Introduction
Akweya, also known as Akpa, is a rich Idomoid language spoken mainly in the Akpa District of Otukpo and parts of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.
With its unique 40-letter alphabet, including distinctive digraphs and trigraphs, Akweya reflects the identity, history, and cultural richness of its people. It is also a tonal language, where changes in tone can give the same word different meanings.
The Akweya people proudly call themselves Akweya, meaning “sons of Akwu,” while Akpa is the name officially used by the government since 1950. Both names are commonly used to refer to the people, their language, and their land.
The latest Instalment of the Akweya Language Lesson explores another aspect of the language, focusing on its letters, words, and meanings, alongside different profiles of a notable Akweya personality featured in the book The 100 Most Influential Akweya.
Akweya Language Lesson Highlighted Words from the Letter “G”
The Akweya Language Lesson featured words with the letter “G”, as part of efforts to promote the learning and preservation of the Akweya language.
The Akweya alphabet was made up of 40 letters, from A to Nwy. The lesson focused on examples of words with the letter “G” and their meanings.
The words highlighted included “Gaaga”, meaning “strongly”; “Igege”, meaning “water pot”; “Ogomgom”, meaning “yellow”; “Egere”, meaning “bicycle”; and “Igogo”, meaning “mirror.”
The lesson also introduced a forthcoming book titled “The 100 Most Influential Akweya,” which will feature notable personalities of Akweya heritage.
One of the personalities featured in the book was Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ray Ikpa, a Catholic priest who was ordained on September 25, 1989, at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral.
Fr. Ikpa served in several Catholic parishes and held various chaplaincy and administrative positions in Nigeria and the United States, including assignments in Bauchi, Plateau State, and New York and California.
The book is expected to feature more notable Akweya personalities and will be available for ₦5,000 ahead of its official unveiling.
The lesson encouraged Akweya speakers and learners to continue learning and using the language as a means of preserving their cultural heritage and identity.
Watch the full video with this link:
