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
The Akweya Language Lesson highlighted words formed with the alphabet combination “GB”, as part of efforts to promote the learning and preservation of the Akweya language.
The lesson introduced words including “Gba”, meaning “to grow”; “Gbo”, meaning “to start”; “Gbloloo”, meaning “straight road”; “Gbongoo”, meaning “long”; “Igbo”, meaning “train”; “Egba”, meaning “snail”; and “Egbe”, meaning “gun.”
Other words featured were “Agbo”, meaning “banana”; “Ingbrichi”, meaning “bone”; “Agbaga”, meaning “sword”; “Ogbo”, meaning “dog”; “Ogba”, meaning “fence”; and “Igbende”, meaning “okra.”
The lesson also introduced a forthcoming book titled “The 100 Most Influential Akweya People,” which will feature notable personalities of Akweya heritage.
Among the personalities featured in the book was David Bonaventure Mark, a former President of the Senate of Nigeria who represented Benue South Senatorial District in the National Assembly for several years.
The lesson encouraged Akweya people and learners to continue speaking and learning the language as a way of preserving their cultural identity and heritage.
Link to watch full video:
