Rules of Translating Sexual Terms in Igbo Language
In English, human genitals can be called what they are. When translating them into the Igbo language, there are certain rules you must obey, if not, your translation will be frowned at. Euphemism is necessary.
In English, human genitals can be called what they are. When translating them into the Igbo language, there are certain rules you must obey, if not, your translation will be frowned at. Euphemism is necessary.
The Igbo language has something to do with Igbo culture. Remember, language is a culture. It's an identity. Culture goes with morality. Private parts of humans are respected by the Igbo, culturally. One must be careful especially when addressing these parts of the body formerly.
In English, one can consider "penis" and "vagina" as normal and official. But words such as "dick, cock and pussy" are frowned at despite the fact they denote the same thing. They are vulgar. Likewise in Igbo language.
Yes, we know that in Igbo language, man genital can be called "Utu", "amụ", etc.while woman's genital is called "Ikpu" or "ọtụ"; Some dialect call it "ọhụ". Though these are their names but they are vulgar as well. When you use them in the public place, people frown at you
While translating or talking about these private parts, how would you put them?
* Penis= Ihe mmadụ ji bụrụ nwoke; ihe nwoke ji anyụ mamịrị.
* Vagina= ihe mmadụ ji bụrụ nwaanyị; ihe nwaanyị ji anyụ mamịrị.
They are more of explanations than being single words.
* Penis= Ihe mmadụ ji bụrụ nwoke; ihe nwoke ji anyụ mamịrị.
* Vagina= ihe mmadụ ji bụrụ nwaanyị; ihe nwaanyị ji anyụ mamịrị.
They are more of explanations than being single words.
Not that we don't have single words for them, we do. But officially, they are unacceptable.
The English use "sex" and frown at the word "fuck" which is considered vulgar.
In Igbo Language, the Verbroot "ra" which its infinitive form "ịra" denotes the process of having sex.
The English use "sex" and frown at the word "fuck" which is considered vulgar.
In Igbo Language, the Verbroot "ra" which its infinitive form "ịra" denotes the process of having sex.
The expressions such as "ịra ọtụ, ịra amụ, ịra ikpu" are correct semantically, but they are vulgar. You can't use them when translating official documents. Of course you may use them amongst your peers. But you can't use them before your parents. You no dey fear? Lol.
Sexual intercourse in Igbo is called "Mmekọahụ" or "mmekọ nwoke na nwaanyị" This is more formal. When you are talking of illicit intercourse or premarital sex, it's called "ịkwa iko". There other euphemisms used for it. Ịpịa ọkụ. Ha tara onwe ha. Ha riri ihe.
You can use "mmekọahụ" to address husband and wife when they have sexual relations but you cannot use "ịkwa iko" for legally married couple.
"Idina nwaanyị" is also formal. "Ya na nwunye ya dinara". The verb "ndina" with its conjugation "idina" means lying down, etc.
"Idina nwaanyị" is also formal. "Ya na nwunye ya dinara". The verb "ndina" with its conjugation "idina" means lying down, etc.
*"Abraham dinara Sera, Sera wee tụrụ ime" (Abraham lied down with Sarah, Sarah became pregnant)
You may wonder, you can you just lie down with someone, automatically the person becomes pregnant, how possible? That's how we explain it in Igbo.
You may wonder, you can you just lie down with someone, automatically the person becomes pregnant, how possible? That's how we explain it in Igbo.
When it's issue of rape, you don't use "mmekọahụ" or "ịkwa iko"; both are consensual but you can use "idina nwaanyị n'ike; ịwakpo nwaanyị n'ike" etc.
"Ara" is ara. There is no other word to show whether it is formal or informal. But other parts of the body as regard private are carefully addressed publicly or formerly while translating.
©Maazị Ogbonnaya @maazi_ogbonnaya
©Maazị Ogbonnaya @maazi_ogbonnaya
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
