a Middle tone, indicating regular pitch

à Low tone, indicating lower pitch

The tonal marks may be likened to DO, RE and MI on the musical scale. DO represents
the low tonal mark. RE represents the middle tone (with no mark). MI represents the high
tonal mark. When using this tool one can easily see how speaking Yorùbá can be very
much like singing a song.

If we examine the following word – Baba – we can see that there are no tonal markings,
which would indicate that this word would be pronounced with an even mid-tonality.

Examining the word – Dúdú – we can see that both vowels have a high tonal marking
indicating the need to say the entire word at a higher pitch.

Lastly, an examination of the work – Ìyá – illustrates the use of both a low and high tone
in the same word. This means that the word would start off with a lower pitch and end on
a higher one.

Many Yorùbá words have varied tonality within the same word. For example, àlàáfíà
displays a variety of tones, starting with a low tone moving into another low tone,
followed by two high tones and ending once again on a low tone. The best way to get a
feel for this somewhat complex pronunciation is by saying the word slowly, carefully
emphasizing both proper pronunciation and pitch.

To understand just how important proper pitch is when speaking Yorùbá, we present the
following three words with their tonal marks and meaning. Note the significant
differences between all three words. It is easy to see how neglecting to use proper pitch
along with proper pronunciation could easily lead to miscommunications in verbal
dialogs and mistranslated words in written communications.

Three Yorùbá Words

bé High tone, meaning “jump, leap”

be Middle tone, meaning “cut, peel”

bè Low tone, meaning “beg”

It often helps to work with a partner when learning Yorùbá as it makes it easier to hear
what is being said rather than trying to both speak and listen at the same time. This is one
area where only practice and dedication enable the student to develop the skill required to
recognize and emulate proper pitch when speaking the Yorùbá language. ²
Yorùbá Numbers
The Yorùbá language handles counting, cardinal and ordinal numbers differently. For the
purposes of this study module, only the counting and cardinal numbers 1 through 10 will
be presented. This will be expanded in future study modules. ²

Learning Yorùbá Numbers

# Counting Cardinal
Example: One, two... Example: One egg, two eggs...

1 oókan kan

2 eéjì méjì

3 eéta méta

4 eérin mérin

5 aárùnún márùnún

6 eéfà méfà

7 eéje méje

8 eéjo méjo

9 eésànán mésànán

10 eéwàá méwàá
Yorùbá Colors
A thorough discussion on the Yorùbá color scheme requires a very detailed study of not
just chromatics, but also philosophy, religion and culture as well. It is well beyond the
intention of this module to fully explain the basis of the traditional Yorùbá color scheme,
however, the Yorùbá words for the most basic colors are presented below.

It should be noted that the traditional Yorùbá color scheme involves only three colors –
black, red and white. Rather than viewing them as finite colors the Yorùbá viewed these
as spectrums on a single continuum that, while distinct, would blend into one another.
Within these three basic “colors” all colors could be classified. For example, a dark blue
would be classified in the “black” category, while orange may be classified in the “red”
category.

The Yorùbá have since developed names for individual colors, both by borrowing words
from other cultures and using comparison to descript the quality of the color itself. Some
examples may be found below. ²

Learning Yorùbá Colors

Color Yorùbá Word
Black Dúdú
Red Pupa

White Funfun
Blue Búlù (borrowed from English)

Yellow Yélò (borrowed from English)

Grey Ó rí bí eérú (comparison to ash)
Green Dúdú bí ewé (“Black like leaves”)
Note: Sometimes the word “aró” is used for blue,
but this actually refers to a blue dye and not the
color itself.
Common Yorùbá Words, Phrases and Expressions
The syntax of the Yorùbá can be quite complex to a non-Yorùbá person seeking to learn
the language. Any serious student is advised to acquire a complete teaching aid on the
subject and practice through both written and verbal communication.

More commonly used words, phrases and expressions can be found below. Some words
that directly relate to the practice of Ifá have been included to familiarize the student with
some basic terminology used daily by Ifá devotees. ²

Common Yorùbá Greetings

E káàrò – Good Morning (to an elder or someone older than you)
Káàrò – Good Morning (to a peer or someone younger than you)
This greeting is used from the early morning hours until about noon.

E káàsán – Good Afternoon (to an elder or someone older than you)

Káàsán – Good Afternoon (to a peer or someone younger than you)
This greeting is used from noon until about 4 p.m.
E kúùròlé – Good Evening (to an elder or someone older than you)
Kúùròlé– Good Evening (to a peer or someone younger than you)
This greeting is used from about 4 p.m. until about 7 p.m.

E káalé – Good Late Evening (to an elder or someone older than you)
Káalé– Good Late Evening (to a peer or someone younger than you)
This greeting is used from about 7 p.m. until the early morning hours.
Important Note: The honorific pronoun “E” is always used when greeting either one’s
elder or someone older than oneself. The Yorùbá culture is based on honoring one’s
elders and this respect is integrated directly into the language itself. It is not appropriate
to use “E” when speaking to one’s peers or someone younger than oneself, but to
neglect to use it with one’s elders is considered a sign of disrespect and the mark of a
rude individual. There are also lessons relating directly to Ifá in this note.

It is also standard in Yorùbá culture for the younger person to initiate the greeting with
the older person and to do so in a respectful way, using the appropriate greeting. There
are even physical gestures specific to gender that are used when greeting an elder.

When greeted using the proper greeting above, one’s elders will return the greeting
appropriate for someone younger than they are. Age may refer to either physical age
and/or initiatory age within the Ifá religion.

For example, you greet your elder by saying “E káàrò.” Your elder would return the
greeting by saying simply “Káàrò.”
Greeting: Báwo ni? – How are things?
Response: Dáadáa ni. – Fine.
This greeting is used among peers and is not appropriate for one’s elders. One’s elders
may offer this greeting to you, but you should wait until they initiate it. They should be
greeted using the proper greeting (with the honorific pronoun “E”) listed above.
Greeting: Sé àlàáfíà ni? – How are you?
Response: Àlàáfíà ni. – Fine/Doing well.
This greeting is used among peers and is not appropriate for one’s elders. One’s elders
may offer this greeting to you, but you should wait until they initiate it. They should be
greeted using the proper greeting (with the honorific pronoun “E”) listed above.

Common Yorùbá Expressions

Béè ni – Yes
Béè kó/Ó tì – No
E sé – Thank you (to an elder or someone older than you)
O sé – Thank you (to a peer or someone younger than you)
Mo dúpé – I thank you.
A dúpé – We thank you.
Mo dúpé púpò – I thank you very much.
A dúpé púpò – We thank you very much.

Kò tópé– You’re welcome/Don’t mention it/It’s nothing

Àlàáfíà – Greeting that means “Well being,” a way of greeting someone wishing them
well at the same time.
This is best used between peers or with people younger than you. It is not considered an
acceptable greeting for an elder. In some cases this may be the greeting used to greet
and show respect to an Òrìsà priest, but when used in this way it is accompanied by a
specific ritual gesture to distinguish it from a social greeting used by peers.
Ó dàbò – Goodbye.
This closing is used universally between peers and elders alike.

E má bínú – I’m sorry (to an elder or someone older than you)

Má bínú – I’m sorry (to a peer or someone younger than you)

E kò tópé– You’re welcome/Don’t mention it/It’s nothing

(to an elder or someone older than you)
Kò tópé– You’re welcome/Don’t mention it/It’s nothing
(to a peer or someone younger than you)
Kí ni orúko re? – What is your name?
Orúko mi ni... – My name is...
It is generally considered improper for someone to ask someone’s name in Yorùbá
culture. The idea of coming up to someone, greeting them and asking for their name is a
foreign concept in Yorùbá culture. The exception is when an elder or someone older
than you asks for your name, which is considered acceptable.
E dìde! – Stand up (to an elder or someone older than you)
E jókòó– Sit down (to an elder or someone older than you)
Dìde! – Stand up (to a peer or someone younger than you)
Jókòó– Sit down (to a peer or someone younger than you)

E má dìde! – Don’t stand up (to an elder or someone older than you)

E má jókòó– Don’t sit down (to an elder or someone older than you)
Má dìde! – Don’t stand up (to a peer or someone younger than you)
Má jókòó– Don’t sit down (to a peer or someone younger than you)

Mo féràn re – I love you (to one individual, singular)

Mo féràn yin – I love you (to more than one person, plural)
Mo naa féràn re – I love you too (to one individual, singular)
Mo naa féràn yin – I love you too (to more than one person, plural)
A Brief Yorùbá Vocabulary
The following section lists some commonly used Yorùbá words, many of which relate
directly to the Òrìsà or to the practice of Ifá. ²

Common and Òrìsà Related Yorùbá Vocabulary

Abo Female (indicating gender, not speaking of a woman per se)

An Orisa worshipper, most often used in the Diaspora to mean

Abòrìsà someone who has received some basic initiations. This makes a
distinction between someone initiated as a priest of Òrìsà.
May the sacrifice/prayers be sanctioned/heard
May the sacrifice/prayers be accepted
May the sacrifice/prayers manifest
Àború
Àboyè “Àború, Àboyè” is considered one of the proper greetings for a
Àbosíse Babalawo or Ìyánifá (Ifá initiate). The priest will return the
greeting of “Àbosíse.” In many cases an extended blessing will
be offered by the initiate when returning this greeting. This varies
from priest to priest.

Àdìmú Food offerings made to the Ancestors and/or Òrìsà.

Àdúrà Prayer

Ako Male (indicating gender, not speaking of a man per se)

Greeting that means “Well being”; a way of greeting someone

Àlàáfíà and wishing them well at the same time.
See important note under the section on greetings.

Àse Life force; a common meaning; “May it manifest” or “It is so.”

Mystery; a name for all Òrìsà devotees; a name for an individual

Awo
Òrìsà priest; a term used to identify the Ifá religion.
Investigation, often used in place of “Ibi” in divination to indicate
Àyèwò
the need to investigate issues further.

Baba/Baba mi Father/My father

Babalórìsà A male priest of Òrìsà, often with spiritual children of his own.

Sacrifice or offering
Ebo
This may be used to indicate the offering of blood to the Òrìsà,
 though in the Diaspora this is often used as a general term
indicating an offering made to the Ancestors and/or Òrìsà.
The name for the sacred Oracle of Òrìsà initiates. While it refers
to the sixteen cowries used during divination, it literally translates
Éérìndínlógún
to “twenty minus four,” which illustrates the way the Yorùbá
calculate certain numbers.

Èèwò Taboo

Society or group of people; i.e., Egbé Òsun is a group of Òsun

Egbé
initiates.

Èjè Blood

Emu òpe Palm wine

Epo pupa Red palm oil

Ewé Leaf or leaves

Ibi Bad luck; bad fortune

Ìborí The ritual serving, praising and feeding of one’s Orí.

Anklet, bracelet or necklace; used to refer to the sacred beaded

Idè items of the Òrìsà, although most often used in the Diaspora to
indicate a bracelet of some type.
Literally means “calabash,” but is often used to indicate a
container filled with the sacred mysteries and consecrated
Igbá
implements of the Òrìsà; i.e., Igbá Òsun is Osun’s sacred ritual
container.

Ikin Ifá Sacred palm nuts used in the most important divination rituals.

Ilé House; used to describe an Orisa family

Literally means “bead,” but is often used to refer to the sacred

Ìlèkè
beaded necklaces of the Òrìsà.

Ire Good fortune; good luck

Ìyá/Ìyá mi Mother/My mother

Ìyálórìsà A female priest of Òrìsà, often with spiritual children of her own.

Obì àbàtà Kola nut

Obìnrin Female or specifically a woman

The 256 signs used in Ifá divination, which represent the

Odù Ifá fundamental forces of creation in the universe; also used as a
reference to the Ifá literary corpus.
Someone that has received no type of initiation into the mysteries
of Òrìsà; a novice.

Ògbèrì Often the Lukumi use the word “aleyo” to indicate a non-initiate.
This word is actually a permutation on the Yorùbá word “àlejò”
that means “stranger” or “visitor.” Ògbèrì is the traditional word
used to indicate someone that has no initiations.

Okùnrin Male or specifically a man

A male or female Òrìsà initiate.

Olórìsà Sometimes this word is used to indicate someone that has been
initiated into the mysteries of the Òrìsà but have no spiritual
children through rites of initiation.
One’s “godfather” in Ifá.
This term is applied differently within traditional Ifá than in
Olúwo Lukumi. In Ifá this term can apply to either an Òrìsà priest or
Babalawo. The general meaning of the word indicates a person
teaching you about the religion. It may, in some cases, indicate a
certain rank within the Ifá priesthood.
Omi tútù Cool water

Omièrò Consecrated herbal water; “calming water”

Child; offspring
Omo This can be used to refer to one’s biological and spiritual
children.

Òpèlè Ifá divination chain

Òrí Shea butter

Praise name or history; sometimes used as an invocation to call
Oríkì
the subject of the Oríkì

Orin Song

Orógbó Bitter kola nut

Ose Dúdú/
Black soap
Ose Aládìn
Otí A general word used for liquor or wine.

Owó Money

Oyin Honey
Yorùbá Language Resources
The followings books and online resources have been presented to give the student
additional resources for learning to speak Yorùbá. Many of these books are out of print
and can be difficult to locate, however a dedicated out-of-print search should yield some
results for the determined seeker. ²

Abraham M.A. D.Litt, R.C., Dictionary of Modern Yoruba, University of London Press
Ltd, London, 1958

Adéwálé-Somadhi, FAMA Àìná, FAMA’s Èdè Awo (Òrìsà Yorùbá Dictionary), Ilé
Òrúnmìlà Communications, San Bernadino, 1996

Barber, Karin, Yorùbá Dùn Ún So: Book One A beginners’ Course in Yoruba, New Horn
Press, Ibadan, 1984 (Comes with a two tape set)

Schleicher, Antonia Yétúndé Folárìn, Jé K’Á So Yorùbá, Yale University Press, New
Haven and London, 1993

Yai, Olabiyi Babalola, Yoruba-English English-Yoruba Concise Dictionary, Hippocrene

Books, New York, 1996

Dictionary of the Yoruba Language: English-Yoruba Yoruba-English, Church

Missionary Society Bookshop, Lagos, 1937

www.motherlandnigeria.com - An excellent website on Yorùbá culture, including a

section on the Yorùbá language.

www.learnyoruba.com - A small, but potentially useful resource for learning the Yorùbá
language.