KONKOMBA – ENGLISH

LIKPAKPAANL – LIKANL

DICTIONARY
Third edition

edited by Mary Steele

Copyright by Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation

December 2010
GILLBT
 2

KONKOMBA DICTIONARY
LIKPAKPAANL – LIKANL

Introduction
This dictionary is intended to serve four purposes: 1. To provide a
reference vocabulary for foreigners learning Konkomba. 2. To enable
newly literate Konkombas to develop their understanding of English. 3.
To stabilise the spelling of the Konkomba language. 4. To help establish
Konkomba (Likpakpaanl) as a written language.
An attempt has been made to use the Saboba (Lichabol) dialect
throughout, but there may be inconsistencies since most of the work
has been carried out over a period when the editors were constantly
moving. Thanks are due to Miss Mary Steele of the Ghana Institute of
Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation, who provided the initial
data and vocabulary. David Brown Magbaan of Gbeedo, (Saboba)
Emmanuel Mayetiba Liwaalmɔ of Ekumdipe (whose forefathers
migrated from Gbadagbam) and George Uwumbɔrbi Biwiin
(Tilangbeni) gave of their time and energy in checking and adding to
this information, and the literature sub-committee of the Konkomba
Literacy Committee of Ghana, and a number of voluntary supervisors
proof-read and approved the final copy. Dr. J. B. Hall and Dr. W. D.
Swain of the Botany Department of the University of Legon also kindly
helped in identifying some of the trees in the appendix. We are
sincerely thankful for the invaluable help of all these people.
This edition is an expanded and revised form of the original dictionary,
and has been edited by Mary Steele. Thanks are due to those who
keyboarded it on computer, to Mr Hannes Hirzel for his expertise in
lexicography, who also supervised all the technicalities of the computer
version, and to Dr. Tony Naden who gave linguistic advice.
3

Order of entries
The entries are arranged in strict alphabetical order, except where
digraphs appear. Thus, words beginning gb occur at the end of the g
section rather than after ga, those beginning kp after k, ny after n and
ŋm after ŋ. Words beginning with ŋ are inserted after ny and those
beginning with ɔ after o. The order is therefore as follows: - a b c ch d e
f g gb h i j k kp l m n ny ŋ ŋm o ɔ p s t u w y
It is not always possible to predict the plural form of nouns, especially
for those who are not Konkomba speakers, so both singular and plural
forms of the nouns are entered.

Spelling and Orthography

The orthography follows that which is used in the literature currently
in print in Konkomba. This means that long and short vowels are
distinguished by the use of single and double letters respectively. (e.g.
a, aa)
Tone is not marked, but where two words contrast only in tone and the
context is unlikely to indicate which is which, an /h/ has been added
after the vowel in one of the words. (e.g. upii - woman, upiih - sheep)
There are certain variations which may occur in the same speaker's
speech. For example, sometimes he may use the /r/ sound and
sometimes the /l/ sound. Also, there may be variations between one
speaker and another within the same village (e.g. some use the plural
tiib and some teeb). In these cases, an arbitary decision has been made
about the spelling.
 4

Abbreviations

Like English and other languages, Konkomba has parts of speech, such
as nouns, verbs etc., and the part of speech is often indicated beside
each word. These are usually written in full, avoiding abbreviations as
far as possible, in order to be more user friendly, especially for school
children, but in some cases abbreviations have been unavoidable. The
meanings of these and other abbreviations are as follows:

dial. var. dialect variant,

inf. form inflected form,
inf. var. inflectional variant,
pl. plural,
sp. var. spelling variant

Production
This dictionary has been produced using the FieldWorks computer
program 6.0.5. The printout was done with PathWay and OpenOffice.

Next Edition
Work on a fourth edition has been started, and contributions are
welcome. The dictionary database includes more information than
published in this edition. Perhaps an edition for an academic audience
will be published later.
Please send any corrections or additions to Mary [email protected]
5 aah

Aa
a past past/completive marker - with a consonant or vowel a )
corresponds to English 'have' Aa doon aa? Did you sleep?
perfective M sunn a. I have (You slept?)
forgotten (and still cannot aa- prefix possessive/
remember). associative uja aanaa the
aa conjunction or, alternative man's cow
question Ti cha kinyaŋ ni ti aabaa reflexive yourself pɔɔn
ti daa ukpaan la aan ikɔla. aabaa ki gaa ipiin ngbaan
We are going to market to Please accept this gift (try
buy a guinea-fowl or a yourself and accept gift this)
chicken. U ga buen aa waan aabee aasub noun small oil
buen? Will he go or not? (He palm nut tree
will go or he-neg.-fut. go) aabee aasui pl. of aabee
aa1 negative particle aasub noun small oil palm
not/negative (in the main nut tree
clause) Binib bi bi nima chee
aabilbii noun pineapple
na aa ye beebee aanib. The
aabilbii mam pl. of aabilbii
people who live there are not
bad people. noun pineapple
aa2 pronoun you singular aabilbii tiib pl. of aabilbii
noun pineapple
aa3 interrogative question
aabɔŋ noun varieties
marker (if the sentence ends
aah 6

(associative-variety) iliin aasai noun joke, geniality,

aabɔŋ dialects (languages joviality
assoc. -varieties) aayii interjection no
aah conjunction as/while/when aduwa noun bean [type]
aah ... na 1) particle as, since, alabarika 1) noun blessing,
when Ubo aah chuun nsan profit 2) bless 3) reduce your
price
ni na le u kan uwaa. As the
child was walking on the amaa conjunction but Ubɔ wee
road, he saw a snake. nan bir pam amaa waa ki
2) conjunction as/because
3) conjunction as/in the bir. This dog had been
way/manner dangerous, but now is not.
(This dog had-been bad
aan1 inf. var. of aa1 negative intensifier, but he neg. again
particle won't - negative bad)
(future)
ansilfa noun silver
aan2 conjunction in order to, so
aŋkora noun barrel, drum
that, while Aa dan aan ti
asibti noun hospital, clinic
buen u chee. You come so
that we can go to him. U ga li asibtitiib pl. of asibti noun
hospital, clinic
kii timi aan ti ŋa timi aatuln
awurabaa noun nurse,
ngbaan. He will wait while
educated girl
we do our work.
7 *baa

Bb
b- pronoun they (see ba3 particle time near past
introduction) marker (today) U ba buen
ba1 interrogative what? Aa ban kinyaŋ ni. He went to
ba? What do you want? (You market. (earlier today)
want what?) badaal? when? baa3 1) verb ask 2)
(what day) ba ŋa? why? baa4 negative pronoun they are
(what happened?) Ba ŋa si? | not/did not... (pronoun bi
What is the matter with you? 'they' fused with aa neg.')
(What happened you?) ba *baa1 reflexive self, (one's) own
pu? why? (what upon?) (reflexive) Aa gii aabaa aa?
bayoonn when? (what time?) Did you cut yourself? M kal
Aa fuu ni bayoonn? What mbaa aadiik ni. I sat in my
time did you come? (You own room.
arrived what time?) *baa2 numeral one, certain (the
ba2 particle marker of prefix agrees with the noun
conditional contrary to fact and may be plural) U kpa
Ni yaa ba nan bi niyajatiib ubo ubaa. He has one child.
yoonn ngbaan kan naa ba Uja ubaa le nan bi...... There
ga ŋa baah nan ŋa pu na. If was a certain man ..... Bijab
you had been living in your
ancestors' day, you would not bibaa le nan bi ..... There
have done what they did. were some men .....
*baa 8

*baa5 bound rt. one, same badaal interrogative when?

*baabaa numeral one each/ (what day?)
one, one bae verb learn
baah pronoun as they (3rd bak verb tire, be tired
person plural pronoun bi bakaa noun bad, misdeed of
assimilated to the conjunction
aah 'as') major or minor significance.

baan1 verb begin, start at a bakadaan noun self willed

point indicated person, criminal

baan2 verb grope, search for bal1 verb carry in one's hand in
addition to a head burden B.
baan3 negative future pronoun
They are not/won't. tun nnyun uyir paab la le ki

*baan4 bound rt. of one, same bal gbagir uŋaal ni. B.

carried water on her head and
Bi ye ujabaan/upiibaan
also in a bucket in her hand.
aabim la. They are one bal2 verb apply eyeshadow Le
man/one woman's children.
u bal chaloo, ki chaal
baanja quantifier only, alone
uyikpir mbamɔm. She
Ubɔr aapuu baanja le ba bi. applied eyeshadow and
Only the chief's wife was arranged her hair well.
there.
balaa noun boasting U nyu
baanjira noun latrine, lavatory,
balaa he boasted
toilet
baar verb crawl balab noun soup leaves [type]

baayar noun yam [type] balab teeb pl. of balab noun

soup leaves [type]
bab verb be satisfied, replete
9 bee

balni inf. var. of bal1 verb bar3 verb pour (into a bowl)
carrying (in hand) bar4 verb make tribal marks on
ban 1) verb seek, want, search face or body
for 2) be about to bar5 verb put black on eyes
banchi noun cassava
bar6 verb dip out a liquid ,
banni inf. var. of ban verb using a small container Bar
search, hunt
tikpin tii bi man. (2Ki.
banni inf. var. of bal1 verb
4.41) Dip out soup and
carry in the hand
give/serve them.
baŋ verb group together
bayoonn interrogative when?
protectively La chee aan (what time?)
saawakor ga nan baŋ nwiin bee verb remain U nan bee
pu? (Sng. 1.7) Where will Yaan iwiin ilee amaa
your sheep rest at noon?
dandana u kun. He remained
baŋa interrogative why? what's
in Yendi for a few days, but
wrong? ba ŋa si? what now he has gone home. U
happened you?
bee nnyun ni. He drowned.
bar1 verb reduce (price) break (he remained water in)
off, cut off Uwankpadaan bee1 demonstrative these (3 pl.
taa pa jer, ugiin mu taa pa or cl. 2 demonstrative)
bar. (Exo. 30.15) The rich bee2 conjunction or, an
should not pay more, the poor alternative Yoor unii ubaa
should not pay less.
bee bilee ki ki buen u chee.
bar2 verb break off Le bi bar
take one or two people and go
tifar. They broke off leaves. again to him.
bee 10

bee3 verb know, realise, anything of value M ban m

recognise, discover tun ni maajab le bi nan beln
beebee noun wickedness Binib saabɔrdichal ni. I am going
bi kpa beebee na aabeebee to send my soldiers to search
le kuln bi The wickedness of in your palace. (to take
anything of value) 1 Kings
the wicked destroys them. 20.6
(People who have wickedness
poss.-wickedness destroys ber1 verb clean off, wipe off,
them) rub out, erase, cancel,
beenin adverb continue to, still demolish Nan ber maah
Ubo beenin gbiir. The child is ŋmee tiwan ni na. Rub out
still playing. what I have written.
beer1 verb clear ground (around ber2 verb move impetuously or
house or farm preparatory to precipitately, rush U ber koo
planting)
ni. Baataan berni. He rushed
beer2 verb be, remain, exist in. Their horses charge.
(with 'useless/empty/void')
ber3 verb lit. to demolish and
Saah puu tipuur ti na aa let go the stomach (ber lipuul
beer fam. What you promised lii) Upii ubaa kina aan ber
is not useless. (i.e. you did
lipuul lii, bi mɔmɔk ga li kpa
what you promised)
mbim. (Ex. 23.26) No
beer3 inf. var. of bee3 verb
woman will miscarry, they
knowing (continuous of
will all have children.
'know')
berni inf. var. of ber2 verb
bel verb scold
rushing, (horses) charging
beln verb search, looking for
bi1 pronoun they, them,
11 bi kpae

concordant with n. cl. 2 (pl.) bi goe inf. var. of gob verb

bi2 verb exist, be alive, be surround, continuous
present, live/stay U bi. He bi gonni inf. var. of gok verb
lives/exists/is there. U bi bend, limbs or body
Yaan la. He lives/is in Yendi. bi gɔe dial. var. of gob verb
surround, continuous
U beenin bi ii? Is he still
alive/there? bi gɔnni inf. var. of gɔr2 verb
be crooked
bi3 particle Continuous,
imperfective marker followed bi jaa inf. var. of jan verb
usually by la (affirmative) at fighting, continuous
the end of the sentence. U bi bi jii inf. var. of jib verb coil
san idi la. She is pounding up, make rounded, tie cloth
guinea corn. around head
bi4 pronoun they/them 3rd per. bi joe inf. var. of jɔb verb
pl. becoming blind
bi bue inf. var. of bub verb bi joi inf. var. of jon verb
embracing climbing
bi dae inf. var. of dab1 verb bi keei inf. var. of kii4 verb
fasten, stick, glue replying, answering
bi deei1 inf. var. of den1 verb bi keei inf. var. of kii3 verb
spread out, hang out to dry snapping, breaking (a rope)
bi deei2 inf. var. of den2 verb bi kpae inf. var. of kpee verb
lean against/beside adding
bi gbae inf. var. of gbab verb bi kpae inf. var. of kpab verb
clothe, putting on clothes rolling up (bed, scroll),
shutting book
bi kunni 12

bi kunni inf. var. of kunn bi peei inf. var. of pii3 verb

verb cause to go home catching up with, overtaking
bi kunni inf. var. of kuln verb bi peei inf. var. of pii1 verb
abolishing picking up (cumulatively)
bi lii inf. var. of lib verb bi seei inf. var. of sii verb to
roasting (meat) insult (continuous)
bi lir inf. var. of lii2 verb let go, bi sui inf. var. of sub verb
fall, release burying
bi lir inf. var. of lii1 verb bi tae inf. var. of tab1 verb
giving permission, allowing switching on
bi lu inf. var. of lun1 leak verb bi tar inf. var. of teen verb
dripping, leaking shouting at
bi lu 1) verb drawing water 2) bi teei1 inf. var. of tii2 verb
bi mae inf. var. of mee2 verb spitting
throwing away bi teei2 inf. var. of teb verb
bi minni inf. var. of miln cure, heal, treat
verb avoiding, dodging bi tui inf. var. of tun1 verb
bi nae inf. var. of nab1 verb carry on head, help a person
put a load on head
joining
bi wae inf. var. of wab verb
bi ŋmani inf. var. of ŋmal
grabbing
verb mix, be digested
bi weei inf. var. of wee1 verb
bi ŋmɔ inf. var. of ŋman1 verb
growing, increasing
chewing
bi yae inf. var. of yaa2 verb
bi ŋɔi inf. var. of ŋɔb verb
scatter, sow, disperse
uprooting (from ground),
pulling out (teeth) bi yeei inf. var. of yeb verb
13 bibɔndim

grinding coarsely to remove bibeegbaab pl. of ubeegbaa

husks noun guitar players
bi yul inf. var. of yun2 verb bibilb pl. of ubo1 noun
hitting (with a stone, arrow, children (pre-puberty)
or any projectile)
bibirb pl. of ubir noun deaf
bib verb (catch) and hold
mutes
tightly, pounce upon. (Often
used with 'chuu' to catch) U bibirb2 noun. fishes [type]

nan bib m pu ke uchinn na. bibiyoob pl. of ubiyoor noun

He pounced on me like a lion. child-minders, probably
another child, a person who
bibaa1 reflexive themselves may help a mother with a
(3pl. reflex.) Bi ku bibaa la. child over about 7 months
They killed themselves bibɔlem pl. of ubɔlen noun
bibaa2 determiner certain, speakers, judges (the ubɔlen
speaks and the ubɔnabr
some (people) Bibaa nan bi
interprets)
itaan aatɔroku tiib ponn ni,
bibɔlenkpaam pl. of
le bibaa mu dik itaan pu ki
ubɔlenkpaan noun
buen. Some were in horse talkative people
(drawn) trucks, some also
bibɔnabr pl. of ubɔnabr
rode horses (upon) and went.
noun interpreters, translators,
bibabae pl. of ubabae noun prophets
apprentices, learners
bibɔnabtiib pl. of ubɔnabr
bibamɔndam pl. of noun interpreters, translators,
mbamɔndaan noun honest, prophets
truthful, just persons, truth- bibɔndim pl. of ubɔndinn
owners noun brides, chosen by
bibɔnyundam 14

bridegroom strangers, visitors

bibɔnyundam pl. of bidagbiirb pl. of udagbiir
ubɔnyundaan noun gossip noun drunkards
mongers bidagoob pl. of udagoor
bibɔɔb pl. of ubɔɔ noun noun adulterers
soothsayers, fortune-tellers bididiliib pl. of udidiir noun
bibɔrb pl. of ubɔr noun chiefs, followers/disciples
kings bidim pl. of udin noun
bibulchindam pl. of enemies
ubulchindaan noun kind bidimaab pl. of udimaal
people noun builders
bibuliib pl. of ubun noun sick bigbatam pl. of ugbatam
people noun market tax-collectors
(charges for loads)
bibum pl. of ubun noun sick
bigiim pl. of ugiin noun poor
people
people, weak people
bibusoondam pl. of
bigodam pl. of ugodaan
ubusoondaan noun people
noun hunchbacks
covered with sores
bii1 verb bad, wicked
bichaab pl. of uchaa noun
blacksmiths bii2 verb be spoilt, broken,
Bichabob noun Name of a spoil, break Waabɔr bii. He
is guilty. (His matter is-
Konkomba clan Bichabob bi
spoiled) Usui bii a He is
Chabob Bichabob live in
sorry, heart-broken. (his child
Saboba just died)
bicham pl. of uchaan noun biin verb cover, cover over
15 bikpakpaab

Rebeka nan di kikekengeŋ ujawaandaan noun

biin unimbil wɔb. Rebecca cowards
took a piece of cloth and bijoom pl. of ujoon noun
covered her face. blind people
biir1 verb uncover Chuu biir bijɔrb pl. of ujɔr noun fool,
libiil. Remove the lid, half-wit, mentally
(uncover) handicapped people
biir2 1) verb be ripe Ŋi nan bikalmpiib pl. of ukalmpii
noun white women. Lit.
gbei ki mu biir mbamɔm.
'writing women'
They (ears of corn) were full
and ripe. 2) be well-cooked bikalnjab pl. of ukalnja
3) be well matured noun white man. Lit. 'writing
man'
bijaam pl. of ujaan noun
twins bikamoob pl. of ukamoja
noun Muslim
bijab pl. of uja2 noun men,
males Bikoom noun name of a
bijakaam pl. of ujakaan Konkomba clan Bikoom bi
noun brave ones ŋŋaangii wɔb The Bikoom
bijamam pl. of ujaman noun are to the north (north side)
red men bikɔndam pl. of ukɔndaan
bijanbam pl. of ujanban noun leper
noun fishermen bikpaab pl. of ukpaal noun
bijaninkpiib pl. of farmer
ujaninkpel noun old man bikpaayukb pl. of ukpaayuk
noun lazy person
bijawaandam pl. of
bikpakpaab pl. of
Bikpakpaam 16

ukpakpaar noun carpenter, ukumɔndaan noun greedy

joiner person
Bikpakpaam name bil verb put down, lay before,
Konkomba people (their set aside Bi di iŋaan bil. they
name in their language) Bi ye put their brooms down.
Bikpakpaam la They are bilaaŋaabnib pl. of
Konkombas ulaaŋaabnii noun one who
bikpakpalm pl. of interrupts and pesters - a pest
ukpakpaln noun bilambidam pl. of
changeling, baby whose ulambidaan noun
behaviour is abnormal,
magician (e.g. one who can busybody
turn himself into a stone to bilampuugaab pl. of
escape attack)
ulampuugaar noun people
bikpam pl. of ukpan noun tax-collector
hunter bilankpalb pl. of ulankpal
bikpambalb pl. of noun wise man
ukpambal2 noun servant, bilatiib pl. of ulatiir noun
follower, chief's elders silly, stupid person
bikpikpiib pl. of ukpikpiir biln1 verb search Le Labann
noun carver, carpenter
nan biln kidiik ponn ni, ni
bikpopiib pl. of ukpopii
kookoo, kaa kan ŋi. Laban
noun widow
searched in the room but did
bikukpaab pl. of ukukpaar not find it (the idol).
noun fairy biln2 verb roll e.g. a stone,
bikumɔndam pl. of wallow, roll around Bi ga lir
17 binaayukb

ki biln kitiŋ iween pu. They introduction)

will fall and writhe (roll Bimonkpem name Name of a
around) on the ground in Konkomba clan Bimonkpem
pain.
bi limɔɔl chee The
bilni inf. var. of bil verb put
Bimonkpem are by the river
down (river beside)
bima pronoun they, them bimɔmɔkb pl. of umɔmɔkr
(emphatic) Josef ma nan bee noun teacher, scribe, one who
ukpetiib, bima le aa nan bee shows
u. Joseph recognised his bimɔmɔɔndam pl. of
brothers but they did not umɔmɔɔndaan noun
recognise him. charming, smooth person (not
bimaantɔ, bimaantɔtiib pl. always to be trusted, lit. one
whose mouth is sweet)
of umaantɔ noun ally,
bimɔɔdam pl. of umɔɔdaan
friend, neighbour
noun river owner (gives
bimalb noun free, not slaves, permission for poisoning
family Bibaa ye binaagbiib, river in dry season) nickname
for crocodile
bibaa mu ye bimalb. Some
are slaves, some also are free. binaagbiib pl. of unaagbiija
noun slave
bimamaam pl. of umamaan
noun midwife, birth attendant binaakpaab pl. of
(pl.) unaakpaal noun cow-boy,
bimaŋmarndam pl. of young boy who tries to keep
cows from spoiling crops
uŋmarndaan noun saviour
binaayukb pl. of unaayuk
bimina demonstrative those,
noun thief
the ones there (see
binachipɔm 18

