More on Yoruba "Praise" Names
W. Azeez
Gani,
The list below answers to part of your request to James. I have spent
some three hours in recalling the names, as well as putting them in
the current other, so take note that you OWE me big time. Pls see
additional notes after the list.
Transcription key: E = open "e" (as in Emu - palmwine)
O = open "o" (as in OmO - child)
S = "s" with diacritical mark, pronounced "sh"
(as in oriSa - idol/god/divine)
=================================================================
Arranged by the middle syllable.
MALE
(ja) (di) (kan) (la) (yin) (wE) (mO)
A-ja-bi A-di-o A-kan-bi A-la-bi A-yin-la A-wE-da A-mO-o
A-ja-ni A-di-sa A-kan-ni A-la-ni A-yin-de
A-ja-o A-di-gun A-kan-o A-la-o
A-ja-la A-kan-de A-la-de
A-ja-gbe A-kan-gbe A-la-gbe (Sa) (rE) (tan)
A-ja-di A-kan-mu A-la-mu A-Sa-mu A-rE-mu A-tan-da
A-ja-sa A-kan-ji
A-kan-da
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FEMALE
(bE) (di) (kan) (la) (yin) (wE) mO)
A-bE-kE A-di-ya A-kan-kE A-la-kE A-yin-kE A-wE-bi A-mO-kE
A-bE-bi A-kan-pe A-wE-ni A-mO-pe
A-bE-pe A-wE-ro A-mO-Sa
A-bE-ni
A-bE-gbe (du) (gbe) (pOn) (Sa) (jO) (ji)
A-bE-jE A-du-bi A-gbe-kE A-pOn-kE A-Sa-kE A-jO-kE A-ji-kE
A-du-ni A-Sa-bi
A-du-gbe A-pe-kE A-Sa-pe
A-du-kE A-Sa-ni
===================================================================
Arranged by the last syllable
MALE
(o) (da) (mu) (de) (bi) (ni) (gbe)
A-kan-o A-kan-da A-kan-mu A-kan-de A-kan-bi A-kan-ni A-kan-gbe
A-la-o A-tan-da A-la-mu A-la-de A-la-bi A-la-ni A-la-gbe
A-ja-o A-wE-da A-rE-mu A-yin-de A-ja-bi A-ja-ni A-ja-gbe
A-di-o A-Sa-mu
A-mO-o
(ji) (sa) (la) (di)
Akanji A-di-sa A-yin-la A-ja-di
A-ja-sa A-ja-la (gun)
A-di-gun
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FEMALE
(kE) (pe) (ka) (jE) (bi) (ni) (gbe)
A-bE-kE A-bE-pe A-yO-ka A-bE-jE A-bE-bi A-bE-ni A-bE-gbe
A-du-kE A-yin-pe A-du-bi A-du-ni
A-kan-kE A-kan-pe (ro) (ya) A-wE-bi A-wE-ni
A-Sa-kE A-Sa-pe A-wE-ro A-di-ya A-Sa-bi A-Sa-ni
A-la-kE A-mO-pe
A-yin-kE
A-gbe-kE
A-pOn-kE
A-jO-kE
A-pe-kE
A-ji-kE
A-kan-kE
A-mO-kE
Every "oriki" (praise-name, panegyric,..) consists of three
syllables: the invariable particle, "A"; a middle segment which is
usually a verb; and the last syllable, usually a verb or an adverb.
In the list above, I have arranged the upper part according to the
middle verb. The lower part, with the same names as in the upper
list, is classified according to the last syllable. Further, each
classification is subdivided according to gender. A class of the
middle (MALE - ja and la; FEMALE- bE and du) and last verbs/adverbs
(MALE - o, da, mu, de, sa, la; FEMALE - kE, pe) appear to be coded
for gender, while some are gender-neutral (Middle Verb - di, kan, la,
yin, wE and mO; Last Verb/Adverb - bi, ni, gbe).
Altogether, there are 31 unique verbs/adverbs in the list above. I
will leave the translation to James, who has done a good job so far.
Besides, there is at least one syllable, "o", that I cannot
interprete; I have given it quite some thoughts, but I just couldn't
figure out the meaning.
Obviously, the list is by no means exhaustive. I have only recorded
names that I have personally heard previously. However, this does not
guarantee that all the appellations recorded in my list are true
Yoruba oriki's. I will give two examples to support my tone of
caution. I included "ArikE" in the draft of the list, having recalled
that one of my cousins go by that name. On a further reflection,
however, I realised that "ArikE", a shortened form of "AriyikE", is
a proper name and not an "oriki". Similarly, I removed "AmOda"
despite the fact that it rhymes with "AmOo", "AmOkE", "AmOpe" and
"AmoSa". "AmOda" or "Amuda" seems to me to be a corrupted form of
Arabic "Hamdallah". I elected to live "Adisa" in the list, even
though I have a feeling that it could be another Yorubanized Arabic
expression.
And speaking of Arabic expressions, this current exercise should be
educative to many of us. There are many Yoruba going about with the
false impression that oriki's are muslim names while the proper names
such as oluSola, adekEmi, and babaYemi are christian names. If I have
to collect some money everytime that someone authomatically assumes
that I am a christian by virtue of my name, wEmimO, I should probably
be a millionaire by now. This, in a way, is tangetial to the core of
the ongoing exchange b/w Femi (Badejo) and James (Fabunmi), which I
intend to join after posting this note. I will acknowledge, however,
that the impression mentioned above is not without some basis. Until
recently, muslims who choose Yoruba first names instead of Arabic
have tended to use oriki's; in contrast, when christians adopt Yoruba
instead of Jewish first names, they usually choose from proper names
such as Bola, Kunle, and Segun. Aside from the muslim/christian
divide, the other dichotomy which concides with the use of oriki/
proper-name is traditionalist/western-educated.
Best wishes, all
Wemimo Azeez
PS: As I was about to send this, I remember I-SO-la, which violates
the invariability of the first syllable of oriki ("A"). Does anyone
remember other oriki's not starting with "A"?
GJAI...@aol.com
Wemimo,
Thanks for the effort. That's great! Yes, I do "OWE" you "big time"! I am
keeping all these names from you and James in a special folder in my archives.
They should be useful in the future.
By the way, I spoke with my mother this morning and as usual she reeled off my
"orikis" for some 3 minutes or so before I quickly asked her "Se alafia le
wa?". I call her once a week on the average and she does that every time; at
the beginning of the call, in-between, and at the end. If I don't quickly say
something, AT&T may bill me for some 30 minutes of "oriki" on a Syracuse -
London call . I do enjoy the "oriki" (makes me feel good! ) but I always
decide on how much time I would allow for "oriki" before I call her. Hers is
even the short version of it. My wonderful grandmother (I hope she is resting
in peace) can go on for about I hour on that "oriki" stuff. She would start
with "Enia atata ni nje Ganiyu, olowo repete! Then she would step into
Ayinla, and on and on. Finally, she would move into Jaiyeola. What a lovely
woman! I miss her. I can definitely relate to what James said about his
grandmother.
Again, thanks!
Ganiyu
================================================
Dr. James A. Fabunmi
Wemimo:
Both Arike and Amoda are authentic oriki's.
A-ri-ke = When se see her, we care for her (or we cherish her)
A-mo-da = The creator knew what He was doing when he created Amoda, in
other words, this is someone who was made to specifications.
Peace.
James.
W. Azeez wrote:
> Obviously, the list is by no means exhaustive. I have only recorded
> names that I have personally heard previously. However, this does not
> guarantee that all the appellations recorded in my list are true
> Yoruba oriki's. I will give two examples to support my tone of
> caution. I included "ArikE" in the draft of the list, having recalled
> that one of my cousins go by that name. On a further reflection,
> however, I realised that "ArikE", a shortened form of "AriyikE", is
> a proper name and not an "oriki". Similarly, I removed "AmOda"
> despite the fact that it rhymes with "AmOo", "AmOkE", "AmOpe" and
> "AmoSa". "AmOda" or "Amuda" seems to me to be a corrupted form of
> Arabic "Hamdallah". I elected to live "Adisa" in the list, even
> though I have a feeling that it could be another Yorubanized Arabic
> expression.
>
>
>
Fawumi Kayode Olalekan
Hello,
I sent you a mail yesternight and I do hope you have seen it.
K.O.Fawumi
Ayodele Ayetigbo
I really chuckled on this one. Abedo! Na wa 4 u, Harry. What do u have in
mind? Tell us straight from your heart. Are you the type that begs to do it to
some Monica Lewenskies? No tabi-tabi or ngbati-n-gbati. Be straight, pal.
Ayo
..................
Harry Ogunleye wrote:
> Good Job Wemimo,
> But what about ABEDO=''A-BE-DO'' i e
> Beg and ........ Seriously no crap, I have heard it before,May be you or
> Dr.Fabunmi can shed some light on this also
>
> Thank
> You,
>
> Sultan Timothy
> A.A.
> >Obviously, the list is by no means exhaustive. I have only recorded
> >names that I have personally heard previously. However, this does not
> >guarantee that all the appellations recorded in my list are true
> >Yoruba oriki's. I will give two examples to support my tone of
> >caution. I included "ArikE" in the draft of the list, having recalled
> >that one of my cousins go by that name. On a further reflection,
> >however, I realised that "ArikE", a shortened form of "AriyikE", is
> >a proper name and not an "oriki". Similarly, I removed "AmOda"
> >despite the fact that it rhymes with "AmOo", "AmOkE", "AmOpe" and
> >"AmoSa". "AmOda" or "Amuda" seems to me to be a corrupted form of
> >Arabic "Hamdallah". I elected to live "Adisa" in the list, even
> >though I have a feeling that it could be another Yorubanized Arabic
> >expression.
> >
> >And speaking of Arabic expressions, this current exercise should be
> >educative to many of us. There are many Yoruba going about with the
> >false impression that oriki's are muslim names while the proper names
> >such as oluSola, adekEmi, and babaYemi are christian names. If I have
> >to collect some money everytime that someone authomatically assumes
> >that I am a christian by virtue of my name, wEmimO, I should probably
> >be a millionaire by now. This, in a way, is tangetial to the core of
> >the ongoing exchange b/w Femi (Badejo) and James (Fabunmi), which I
> >intend to join after posting this note. I will acknowledge, however,
> >that the impression mentioned above is not without some basis. Until
> >recently, muslims who choose Yoruba first names instead of Arabic
> >have tended to use oriki's; in contrast, when christians adopt Yoruba
> >instead of Jewish first names, they usually choose from proper names
> >such as Bola, Kunle, and Segun. Aside from the muslim/christian
> >divide, the other dichotomy which concides with the use of oriki/
> >proper-name is traditionalist/western-educated.
> >
> >Best wishes, all
> >Wemimo Azeez
> >
e.o.shadare
Hi there folks,
I believe "Abedo" could mean "A be duro" i.e, the one who we
beg/plead with/ entreat, who then harkens and stays.
It could be an "amutorunwa" for an "abiku" child.(Known as ogbanje
in Igbo).
The word "do", could be short for duro, have you noticed how
Lagos "molue" conductors say "duo" instead of "duro" when issuing
driver instructions ? You must also be aware of the word "Ibudo"
i.e place of rest/stopping/waiting, which can be short for
"Ibi Iduro".
Hope this helps, its only speculation on my part.
cheers,
E.O. SHADARE
noadeen fasina
Sir,
Since you agree that Harry is not trying to be Clinton a.k.a Lewinski . What do
you think this will say about the old Yoruba culture. Is this not bothering on
"vulgerness", and if is, is it really a "sin" to express any situation as you
precieve it or better still call a spade a spade instead of pretending.
Noa.
Babafem...@unon.org
Haba Dr.!
I hope it is the husband alone who gives and gets to call this name!
A Yoruba father is too strict to give such a name.
'Femi
On 9 Jun 98 at 14:20, Dr. James A. Fabunmi wrote:
> Date: Tue, 09 Jun 1998 14:20:50 -0400
> From: "Dr. James A. Fabunmi" <jfab...@erols.com>
> Reply-to: jfab...@erols.com
> Organization: AEDAR Corporation
> To: Harry Ogunleye <harr...@email.msn.com>
> Cc: "W. Azeez" <CZ...@MUSICA.MCGILL.CA>, naij...@esosoft.com
> Subject: Re: More on Yoruba "Praise" Names
> Sultan Timothy:
>
> Yes, it means exactly what you are thinking. The name is used for
> exceptionally beautiful women, whose husbands have to beg ........:-)
>
> James.
Dr. James A. Fabunmi
Dr. James A. Fabunmi
Noa:
My suspicion is that "Abedo" is probably an improvised name, given not
by the parents of a girl, but by her male suitors in a flirtatious
context. If you are asking me if reference to sexual conduct is a sin, I
think you are asking the wrong person. Human sexuality is no more a sin
than any other human appetite. It is what you do with that sexuality
that could be sinful.
James.
Dr. James A. Fabunmi
Femi:
You are absolutely right, a Yoruba father will not give Abedo to his
daughter. I suspect this name is an improvisation of flirtatious men, in
reference to women that they are after.
James.
Dr. James A. Fabunmi
Dear Shadare:
The name would be Abero (A-be-ro), if the interpretation that you give
here was intended. The shortened form of "duro" in Yoruba names is "ro"
as in "Ro-ti-mi" = "Duro-ti-mi" (stand by me, or stay with me).
Actually, "ibudo" = place of abode (rest, sleep, ....etc) is closer in
meaning to the bedroom :-)
James.
Noadeen Fasina
Dr.,
Am satisfied with your response but I did not mean sin as in religious
issues.
Its okay.Your reply to the other guy explained how we come about that name
anyway.
Noa
-----Original Message-----
From: Dr. James A. Fabunmi <jfab...@erols.com>
To: noadeen fasina <fas...@mes3s0.engr.ccny.cuny.edu>
Cc: harr...@email.msn.com <harr...@email.msn.com>; CZ...@MUSICA.MCGILL.CA
<CZ...@MUSICA.MCGILL.CA>; naij...@esosoft.com <naij...@esosoft.com>
Date: Tuesday, June 09, 1998 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: More on Yoruba "Praise" Names
harrison...@lasu.edu.ng
Good to read some of your contributions on fb.
I am working on Yoruba praise names and I found some of your contributions interesting and inspiring. I need to acknwledge your work. Please give me your full name and your contact. Prof Harrison Adeniyi. LASU. Nigeria