binachipɔm pl. of murderers

unachipɔɔn noun youth, binimɔɔndam pl. of
young man unimɔɔndaan noun shy
binagodam pl. of person
unagodaan noun meat- binimɔɔsalm pl. of
greedy unimɔɔsaln noun shy
binandam pl. of unandaan person
1) noun hated person 2) an binimpɔm pl. of unimpɔɔn
orphan noun new-born baby, a person
Binanum noun Nanumbas newly returned after a long
absence
bineedam pl. of uneedaan
bininandam pl. of
noun one who has a craving
for meat uninandaan noun hated
binib pl. of unii noun person person, orphan
bininkpiib pl. of uninkpel
binibleekaan pl. of
noun old people, elders,
unileekoo noun chosen one leaders, the old
binibɔm pl. of unibɔn noun bininkpiib noun elders, fairies
man, mankind bininyaam pl. of uninyaan
binifuub pl. of unifuur noun noun good person
the living, living people, alive bininyuum uninyuun noun
binikoondam pl. of hero, important man
unikoondaan noun hard, binn1 1) verb 2) verb roll
unfeeling, unsympathetic
binn2 verb be ready to give
person
birth
binikurb pl. of unikur noun
19 bipolb

binn3 verb raid, plunder (a biŋmarndam pl. of

town), pillage U nan cha ti uŋmarndaan noun saviour
nyaŋ binib bi nan binn timi biŋoob pl. of uŋoob2 noun
na. He gave us victory over barren woman
the raiders. biŋuuldam pl. of uŋuuldaan
binni inf. var. of binn1 verb noun impatient, bad-tempered
roll around, wallow person
binyamɔndam pl. of bipepekb pl. of upepekr
noun spies
unyamɔndaan noun liar
bipiib pl. of upii1 noun
binyampuub pl. of
married woman, also used to
unyampuu noun market distinguish whether a baby is
woman a boy or a girl
binyandam pl. of bipiidaagoob pl. of
unyandaan noun market upiidaagoor noun
owner adulteress
binyɔkdam pl. of bipiijoob pl. of upiijoor
unyɔkdaan noun noun married man
juju/medicine man (will not bipininkpiib pl. of
dance for it) upininkpel noun old
biŋmaŋmanim pl. of woman, female elder
uŋmaŋmann noun bipobildam pl. of
hypocrite, deceiver upobildaan noun brave
biŋmaŋmar pl. of person
uŋmarndaan noun saviour bipolb pl. of upor noun eldest
one
bipɔndam 20

bipɔndam pl. of upɔndaan girl

verb people in debt, owing bisakpem pl. of usakpen
money noun great, important, big
bipɔɔndam pl. of ones
upɔɔndaan noun rich, bisal noun daughter U nan
powerful or physically strong kpa bisal ubaa ki yin u ke
person (e.g. Head of State) Tamar. He had one daughter
bipudam pl. of upudaan called Tamar
noun pregnant woman bisamɔm pl. of usamɔnn
bipuu noun daughter-in-law noun cook
(lit. child's wife) bisangan pl. of usangaln
bipuusaakpendam pl. of noun man who has insight,
upuusaakpendaan noun can indicate right way to go
greedy person or to solve a problem

bipuutiib pl. of bipuu noun bisanlolm pl. of usanloln

daughter-in-law (lit. child's noun one leading the way,
wife) foremost

bir verb be dangerous, bad, bisatiib pl. of bisal noun

wicked daughter

bisaa noun staple food (TZ, Bisatim noun Ashanti people

fufu etc.) U war bisaa ki di bisoom pl. of usoon noun

witch, wizard, anyone who
ŋa tikpin ni. He took a ball of
would try to kill another
bisaa (TZ) and dipped into person by magical means
the soup.
bisusurb pl. of ususur noun
bisaapɔm pl. of usaapɔɔn
advisors
noun pubescent, unmarried
21 biyam

bitafakpaab pl. of utafakpaa mad people

noun deaf person biwaatiib pl. of uwaatiir
bitafaldam pl. of utafaldaan noun younger one, smaller
noun rabbit one

bitekpiib pl. of utekpiir biwandam pl. of uwandaan

noun the dead noun owner

bitotoor tiib pl. of utotoor biwankpadam pl. of

noun priest, one who offers uwankpadaan noun rich
sacrifice, pours libation, one man
who settles disputes, one who biwanmeeb pl. of
prepares something
uwanmeer noun beggar
bitotoorb pl. of utotoor noun
priest, one who offers biwɔb pl. of uwɔb noun
sacrifice, pours libation, one cripple
who settles disputes, one who biwɔwɔm pl. of uwɔwɔnja,
prepares something
uwɔwɔnii noun foreigner,
bitutuliib pl. of ututunl
stranger, one whose language
noun paid servant, worker;
is not understand by
messenger
Konkombas
bitutum pl. of ututunn noun
biyaab noun. their ones
workers/ messengers
(people, family members)
bitutuŋeerb pl. of ututuŋeer Biyaab bi kpo na nan fkr
noun co-workers
nkun ni. Their relatives who
biwaadam pl. of uwaadaan had died rose from the dead.
noun fetish owner (will dance
biyaayamm pl. of uyaayan
for his fetish)
noun different person or thing
biwaarb pl. of uwaar noun
biyam pl. of uyan noun. a
biyidam 22

different person or thing ŋikaagii le aah booni ke ŋi ti

biyidam pl. of uyidaan noun chuu tinann na. They (the
leader (lit. head-owner) horses) come swooping down
biyiguidam pl. of like eagles attacking their
prey.
uyiguidaan noun bald man
boon2 verb paint, spread liquid
biyimbidam pl. of
or powder over something M
uyimbidaan noun
bi booni kidiik la. I am
honourable person, someone
rich, influential, (with a large painting the room.
family) (lit. name-owner) booni1 inf. var. of boon1 verb
biyom pl. of uyom noun bend down, sweep down
prisoner, captive, slave booni2 inf. var. of boon2 verb
bo noun child Waa kpa bo, paint, spread over
kaa kpa naal. He has neither boroboro noun bread (loan
son/child nor brother. word)
*boln noun. type, sort, kind, boroboro tiib pl. of
class Kilajuk aaboln? What boroboro noun bread (loan
kind of knife? word)
boo1 verb be in a bending bɔ verb dip (something into a
position, farm U boo kisaak liquid) Utotoor ga di
ni. He is farming. uŋanbik bɔ nsin ni. The
priest shall dip his finger into
boo2 adjective narrow (by the blood.
nature narrow - cf. piib)
bɔ 1) verb follow, pass through
boon1 verb bend, be bent, (a country, with v. 'dii'), pass
swoop down I booni ke through (a hole) ...le ki di ŋi
23 bɔradee

bɔ ibuen inaa. ...and pass bɔŋ verb carry on back

them (the sticks) through the bɔɔ inf. var. of bɔr1 verb
four rings. 2) pass through or
between hidden, in hiding

bɔfam noun. nonsense, useless bɔɔb verb fold (one's arms),

embrace oneself (with folded
words/matter Ikaal ngbaan
arms) M ga bɔɔb ŋŋaal ki
aa ye bɔfam, ima le ye nimi
fuur siib. I will fold my arms
aamɔfal. These teachings are and rest awhile.
not idle words, they are your
very life. bɔɔl dial. var. of bɔkl verb
split, split open, divide in two
bɔkl verb divide in two, split
bɔɔn1 verb dark, black
open ...ki ku unaaja ki bɔkl
bɔɔn2 noun lover Mbɔɔn buen
u ŋibɔk ŋilee. ...and kill a bull
and split it in two. waasaak ni la. My lover has
gone to his farm.
bɔl bɔl adverb intensifier
bɔɔr verb come out of hiding
bɔln1 verb woo, love, be
place, emerge
promised in marriage,seduce
bɔr1 verb hide
bɔln2 dial. var. of bɔnn verb
make black bɔr2 noun (remember)
concerning someone,
bɔn adjective black (iŋmanyuu
(inalienably possessed)
i bɔn na 'smoke which is
black') matter U nan teer Abraham

bɔnn 1) verb make black, bɔr. He remembered

become black 2) be black, Abraham.
dark, dirty 3) prepare, pack, bɔradee noun plantain (loan
organize, tidy word)
bɔradeetiib 24

bɔradeetiib pl. of bɔradee budub noun dawa-dawa tree

noun plantain (loan word) bue demonstrative this -
bɔrni inf. var. of bɔr1 verb hide concordant with n. cl. 4 (sg.)
bɔtiib pl. of bɔɔn2 noun lover buen verb go away (see cha)
(pl.) perf./imperf. change of form
bɔtɔ noun sack ...ki nan kahn U yoor mbim ngbaan buen
tikunabr aamombil mɔmɔk a. He took the children away.
le ki di ŋa bɔtɔ tiib ponn ni. buenin dial. var. of beenin
...and counted all the silver adverb still, continue to
money and put it in sacks. bugbem noun kapok tree
bɔtɔ tiib pl. of bɔtɔ noun
bugbum dial. var. of bugbem
sacks
noun kapok tree
bu pronoun 'it' cl. concordant
bui verb say, tell
with n. cl. (sg.)
bub verb hug, embrace buk1 verb be carrying on
shoulder U buk kichɔk. He
bubaa1 reflexive itself (cl.
carried the axe on his
reflex.) shoulder.
bubaa2 determiner one, a buk2 verb push into, burrow U
certain (cl. ) Busub bubaa bi. buk tibuul. He pushed leaves
There is a certain/one tree. etc, under the yam mound
budabu interrogative what top.
(indirect question) M nyi bukiib noun soap
budabu cha u dan na. I bukokom noun thorn tree Tɔ,
know why he came. (I know upeel ubaa nan jer nima
what let him come)
25 bunyuŋ

chee le ki taa kool kool will use 'cow-trees' ... to

make my temple beautiful.
bukokom waatiir ngbaan.
bundaal ... na dial. var. of
But a bush animal passed that
way and trampled the thorn mundaal temporal day
bush down. which, when
bukpaab noun. farm, field, bundaln .... na temporal
plot of land for farming day , the day that... M nyi
bukpasɔm noun sheanut tree bundaln u nan dan na. I
bulnyoo noun Christmas, know which day he came.
festival (Loan word) bunn1 verb dissolve, melt N-
buma pronoun pn. cl. emph. yaan ngbaan bunn a. The
Busub bubaa aan ki ŋmaa salt dissolved.
muun ke buma na. No tree bunn2 verb sprout, bloom (of
will be able to grow like that trees after rains, pruning,
one. grafting etc.), of grass Busub
bumina demonstrative that one ngbaan bi bunni la. The tree
(concordant with n. cl. 4 sg.) is budding and turning green.
bumɔb noun mouth bunyaŋ dial. var. of linyaŋ
bun1 verb be ill U bun la. He is noun victory
ill. bunyɔb noun fishing-dam Ni
bun2 verb sow (seed), plant nan fuuk ke bunyɔb aanyun
bunaafub noun tree [type] aah fuuk pu na. It sounded
like the roar of rushing
bunaasub noun tree Binib ga
waters.
di bunaasub ... ki ŋa
bunyuŋ noun praise, honour
Maadichal kinyaan. People
buŋ 26

(lit. heaviness) Aa yaa ŋa distinction - only one form)

tiwan ngbaan kan aa ga kan busub noun tree (generic term)
bunyuŋ. If you do that thing, butɔb noun war (cf. butɔm/itɔi
you will be praised. (get bow for shooting) U yin
praise)
waanib bi to butɔb. He called
buŋ1 verb put on shoulder his men to go to war.
buŋ2 verb fall ill, become sick butɔm noun bow (for shooting
N- yoonn mumina le arrows)
ubɔrkpaan Hesekia nan buŋ buu verb tie together (e.g. a
ki ti gur siib u kpo. About pile of yams, headscarf, hair,
this time King Hezekiah fell a belt) U di ligbapal ki di
ill and almost died. buu uchaŋ ni. He tied a belt
buŋɔb noun canoe, boat (Once round his waist.
canoes were the only boats buun verb mix, stir (with hand
known) or implement held in hand)
bur1 verb crumble Bijab ga buun titan le ki
bur2 verb be rotten, cause to maa kidiik. The men will
dissolve, rot Tinann ngbaan mix sand and build a room
bur a. The meat is rotten. buur verb untie (op. buu)
Nyii bur nnaabiin ngbaan. buyoonn ... na temporal what
Mix the milk. (Press, dissolve time Maa nyi waah ba dan
powdered milk.)
buyoonn na. I don't know
busaa noun cooked yam slices, what time he came.
TZ, food, (no sg./ pl.
27 chachaab

Cc
cedi noun cedi (loan word) (tree) 3) pull over the head U
cha1 verb go, proceed bi chaani lijool choo. He is
(perf./imperf. form change) coming down the mountain.
cha2 verb leave U bi chaani busub paab. He
is leaning out of the tree. U
cha3 verb allow, cause, make
happen chaan libɔkol. He pulled his
shirt over his head.
cha pinn verb forgive (see
chaar1 verb pass on without
pinn) U cha pinn bi. He
stopping, pass by another
forgave them.
way U chaar buen Sanguul
chaa1 verb comb
la. He went on to Sanguuli.
chaa2 verb dash, give discount
chaar2 verb winnow U chaar
to Chaa mi. Dash me
idi. He winnowed guinea
chaa3 inf. var. of cha1 verb corn.
1) go (habitual) 2)
chaar3 verb pierce (with an
chaal verb comb, arrange, hair
arrow or spear) Aa di ubaa
Le u bal chaloo, ki chaal
aakpaatuŋ le too chaar uyil.
uyikpir mbamɔm. She put on With his own spear you
eyeshadow and arranged her pierced his head.
hair well.
chachaa noun gambling pieces
chaan 1) verb descend (hill or (loan word)
mountain) 2) lean out of
chachaab adverb intensifier
*chachaan 28

Maa nyi u chachaab. I do snow. (with leprosy)

not know him at all. Naa bi chakachaka noun body mark
[type]
chachaab. There is nothing
left at all. chakpel noun husband's older
brother (kinship)
*chachaan qualifier root same
chakpeteeb pl. of chakpel
liyimbil lichachaan the same
noun husband's older brother
name M ni u aa kpaan dii (kinship)
amaa maah di buŋɔb bu chal noun husband (kinship)
puu na buŋɔb buchachaan Saah yoor upii u na kpa
le u mu di puu. We did not chal. The woman you have
travel together, but he crossed taken has a husband.
in the same boat as I did.
chal aaninkpan noun
chae verb cut tribal marks on
husband's sister (kinship)
the back (usually of a
woman) chaloo noun eyeshadow (loan)
chain 1) adverb pure, clean Le u bal chaloo, ki chaal
Likekeln bi chain. The cloth uyikpir mbamɔm. She put on
is clean, well washed. 2) holy, eyeshadow and arranged her
righteous hair well.
chak verb be too large to pass chan verb spoon feed
through an opening, get stuck chann1 verb rinse
Ŋŋaal chak. My arm is
chann2 verb be strange, odd
stuck.
chann3 verb give hospitality to
chak chak adjective intensifier
(followed by noun tichann)
Uwon nan piir chak chak.
Ni li channi tɔb tichann ki
His body became white as
29 cheen

taa ŋulni. Offer hospitality to N- yoonn ngbaan le u di

one another without nnyun char baabuun
complaining.
ngbaan. At that hour of the
channi inf. var. of chann3
night he took water and
verb give hospitality to washed their wounds.
chapii noun husband's mother chateeb pl. of chal noun
(kinship) husband (kinship)
chapinn noun forgiveness Ni chawaa noun husband's
yaa kaa di cha pinn bi kan, younger brother (kinship)
baan kan chapinn. If you do chawaateeb pl. of chawaa
not forgive them they are not noun husband's younger
forgiven. brother (kinship)
chapɔn noun babe, little child, chechee noun bicycle (loan
unlearned, naive Aa bɔr tibɔr word)
timina bilankpalb ni chee1 verb push into the fire
binimbiwolm, le ki di mɔk Chee idɔ ŋa. Push the
firewood into the fire.
chapɔntiib. You have hidden
this from the wise and chee2 locative with, beside, at
learned and showed it to little chee3 verb pierce a hole
children.
chee4 verb harvest by cutting,
chapɔntiib pl. of chapɔn
reap, cut half
noun babe, little child,
unlearned cheen dial. var. of paan2 be
char1 verb split, operate upon, next verb follow behind
cut a channel, tear/be torn cheen verb accompany
char2 verb wash, clean up Uwumbɔr cheen si. May God
cheer 30

go-with you. chiib verb jump down U nyan

cheer verb rise from the dead busub paab chiib ni a. He
or from a faint, recover from jumped down from the tree.;
madness (He left tree up jumped-
cher verb slit open and remove down.)
intestines chiin1 1) noun wife's village
chi verb be clever, mature in people junior to or of equal
knowledge seniority with husband.
(kinship) 2) man's sister's
chib adverb firmly (si chib, husband
stand firm)
chiin2 verb show, challenge,
chii1 verb pound earth to make teach a lesson, correct, rebuke
flat surface (room, courtyard, M ga chiin si. I will show
lipaal)
you. (teach you a lesson)
chii2 verb come running
chiin3 verb sneeze Upii chiin
together
a. The woman sneezed.
chii3 adverb completely (quiet)
chiin4 adjective tender, soft
used with 'ŋmin') Biyidam
...ki naahn ke utaal u lir yɔl
ngbaan nan ka ŋmin chii,
yɔl timoor ti laa chiin na pu
kaa ŋmaa gar tibaa. The
leaders were quiet and could na. ...like gentle rain that falls
find nothing to say. on tender grass.
chii...pu verb accuse, chiinteeb pl. of chiin1 noun
disregarding any protestations wife's village people junior to
Aa chii m pu ke min le ŋa. or of equal seniority with
husband.; man's sister's
You are trying to blame me.;
husband (kinship)
(You accused me that I did
it.) chiir verb 1) step into space,
31 choon

fall, land U chiir libuul ni. put on head M chiŋ ikoobi. I

He fell into a pothole. 2) shut up the chicks.
chik1 verb be upside down, (overturned a basket on them)
Di kigbaŋ lab chiŋ. Turn the
wear (on head) U chik
book over.
kibɔryikpupuk. He wore a
chir verb pierce an ear Di u
crown (chief's hat)
buen saadichal aanaakook
chik2 verb put on a hat
aabisamɔb ki ti saa chir
chikr verb remove a hat
utafal. Take him to the door
(opposite of chik)
of your house and there
chikr1 verb turn right side up, pierce his ear.
uncover, remove hat (op.
chirbil noun. sulphur
chiŋ, chik) Chuu chikr
cho verb be bitter Ni nan cho
saabɔryikpupuk. Remove
your crown (king's hat) pam. It was very bitter.

chikr2 1) verb grow, grow up in chob adverb firmly, exactly

stature (of people) choŋ verb bitter
2) complete, perfect J. chikr
choo verb come (changes
woween pam. J. grew up form)(be on the way coming)
very quickly. M bae chikr la. (see dan) Bipiib bibaa le nan
I have learned all. bi le ki choo kinyaŋ ni...
chinn verb confuse, make a There were some women
mistake U chinn bi. He coming to market...
confused them. chooja noun husband's father
chiŋ verb turn upside down, (kinship)
enclose in upturned container, choon1 1) verb transplant a
choon 32

plant Choon busub ngbaan Bu chɔb baan a. It (the boat)

tii mi. Transplant that tree for stuck fast.
me. 2) chɔb baan verb catch/hold
choon2 verb work as payment firmly Busub ngbaan
for a bride. cf. choor 'in-law' aanyaan nan chɔb baan.
M nan choon si ki ban The tree's roots went deep.
Rachel la. I worked for you chɔbaan sp. var. of chɔb
to get Rachel. baan verb hold fast
choor noun man's in-laws
chɔi 1) take leave, say goodbye
(kinship)
2) verb invite to eat or drink
choor uja noun wife's father 3) chop up (meat)
(kinship) chɔk1 1) verb fence, built by
choor upii noun wife's mother tying wood together 2)
(kinship) chɔk2 verb place in a holder
choorteeb pl. of choor noun Karyaa tiib bilole le chɔk ni
man's in-laws (kinship)
inalienably possessed pu On the lampstand are
(chootiib) seven lamps.
chɔk chɔk adverb pointed
chootiib sp. var. of
choorteeb noun in-laws, chɔl verb be in a line, walk in a
man's in-laws (kinship) line one behind the other
Mbim ngbaan yaa cha kun
chɔb verb hold firmly, stick
kan bi ga chɔl tɔb pu. If the
Chɔb chuu! Hold tight!
children are going home, they
Buŋɔb chɔb tikpakpar ni. will walk in line one behind
The boat stuck in the mud. the other.
33 chuun

chɔni dial. var. of chɔl verb chukr verb to remove seeds,

walking in line pound, dehusk
chɔŋ verb place on top of a chur verb catching,
stand with a socket to receive habitual/continuous
it Di tikumann churbakaa numeral
aakumbukuun ngbaan chɔŋ thousands, millions,
ŋimiisakɔn pu. Set the empty uncountable ...le itoon
bronze pot upon the coals. churbakaa u kaa kpa
chɔɔn verb insert into the nkahm na dan. ...and
ground to stand upright, eg. a countless millions of locusts
stick or stone pillar ...le ki di came.
ŋitakpal kipiik ni ŋilee mu chuu 1) verb catch, attack
ki di chɔɔn chɔɔn, ...and also 2) decide Chuu uŋoob. Catch
set up twelve stone pillars, the goat. Aa yaa chuu ke aa
chɔr dial. var. of chɔl verb be ga buen Tamal kan aa tuk
in a line, walk in line mi. If you decide to go to
chub qualifier exactly as it Tamale, you should inform
should be, very much, good, me. chuu utaal apologize
upright U kan falaa chub. (catch his leg)
He suffered greatly. U ye chuun1 verb strain through a
unii chub. He is a good man. basket or sieve
(He received me nicely and chuun2 verb move, walk
gave me something I needed.)
daa 34

Dd
daa1 verb be far T. ni A. daa That was the second day.
tɔb. T. and A. are far apart. daalbaadaal temporal one

daa2 verb buy day, some day Daalbaadaal

le Jakob nan bi ŋaa ŋituun
daa3 adverb quickly , at once U
aakpin... One day Jacob was
daa fenn. He turned round
cooking bean stew...
quickly. Baah moo ŋi doo
daalpu particle time two days
na, le binimbil daa woln...
removed from the present M
As soon as they had eaten it
their eyes were opened... ga buen kinyaŋ ni daalpu. I
daa4 verb pull will go to market the day
after tomorrow.
daa5 verb blow (of wind) daalpu na particle time the
daa litafal punish (pull ear) day before yesterday Bi fuu
daak verb be far from, far ni daalpu na la. They arrived
away David nan puur buen the day before yesterday.
kifataŋ ngbaan aapepel daan1 verb put a mark on, to
liken, ...ki daak bi chee. mark, tattoo Le Uwumbɔr
David crossed over to the daan Kainn kidaan, ubaa
other side of the valley ... a
taa ku u. God put a mark on
safe distance away.
Cain so that no-one would
daal noun. day (cp. kitaak, kill him.
nwiin) Winlee daal le na. daan2 noun owner,
35 dakl

characterised by, M gaŋ si, nfum mulole pu na nibaa.

taa pel maabitibaani daan He opened one of the seven
seals with which they had
Nabal ngbaan. I beg you,
sealed the book. Unaa, bee
don't pay any attention to that
good-for-nothing Nabal. upiih, bee uŋoob yaa ma
Uma le ye limɔfal li kaa kpa kan, ni taa kpaan dabr ubo
ndoon na daan. He (emph.) ngbaan ki nan di toor
is the owner of .life. kitork... If a cow or a sheep
-daan noun. > noun. or a goat brings forth, don't
derivational suffix immdeiately take it from its
(characterised by) mother to make a sacrifice...
daanab na temporal three dafr qualifier free, cheap, easy
days ago Daanab na, ...le m U di tii mi daafr la. He gave
nan bi maadiik ni. Three (it) to me free. U gee daafr
daya ago, ... I was in my aawiir. He cries for nothing.
room (U likes free crying)
dab1 verb fasten on to, clip, dak verb think, know, believe
stick, glue, seal Nnaaŋiin M dak ke u bi kinyaŋ ni. I
dab ŋŋmaŋ ni. A flat tick think (know) he is in the
attached itself under my market.
armpit. dakaa noun box (loan word)
dab2 verb nag dakl1 verb think over,
dabr verb unstick, undo a seal, remember M dakl ke
unfasten, separate (a baby
maagbaŋ bee loor ni. I
from its mother) U chuu remember that I had left my
dabr kigbaŋ ki bi nan dab ki book in the car.
dakl 36

dakl2 verb thinking according to what their duties

were.
dakr dial. var. of dakl1 verb
deen verb float something
remember
(causative)
dam verb reverberate, shake,
deeni verb limping, crippled
shake because of noise
dan verb come (see choo) deer verb dazzle

dandana adverb now, in a dei verb spread out (to dry) e.g.
minute, just now fishing nets Bijanbam ga li
dandar adverb far away dei baapɔr li pu. Fishermen
will spread out their nets on it
daŋ1 1) verb dream 2) (the rock)
daŋ2 verb be rusty dek verb conceive (of people)
dar1 inf. var. of daa5 verb U dek yak. She is nearly
blowing (wind) ready to give birth
dar2 verb pulling den1 1) verb spread out, hang
dee 1) verb float, floating ga up to dry 2) take an old
person to sit out in the sun
deen 2) will float bi deeni
den2 verb lean against, beside
3) is floating
U ka den busub. He is sitting
deedee adverb exactly, just
against a tree.
right Bi nan yakr tijikaar
deŋ verb shake, wobble
deedee ki tii biŋeen aatɔtiib
di verb take (usually used with
Liifai yaab biken ki ŋeer
another verb) di .... bil put
baatun aah ye pu na, They
distributed the food equally to down di .... nab swallow
their fellow-Levites di .... di lii let fall di .... di tii
37 do

take to give etc. U di likuul go) Waan kani mpopiin ki

le ki ku uwaa. He killed the cha dik dik. He will not be
snake with a hoe. happy for ever.
di cha verb stop din temporal today
di lii verb set free, let go Aa dindaan noun his/her owner,
yaa di u lii kan, aa taa cha master (inalienably poss.)
u li gaan iŋaalpeen. When Tidindaan Our Lord (the one
you set him free do not let who owns us)
him go away empty-handed. dindatiib pl. of dindaan
dii verb follow, go together noun owner, master
(inalienably posessed)
Taa dii ŋiwaa. Don't follow
dini temporal by the time that
fetishes. Ti dii cha ubɔr do
Dini aa ti fuu na.... By the
la. We are going to the chief's
time you arrive.... (something
house together. (following will have happened)
one another)
diŋ verb weak
diiku noun head-scarf
diŋni1 dial. var. of diin verb
diin verb be soft, easy, soften
becoming weaker
utafal diin he learns
diŋni2 inf. var. of dik2 verb
languages quickly (his ears
riding
are soft)
do1 noun place, house, home,
dik1 verb auxilary verb
settlement, here uja ubaa do
dik2 verb to ride U dik ubon pu
a certain man's house do
He rode on a donkey
dik dik adverb for yaab people from the same
ever/always, (follows 'cha' to place ndo yaab my people
do 38

do2 locative here M bi do ke m dɔl 1) verb follow around

chann nimi tichann la. I am 2) This is not a
here to serve you. complimentary expression;
you may ask someone to do
dok dial. var. of duk verb hide it, but should not comment
from view, eclipse about it, if someone does it
donn 1) verb melt, melt du verb groan (as in pain or
something, become lean, distress) Binib yaa ji falaa
waste away Le uwon donn ti kan, bi du la. When people
doo. His body wastes away to are opressed they groan.
nothing. 2) grow lean, duk verb stand in the light,
become thin as a result of
sickness blocking it out, hide from
view ...ntaalangbam duk
doo1 verb finish, be finished U
u... ...clouds hide him (God)
yaa ji bisaa doo kan u ga
from view...
buen. He will go when he has
dulinyaa noun world
finished eating.
doo2 dial. var. of do2 locative duln 1) verb give a praise
here name, nickname, to 2) This is
done at birth, but the name is
dool verb spread (of disease) usually only called in dancing
after a person has done
doon1 verb greet
something great, clever or
doon2 verb lie down Bi doon funny.
they lay down Restrictions: dun inf. var. of du verb groan
intransitive] as in pain, moan
dɔ 1) verb lying down 2) lying duŋ dial. var. of duk verb pass
down by and shut out the light on
the way
39 een

dur1 inf. var. of donn verb near there yet. Ntim ngbaan
waste away, become lean, duun tɔb. The towns are near
melt (continuous) to one another.
dur2 verb to mate (of animals) duun2 verb swell, be swollen
...le ija dur isal pu. ...the ...le nimi aataa mu aa
males (goats) mated with the
females. duun. ...your feet did not
swell. (on the long journey)
durm adverb intensifier (used
duur verb scrape over/against,
with the verb ji to cheat). Bi
press to Bi dak ke nibaakan
ji bikpopiib durm la. They
cheat widows completely. buŋɔb ngbaan ga duur

duun1 verb be near Saa kee ŋitakpal ki bii. They were

afraid that the boat might
duun nima chee. You are not
founder on the rocks.

Ee
ee interrogative question see your father? (you saw
marker (if clause ends with your-father?)
-e) Aa kan aate ee? Did you een interjection Yes,
affirmative
faa 40

Ff
faa1 verb collect together (c.g. faar1 verb be wasted, withered,
ashes, tomatoes etc.) paralyzed, boasting
faa2 verb slap, hit, shoot, fight faar2 verb to respect, believe,
war, knock, fire (a gun) beat a favour ...le ki lik faar binib
path by walking, Unachipɔɔn bi sunn bibaa taab na. ...but
ubaa faa mi, le m ku u. I shows favour to those who
killed a young man because are humble. (ie. God)
he struck me. fab dial. var. of fɔb verb pluck
faa kal verb be chased, get up feathers from chicken
and run fab verb graze, scrape skin,
faan1 verb frighten somebody bruise
Taa cha bibiindam faan mi fae inf. var. of fab verb
aan m san. Don't let the graze/scrape skin
wicked frighten me and make falaa noun suffering, sorrow,
me run away.
trouble, hardship, disaster U
faan2 verb withered, wasted
ji/kan falaa. He suffered. Bi
away, paralysed Libuul
ŋa u falaa. They caused him
ngbaani le ubɔr aaŋaal pain, suffering, trouble.
ngbaan faan, le waa ki fam verb for nothing, useless,
ŋmaa giin mu. At once the in vain Uwumbɔr yaa kaa
king's arm became
paralysed/shrivelled so that maa lidichal kan, udimaar
he could not pull it back. aatuln ye fam la. Except the
41 fi

Lord build the house the burn with fever. (made fever
builders work is in vain want to kill us)
fann verb go down (of feen verb rake grass
swelling) feeni inf. var. of fi verb raise
far verb sort through, pick out up, (causative, imperfective)
(good from among the felk dial. var. of flk 1) 2) verb
useless) Bi gur bi ŋitapun pu be fat
le ki far ban tijikaar. They fen dial. var. of fe particle time
are among the rubbish heaps one day removed
searching for food.
fen na particle time yesterday,
farakadee noun snake [type]
one day removed past Ba ŋa
farakadee mam pl. of
David aa dan nan jin fen
farakadee noun snake
na? Why did David not come
[type]
yesterday?
farakadee teeb pl. of
fenn1 verb fall out (teeth do)
farakadee noun snake
[type] fenn2 verb turn, turn round Lot

fe particle time one day aapuu nan fenn lik upuwɔb.

Lot's wife turned and looked
removed from the present M behind her.
ga fe dan fen I will come feŋ feŋ dial. var. of fee fee
tomorrow. noun fever, a cold
fee verb blow nose f dial. var. of fo particle time
fee fee noun fever, a cold one day removed
Nkon cha fee fee ti ban u ku fi verb get up, wake up, take
timi la. Hunger has made us off (a bird for flying), finish
figbiln 42

business fi sil stand up fk kiŋanbik mɔk ki sii

figbiln noun bird [type] Uwumbɔr

figbiln mam pl. of figbiln Mpɔɔnsakpiindaan na

noun bird [type] aadoon le na. That is the fate
figbiln tiib pl. of figbiln of the one who shakes his fist
at the Almighty God.
noun bird [type]
fkr verb revive, raise from
figeger noun bird [type]
dead (op. fik) U fkr nkun ni
fikpolu noun bird [type]
He rose from the dead
fikpolu mam pl. of fikpolu flk verb be fat, become fat Li
noun bird [type]
cha ki ti chuu iŋoja i flk na
fikpolu tiib pl. of fikpolu
ilee. Go and catch two fat
noun bird [type]
male goats.
fin inf. var. of fi verb cause to
fn dial. var. of gbin tether, tie
rise or leave
verb tie to, fasten to
fir dial. var. of fi verb rising
fn dial. var. of gbab clothe
fk1 verb spin (cotton) Bi nan verb put on (a cloth)
di tiŋɔkor mu fk tikokonn fn verb wind around something
ki joo ni. They also took M fn litaln. I put on a
goat's hair and spun thread bandage.
and brought it.
fnn1 verb rouse, wake up
fk2 verb faint Bi fk ki dɔ kitiŋ
(causative of fii) Finn ngeen
Bi fainted and are lying on
the ground pu. Wake up from sleep.
fk3 verb shake the fist at Unii u fnn2 verb unpick stitching
43 fu

fnn3 verb wash clothes, hair, foor siisii cha. ...the water
dawadawa etc. dried up gradually.
fnn4 verb untie hair, unwind foto noun picture
fr verb fight seriously fɔb verb pluck chicken using
frilaa noun lamp made by hot water
putting a strip of cloth in a fɔfɔk adjective tall, long, high
container of sheanut oil U ga tur Lebanonn ni
fo particle time time marker Basann aasui fɔfɔk na
indicating a time one day
mɔmɔk lii kitiŋ. He will push
removed from the present M
the tall trees of Lebanon and
ga fo buen kisaak fon. I will Bashan down to the ground.
go to farm tomorrow. M f fɔfɔŋ inf. var. of fɔfɔk
buen kisaak fon na. I went to adjective long (with ŋi class
farm yesterday. noun - n. cl.8 pl.)

foo1 dial. var. of fu verb be fɔi verb neigh, snort (of a

alive horse)

foo2 verb whistle through fɔk verb be long/tall, length

pursed lips, hiss (of a snake) ...binib bi koo nima na pɔɔ
U foo ifoo ki yin bi ke bi ki fɔk jer timi. The people
nyan ni dulnyaa aanaan who live there are stronger
and taller than we are.
mɔmɔk ni ke bi dan. He
fɔŋ verb lengthen, cause to get
whistles for them to come
from the ends of the earth. longer
foor verb move up, move over, fu verb be alive ...maan ki cha
dry up, pull out ...le nnyun nwam bii dulnyaa aawan
fu 44

nimɔk fu na. ...I will never Sarah no longer had monthly

again cause a flood to kill periods.
every living thing in the fuu1 verb arrive, reach u bi fuu
world. ni (here) u bi fuur (there)
fu verb take a bath (followed by
fuu2 dial. var. of foo2 verb
'water': fu nnyun Finn whistle through pursed lips,
saawanpeenkaan ki fu hiss (as a snake)
nnyun. Wash your clothes fuu3 verb insert, put on (socks),
and take a bath. put hand in pocket
fu nnyun 1) verb bath (self or fuuk 1) verb be noisy, loud 2)
child) Finn saawanpeenkaan fuul verb drag along
ki fu nnyun. Wash your fuun verb singe off hairs in
clothes and take a bath fire, burn oneself, scald
2) wash
fuur1 verb rest, breathe
fu tipiir verb menstruate
fuur2 verb draw a sword,
Abraham ni upuu Sara nan
remove from scabbard Fuur
por pam, le Sara aa nan ki
saajaak aajuk ki di ku mi.
fu tipiir. Abraham and his
Draw your sword and kill me.
wife Sarah were very old, and

Gg
ga future future marker gaa2 verb cut (trees, firewood
gaa1 verb flare up, catch (fire) etc) bi gaa tinimoor. They
45 gar

cleared the ground for yam sorry M ŋa si gafara. Please

mounds. excuse me.
gaa3 verb sing Bi gaa ilahn. gala gala adverb (speak)
They sang songs.
harshly ...le ki len binib
gaa4 verb take, get, accept,
ngbaan chee gala gala. ...and
catch M ga gaa si. I will spoke harshly to the people.
welcome/receive you.
galaŋ noun gallon
gaa chiib catch fire (after
setting fire to charcoal, the galk verb be sour, bitter
pieces catch) galn verb accuse, blame, judge
gaakii noun. faith guilty
gaalii verbal noun deliverance, galni inf. var. of galn verb
salvation accuse, blame, judge guilty,
(continuous)
gaan verb go away, go free Aa
gangafik noun chicken pox,
yaa di u lii kan, aa taa cha
smallpox
u li gaan iŋaalpeen. When
gann verb separate mixed
you set him free do not let
him go empty-handed. things, pick out, choose,
discriminate
gaar dial. var. of gur2 remain
gaŋ verb request, beg, clap
verb remain
cupped hands in request
gaar verb remain (cf. bee, gur)
gar1 verb take notice of, mind,
gaawɔb noun trap, snare Uma regret, be sorry Usui gar He
le pen gaawɔb ke u chuu mi. is sorry (he accidentally
He is the one who has set a killed a fowl)
trap to catch me. gar2 verb reply
gafara noun excuse me, I am
gar 46

gar3 verb amaze, astonish ...le and the flowers fall.

ni gar bi ke baatiŋ gaa mmii gbab dial. var. of gbin tether,
a. ...they were amazed to see tie verb tether, tie (gbabr1)
their city go up in flames. gbab verb put on (a cloth), tie
gari noun. garri, dried ground gbabr1 inf. form gbab verb
cassava (see banchi) untie
gariba noun onion gbabr2 inf. form gbab verb
gariba mam pl. of gariba unclothe
noun onion gbagr noun bucket
gariba tiib pl. of gariba noun gbakr verb shake head Bi leeni
onion
bilambil le ki gbakr biyil.
gas noun Tilley lamp They stick out their tongues
gbaa1 verb beat, play (ball, and shake their heads.
guitar, drum) U bi gbaa gbalk noun. juju - held by sick
person as protection if two
ligangaln. He is drumming.
rivals visit him. [type]
gbaa wii smash (lit. beat
gbandɔb noun pawpaw
break)
gbandɔb mam pl. of
gbaa2 verb talk Ti gbaa tibɔr.
We had a conversation. (beat gbandɔb noun pawpaw
a matter) gbandɔb tiib pl. of gbandɔb
gbaan verb kneel noun pawpaw
gbaar verb fall (a leaf/blossom gbaŋ1 verb embroider
Timoor ga yɔl, le mmopuun gbaŋ2 verb alongside, beside
mu gbaar. The grass withers Waaninkpiib nan sil gbaŋ u.
47 gbii

His elders came and stood gbeln verb end, final, last,
beside him.
finished ...uma le nan ye
gbar dial. var. of gbaar verb
ubɔr u gbeln kookoo, ...he
fall (leaves, blossom, etc.
from trees) was the last of the chiefs,

gbe dial. var. of gben2 verb gbelngbeln adjective final,

thunder, shout last

gbeei inf. var. of gbin verb gben1 verb signal the start of
tether, tie whistling, drumming, etc.

gbeei verb bark (of a dog) gben2 verb thunder in the

distance without lightning
gbeeni verb shake, tremble,
Utaal gben. There is thunder.
dance ...unii umɔk ŋun u pu (rain is shouting)
na aawon ga li jii ki gbeeni gber1 dial. var. of gbir2 verb
ijawaan pu. Everyone who churned up e.g. muddy water,
hears about his fate will roughened floor
shudder and tremble with gber2 verb rip open with a
fear.
spear ...ki saa gber bipudam
gbeer verb trip over, knock
aapuu. ...and rip open
against, stub
pregnant women.
gbeeyar noun. someone who
gberpu noun hoof
faults another, although he is
guilty of the same offence gbii1 verb to be filled, be full,
gbei verb fat, thick ...le ŋi kaa be drunk Ni gbii a. It is full.
gbei na di ŋi gbei na nab. U gbii ndaan a./U nyun
...the thin ones (ears of corn) ndaan gbii. He is drunk. (he
swallowed the fat ones.
filled pito/he drank pito full)
gbii 48

gbii2 verb dig gbilngbiln adverb ugly,

gbii3 verb be true ...see m buen shapeless, gloom

ntim ngbaan ni, ki ti lik ke ti gbimm adverb (listen)

gbii aan taa gbii. I must go to attentively ...le bi mɔmɔk si

those towns and see whether pel gbimm ke bi ŋun ti
it (the report) is true or not. mɔmɔk. ...and they all stood
gbiin verb to fill (causative of listening attentively in order
gbii) Unimbil gbiin si He is to hear everything.
satisfied/pleased with you gbin verb tether, tie
(his eyes fill-with you) gbingbin adverb very well,
gbiir1 verb be blunted, dull surely, face to face U nyi
gbiir2 verb play (a game) gbingbin ke sin le ga ŋa
gbilm verb be still (of water) Israel aabɔr. He knows very
nnyun dɔ gbilm the water well that you will become the
became very calm (water lay king of Israel.
calm) gbinn dial. var. of buur untie
gbiln1 dial. var. of gbeln verb verb untie
end, last, final, finish gbir1 verb clean guinea corn,
gbiln2 verb untie (opposite of millet or groundnuts by
gently banging in a calabash
tie) Gideonn nan ku bi, le ki and separating black bits.
gbiln nleenyaan mu gbin gbir2 verb stir up/ agitate
baalaakumii tiib aasil na. (water) Binib ni tiwakor aan
Gideon killed them and took
(untied) the ornaments that ki li bi ki gbir nnyun. There
were tied on their camels' will no longer be people or
necks. animals to stir up (make
49 giina

muddy) the water. can tilt them (clouds) over to

gbir3 dial. var. of gber2 verb pour out the rain.
slit open, rip open (with gee1 verb like, love, will, wish,
spear) want
gboo verb talking endlessly Aa gee2 verb feel (anger), followed
gboo do oo? Have you by /liŋuul / 'heart/anger' Le
finished your long winded Kainn gee liŋuul pam, le
speech?
unimbil wɔb bii. Cain was
gbɔk verb be by, immediately
furious and his face was
adjacent to ga kal gbɔk kal sullen.
gbɔk! sit by/beside geen1 verb sleep dɔ geen lie
gbuk verb shake self/cloth etc. sleeping

Gbuk gaa aabaa lii. Shake geen2 verb congeal, thicken

yourself free gii1 1) verb cut, tear U gii ubaa
gbungbuŋar noun snake kijuk U cut himself with a
[type] knife 2)
gbungbuŋar mam pl. of gii2 verb tell lies (followed by
gbungbuŋar noun snake /inyamɔn/ 'lies') ...ki taa gii
[type] inyamɔn ke aa di gaa
gbungbuŋar tiib pl. of mbiindaan lii. ...and don't tell
gbungbuŋar noun snake lies to set a guilty person free.
[type] giin verb send back, return,
gbuun verb tilt over, bend over reply
...ki ga ŋmaa gbuun mu aan giina temporal last year ...nimi
utaal bar nnyun kpir. ...and bi bi Griis aatiŋ ni na nan
gir 50

ban ni ter Yesu aanib giina. town) seven times.

...you who are in Greece goŋ verb fold, be folded,
wanted to help Jesus' shrivel, wrinkle,twist around
followers since last year. ...le ki goŋ goŋ
gir verb return, go back maawanpeenkaan. ...and
gob verb surround, fence in, twists my clothes out of
block the way shape
gok verb bend up limbs, bend goomaa noun container to

goln dial. var. of gonn verb draw water from well Ŋŋmin
go, walk round, look around, mu bi liboln pu na ga kii, le
surround, fence in goomaa ga wii yuk yuk. The
golngoln1 noun millipede, rope at the well will break
centipede and the water jar will break in
pieces.
golngoln2 noun body mark
[type] goor verb commit
adultery/roam (habitual)
golngoln mam pl. of
gor verb get ready, be ready
golngoln1 noun millipede
gɔb dial. var. of gob verb
golngoln tiib pl. of
surround, fence in
golngoln1 noun millipede,
gɔdo noun. bed
centipede
gonn verb around, look/walk gɔdo mam pl. of gɔdo noun.
bed
around ...nwiin ngbaan daal
gɔdo tiib pl. of gɔdo noun.
bi nan chuun mann gonn ki,
bed
nfum mulole la. ...that day
gɔln verb skirt around, dodge,
they walked around it (the
51 guun

avoid Israel yaab nan ki di gɔrk mam pl. of gɔrk noun

koo nteersakpiin ni, ki gɔln sickle, scythe, plural form
Edom aatiŋ. The Israelites (gɔrmam)
went through the desert and gɔrmam sp. var. of gɔrk
skirted the land of Edom. mam noun sickle, scythe
gɔlngɔln verb zigzag across
gɔrtiib pl. of gɔrk noun sickle,
river
scythe
gɔnn dial. var. of gɔln verb
gui1 verb pluck feathers without
skirt around, dodge, avoid
using hot water
gɔnni inf. var. of gɔlngɔln
gui2 adverb bent over U chuun
verb zigzag
gui He walked bent over
gɔŋ verb droop (ripe crops,
tired head etc.) gur1 verb become shorter,
gɔr1 1) verb travel, roam. decrease, contract, limit

commit adultery Aa taa gɔr gur2 verb remain, reserve, be

left
kidagook. Don't commit
guu verb hurry, soon U guu
adultery 2) hunt U gɔr
fuu ni (mala) He has come
kidaagook. He committed
in a hurry.
adultery.(he roamed adultery)
guu inf. var. of gur2 remain
gɔr2 verb be crooked
verb remain
gɔrk noun sickle, scythe guun inf. var. of guu verb
soon, hurry (fut.)
hali 52

Hh
hali adverb even

Ii
i pronoun they/them, cl. i bi chain na ibaabaa...
pronoun ...and took one of each kind
i 1 pronoun which, concordant of ritually clean animal and
bird...
with n. cl. 3 pl.
ibaabaa2 adjective each one
i 2 pronoun concordant with n.
cl. 4 pl. Iŋaal ngbaan nan bi ifeen

i 3 pronoun concordant with n. ngbaan ibaabaa mɔk taab

cl. 6 la. The hands were under
ibaa1 reflexive themselves (cl. each wing.

reflex.) inaa ibaa the cows ibaabaa3 adjective unique,

themselves different ...i mɔmɔk bi
ibaa2 determiner certain, some ibaabaa kaa naahn tɔb.
(of cl. Inaa ibaa bi nima ...each one was different and
did not resemble each other.
There are some/certain cows
there. ibafen pl. of ubafen noun fish
ibaabaa1 adjective one of each [type]

...e ki di tiwakor, ni inyoon ibal pl. of ubal noun fish

53 ibɔɔ

[type] len ibiliin la... When I was a

ibambaan pl. of mbambaan child I talked like a child...
noun applause, clap hands ibilkiin pl. of ubilkiin noun
ibamɔn1 interjection truly, fish [type]
indeed, in fact, however ibim pl. of mbim1 noun
Ibamɔn, Manase aanib bracelets
ngbaan aa nan ŋmaa jenn ibim noun child of non-humans
nyan Kanaann yaab... ibisamɔi pl. of mbisamɔb
However, the people of noun entrance, doorway,
Manasseh were not able to gateway
drive out the Canaanites...
ibol pl. of mbol noun hole
ibamɔn2 pl. of mbamɔn noun
through a thin substand (e.g.
honesty, truth, justice pierced ear, hole in wire
ibanbaan pl. of mbanbaan netting)
noun whip, cane ibon1 pl. of mbon noun branch
ibanja pl. of ubanja noun tree ibon2 pl. of ubon noun
[type] donkeys
ibeeŋmin noun. stringed ibɔ pl. of ubɔ noun dog
instruments ...ni ŋan ke ti di
ibɔja pl. of ubɔja noun male
ibeeŋmin aawan ni tibar gaa dogs
ilahn ki pak si. ...it is good ibɔn pl. of ubɔn noun fish
that we should use stringed [type]
instruments and harps and
sing to praise you. ibɔɔ noun. soothsaying Bi buu
ibiliin noun childish talk ibɔɔ ki baa lik bibaa pu.
They practised soothsaying
Maah nan ye ubo na, m nan
concerning themselves.
ibɔɔkɔla 54

ibɔɔkɔla pl. of ubɔɔkɔla ichakpee pl. of uchakpee

noun bird [type] noun partridge
ibuen pl. of mbuen noun ichakpeejagar noun. thorny
bracelets, arm bands plants/weeds/shrubs Kitiŋ ga
ibukar pl. of ubukal noun pa ikokon ni ichakpeejagar.
bird [type] The ground will produce
ibun pl. of mbun noun small thorns and thistles.
stream ichayakrtuun pl. of
ibunaa pl. of ubunaa noun nchayakrtuun noun gourd
large antelope [type] rattle used in (funeral) dances
ibusoon noun sores all over ichiichuun pl. of
the body Le ibusoon joo u. uchiichuun noun hornbill
He was covered with sores
ichiin noun. wisdom, cunning,
ibuu1 pl. of mbuu noun
cleverness, understanding M
tunnel-like hole, e.g. mouse
hole ŋun ke u kpa ichiin pam. I
hear that he is very cunning.
ibuu2 noun. plot, conspiracy
ichilkpaan pl. of uchilkpaan
Hosea nan lok Ubɔr Peka
noun earth-worm
pu ibuu. Hosea plotted
ichinn pl. of uchinn noun
against King Peka.
lion
ibuun pl. of mbuun noun
ichɔkchoodɔ pl. of
sore, boil
nchɔkchoodɔ noun tool,
ichaar noun. dash, discount U
used for making seed holes in
ga tii si ichaar. He will give the ground [type]
you a discount.
idaa noun. days, (every) day Bi
55 ifuu

ga li kani tinyoor ki kpae restraints for legs U buu bi

idaa mɔmɔk. They will idɔribi. He bound them in
continue to prosper more fetters.
every day. idue pl. of budub noun dawa-
idabur noun. weakness, dawa tree
illness, sickness Idabur nan idun noun. groaning (used with
joo mi. I was sick. (Sickness the verb /ker/ Falaa ponn ni
held me.) le m ker idun. I groan in
idi pl. of ndi noun guinea corn misery.
comp. ikpandi comp. idundur pl. of ndundur noun
udidaan wood worm, weevil
idikɔlɔ pl. of ndikɔlɔ noun idur pl. of udul noun bird
rafter [type]
idoon1 pl. of udoon noun iduun pl. of uduun noun bell
bridge made with one or used in funeral dancing. A
more poles and a rope to help likeebil is used to hit it.
balance ifan pl. of mfan noun cooking
idoon2 pl. of ndoon3 noun hearth, with three stones,
greetings blacksmith's fireplace, oven
idɔ pl. of ndɔ noun firewood, ifeen pl. of mfeen noun wing
sticks ifin pl. of ufin noun owl
idɔpuinkee pl. of ifoo inf. var. of ifuu noun.
ndɔpuinkoo noun. crosses, whistle
crossed sticks ifuu noun. whistle U foo ifoo.
idɔribi noun fetters, wooden He whistled. (with pursed
lips)
igaŋgaŋlik 56

igaŋgaŋlik noun. bribe ii interrogative question marker

igbaan1 noun. stupidity, (if sentence ends with i) Aa
foolishness Lidanyul ye kan idi ii? Did you get/see
igbaan la. Getting drunk is guinea corn? (you saw
guinea-corn?)
foolish.
ija pl. of uja1 noun male
igbaan2 pl. of ngbaan2 noun
animals
edges, bank of river/sea,
boundary ijabaabi pl. of ujabaabo
igban pl. of ngban noun skins noun fish [type]
ijachal pl. of ujachal noun
igbaŋmeemoon pl. of
fish [type]
ngbaŋmeemoon noun
ijagen pl. of ujagen noun
pencil, pen
snake (carpet viper)
igbeer pl. of ugbeer noun pig
ijakpaa pl. of ujakpaa noun
igbei pl. of bugbem noun fish [type]
kapok tree ijakpakunjuŋ pl. of
igbin pl. of ngbin noun kapok ujakpakunjuŋ noun fish
pod [type]
igiin1 noun. poverty ijambɔn pl. of ujambɔn noun
igiin2 pl. of ngiin1 noun veins mud fish
igulɔ noun. corners Bi nan ŋa ijambɔɔl pl. of ujambɔɔl
noun fish [type]
igulɔ ilee ngbaan aawon
ijan pl. of ujan noun fish
aadɔja kina la. The frames
(generic term)
that formed the two corners
were made this way. ijapiin pl. of njapiin noun
fish hook
57 iken

ijaputaan pl. of ujaputaan ikaa) ...le bijab faa ikaa.

noun fish [type] ...the men gave a loud shout.
ijar pl. of ujar noun pimple ikaabɔn pl. of ukaabɔn noun
ijasoon pl. of ujasoon noun ravens, black eagles
fish [type] ikaal pl. of nkaal1 noun big
ijawaan noun. fear Ijawaan zana mat

chuu u. He was afraid. (fear ikaal pl. of nkaal2 noun laws,

customs
caught him) U san ijawaan.
ikakal pl. of ukakal noun
He was timid, fearful.
jackals
ijayii pl. of ujayii noun fish
ikal pl. of ukal noun fish
[type]
[type]
ijiŋeen pl. of ujiŋeen noun
ikalmbuun pl. of
porcupine
ijookɔla pl. of ujookɔla noun nkalmbuun noun drain
bird [type] ikamoon pl. of nkamoon
ijoon noun blindness U kpa noun part of guinea corn stalk
nearest to the grain, used to
ijoon. He has blindness. U ye make sleeping mats
ujoon la. He is a blind person ikan pl. of nkan noun sleeping
ijuun1 pl. of njuun noun mat made from ikamoon by
dawa-dawa seeds old ladies
ijuun2 pl. of ujuun noun ikateendɔ pl. of nkateendɔ
python noun stretcher
ikaa1 pl. of ukaa noun eagle, ikeer pl. of nkeer noun roof-
hawk, kite binder
ikaa2 noun. loud shout (faa iken adjective other (ref. to
ikiidɔ 58

plural nouns in cl. 3, 4, or 6) pepper

ikiidɔ pl. of nkiidɔ noun bar ikpa pl. of nkpa1 noun shea
of key soap nuts
ikiisuk pl. of nkiisuk noun ikpaa pl. of nkpaa noun pegs,
hyssop wooden pegs, tent pegs comp.
ikin pl. of nkin noun big clay ikpaabi
pito pot ikpaabi noun small wooden
ikokon1 pl. of nkokon noun pegs
thorns ikpaakon pl. of nkpaakon
ikokon2 pl. of bukokom noun noun farms, fields
thorn trees ikpaan pl. of ukpaan noun
ikoobi pl. of ukɔla, ukoobo guinea fowl comp. ikpandi
noun baby chicks
ikpaar pl. of nkpaar noun
ikoodaan pl. of nkoodaan stem, stalk
noun mites found on
chicken's eggs ikpab dial. var. of ŋikpab1
noun bones
ikooja noun rooster (male
chicken) ikpakpaa noun kindling

ikool pl. of nkool noun dam ikpambal pl. of ukpambal1

walls noun fly [type]
ikoon pl. of nkoon noun ikpandi noun. guinea corn, in
chewing stick, (may be taken one of the stages of making
from any edible tree) pito
ikɔla pl. of ukɔla noun ikpasɔi pl. of bukpasɔm
fowl/hen/chicken noun sheanut tree
ikɔnjo pl. of nkɔnjo noun ikpeekuub pl. of ukpeekuub
59 ikuun

noun round worm; snake nkukuyaan na la You

[type] crumble like shells they burn
ikpen pl. of nkpen noun in fire to make whitewash.
wells, waterholes, streams ikulŋaan pl. of ukulŋaan
ikpendɔ pl. of nkpendɔ noun noun crane
pestle ikulun pl. of ukulun noun
ikpiin1 pl. of ukpiin1 noun small antelope [type]
antelope [type] ikupiin noun. nails, (iron
ikpiin2 pl. of ukpiin2 noun arrows)
trumpets, (animal horn) ikurkuun dial. var. of
ikpiinja pl. of ukpiinja noun ikukuun2 noun snail shell,
large bush animal with horns which, ground fine and mixed
ikpolahn noun. funeral song with water is used to
whitewash walls or clean
ikpowiil noun. funeral/death cooking pots
crying
ikuub pl. of ukuub noun
ikudɔ noun. iron bars, (iron snake (generic term)
sticks)
ikuul pl. of nkuul noun line,
ikui pl. of nkub noun row
hundreds
ikuuman pl. of ukuuman
ikukuun1 pl. of ukukuun noun snake [type]
noun fish [type]
ikuun pl. of nkuun2 noun
ikukuun2 noun snail shells meetings
burned to make whitewash
ikuun pl. of nkuun1 noun
Ni bur ke ikukuun i bi see i shout of alarm, a special high
mmii ni ke bi di ŋa pitched noise
ilaan 60

ilaan pl. of ulaan noun night necklaces

hawk ilelee numeral pairs, two of
ilaar pl. of nlaar noun stick each, two by two (n.cl.3) Aa
for stirring TZ, stirring- ki ban inyoon mu, ija ni ipii,
paddle (spoon-like)
ilelee, ki ti saa nfum mulole.
ilahn pl. of nlahn noun song Take also seven pairs of each
comp. ikpolahn kind of bird, male and
female.
ilakanja pl. of ulakanja noun
male agama lizard ilelek pl. of ulelek noun fish
[type]
ilambakuub pl. of
iliin pl. of nliin noun speech,
ulambakuub noun reptile
language, words comp.
[type]
imɔliin
ilandak pl. of nlandak noun
thought iliin aagbaŋ noun dictionary
(words' book)
ilangbechuun pl. of
ilik noun. money
nlangbechuun noun chin
ilimbaan noun. one language
ilangbin pl. of ulangbin
noun speckled hen ilɔ pl. of ulɔ noun monitor
ilapol pl. of ulapol noun lizard
mouse ilɔkdɔ pl. of nlɔkdɔ noun
ilatan pl. of ulatan noun sticks cut to make roof beams
monkey iluub pl. of uluub noun
ilatiir noun. silly talk, elephant
foolishness iluul noun layers, lines Bi yaa
ileen pl. of nleen noun di ŋitakpal maa iluul itaa
61 imɔkpaween

kan, bi ti di likpaln paan. imiigaal pl. of mmiigaal

The walls are to be built with noun flames, lightning
one layer of wood on top of imina demonstrative those, the
every three layers of stone.
ones there (see introduction)
ima pronoun they, cl. pn. emph.
imonko pl. of moninko
Ni mu taa di nimi aapiih, ni numeral twenties
iŋoob, ni inaa buen, see ima imonko ilee numeral forty
bee do. You must not take
imonko inaa numeral eighty
your sheep and goats and
cows, they must stay here. imonko inaa ni kipiik
imaagann noun. partiality, numeral ninety
discrimination Waa kpa imonko itaa numeral sixty
imaagann, le kaa gaal imonko itaa ni kipiik
igaŋgaŋlik. He does not show numeral seventy
partiality and does not accept imoon pl. of mmoon1 noun
bribes. stalk of grass (may be used as
imaal pl. of mmaal noun a taper)
families imoopuun pl. of mmoopuun
imalween noun. labour pains noun flower

M wii ke imalween aah joo imɔi pl. of bumɔb noun

mouth; fast (lit. tie mouth)
upii kan, u wii pu na. I cry
out like a woman in labour. imɔjikur noun moustache

imeen pl. of umeen noun imɔju pl. of mmɔju noun

turtle projection, ledge
imii pl. of mmii noun fire; imɔkpaween pl. of
light mmɔkpaween noun jaw
imɔkur 62

imɔkur noun whiskers inaabilpaan pl. of

imɔliin noun words unaabilpaan noun dung
beetle
imɔmɔndii pl. of umɔmɔndii
noun fly [type] inaachiin pl. of unaachiin
noun hyena
imɔɔchuun pl. of
inaachuun pl. of unaachuun
umɔɔchuun noun
noun chameleon
chameleon
inaaduun pl. of unaaduun
imɔɔkaa noun water bird,
noun mosquito, a biting fly
possibly pelican
inaafub pl. of bunaafub
imɔɔn pl. of mmɔɔn2 noun
noun tree [type]
pleasures
inaagan pl. of unaagan noun
imɔɔn pl. of mmɔɔn1 noun
bird [type]
okra
inaaja pl. of unaaja noun bull
imɔɔntoon pl. of umɔɔntoon
(male cow)
noun snake [type]
inaajabi pl. of unaajabo
imɔɔpeel pl. of umɔɔpeel
noun baby bull, male cow
noun hippopotamus (lit. river child
animal)
inaaken pl. of unaaken noun
imɔɔsan noun. river bed
grasshopper
imɔpuur pl. of mmɔpuur inaakpaapiin pl. of
noun curse
unaakpaapiin noun cattle
imuul pl. of mmuul noun rice egret (app. 5)
inaa pl. of unaa noun cow inaakpeen pl. of unaakpeen
inaabi pl. of unaabo noun noun fish [type]
calf (of a cow)
63 inanyaan

inaal pl. of unaal noun fish unakechaan noun termite

[type] [type]
inaamuun pl. of unaamuun inambɔnn pl. of unambɔln
noun leopard noun ant [type]
inaan1 pl. of unaan noun inambunn pl. of unambunn
guinea worm noun cat
inaan2 noun. (cast/draw) lots inamɔɔn noun. vegetable like
(play) uwaari Naah ga too okra
inaan ki yakr kitiŋ ki na le inanann pl. of unanann
noun grinding mill
na. This is the land that you
will receive by drawing lots. inangbee pl. of unangbee
noun honey bee
inaanbiln pl. of nnaanbiln
noun upper grinding stone inangben pl. of unangben
noun mud wasp
inaanyoon pl. of unaanyoon
noun bird [type] inangbenaatuun noun. soup
leaves [type]
inaaŋiin pl. of nnaaŋiin
noun flat tick inanjar pl. of unanjar noun
pot for storing pito, okra,
inaasui pl. of bunaasub
kpaka etc.
noun tree [type]
inanmoon pl. of nnanmoon
inaayumii pl. of nnaayumii
noun meat fork
noun torch
inanyaan pl. of nnanyaan
inabi noun. gourd [type],
noun cone-shaped fish trap,
whose seeds are used for made of stalks and pushed in
soup bunyɔb. Fish swim in with
inakechaan pl. of current.
inaŋ 64

inaŋ pl. of nnaŋ noun enlightenment Aa yaa san

message Uwumbɔr kan, ni ye
inapadi noun. guinea corn inimbiwoln la. The fear of
[type] the Lord teaches a man
ineebɔ pl. of uneebɔ noun cat wisdom.

ineel pl. of nneel noun throat; inimɔɔn noun. shame,

voice embarrassment Ni kpa
ineepɔɔmpiin pl. of inimɔɔn. It is shameful. (has
uneepɔɔmpiin noun sea shame) Inimɔɔn chuu mi. I
gull am ashamed, embarrassed.
ineepɔɔn pl. of uneepɔɔn (shame caught me) U san
noun bird [type] inimɔɔn pam. He is feeling
inikpab noun. human bones, very shy. (He fears shame)
(bones in a grave) ...ponn ni inimpa pl. of nnimpa noun
yam shoot
mu gbii inikpab... ...inside
(graves) is full of bones... inimpoo noun. arrogance
iniman noun seriousness, inupɔk pl. of nnupɔk noun
earnestness (lit. red eye/s) U hard skin of roasted yam

kpa iniman. He is serious. (U inyaan pl. of nnyaan noun

has red eyes) root

inimbaalahn noun. sorrowful inyamɔn pl. of nnyamɔn

songs, songs of grief noun lies (tell lies)

inimbikool, noun. eye inyan pl. of nnyan noun type

shadow, eye paint of thorn tree, which grows by
the river
inimbiwoln noun.
65 iŋobi

inyann pl. of unyann noun noun gutter, ditches (water

ant (generic term) road/way)

inyiib pl. of unyiib noun inyuŋ pl. of nnyuŋ noun

crocodile honour

inyombim pl. of unyombo iŋaal pl. of ŋŋaal noun arm,

noun small bird of any kind hand

inyoohn pl. of unyoohn iŋaan1 noun. fibre used for

noun scorpion making rope or string

inyoon pl. of unyoon noun iŋaan2 pl. of ŋŋaan noun

bird (generic term) broom, brush

inyɔi pl. of bunyɔb noun iŋaangbachuun pl. of

fishing-dam ŋŋaangbachuun noun
inyɔk pl. of nnyɔk1 noun juju, elbow
medicine, witchcraft, sorcery iŋantan noun. withered yam
inyɔk pl. of nnyɔk2 noun vines
medicine iŋmabi pl. of liŋmabil noun
inyɔnyun pl. of unyɔnyun star
noun leopard iŋmal pl. of uŋmal2 noun
inyumui pl. of unyumui moon, month
noun bird [type] iŋmanyuu noun. smoke
inyumwiir pl. of unyumwiir iŋmaŋmee pl. of uŋmaŋmee
noun bird [type] noun bird [type]
inyunbun pl. of nnyunbun iŋmee noun. body mark [type]
noun water hole, well, iŋmin pl. of ŋŋmin noun rope
bathing place, spring
inyunsan pl. of nnyunsan iŋobi pl. of uŋobo noun
iŋoob 66

young goat ipihbi pl. of upihbo noun

iŋoob pl. of uŋoob2 noun lamb
barren woman ipii pl. of upii2 noun females
iŋoob pl. of uŋoob1 noun goat (animals)
iŋɔi pl. of buŋɔb noun canoe, ipiih pl. of upiih noun sheep
boat (Once canoes were the ipiin1 pl. of mpiin3 noun nails,
only boats known)
pins, arrows comp. ikupiin
iŋɔk pl. of uŋɔk noun jackal
ipiin2 noun. prize, gift, reward
ipaal noun. profit on sales,
payment, salary, interest on ipiin3 pl. of mpiin2 noun key
loan ipiinaaluuk pl. of
ipaan pl. of upaan noun mpiinaaluuk noun quiver
cricket
ipinbi pl. of mpinbi noun
ipalee pl. of upalee noun fish
nail, pin
[type]
ipoween noun revolting food,
ipeegbin pl. of upeegbin
nausea
noun antelope [type]
ipɔk pl. of mpɔk noun shell
ipeel pl. of upeel noun wild
animal (generic term) ipɔn pl. of mpɔn noun line (of
yam mounds, guinea corn
ipeeman pl. of upeeman
ridges etc.)
noun antelope
ipɔɔgbeer pl. of upɔɔgbeer
ipeenaamuun pl. of
noun bush pig
upeenamuun noun leopard
ipɔɔkɔla pl. of upɔɔkɔla
ipeeyun pl. of upeeyun noun noun bush fowl
antelope [type] ipɔɔnaa pl. of upɔɔnaa noun
67 isui

bush cow, buffalo way, road

ipɔɔnyaan pl. of upɔɔnyaan isanja pl. of nsanja noun
noun crocodile main roads
ipɔɔŋoob pl. of upɔɔŋoob isanji noun. bean [type]
noun bush goats, wild goats isanyaan pl. of nsanyaan
ipui noun. acha (like grass noun good ways/roads
seed) isayakr pl. of nsayakr noun
ipukpaanchakpuk pl. of crossroads
upukpaanchakpuk noun isikakl pl. of nsikakl noun
bird [type] side
ipuul pl. of mpuul noun long- isikakpab pl. of nsikaakpab
handled calabash used for noun rib
serving soup or drink, tikpin
aapuul has a shorter handle, isil pl. of nsil noun neck
but is longer than lichakpaal iso pl. of nso noun yam farm
isachub pl. of usachub noun with yams in it
squirrel isub pl. of usub noun wild
isachulann pl. of animal [type]
usachulann noun squirrel isubi noun. undergrowth
[type] isubon pl. of nsubon noun
isak noun. gravel branch of a tree or root of a
tree
isakuun pl. of nsakuun noun
lonely roads isugbagbab pl. of
isal pl. of usal noun female usugbagbab noun ant [type]
goat/sheep isui pl. of busub noun tree
isan pl. of nsan noun path, (generic term) comp. isubi
isur 68

isur pl. of nsurm noun counsel noun hornbill

isuun pl. of usuun noun fish iteer pl. of uteer noun frog
[type] itekpeenyoon pl. of
itaabeer pl. of ntaabeer utekpeenyoon noun bird
noun shin [type]
itaabuseeŋ pl. of itiin pl. of ntiin noun fable,
ntaabuseeŋ noun hoof tale, story

itaan pl. of utaan noun horse itimbui pl. of utimbui noun

snake [type]
itaangaar noun. bit (for
itineen pl. of ntineen noun
horse's mouth)
earthworm
itakpaja pl. of utakpaja noun
itingbaan pl. of ntingbaan
agama lizard
noun surrounding villages,
itangar sp. var. of itaangaar satellite villages
noun. bit (for horses' mouths) itingbin pl. of utingbin noun
itangbar pl. of utangbar mouse [type]
noun horses mane itoon pl. of utoon noun locust
itanja pl. of utanja noun
itɔi pl. of butɔm noun bow
stallions
(for shooting arrows)
itaŋaal pl. of ntaŋaal noun
ituun1 pl. of ntuun1 noun
clans
small calabash with long neck
itaŋmin pl. of ntaŋmin noun for carrying drinking water to
bowstrings farm
itapiin pl. of utapiin noun ituun2 pl. of ntuun2 noun
white horses messengers, angels
itechuun pl. of utechuun iwaa pl. of uwaa noun snake
69 iyuu

(generic term) wailings

iwaaman pl. of uwaaman iwiin1 pl. of nwiin1 noun days,
noun snake [type] suns
iwaan1 noun amazement, iwiin2 pl. of nwiin2 noun soul,
astonishment (lit. gaping) Ni spirit (which leaves at death)
ŋa mi iwaan. It amazed me. iwon pl. of uwon noun rabbit
(It did me amazement) iwoon pl. of uwoon noun fish
iwaan2 pl. of nwaan noun. [type]
yawn iwul pl. of uwul noun monitor
iween1 pl. of nween noun lizard
crack (e.g. in plaster, in a iyaar pl. of uyaar noun
bowl etc.) sparrow, small bird
iween2 pl. of nween noun iyayak pl. of uyayak noun
sickness, pain comp. night adder
ipoween
iyiin pl. of n-yiin noun horn
iwiihn pl. of nwiihn noun
iyikpangol noun. calabashes
lights
together in a string bag
iwiil noun. weeping (with
iyikpuku pl. of uyikpuku
tears) U wii iwiil. He wept. noun mantis
(cried crying) ikpowiil death iyuu pl. of n-yuu noun millet
jaa 70

Jj
jaa verb fight Bi jaa kijaak noun central pole of a room
They fought (fought a fight) (e.g. kinaakook)

jaakpel noun guinea corn jab verb sew skins together Le

[type] Uwumbɔr di tiwakor aagban
jaaleŋ noun door ki di jab, ki ŋa

jaaleŋ mam pl. of jaaleŋ tiwanpeenkaan ki di peen

noun door bi. God sewed animal skins
jaaleŋ tiib pl. of jaaleŋ noun together and made clothing
and put on them.
door
jagbaali noun club (when use
jaan verb pray in Muslim way
on head, does not draw blood,
(i.e. kneeling)
so leaves no evidence)
jaani verb cause fighting, stir
jagbaali mam pl. of jagbaali
up trouble Ni li nyi binib bi noun club (when use on head,
jaani nimi na. Beware of does not draw blood, so
people who cause you to leaves no evidence)
quarrel. jagbaali tiib pl. of jagbaali
jaatɔlk noun central pole of a noun club (when use on head,
room does not draw blood, so
leaves no evidence)
jaatɔlk mam pl. of jaatɔlk
jajab noun seed [type], (small)
noun central pole of a room
(e.g. kinaakook) jak1 verb cut, chop into pieces
jaatɔlk tiib pl. of jaatɔlk jak2 verb ride a horse M waa
71 jigeŋ

bijab bibaa jak itaan choo. I jek verb eager, shocked U cha
see some men coming riding m jek ke m pel. He makes me
on horses. eager to listen.
jakpukpub noun motor-bike jenn verb chase, drive away,
(onomatopoeic) divorce
jan verb fight Bi jaa kijaak la. jeŋjeŋ noun bird [type]
They are fighting.
jeŋjeŋ mam pl. of jeŋjeŋ
janjan noun penny
noun bird [type]
jankuna noun cat jeŋjeŋ teeb pl. of jeŋjeŋ
jankuna mam pl. of noun bird [type]
jankuna noun cat jer1 verb pass, be more than
jankuna tiib pl. of jankuna Njɔ kpa liyimbil jer mi. My
noun cat friend is more important than
me. (has name pass me)
japɔɔmam pl. of japɔɔn noun
son jer2 verb change Aa jer ubo

japɔɔn noun son ngbaan liyimbil. You

changed the child's name.
japɔɔtiib pl. of japɔɔn noun
ji1 verb eat, consume, enjoy,
son
spend
jatibaa noun yam [type]
ji2 inf. var. of jin verb win,
jato noun 'fair' [Gh.] cheat, spend, chop, eat
complexion, a light skinned
ji3 verb judge (a case)
person
jee verb split open, cut a door jib verb coil up, be rounded, tie
or a window or a water cloth around head
channel jigeŋ noun soup leaves [type]
jii 72

jii verb shiver, panic jinn2 verb poison

jilima noun respect, honour Bi jon verb climb
tii u jilima. They respect joo 1) verb carry in hand, hold
him. (give him honour) joo ni bring Tiwoor joo u. He
jin verb eat, eaten, win, cheat, is cold. (Cold holds him/her)
cut, spend (money) jin Libimbikr joo u. He is an
bulnyɔɔ celebrate a festival epileptic. (epilepsy holds
jin inimɔɔn be ashamed (eat him) U joo upii. He is a
married man. (He holds a
shame) jin kinyaŋ do
wife) Aa joo ni ŋani ba?
business in the market jin What do you use this for?
lipɔln get into debt jin liwaal (You hold this doing what?)
2) rule
perform fetish jin liyimbil
become famous (eat a name) joo beeni verb doubt, have
jin mbamɔn be right (eat doubts Taa joo beeni Don't
truth) jin nnaan inherit doubt (opposite of believing)

chieftaincy jin ŋimombil jook verb be tough

spend money jin tibɔr take to jookl noun bird [type]

court (eat a matter) Uma le jookl mam pl. of jookl noun
san jin. He was the one who bird [type]
won the race. Kijuk kimina ji jookl tiib pl. of jookl noun
bird [type]
pam. This knife cuts well.
joolangban noun yam [type]
jinn1 verb feed (cause to eat)
joon verb be smooth
Taa jinn aana inimɔɔn.
Don't disgrace your mother joor verb become evening ...le
73 kaa

bi jan ki ti joor kijook. ubo aawon na. His flesh

...they fought till evening. (till became firm and healthy like
it evened evening) that of a child.
jɔ noun friend ...ugiin aa kpa jɔr verb be foolish M nan jɔr
jɔ. A poor man has no friend. ke kiwakork na la; I was
jɔb verb become blind stupid like an animal
jɔtiib pl. of jɔ noun friend
jɔn verb overhang, hang
/from/over, wear (earrings) juk verb make a head pad
Midiann aanib mu nan jɔn junn verb quench a fire,
salmaa aatafajɔnjɔn tiib... extinguish life Uwumbɔr, taa
The Midianites wore gold junn maamɔfal. Spare my
earrings...
life, O God (Don't extinguish
jɔnn verb woo a girl, befriend my life.)
(usually for gain) juu verb bite/sting
jɔŋ verb smooth over, smooth
juuni inf. var. of juu verb
down, become-smooth Uwon bite/sting
nan pɔɔk ki jɔŋ pɔl pɔl ke

Kk
ka verb be seated, possibly are not/did not (cl. conj. /ki/
awaiting something, live (at a fused with /aa/ neg.)
place) kaa2 verb sharpen, be sharp
kaa1 negative conjunction and kaa3 verb become brave
kaa 74

kaa4 negative negative used it is not/won't... class 7 sg.

with subordinate clauses pron. with neg. and fut.
morphemes.
kaa5 negative pronoun it is
-kaan nominaliser nominaliser.
not/did not (class 7 sg.
pronoun /ki/ with negative Changes a compound word
/aa/) into a noun

kaah pronoun as it.. pronoun kaangba noun body-louse

cl. 5 or 7 subordinating M ga kaangba mam pl. of

cha kitiŋ kee ki kan nkam kaangba noun body-louse
ke kaah nan bi pu njan na. I kaangba tiib pl. of kaangba
will make this land as noun body-louse
prosperous as it was before. kaar verb be brave
kaakaan noun trumpet
kaasaa noun hawk
kaakab noun harmattan,
kaasaa mam pl. of kaasaa
harmattan fog
noun hawk
kaal verb hatch
kaasaa tiib pl. of kaasaa
kaan1 verb tie round U kaan noun hawk
unaa. He tied rope to the kaasisik noun middle, centre
cow's head. m ga li bi bikaasisik ni ki ti
kaan2 verb shout, cry saa n- yoonn mu kaa kpa
kaan3 negative future ndoon na. I will be among
conjunction and are them for ever.
not/won't... clause
conjunction with neg. and fut. kab1 verb break off a leaf (with
morphemes. twisting action)
kaan4 negative future pronoun kab2 verb dip out water
75 kawɔ

kachaagera noun granary, kalm! inf. form ka verb be

made with zana matting for seated, possibly awaiting
guinea corn and other grain something, live (at a place)
kachaagera mam pl. of kamantosi noun tomato
kachaagera noun granary, kamantosi mam pl. of
made with zana matting for kamantosi noun tomato
guinea corn and other grain
kae1 verb breaking off kamantosi tiib pl. of
kamantosi noun tomato
kae2 verb dipping out
kan1 verb see, get, find U kan
kahn verb count
kidaŋ. He was injured. (He
kakal noun gourd [type], used
got a wound) U kan falaa.
for soup
He suffered. (saw
kal1 verb sit down U kal lijal. suffering/hardship)
He sat on a chair.
kan2 particle if, conditional
kal2 verb be chased (see yaa........kan)
kalimbaani noun disrespect, kangba noun vulture
contrariness, pride U kpa kangba mam pl. of kangba
kalimbaani. He has no noun vulture
respect for anyone. kangba tiib pl. of kangba
kalimbaanidaan noun noun vulture
objectionable, disobedient, kar verb tear, be torn
rude, disrespectful person (lit:
kalimbaani owner) karn verb read
kalm! inf. form kal1 verb sit karyaa noun bush lamp
(imperative)
kawɔ noun saltpetre (a catalyst
ke 76

for food) was like this (person). Maa

ke particle that: speech, wish, nyi ke libuln daar kena I did
or thought introducer ti ban not know that the wind blows
ke.. We want to.. Bi nyi ke.. like that.

They know/think that.. U bui kena kan if it is like that, so

(often used in response to
mi ke .. He said to me...
some information given) Ni
ke...na be like ...something U yaa bi kena kan... If it is like
bi ke na la He is like that Ni that...
bi ke nee na It is like this keŋ verb sew on
(thing)
ker verb pluck, bring down
kee1 demonstrative this (class from a tree
demonstrative)
kerosim noun kerosine
kee2 adverb never, not yet
ki1 particle again, any longer,
(used with neg.) Maa kee
any more Ubɔr aan ki tii mi.
kan u. I have not yet seen
The chief will not give (it) to
him. me again.
keln verb meet ki2 pronoun it (pronoun cl. sg.)
ken1 verb fry, roast in a pan ki3 conjunction and (joining two
*ken2 determiner other another clauses with the same
subject) Bi fir ki cha. They
*ken3 adjective another, the
got up and were going.
other Tii mi linuul liken.
ki- class prefix ki noun class 5
Give me another yam.
prefix kijuk knife
kena adverb like that, in that
way M nan bi ke wee na. I kibaa1 reflexive itself (cl.
77 kichakpiik

reflexive) fall through

kibaa2 determiner one, a kibɔryikpupuk noun crown,
certain (cl. det.) chief's hat
kibabr noun head louse kibɔtiik noun. love (sexual)
kibeek noun guitar kibubik noun. small jar, pot
kibiŋ noun chest kibukpiik noun fish [type]
kibobik noun. pito may be kibunbik noun. small river,
served in this small pot, or in stream
a sagbo. It will be poured into kibundiik noun sick room,
a calabash for drinking.
where a sick person sleeps
kibook noun. shoulder (of a
kibuŋ noun. gale force wind,
carcase) Ni di kibook, ni
storm U ga dan mala ke
mmɔkpaween, ni lipuul tii
kibuŋ na. He will come
bitotoorb. The priests are to quickly like a gale force
be given the shoulder, the wind.
jaw, and the stomach. (of a
sacrifice) kibuweek noun scar

kibɔkpeŋ noun house for kichaafik noun forge

small animals (goats, sheep, kichadeek noun ant [type]
pigs, hens etc.)
kichakar noun. small of the
kibɔmbik noun ring
back
kibɔɔk noun natural lake, still kichakpiik noun. morning
water with abundant fish
kichakpinaanyeek ni early
kibɔɔkuuk noun basket; used morning, after dawn
to be plastered so that even lichakpitaawoln early
ipui (grass seed) would not
kichakpinaanyeek 78

morning, before dawn kichiŋ noun insect like a

kichakpinaanyeek noun. cricket
early morning, dawn kichook noun. proper forest
kichakpook noun. piece of (with big trees)
meat on an animal in the area kichɔk noun axe
of the small of the back
kidaabuk noun gun
kichalanguŋ noun crayfish
kidaagook noun. adultery U
kichalgook noun bird [type]
gɔr kidaagook. He
kichaŋ noun. waist roamed/committed adultery.
kichichibik noun small udaagoor / bidaagoob
calabash with lid cut out, adulterer/s upiidaagooor /
used for small quantities of
food or jujus. bipiidaagoob adulteress/es
kichichigeŋ noun calabash kidaak noun. price Yaa kpa
with stem and opening cut kidaak. They (hens) don't
beneath it so that the stem sell well. (don't have price)
lifts off lid. Used for seeds.
Kidaak pɔɔ pam. It is very
kichichiik noun large calabash expensive. (price hard
with lid cut out, used mostly intensifier) Kidaak diin. It is
for fish
cheap. (price soft)
kichiik noun. feast at end of
kidaan noun owner-
Muslim fast
identification mark daan
kichiln noun. chisel, engraving
tool kidaan put mark on

kichinbik noun small/inner kidadiik noun kitchen

courtyard kidaŋ1 noun. injury U kan
79 kigangeefuuk

kidaŋ. He was injured (he kidifeŋ head of guinea corn

saw injury) kiyuufenn head of millet
kidaŋ2 noun. big bridge across kifleek noun. stomach (crop)
a river
of a fowl U chuu chee nyan
kidapɔkr noun small piece of
kifleek, ni tijikaar ti bi ki
bark removed from a tree
ponn ni na.. He shall remove
kidifeŋ noun. head of guinea
the crop and its contents.
corn (see idi and kifeŋ)
kifuleek noun fowl's crop
kidifɔfɔŋ noun tall building,
tower kifuuk noun. noise U kpa
kidiik noun room kifuuk. He is making a noise.
(He has noise.)
kidijɔk noun sleeping room
kifuurk noun. breath Tɔ,
kidimaŋ noun. guinea corn
kifuurk mu aa nan bi tiwon
[type]
ngbaan ni. But there was no
kiduŋ noun. enmity, hostility
breath in the bodies.
Waah kpo na, u kuln kiduŋ
kigaak noun. pride (in a bad
ki nan bi ti ni bikaasisik ni
sense) U kpa kigaak. He is a
na. By his death he abolished
proud person. (He has pride)
the enmity which was
between us and them. kigangaŋ noun water-carrying
tin
kifambaŋ noun wheel
kigangeefuuk noun snoring
kifark noun leaf
(see kifuuk) U dɔ gbaa
kifataŋ noun valley
kigangeefuuk. He is snoring.
kifeŋ noun head of grain (He lies beating snore)
kigaseek 80

kigaseek noun tree [type] kijagur noun tree [type]

kigbalk noun. spear kijak noun. male animal
kigbandoŋ noun wide- (kiwakurk) U cha ki li ye
brimmed straw hat, worn by kijak ki mu taa li kpa
men
iween. It must be a male
kigbaŋ noun skin, book, letter, (animal) without any defects.
paper
kijambirk noun small fish
kigiik noun leech
kijanjaŋ noun slim
kigolk noun. hunch-back
kijapark noun gecko [type]
kii1 verb watch, look after
kijeepeŋ noun snake [type]
kii2 verb agree, accept, allow
kijinjii noun spoon
kii bumɔb obey (agree
kijook noun evening, after
mouth) kii tii agree with
mid-day
(agree give)
kijɔŋjɔŋ noun. slime
kii3 verb snap, break (a rope)
kijɔrk noun. foolishness M tun
kii4 verb reply answer
kijɔrk aatuln la. I acted
kiil verb hinder foolishly. (did foolishness
kiir verb wait work)

kijaak noun fight (as opposed kijɔtiik noun. friendship,

fellowship between two
to war) Bi jaa kijaak. They
males M gee si |kijɔteek. I
are fighting
would like to be friends. (I
kijaan noun. twin like you friendship)
kijabik noun small stool kijubaabak noun scissors
81 kikpaatuuŋ

kijubababr noun of cloth, scarf, handkerchief

scissors/tongs Rebeka nan di kikekengeŋ
kijuk noun knife, cutlass, biin unimbil wɔb. Rebecca
cutting implement took her scarf and covered
her face.
kijukumbuuk noun pot for
storing tijunn (dawadawa kikin noun. yam [type]
seeds) kikokoŋ noun fish [type]
kijunjuŋ noun shadow kikork noun clam
kijuŋ noun ball of pounded kikɔŋ noun. leprosy Aaronn
dawa dawa seeds
kan ke uwon kpaln kikɔŋ
kikaafik noun shelter by the
ŋmeen. Aaron saw that she
compound, used for drying
various foods was covered with leprosy.

kikaakark noun yam shelter kikpaak dial. var. of

found on the farm, (yams are likpaakool 1 holiday noun.
covered with leaves) non-working day (tikpaa)
kikaakpaak noun high shelter,
kikpaak1 noun split guinea-
verandah, used for drying
corn-stalk mat, often used in
grains
a doorway
kikaakucheek noun cemetery,
kikpaak2 noun farm Baa cha
graveyard
kikpaak din. They don't go to
kikapeek noun high-quality
farm to-day. (it is forbidden
sleeping-mat to do so)
kikapiik noun woven door kikpaalɔŋ noun pocket
(from stalks)
kikpaatuuŋ noun spear
kikekengeŋ noun. small piece
kikpakpapeŋ 82

kikpakpapeŋ noun tree [type] kikukurk noun feather

kikpalk noun long Mossi shirt kikukuun noun thread or rope
kikpaluudaak noun weaving made of cotton
loom kikumbuuk noun clay or
kikpanjepɔkr noun egg shell aluminium pot for cooking
soup
kikpanjuuk noun. soup leaves kikumɔŋ noun. greediness,
[type] selfishness, never satisfied
kikpaŋ noun hunting (a lone kikunjuŋ noun. soup seeds
hunter goes to hunt) [type]
kikpawuŋ noun. oven kikurk 1) noun iron, metal,
kikpeek noun. appetite, be in roofing sheet 2) hour (in
haste to do something colonial days, a metal gong
was sounded every hour)
Tinann aakpeek le joo u. He
had a great desire for meat. kikusɔŋ noun. fugitive,
(meat desire holds him) refugee
kikpeeŋ noun hernia kilaan noun big string bag or
net, could be a fishing net
kikpetuk noun mortar,
pounding-pot kilangbigbir noun snake
[type]
kikpiik noun. hip joint
kiloloŋ noun corner
kikpɔkpɔŋ noun. tree [type]
kiloŋ noun drum shaped like
kikpuwuuŋ noun smoking
an hour-glass, a hollow thing
apparatus metal bowl with
holes in which fish or other kilook noun little goatskin bag
food is smoked; clay support; with drawstring, used for
fire small bush animals caught.
83 kinamboŋ

General term for bag. kinaak noun lower grinding-

kima pronoun 'it' pn. cl. emph. stone
M ki tii u kitiŋ kiken kima kinaakook noun entrance hall,
ngbaan pu. I would give him where cows are often kept
another piece of land in place nnaakosamɔb hall
of that one. door/mouth
kimaaŋ noun womb kinaakoontiib noun
kimina demonstrative that, that friendship, fellowship
one there (see introduction) between two females M gee

kimook noun stalk of grass si kinaakoonteek. I would

(see timoor) like to be friends.

kimɔbaan noun. agreement kinaakpajabunl noun

(lit. one mouth) whirlwind, dust devil

kimɔɔnyu noun bird [type] kinaapipirk noun moth,

butterfly
kimɔɔnyuteeb pl. of
kinaapulook noun big fly
kimɔɔnyu noun bird [type] [type]
kina dial. var. of kena adverb kinaawol noun granary
thus
kinaayuk noun. theft [type]
kinaachoŋ noun. type of
Taa su kinaayuk. Do not
funeral dance
steal. (Don't steal stealing)
kinaafulook noun big fly
kinabak noun tree [type]
[type]
kinaagaŋ noun basket for kinambilbɔŋ noun bird [type]
chickens kinamboŋ noun stall in
kinaajikok noun ringworm market place
kinanaŋ 84

kinanaŋ dial. var. of kinaŋ2 kinimbidark noun spectacles,

hatred noun. hatred eye glasses
kinanjeŋ noun bat kinimbikurk noun eyelash
kinaŋ1 noun. likeness, image kinimbilikr noun mirror
kinaŋ2 noun hatred U kpa kinimbook noun. face mark
kinanaŋ. He hates. (has [type]
hatred) kinimbɔŋ noun satan, jinx,
kinaŋ3 sg. of tinann noun a evil influence, accident
piece of meat kiningbeŋ noun eyebrow,
kinatafuuk noun sock eyelid

kineek noun intestine kininsuŋ noun. disgusting

behaviour, immorality
kineekpakurk noun larynx,
kinipaak noun. crowd of
Adam's apple
people
kinigengeŋ noun. dwarf, short
kinubik noun small yam of
person
any variety
kinikpakpak noun argument
kinuyirk noun yam head
Bi kpak kinikpakpak. They
kinyaaŋ noun beauty
argued. (They argued
argument.) kinyalandeek noun
kinimbaak noun pity, mercy, glowworm
sorrow, grief U san u kinyanyark noun claw
kinimbaak. He had pity on kinyaŋ noun market
him. (ran him pity)
kinyaŋgbaŋ 1) noun fibre
saanimbaak pu in favour of
plant, may be red or white -
you
85 kipeln

sorrel rosella [type] 2) calices kiŋambinyanyark noun

or leaves of the plant used for finger nail
soup
kiŋambipɔkr noun finger nail
kinye interrogative how
kiŋambiseeŋ noun little
kinyeek noun night
finger
kinyeetaasiik noun middle of kiŋatabaŋ noun. pile of yams
the night, but before everyone covered with yam leaves
is in bed
kiŋmafuleek noun fowl's crop
kinyenyengbeŋ noun bladder
kiŋmaŋ noun armpit Cha m
kinyoopuuk noun. hand
clapping to beg a person to bɔr aaŋmaŋ ni ki ŋmar. Let
stop beating a child, or when me find safety under your
performing libaawul wings.
(sacrifice), or to apologize for kiŋɔpaŋ noun canoe paddle
wrong U faa kinyoopuuk. He
kiŋulk1 noun. metal grid for
clapped his hands.
roasting or smoking fish etc.
kinyunkpuŋ noun wave
kiŋulk2 noun. earthen ware for
kiŋaalfark noun hand (arm smoking meat/fish
leaf)
kipaak noun many, a crowd
kiŋaangbeŋ noun navel
kinipaak crowd of people
kiŋaantaŋ noun. open-handed
kipalk noun little leather bag
slap, usually on the back
for putting money in
kiŋambijak noun thumb
kipapeeŋ noun fish [type]
(hand-child/fruit/seed-male)
kipeln 1) noun. tray - a wide
kiŋambik noun finger (hand-
board for carrying or drying
child/fruit/seed)
things on 2) shield
kipiik 86

kipiik numeral ten iwiin kipiik kipɔɔk1 noun fishing net

ten days (days ten) kipɔɔk2 noun uninhabited place
kipiik ni mbaa numeral
kipɔɔkalk noun wasp [type]
eleven
kipiik ni nlee numeral twelve kipugaak noun tree [type]

kipiik ni nlole numeral kipuk noun. glory, the having

seventeen of more of everything than
others
kipiik ni nloob numeral
kipukpamaŋ noun bird [type]
sixteen
kipiik ni nnaa numeral kipulk noun. ordeal - when
fourteen something disappears,
someone will be accused and
kipiik ni nniin numeral the upuldaan will prepare an
eighteen ordeal. (e.g. something to be
kipiik ni ntaa numeral removed from boiling fat) If
the man is burned, he will be
thirteen held responsible for the
kipiik ni nwae numeral disappearances. Bi pul
nineteen
kipulk. they are performing
kipiik ni ŋŋmu numeral the ordeal.
fifteen
kipupuk noun boast
kipileejuk noun small knife
kipuuk1 noun. marsh
with sharp point used to
extract an arrow from a kipuuk2 noun swearing (in a
wounded person
bad sense), profanity U puu
kipipiik noun. place, general
kipuuk. He swore.
area, direction
kisaak noun farm (originally
kipotiŋ noun. lower abdomen
87 kitakpatookteeb

yam farm) kitaafaayiik noun ear

kisambibik noun small clay cartilage
pot used for eating soup kitaafark noun foot (leg leaf)
kisambuun noun small clay kitaak noun day Ni woln
pot used for eating soup
kitaak. The following day. (It
kisamɔndiik noun cooking lightened day)
room
kitaakuuk noun the season
kisanjaŋ noun broken piece of
when all the crops are
pot for carrying live coals yielding - approx. Oct. - Nov.,
kisanyɔŋ noun tree [type] end of rains but before
harmattan
kisapeek noun bathing bowl
kitaalangbaŋ noun cloud
(clay)
kiseek noun. rainy season kitaaŋambijak noun big toe

kisibir noun fly kitaaŋambik noun toe

kisiik1 noun yam sticks (sticks kitaaŋambinyanyark noun

to support the vines) toe nail

kisiik2 noun. shared, clan spirit kitaapaak noun outer space,

heavens
kisiik3 noun. uninhabited, wild
kitaasiik noun. middle of the
place where animals live
night when everyone is in bed
kisɔŋ noun head pad
kitakpaloŋ noun cave
kisufark noun leaves (of a tree
kitakpatook noun bird [type]
or bush)
kitaabuŋ noun. rainstorm kitakpatookteeb pl. of
kitakpatook noun bird
kitaadal noun trousers
[type]
kitalŋ 88

kitalŋ noun trap, snare [type]

kitambuuk noun pit or hole kiwakork noun animal

dug to get building clay kiwakpiik noun rag
kitangbaak noun dust kiwankur noun domestic
kitapajak noun face U faa u animal (generic term) Lit.
thing-hair
kitapajak. He slapped his
kiwoo noun. general noise (e.g.
face.
people in the market)
kitapak noun cheek, side of
kiwusark noun flute made of
the face
linaaliin wood, blown across
kiteek noun. desert, area with top
no trees
kiyayak noun sieve (calabash
kitiŋ 1) noun town, place, or modern type)
country 2) earth, ground,
kiyeŋ noun bird [type]
floor
kititeelaakpaŋ noun frog kiyibubuuk noun head-scarf
[type] kiyik noun calabash (generic
kitork noun. sacrifice, the term)
actual offering, libation etc. kiyikpaŋ noun skull
kitotok noun calabash cut kiyikpembik noun big,
through the middle used to general-purpose calabash
store salt or fish. Big ones used for dry substances
used to be used for clothes
and some may be used for kiyikper noun hair
cotton. kiyikpichaak noun comb
kitotoŋ noun. sweat
kiyikpupuk noun cloth hat
kiwaafulook noun snake without a brim, worn mostly
89 kool

by Muslim men koln tiib pl. of koln noun.

kiyikuuk noun pito-cup, small elephant
calabash for drinking pito kon verb hoe, farm, harvest
kiyinyoor noun calabash yams
larger than kiyikuuk used for koo1 verb boil (pito boils)
dipping and drinking water
koo2 verb go in, enter, live M
kiyipook noun scalp
koo Chabɔb. I live in Saboba
kiyiyirk noun head-tie, head-
M koo loor ki buen Tamal. I
band
travelled to Tamale by lorry.
kiyondiik noun prison, (I entered lorry and went
slave/prisoner room Tamale) M koo waataanli. I
kiyɔlk noun tree [type] have offended him. (I entered
his fault)
kiyuufeŋ noun. head of millet
koo3 verb snap, break (wood),
koe1 verb smooth a grinding
break taboo Aa koo
stone, sharpen a blade
maakoobil. You broke my
koe2 verb cough
taboo. (Salt is taboo to me,
kokolaajir noun mantis but you put it in my food.
kokolaajir mam pl. of koo4 verb taboo, forbid
kokolaajir noun mantis (something) bi koo ndaan
They forbid (taboo) alcoholic
kokolaajir tiib pl. of
drink
kokolaajir noun mantis
kooh verb sell
koln noun elephant
kookoo qualifier all, everyone,
koln mam pl. of koln noun everything
elephant kool noun crow
kool mam 90

kool mam pl. of kool noun kɔnkɔni adverb nearby

crow kɔnkɔnti noun cassava flour.
kool tiib pl. of kool noun see banchi
crow kɔŋ verb lose
koon verb put into nyii koon
kɔr1 verb scratch, scrape, mark
push into
koor verb collect, shovel (sand) kɔr2 1) verb slaughter by
cutting throat 2)
koose noun bean cakes
kɔr3 verb extract from pot, ladle
kooti noun court, lawcourt out
kotimoon noun soup leaves kpa verb have
[type] kpaa1 soon after, immediately
kotoko 1) noun sack 2) C200 -
kpaa2 verb dry up (well or
a sack of money
waterhole)
kotom noun vegetable [type]
kpaa3 verb look after, herd,
kotom mam pl. of kotom bring together, eg. cows
noun vegetable [kind of] kpaa4 1) verb be deaf 2) be
kotom tiib pl. of kotom noun dried up
vegetable [kind of] kpaa5 verb nail, knock in
kɔ dial. var. of koo4 verb
kpaacha noun. axe
forbid, taboo
kɔ verb not do something kpaaji noun inedible plant
because of taboo resembling a yam

kɔdu noun banana kpaal verb embrace, caress

kɔn be a short cut kpaam adjective important,

great
91 kpal

kpaan1 dial. var. of noun cutlass

*chachaan verb the same kpae verb increase

kpaan2 1) join together, be kpafuja noun tree [type]

united 2) verb be same, go kpagomam pl. of kpagot
together Baa kpaan bumɔb. noun hump-backed cow, zebu
They disagreed. (they-not kpagot noun zebu cow, cow
together mouth) Bi kpaan te with a hump
la. They have the same father. kpagotiib pl. of kpagot noun
Ti kpaani le ki ji. We eat hump-backed cow, zebu
from one bowl.(We together kpak1 verb compete, argue Bi
and eat) I kpaani chuun.
kpak kinikpakpak. They
They (wild animals) travel in
argued.
herds. (They together walk)
kpak2 verb walk by, roam
*kpaan3 adjective important,
big kpakpa aasub noun coconut
-kpaan adjective big, important palm
kpakpa aasui pl. of kpakpa
kpaar1 verb clap (hands),
knock (door) aasub noun coconut palm
kpaar2 verb pour (liquid) kpakpaa1 noun coconut
kpaar3 verb remove (st. nailed kpakpaa2 noun seed [type], for
down) un-nail) soup (like sesame seeds)
kpab verb roll up (bed, scroll), kpakpaayuk adverb often
shut book kpakpaln adjective square,
kpacha noun cutlass rectangular
kpacha mam pl. of kpacha kpal verb lock
kpal kpal 92

kpal kpal intensifier (used ni kpee siib in a short while

with 'smooth' joon) kpel noun older sibling of the
kpala adverb at all, intensifier same sex Waa kpa bo, kaa
kpalba noun bottle, jar kpa naal, bee kpel mu. He
kpalba mam pl. of kpalba had neither son (child), nor
noun bottle, jar younger-brother, nor older-
brother.
kpalba tiib pl. of kpalba
kpeln verb older than, senior
noun bottle, jar
kpaln1 verb pretend kpeln1 verb change, exchange

kpaln2 verb change into, kpeln2 verb be senior, older U

become kpeln si He is-older than you.
kpan verb marry a widow kpenn1 verb sprout,
kpaŋ1 verb insert in cavity or particularly after being cut
down
behind something (e.g.rafter,
ear) kpenn2 verb pour
kpaŋ2 verb go near (water kpepii noun brother's wife
bank)
kpepiitiib pl. of kpepii noun
kpapeel noun venereal disease brother's wife
or bilharzia
kper1 verb postpone
kpar2 verb choke, annoy
kper2 verb out of joint
kpar3 verb open, leaf through, a
kpetiib pl. of kpel noun older
book
sibling of the same sex
kpee verb add Uwumbɔr kpee
kpib noun pouch in cheeks
si. God bless you. (add you)
(e.g. tobacco) u ga kpim u bi
93 kunbimam

kpimni kpim! kudul noun small bridge,

kpii verb carve, strip bark off culvert
kudul mam pl. of kudul
kpiin verb feed, bring up
noun small bridge, culvert
children
kukumɔŋ noun. selfishness
kpiir verb reveal, expose, make
known kul verb place under the head
kpiln noun. loaf of bread kulchuŋ noun large guinea
kpilŋ noun yam [type] corn stalk container for day
by day supplies of groundnuts
kpinaa noun yam [type] or maize, kept in kinaakook
kpir verb throw out, empty out, kulchuŋ mam pl. of
spill out a liquid kulchuŋ noun large guinea
kpo verb die corn stalk container for day
by day supplies of groundnuts
kpob verb hold in mouth or maize, kept in kinaakook
kpokl verb plan, discuss, kuln verb end
converse, bargain kulufeen noun flute carved
kpokl1 verb be old (of a thing) from guinea corn stalk
kpokl2 verb consult together, kulufeen mam pl. of
plan kulufeen noun flute carved
kpɔk verb stand near (si kpɔk) from guinea corn stalk
kpukl verb uproot, break down kun verb go home

kraachi noun educated person, kunbib noun. bird [type]

clerk kunbimam pl. of kunbib
ku verb kill noun. bird [type]
kunbitiib 94

kunbitiib pl. of kunbib noun. kuruwaa tiib pl. of kuruwaa

bird [type] noun. enamel eating dish
kunn verb marrying, sending kusom noun. bird [type]
home kuu verb shave
kur verb stir
kuun1 verb be empty
kuruwaa noun. enamel eating
kuun2 verb gather together,
dish, bowl
congregate, meet
kuruwaa mam pl. of
kuur1 verb dry (intransitive)
kuruwaa noun. enamel
eating dish kuur2 verb weed

Ll
l- pronoun it (see introduction) Which (of two people) is
nicer? U bi kilatiŋ ponni ni?
la1 particle [particle] M cha
Which town is he in?
kinyaŋ ni la. I am going to
laa1 adverb still, yet, just U laa
the market.
bi bae la. He is still learning.
la2 interrogative where U bi la?
Where is he? U bi la chee? laa2 verb laugh, laugh at, tease

Where is he (at)? U bi la laa3 negative pronoun pronoun

class 8 sg. /li/ with /aa/ neg.
wɔb? Where is he (which
did not/is not...
direction)?
laah as it...
-la- infix which? Ulau ŋan?
95 lee

laakumii noun camel lambafifiteeb pl. of

laampaab noun aeroplane (lit. lambafifi noun lizard
flying above) [type]
laan1 verb fly lampoo noun tax (for people)

laan2 pronoun it pro. cl. neg lampoo mam pl. of lampoo

fut. (won't/isn't..) noun tax (for people)
laar verb remove with a stick lann verb miss

laasaab noun patience when laŋ1 verb be hung

aroused laŋ2 verb lock, bolt
laasib noun astonishment, lar verb split
wonder, amazement ŋa .....
le1 particle emphatic particle
laasib amaze, surprise
Min le ban nnyɔk. It is I who
labr verb go back, return want medicine. Ntewaa
lak1 dial. var. of chee4 harvest aabisal le na. That is my
verb reap uncle's daughter.
lak2 verb harvest groundnuts or le2 conjunction and, and then,
bambara beans
then, introductory Bi tii u
lak3 verb lick, taste
nnyun le u nyun. Le bi doon
lak4 verb locked u idoon. Le u buen... They
lak lak dazzling brightness gave him water and he drank.
Then they greeted him. Then
lakr verb pass or jump over he went....
lakr-jer noun. Passover lee1 verb choose, take out,
lambafifi noun lizard [type] extract, take a photo, remove
lee 96

the skin of an animal two

lee2 verb boil, bubble leler ordinal second in order
(intransitive) lem verb speak (imper.)
lee3 verb kick
len verb talk, say, speak out
lee4 demonstrative this (cl.
leŋ1 verb patch, mend a
demonstrative)
puncture, weld, take the place
*lee5 numeral two of
leema noun umbrella leŋ2 verb come in place of,
leema mam pl. of leema replace Uja ngbaan leŋ
noun umbrella waaleleŋ This man replaced
leemoo noun lemon, orange, him (replaced his place)
citrus fruit leŋ baaleleŋ take their place
leen verb hang, hang out leen li1 particle imper. (particle)
aalambil put out your tongue li2 pronoun it
leer1 verb boil, bubble up li3 particle verbal part. (with
leer2 verb opposite of hang fut. cont.)
out/up (unhang) li- it (cl. 3 prefix)
lek1 verb hold breath lib verb roast (meat)
lek2 verb hinder, block libaa1 reflexive itself (cl.
lekr verb unblock (opposite of reflex.)
lek) libaa2 determiner one, a certain
lelee1 ordinal second in (cl. det.) Lijal libaa bi. There
order/two each is one/a certain chair.
*lelee2 numeral two each/ two, libaal noun bird [type]
97 libɔrjal

libaawol noun sacrifice, libɔkl1 noun yam shelter at

libation, offering. house or farm
libamɔnn noun. truth, libɔkl2 noun part
genuineness libɔkpal noun coconut palm
libeebil noun palm nut
libɔkpinl noun an excuse
libiil noun breast
libɔkul noun dress, shirt of any
libiir noun cover, lid kind except kikpalk
libil 1) noun seed 2) word libɔkokpokl old worn-out

libimbikl noun. epilepsy garment litaabɔkur rain-coat

libimbinl noun eath-bench, libɔlen noun speech, speaking

dais libɔlunl noun bell (for bicycle
libinl noun year Aa bi do or school)
ŋibin ŋiŋa? How long have libɔmbɔnl noun. darkness,
you lived here? blackness
libipɔnl noun new year libɔɔl1 1) noun bundle, placenta

libir noun sign language 2) libɔɔl ni in secret

tibɔbɔɔrkaan secret news
libonl1 noun deep, natural
water-hole or well libɔɔl2 noun in secret
libonl2 noun hole torn or libɔrchinl noun. chief's
drilled in fabric or paper courtyard
libool noun tent/shelter libɔrdichal noun chief's
libɔgbinl noun shoulder house/compound
libɔrjal noun throne, chief's
libɔjil noun judgment
chair
libɔrnanjel 98

libɔrnanjel noun pigeon lichachal noun tree [type]

libɔrwiin noun bird [type] lichachapuil noun fruit [type]
libuel noun a scar lichakpaal noun short-handled
libukakl noun scab calabash used for serving
tizet or likɔkɔl
libunl noun wind, air lichakpanl noun penis
libutul noun. small water hole lichakpelar noun boil
at river source
lichakpitaawonl noun dawn,
libuul1 noun pot-hole, gutter,
early morning
trench, pond, pool, hole
libugeln / ŋibugen puddle/s lichakukul noun spear

libuul2 noun pot (any sort of lichal noun black ant [type]
smallish ~) lichamɔnl noun. marriage
libuul3 noun spot/place lichapooŋ noun spear-grass
libuul ngbaan ni used for roofing
immediately licheel noun harvest
lichaafugbanl noun bellows lichichikr noun face down (on
lichaatakpal noun anvil ground)

Lichabol noun. dialect of the lichinjal noun outer/large

Bichabob clan who live in the courtyard
villages around Saboba, the lichinkpol noun lion's corpse
Konkomba capital.
lichinl noun courtyard,
lichachakl noun small whitish verandah
stones used for gravelling
roads lichɔl1 noun tool with the same
metal piece as kichɔk
99 lidɔpɔkl

lichɔl2 noun termite [type] pito

lichur noun thousand lidapuul noun other side

lichuun noun long narrow lidatur noun. see App. 8 - pito

basket used for catching fish, lidel noun tree [type]
which have passed through
the bunyɔb tied by a rope lidibil noun seed

lidaabil noun. pito see App. 8 lidichal noun building, house

(whole structure, not
lidaapuul limɔɔdapuul individual parts)
other side of the river noun.
other side lidikl1 noun place where you
may find water (by digging)
lidaapuul noun. other side of
the river lidikl2 noun island, hillock,
mound
lidabil noun stick
lidil noun net (like mosquito
lidabukpokr noun used pito net)
pot
lidinyikl noun foundation
lidabunl noun drum
lidipoidabil noun threshing
lidabunl noun long narrow pole
drum with one skin, held
between the legs when lidipoipaal noun threshing
played. Modern band drums floor
are also given this name. lidɔchɔl noun splinter, wood
lidabuul noun pito pot chip
lidagigir noun. pito see App. 8 lidɔpei noun gathering
firewood
lidakal noun. see App. 8 - pito
lidɔpɔkl noun bark of tree
lidakool noun. see App. 8 -
lidubil 100

kidapɔkr a small piece of metal

bark removed from a tree ligambil noun fruit [type]
lidubil noun raised scar, slight liganganl noun big drum, used
swelling, scab when dancing the kinaachɔŋ
lidumbil noun praise name, ligbaal noun sea shore
name used in dancing
ligbanl1 noun scabs on body
lidunl noun engine noise,
continuous throbbing ligbanl2 noun skin

lifaakuul noun big laterite ligbanyakl noun slowness,

rock, soft, red and able to be sluggishness, laziness
carved, used in making mfan, Ligbanyakl joo mi din. I am
stumbling block feeling dull/lazy today.
lifaal noun. inheritance jin (Laziness holds me to-day)
lifaal inherit ligbapal noun belt

lifl1 noun trail, tracks left in the ligbapapanl noun belt

sand, other than footprints ligbengbenl noun. blunted
lifl2 noun food [type] ligbinl noun knot, joint (of
lifɔfɔk noun. length, tallness body)
lifɔkɔɔl noun fireplace inside a ligbiyikl dial. var. of
room limɔɔgbiyikl island noun
lifulaatanl noun a sling river island

lifuur noun. rest, breath ligbiyikl noun hillock, mound

(some dialects - cf. lidikl)
ligabɔnl noun tree [type]
ligbukl noun small straw hat
ligagaar noun hammer used by
ligengel noun tree [type]
blacksmith to beat molten
101 likakaal

ligengenl noun short lijangbul noun. electric fish

ligenl noun part, section lijeer noun parrot
ligetekr noun group, part lijenl noun egg
ligongol noun incline, slope, lijikaabil noun seed grain
hill lijil noun eating, consumption
ligonl noun wall
lijingbeekakl noun sugar-
ligɔngɔnl noun. crooked cane
ligɔr noun travelling lijinjiir noun astonishment,
liguunl noun kola nut amazement
lijool noun mountain, hill
lii1 verb give permission, allow
lijooyil noun mountain top
lii2 verb 1) let go, fall
Libimbikr le lii u. He is lijɔnjɔl noun slippery place
having an epileptic fit. lijuul noun tail
(Epilepsy threw him down)
2) lik verb look at, look after, care
for
liin verb sink gradually due to
seepage (of a boat) lik-seen noun. contempt

lijafeel noun cushion for likaab adjective uncooked

sitting on, mattress likaagiil1 noun eagle, large
lijakpatuul noun fish [type] bird
lijal noun chair, stool kijabik likaagiil2 noun bird [type]
small stool libɔrjal throne likaakul noun grave
lijakpeekaan easy chair likakaal noun crow
likakambil 102

likakambil noun fruit [type] likekenl noun cloth

likakanl noun outer leaves liker noun group, part
likakann noun tree [type] likiikpinl noun ball of local
likakl noun guinea corn stalk soap

likaklaamboln section of likokonl noun spherical,

guinea corn stalk from joint rounded (e.g. mouth of a tin
to joint or a ball)

likal1 noun unripe likokopenl noun tree [type]

likal2 noun grass by the river likokul noun see lichakaakul

used for roofing likonl noun fin of fish
likalambab noun bed bug likoobeel noun chicken basket
likalapol noun grass cutter, likoobil noun taboo
cane rat
likoochal noun drinking vessel
likalmaan noun maize for hens
likalwaan noun maize likoojenl noun egg
likambɔnuul noun cassava likookpinl noun. scrotum,
likanl noun English testicles

likapanl noun small zana mat likoolunl noun chicken basket

likeebil noun metal ring worn Likoonl noun dialect spoken

on right thumb to stretch by the Komba clan who live
bowstring when aiming in the northern Konkomba
arrows area

likekeen noun chicken basket likɔkɔl noun thin porridge

likɔnyunlib noun snake [type]
103 likpongbaal

likpaakool 1) noun holiday likpakpanl noun square

(lit. farm taboo day) 2) week likpakpeebil noun kidney
(from one taboo day to the
next) likpaakoosaakpelndaal likpal1 noun baboon, ape
Sunday (farm-taboo-big-day) likpal2 noun wealth
likpaakoowaatiirdaal
likpangbil noun bank of river
Saturday (farm-taboo-day-
small) likpanl1 noun plank of wood,
likpaal noun peg measuring rod

likpaambil noun caterpillar likpanl2 noun tree [type] ?

kapok
likpaasiil noun the season
likpasambil noun jar
when people are hungry (i.e.
before new yams) likpatambikl noun loin cloth
likpaayuun noun laziness likpateerkaan noun
(bad) remembrance stone (noun-
likpabjal noun spine, verb-nominalising suffix)
backbone likpeluul noun water-place
likpabl noun bone likpikpiil noun block
Likpakpaanl noun the likpil noun buttock
Konkomba language
likpinl noun lump, ball (e.g. of
Bikpakpaam aaliin le ye
kenkey)
Likpakpaaln The Konkomba-
likpokl1 noun heap, pile
people's language is
Likpakpaaln likpokl2 noun old
likpakpal noun mist, any sort likpongbaal noun bank of
of haze in rainy season river
likpukl 104

likpukl1 noun tree [type] noun ruins (cl.8) (ŋilangben)

likpukl2 noun duck lilanibol interrogative which
likpukpinl noun bump (clan/people)
lilapol noun grass cutter, cane
likpuul noun funeral
rat
likr verb open (eyes) lilaposal noun hedgehog
likukul noun heavy club lileler noun second (in order)
likumbal noun tree [type] lilii noun yam [type]
likumbuul noun cooking pot lilolole noun seventh
for yam or TZ
liloloob noun sixth
likunl noun destruction
liluul 1 1) noun arrow poison
likusambil noun pot
made from snake 2) 3)
likutuul noun termite (generic liluul 2 noun quiver (for
term App. 4) arrows)
likuul noun hoe lim verb sink by overturning in
lil verb vanish water
lilakl noun a lock lima pronoun pn. cl. emph.

lilaliba interrogative which Litakpal li bidimaab yii li

(fetish) na, lima le ye litakpajal. The
lilambanl noun lizard [type] stone which the builders
rejected, that one is the most
lilambil noun tongue important of all.
lilangbanl noun beard limakl noun. hope, a boast

lilangbenl sg. of ŋilangben limakldaan noun boaster,

105 limɔɔsikakl

braggart limɔfal 2 noun life

limaleel dial. var. of limɔffl noun burning torch
limaleen noun toadstool
limɔgbanl noun lip
limaleen noun toadstool [type]
limɔgenl noun edge, ledge
limamanl noun red
limɔjunn noun central point of
limanl noun dew lip, point, peak
limeel sg. of ŋimeel noun limɔkl noun sign, visual aid,
prayer (ŋimeel) proof

limiitur noun fire, hearth limɔliin noun word, speech

limina demonstrative that, the Limɔnkpel noun. dialect

one there spoken by the Konkomba
clan Bimɔnkpeeb
limol noun vagina
limɔɔdapuul noun other side
limombil noun coin ŋimombil of the river
money limɔɔdikl noun river banks
limool noun sucking (fruit)
limɔɔgbanl noun river
limotaafl noun grass torch bank/seashore
limɔbonl noun word, limɔɔgbiyikl noun river island
command (some dialects)
limɔchir noun lip-peg hole limɔɔkal noun sea of reeds
limɔchuu noun lip-peg limɔɔl noun river
limɔfakpaal noun. a cold, limɔɔluukaan noun dam
cataarh, lit. blocked nose limɔɔsikakl noun mackerel
limɔfal 1 1) noun nose 2)
limɔr 106

limɔr noun patience in waiting linaalibr noun. opposite

limɔyiir noun rebellion linaaliimbil noun fruit [type]
limpumɔɔl noun distaff, arrow linaaliin noun tree [type]
point (same thing used for linaaliin dial. var. of
different purposes)
kiwusark flute noun. kind
limukl noun affliction,
of tree
problem, peril
linaanyiimbil noun type of
limunjabil noun anus
seed
limunjal noun bottom (body linaapuul noun towel,
part) libaakuumunjal bottom (resembles the lining of a
of a basket cow's stomach)
linaabisuul noun. ant-eater linaasɔnn noun mole
linaabumbul noun tree [type] linaatakl noun sandal, shoe
linaaganganl noun fly [type] linabul dial. var. of liwul flute
linaagur noun tapeworm noun. flute
linabul noun tree [type]
linaajikpakpabr noun round
tick linabumbuul noun beetle
linaakandakl noun hard Linafeel noun. dialect of
pimples like warts Konkomba spoken by the
linaakpaawul noun fruit Binafeeb clan, in villages
north of Saboba, the
[type] Konkomba capital
linaakpol noun dead cow, linaganganl noun crab
carcase/carcass
linakamangbukl noun
linaalab noun a whip
grasshopper [type]
107 linujal

linakumbɔnl noun charcoal ethnic group

linamanambil noun fish linikpol noun corpse

[type] linikul noun murder
linambakun (ni) noun area linimanl noun. danger, risk
around the house other than (Lit. red eye) Ni kpa
the entrance area
linimaln. It is dangerous. (It
linambuir noun tray - a wide
board for carrying or drying has danger.) Ti ga kan
things on linimaln. We will be in
linamɔmɔkl noun tree [type] danger. (We will see danger)

linamɔmɔmbil noun fruit linimapapal noun fish [type]

[type] linimbaasanl noun pity,
linampal noun home, compassion
compound linimbil noun eye
linanar noun fourth linimbil wɔb noun face (Lit.
linanguul noun crooked stick eye area)
carried by small boys - linimpuul noun yam mound
imitation axe
lininkpil noun corpse, dead
linanjel noun dove
body
linanyɔnl noun shoulder or liniŋmiŋminl noun quiet
hand bag with opening in the person
side, made of rope
liniwul noun. crowd of people
lineen noun strong desire
linugbiŋ noun seed yam
linibiil noun treason
linujal noun tuber yam of any
linibol noun language group,
kind
linumbɔɔl 108

linumbɔɔl noun yam [type] water)

linuul noun yam liŋ verb reign

linyaar noun yeast-rope liŋaakaakul noun fist

linyakaakul noun (clenched) liŋaakul noun handful

fist liŋaalgbinl noun wrist
linyambil noun bird [type] liŋaan 1) noun tree [type]
linyandil noun bird's nest 2) fruit [type]

linyansanl noun potty, liŋaankal noun. greenness M

chamber pot ban kigbaŋ ki ye liŋaankal
linyaŋ noun victory M ga fe na. I want a green book.
tii nimi linyaŋ bi pu fen. I liŋaantaŋ dial. var. of
will give you victory over kiŋaantaŋ noun. slap (on
them to-morrow. back)
linyikaakpiik noun gum liŋaatanl noun. open-handed
linyinl noun tooth slap usually on the back
linyinyiŋ noun. undersized, liŋeel noun. umbilical cord
thin, small liŋmabil noun star
linyipɔɔtann noun crocodile liŋmeen noun. lonely, naked
linyɔkl noun orange liŋminl noun fowl's gizzard
linyumbugonl noun bathing liŋmiŋminl noun quiet
enclosure
liŋoobil noun fish [type]
linyumbuul noun water pot
liŋɔjuul noun stern (of boat),
linyunbol noun a drop (of
pointed end
109 lipɔln

liŋɔyil noun bow (of boat) lipepel noun place (e.g. page
liŋuŋubl noun. harmattan fog of book) location
lipiiponl noun. jealousy U
liŋuul1 1) noun heart (the
kpa |lipiipoln. He is jealous.
organ) 2) Liŋuul joo u. He is
(He has jealousy)
angry.
lipiiyal noun prostitute
liŋuul2 noun anger (Lit. heart)
Preceded by the verb gee. lipil noun mud-built granary
Uninkpel, taa gee liŋuul m lipinl noun board
pu. Sir, don't be angry with lipobil1 noun courage, bravery
me. (Lit. 'small inside') Preceded
liŋuun noun sigh U faa by the verb kpa to have
|liŋuun. He sighed. David ni waajab ye bijab bi

lipaal1 noun threshingfloor kpa lipobil na la. David and

his soldiers are brave. (Lit.
lipaal2 noun. outside have heart)
lipal1 noun plait, plaited rope or lipobil2 noun heart, chest,
string inside (Lit. 'small inside')
lipal2 noun payment ...ki cha nin chee mpiin ga ti

lipandakul noun cricket too chaar upobil na. ...going

to where an arrow will pierce
lipapal noun fish [type] his heart.
lipapanl noun logs tied lipɔkl noun outer skin, peel,
together, raft fish scales, tortoise shell,
lipeel noun dry season banana peel
lipɔln noun debt, payment
lipenl noun board
lipɔɔl 110

lipɔɔl noun liver lisachunl noun journey

lipɔpɔl noun mildew, mould lisalaasiil noun tree (type)
lipubaan noun relatives (one lisambil noun earthenware or
stomach) wooden bowl for eating
lipul1 noun. ghost sent in lisambɔnn noun. food from
retaliation the bride
lipul2 noun stalk of grass lisamonkumbuul dial. var. of
lipulaajil noun pumpkin likumbuul noun. a pot

lipulaakpel noun tortoise (ŋisamonkumbuu)

lipulaaleen noun cockroach lisapol noun hyena

lipulaataal noun toad lisayikl noun rat

lipultayu noun rabbit lisibikpil noun dead fly

lipuul 1) noun abdomen, lisiibil noun insult

stomach U kpa lipuul. She is lisiijal noun tree (type)

pregnant (She has a stomach) lisikakpel noun roadside
2) pregnancy U kpa lipuul.
lisikpiil noun tree stump
She is pregnant. (she has a
stomach) lisil noun respect
lipuul dial. var. of linaapuul lisinl noun bambara bean
towel noun stomach
lisiŋ noun. hiccough
lir verb fall
lisubil noun fruit (of a tree)
lisaachɔŋ noun funeral-food
lisugenl noun log (part of a
lisaakpenl noun big .one tree)
111 litimbol

lisupuul noun tree trunk about us. (His-ears will be us

in) Utafal pɔɔ. He doesn't
lisusur noun backwards
understand. (His ears are-
litaabɔlunl noun calf of leg hard)
litaabuul noun foot print (lit. litakpajool noun large rock
foot hole) litakpal noun stone
litaagbinl noun ankle, heel litakpapapaln noun flat stone
litaajal noun thigh litakpapinl noun white stone
litaakɔr noun hand bag with litakpasakpenl noun large
opening at top stone
litaakpinl noun cheek litakpateerkaan noun
litaal noun leg memorial stone
litaanal noun hail litakpinl noun puff (of air)

litaaŋaayil noun knee litambol noun sand, sandy soil

litaapal noun thigh litanl noun bandage

litaapɔtan noun sole of foot litapunl noun rubbish heap

litaasanl noun race, foot race liteebɔnl noun frog

litaatakpar noun hail litiipal noun. termite hill, ant

hill
litaatanl noun foot print
litimbiil noun destruction of
litabaabunl noun pipe (for nation
smoking)
litimbol noun community of
litafal noun ear Utafal ga li bi people living in one town and
ti ni. He will be concerned speaking the same language
litingbaln 112

litingbaln noun country liwankpol noun carcase (dead

litinyikl noun foundation (of thing)
world) liwatakel noun gecko [type]
litiyil noun capital city liwawaer noun ninth (cl. 8)
litukpaan noun great work liwilir noun. west
litunl noun work, load, burden liwimanl noun dusk, twilight
litunyaan noun good work liwinbaal noun one day, same
litupɔɔl noun hard work day
liwipuul noun. east
litur 1) noun baobab tree
2) baobab pod and contents liwɔkl1 noun half fowl
liturbil noun baobab seeds liwɔkl2 noun giant
liturkar noun baobab leaf liwul noun flute made of
lituun noun beans linabul wood blown across
the top
liwaal1 noun fetish liwuul noun basket used by
liwaal2 noun fetish dance, women for catching fish. It
general term for other has a big hole at the bottom
which is plunged down over
peoples' dances Bi waa
the fish, then the fish is
liwaal. They danced. extracted by hand through the
small hole
liwaataal noun snake - puff
adder [type] liyaadaal noun that day
liwangol noun. posessions, liyaakakanl noun weaver bird
belongings liyabl noun. stamina
liwankpal noun. riches
113 *loob

liyabr noun ability, used with liyɔŋ noun tree [type]

kpa lob verb lash, whip
liyataŋakl noun proverb,
loe verb whip
puzzle, parable
liyigbeer noun forehead lok verb stand against, attack

liyigbeetuun noun. type of lokr sp. var. of lukr verb

gouge out
chastisement U gaa u
lol verb line up
liyigbeetuun. He knocked
him on the head with his *lole numeral seven (takes
knuckles. obligatory prefix agreeing
with the nominal to which it
liyikukur noun pillow,
refers.)
wooden headrest for sleeping
loln verb lead luln nsan go
liyil noun head Uyil mɔ. He is
ahead of someone on the road
fortunate. (His head is sweet)
*lolole numeral seventh
liyimbil noun name
loloob1 ordinal sixth
liyimbinaankaal nickname
*loloob2 numeral six each
liyimɔɔn noun sweet head,
fortunate lon1 verb tie grasses in
liyinyaan noun fortunate readiness for roofing or
making zana mats
(good head)
lon2 verb bear fruit
liyipaateer noun scalp (of
head) lon3 verb cross water (by
liyipakuun noun shaven head wading or using stepping
stones)
liyɔmbil noun fruit [type]
*loob numeral six (takes
loon 114

obligatory prefix agreeing lukr verb gouge out

with the nominal to which it
refers.) lul dial. var. of gbin tether, tie
loon verb sneak away, stalk verb tie
lul dial. var. of gbab clothe
loor noun motor vehicle - lorry,
verb to clothe
'truck' [US.], car
lul1 verb set fire to
lɔb verb spit on
lul2 verb tie lul bumɔb fast (lit:
lɔe sp. var. of loe verb whip
tie mouth)
lɔi verb glean lul bumɔb fast (lit. tie mouth)
lɔk verb caught, stuck, trip up, lun1 verb drip, leak
intertwined
lun2 verb draw water
lɔkr1 verb whisper
lun3 verb collect (honey) lun
lɔkr2 verb unstick, loose (opp.
of lɔk) tisiir make honey

lɔnaaku noun guinea corn lun4 verb hang on/from U gaar

[type] lun busub bubaa pu. He was
lɔɔn verb clean rice hanging from a tree

lu1 verb bear fruit lunn verb fall in a hole

lu2 verb draw water lur verb make a line

lue sp. var. of loe verb to whip luu1 verb weave (e.g. mat)

lui verb peel, strip off skin luu2 verb give daily allowance
Bi nan luu u iwiin mɔmɔk
luk verb make dam, dig grave
aajikaar. They gave him a
lukl verb take turns at cooking
daily food allowance.
(e.g. two wives do)
115 maakpayal

luul verb cross water, by luun2 verb sharpen

wading or using stepping luur1 verb poke in
stones. (lon in some dialects)
luun1 verb add to soup luur2 verb remove from soup

Mm
m1 pronoun I (first per. sg. subj. pronoun did not...)
pro.) maa-kpa-dam noun. the
m-2 prefix I (before a vowel: needy (have-nots)
negative subordinating or maa-kpa-gaakii-dam noun.
possessive particle) Maa ban unfaithful ones
nibaa. I do not want maa-kpa-lan noun. senseless
anything. (I not want maa-kpa-taani-dam noun.
anything) maajuk my knife (I innocent ones
possessive knife)
maab noun. small fried cake
M-ye-na noun. I-am [type]
ma1 particle emphatic particle maah pronoun
M ma kan... As for me.... As/because/while/when/in the
manner/way I... (1st person
ma2 verb give birth, bring forth, sg. pronoun /m/ assimilated
bear (children) to the particle /aah/)
maa1 verb build maai pl. of maab noun cake
maa2 negative pronoun I am [type]
not/did not... (1st per. sg. maakpayal noun. unmarried
maan 116

woman/prostitute traverse, walk around a

maan1 verb deliver (a baby) territory
mam adjective pluralizer
maan2 negative future pronoun
1 sg. neg. fut. mamaŋ emphatic oneself M
maanyi noun. ignorance mamaŋ.... I myself

maaŋuntafal noun. man1 verb be red

disobedience, stubbornness man2 imperative plural Dan
maasɔdaan noun wastrel, man Come (you plural)
useless fellow (chiefly a trial
to his parents) mangu noun mango

maasɔdam pl. of maasɔdaan manguteeb pl. of mangu

noun wastrel, useless fellow noun mango
(chiefly a trial to his parents) mann1 verb collect fish from
mae verb throw stones nets previously set in position
mak 1) show off, seeking mann2 1) verb go round, visit
praise or renown, show pride 2) smoke meat or fish (by
in 2) verb hope turning it round on the fire)
mal1 noun mile mann3 verb become red,
redden, (causative)
mal2 verb be near
mann4 verb traverse, walk
mala adverb quickly, fast around, look around
malaika noun angel, God's mar1 verb have seeds
messenger
mar2 verb go near foor mar ni
malaikateeb pl. of malaika go near
noun angel, God's messenger
mbaa1 numeral one uja ubaa
maln dial. var. of mann4 verb
man one
117 mbeer

mbaa2 reflexive myself (1 sg. faa ibambaan. They clapped.

reflex.) (e.g. when someone scored a
mbaabil noun. spices, perfume goal)
mbamɔm adverb truly,
mbaam noun. perfume, scent,
properly, well
lotion, smell tulalee ngbaan
mbamɔn noun truth
aabaam gaa kidiik mɔmɔk
mbamɔndaan noun honest,
The scent of the perfume
filled the room (perfume the truthful, just person, truth-
poss-scent got room all) owner
mbaan1 verbal noun question mban verbal noun hunt,
hunting (a party goes looking
U kpa nlan ki gar mbaan
for meat)
ngbaan He answered the
mbanbaan noun whip, cane
question wisely. (he had
wisdom and answered mbar noun body marks found
question the) on face or front
mbaan2 dial. var. of mbaam mbeen1 noun. ignorance and
noun perfume economy, having a go M ŋa
mbaem verbal noun ni mbeen le ki ji. I had a go
knowledge, learning Unii u at it and so won. (e.g. tried to
bae mbaem na aa jer mend my bicycle although I
am not a fitter.)
waamɔmɔkr A student is not
mbeen2 noun. knowledge
better than his master. (a
person who is-learning mbeer verbal noun weeds at
knowledge not pass his-
farm M beer mbeer. I cleared
teacher)
the ground (but did not raise
mbambaan noun applause Bi yam mounds).
mbiin 118

mbiin1 noun breast milk mbipolb noun firstborn

mbiin2 noun meanness, cruelty, mbipɔm pl. of ubopɔɔn noun
wickedness infants, babes
mbiindaan noun wicked, mbisamɔb noun entrance,
cruel, pitiless person doorway, gateway
mbiindam pl. of mbiindaan mbol noun hole through a thin
noun wicked, cruel, pitiless substand (e.g. pierced ear,
person hole in wire netting)
mbijabim pl. of ubijabo mbon noun branch
noun boy (pre-puberty) mboon noun shade
mbim pl. of ubo1 noun
mbɔbɔr noun. hiding place
offspring, small comp. isubi
mbɔbɔryaan noun. hiding
mbim1 noun bracelet place, refuge
mbim2 noun children mbɔdiim noun. gentle
mbimbikpok noun. old life words/matter

mbimbin noun character, life, mbɔm noun black

ways mbɔman noun bronze
mbimbinpɔɔl noun. violence mbɔmbim pl. of kibɔmbik
mbimbinyaan noun. good noun ring
character mbɔmbɔm noun. black, dark
mbimbipɔɔn noun. new life (colour)

mbimbisuuna noun. mbɔmbɔɔn noun darkness

gentleness mbɔnbim pl. of ubɔnbo
mbipeer noun diarrhoea noun. illegitimate children
119 mfaawom

mbɔngeehm noun beloved the bracelet from his arm...

mbɔnyun noun mocking, fun mbufan noun. dry stream bed

Bi ŋa u mbɔɔnyun. They mbun noun small stream

mocked him. mburm verbal noun rottenness
mbɔnyundaan noun Maanu koo mburm. My
scoffer/mocker yams are getting rotten.
mbɔɔ noun mouse [type] mbuu noun tunnel-like hole,
mbɔɔteeb pl. of mbɔɔ noun e.g. mouse hole
mouse [type] mbuun noun sore
mbɔr noun funeral, refers only mbuunkpok noun cancer sore
to very recent death, any (lit. 'old sore')
disaster
mee1 verb beg for something
mbɔrbim pl. of ubɔrbo noun.
someone has, pray umeemeer
prince, chief's child
beggar
mbɔrdaan noun. royal wine
mee2 verb throw away
mbɔrnanjibim noun. pigeons
meeh verb touch
mbɔtiib noun. lovers
meel dial. var. of mal1 noun.
mbubim noun small pots mile
mbuen noun bracelet, arm meen verb annoint
band, large ring ...le m chuu mfaawom noun opportunity,
chikr kibɔryikpupuk uyil pu, convenience M yaa kan
ki ŋmaar mbuen mu ŋmaa mfaawom kan... If I get the
uŋaal na mu... ...then I took chance.... (If I see
the crown from his head and opportunity)
mfan 120

mfan noun cooking hearth, min pronoun I (emphatic)

with three stones, *mina demonstrative
blacksmith's fireplace U this/that/these
baan u mfan. She made a minn! inf. var. of miln verb
fireplace. (for new wife, avoid, dodge
usually done by her mother or
co-wife) mir1 verb part, to press apart,
force or pull apart
mfatan noun ashes
mir2 noun. myrrh
mfeen noun wing lifeengbiln
wing stripped of feathers for mir3 verb curve outwards
eating mirk verb very sweet, sickly
mfɔfɔk noun height Ni ga li mirk ke tisiir na It
mfum noun. times, occurrences will be sweet like honey'
mfum mulee twice miyaan noun. mine (my thing)
mfumbaa noun. once, all miyoo noun. mine
together mma pronoun 'I' emph. 'as for
mfuur noun. breath, rest me..'
mfuurnyaan noun. Holy mmaal noun family
Spirit Uwumbɔr, gir ni Israel yaab
mi pronoun me U tuk mi ke.... aamaal mu ye ŋichur ŋichur
He tole me.....
na chee. Return Lord to the
mil verb twist thousands of families of
milki noun tinned or powdered Israel.
milk mmaal noun. family
miln verb avoid, dodge mmaalbaan noun same family
121 mmɔɔnyunsɔm

mmaantɔtiib noun. allies mmoon1 noun stalk of grass

mmann noun. a visit (may be used as a taper)
mmoon2 noun. proclamation
mmeen noun. a request, prayer
mmoopiin noun white grass
mmii noun 1) fire 2) light
(found where no one farms)
mmiigaar flame mmiiyun (kipɔɔk) sometimes used for
embers mmiidam(n) beam roofing
(of light) mmoopuun noun flower
mmiibil noun. sparks (from mmopaan noun grassland,
fire) field
mmiigaal noun flame of fire mmopuun noun. flowers,
Unimbil wɔb wiin ke blossoms
mmiigaal na. His eyes were mmɔgbaamii noun breach in
like a flame of fire. dam wall
mmiisakɔl noun live coals mmɔju noun projection, ledge
mmiisakɔn noun burning mmɔkm noun teaching
coals mmɔkpaween noun jaw
mmiisakpiin noun huge fire
mmɔkur noun whiskers
mmiiyon noun ashes
mmɔmɔɔn noun. flattery
mmobim noun. grass (sweet mouth)
(small/short grass) mmɔɔn1 noun okra
mmogbaan noun edges of
mmɔɔn2 noun joy, pleasure,
field
sweetness, happiness
mmoŋmɔpaan noun. pasture
mmɔɔnyunsɔm noun blessing
mmɔɔsan 122

(cool sweet water) potsherd)

mmɔɔsan noun. river crossing moo2 adverb really,
mmɔpɔɔn noun. loud/strong increasingly, more
voice moo3 verb suck
mmɔpuur noun curse Le moon verb proclaim
Kristo nyan timi mmɔpuur moor1 verb flash, shine Utaal
ngbaan ni. Christ redeemed moor. Lightning flashed.
us from that curse. (rain flashed)
mmɔtum noun. face mark moor2 1) verb suck 2) kiss
[type]
mɔ verb be sweet, pleasant
mmuubim noun. rice seeds
mɔb, mɔwɔb locative forward
mmuul noun rice
mɔk1 verb teach, show, aim at
moi verb carry live coals/fire (a target)
mokpombitadoon noun fish *mɔk2 pronoun every ... which
[type] N-yoonn mumɔk u choo na
mokpombitadoontiib pl. of u wii la. Every time he
mokpombitadoon noun comes he cries.
fish [type] mɔlb adjective rounded
moninko numeral twenty cedi
mɔln dial. var. of mɔnn verb
moninko twenty cedis (cedis tell lies
twenty)
mɔmɔk adjective all, every
moninko ni kipiik numeral
unii mɔk anyone binib mɔk
thirty
everyone unii umɔk ŋani
moo1 verb carry fire (e.g. on a
tiwan na ... anyone who does
123 mpiin

something.... mɔɔn2 verb soak in water

mɔmɔɔn adjective sweet/tasty mɔɔni verb rejoice
mɔn1 verb marry (of women) mɔɔnyiluub noun white
mɔn2 verb cook termite
mɔn3 verb wrestle mɔɔr verb to please

mɔn4 dial. var. of mɔnn verb mɔr verb be patient

tell lies mpaan noun space, room, a
mɔnkɔla noun clothes storage place
pot mpakn noun praise
mɔnkɔla mam pl. of mpapeem pl. of kipapeeŋ
mɔnkɔla noun clothes noun fish [type]
storage pot mpataawiin noun. open
mɔnn verb tell lies country/field
mɔɔ verb forge, do metal work mpem noun. white colour
mɔɔk verb become sweet mpepeen noun. width
mɔɔl verb rejoice, please, make mpepem noun. whiteness
happy mpihsin noun sheep blood
mɔɔlaafukdaan noun trouble
mpiibim pl. of upiibo noun
maker
girl (pre-puberty)
mɔɔlaafukdam pl. of
mpiikpen noun. menstruation
mɔɔlaafukdaan noun
trouble maker mpiin1 noun beginning

mɔɔn1 adjective go sour, be mpiin2 noun door key

sour mpiin3 noun arrow, pin, nail
mpiinaaluuk 124

mpiinaaluuk noun quiver mpɔɔn noun strength, power,

mpiituun noun. go-between; authority (related to riches,
but also physical)
the one sent to bring a
promised bride to her mpɔɔndaan noun. powerful
husband; he may be needed person
as a negotiator mpɔɔndam dial. var. of
mpijadɔ noun. outside ladder mpɔɔndaan noun. the
for granary mighty, powerful people
mpileejum pl. of kipileejuk mpɔɔnkun dial. var. of
noun small knife with sharp
point used to extract an arrow mpɔɔkun noun violent death
from a wounded person mpɔɔnsakpiin noun great
mpinbi noun nail, pin strength
mpombiin noun grief, sadness mpɔpɔɔn adverb
strongly/loudly
mpopiin noun happiness Bi
mpuibim noun. ipui seed
kpa mpopiin. They are
(acha, like grass seed)
happy.(They have happiness-
white inside) mpuul noun long-handled
mpopiindaan noun. happy calabash used for serving
soup or drink, tikpin aapuul
person has a shorter handle, but is
mpɔk noun shell longer than lichakpaal
mpɔn noun line (of yam mpuun noun. flower which
mounds, guinea corn ridges becomes fruit mmoopuun
etc.) mpɔnja / ipɔnja wild bush flower which does
foundations mound/s not become a fruit nsupuun
mpɔɔkun noun violent death tree flower, blossom
125 mur

mu1 particle also muir noun. slightly sour pito,

mu2 pronoun they, it (cl. pro. become slightly sour (of pito)
sg. or pl.) muk verb trouble, worry
mubaa1 reflexive themselves, someone
itself (cl. reflex.) mukr verb force someone to do
mubaa2 determiner one, something, persuade

certain (cl. det.) Nsan mubaa mul verb curl (lips)

bi. Njum mubaa bi. There is mulmul adverb (laugh) slyly

a certain/one way. There are Bi laa mulmul. They laugh
some/certain knives. /smile with lips curled
muchachaan adjective one muma pronoun pn. cl. 6 or
and the same 10emph. Waah dii nsan mu
mue1 demonstrative this, these ki dan na, muma le u ga ki
(see introduction)
gir dii. He will go back by the
mue2 verb get dark Ni mue a. same road he came.
It is dark
mumina demonstrative that,
muen verb crush, press down,
the one there, those, the ones
press, squeeze, (with hand) there (see introduction)
make a dent
mundaal temporal day which
mui verb observe that
mundaln dial. var. of
muib verb shut (mouth)
mundaal temporal day/time
muin1 verb sink, dive, baptise, which
immerse (in water)
munn verb refuse
muin2 verb meet/find a certain
mur verb twist
situation
muun 126

muun verb grow, grow up (plants or people)

Nn
-n future negative will not/are kiyikpembik noun big,
not... future negative general-purpose calabash
n--1 pronoun it, neutral used for dry substances
n-yikum pl. of kiyikuuk
n--2 prefix you, 2nd person
noun small calabash for
plural Naa ban nibaa. You drinking pito
do not want anything. (you n-yim noun. calling, cry
neg. want anything) naajuk
n-yon noun flour
your knife (you possessive
knife) n-yonkurkaan noun food
n-gbaan noun. outside, aside [type]
n-yaan noun salt n-yoon noun. tree (see App. 8)
[type]
n-yaayoonn noun. then, long
n-yoonn noun. time, age,
ago, in former times (in
ancestors' day) period N-yoonn ngbaan At
n-yaayunn noun. then, long that time (time the) n-yoonn
ago, in former times (in mɔmɔk always (time all)
ancestors' day)
n-yunn noun. time, age, period
n-yiin noun horn
N-yoonn ngbaan At that time
n-yikpembim pl. of
(time the) n-yoonn mɔmɔk
127 naakoon

always (time all) uŋoob It is not a goat

n-yuu noun millet, singular of naa3 verb sweat
iyuu
naa4 verb precede in time of
n-yuupoo noun. tree [type]
birth, be older than
na noun mother naa6 pronoun you pl. subj. did
na1 particle the one here, the not/are not..
one we know o f Maabo le *naa5 numeral four (takes
na. He is my child. (my-child obligatory prefix agreeing
here) with the noun to which it
refers.)
na2 particle past marker daalpu
naabitiib pl. of na aabo noun
na the day before yesterday sibling with same mother;
(day-upon past) used more widely as a
na3 particle subordinate clause friendly form of address
(naabiteeb - brethren)
marker (relative, temporal
etc.) Ubo u ku ujan na.... naachiin noun. hyena
The boy who killed the fish.... naadamtiib pl. of naandam
na aabo noun 1) sibling with noun cricket [type]
same mother 2) used more naadii noun. trust, faith
widely as a friendly form of
address (naabiteeb - brethren) naah as it.. neuter pro. /ni/
assimilated to subord. part.
naa1 dial. var. of gbab clothe
/aah/
verb put on, tie a cloth
naahn verb resemble
naa2 negative pronoun it
isn't/didn't (neuter pronoun naakoo noun fish [type]
/ni/ isn't/didn't...) Naa ye naakoon noun woman's
female friend
naakoontiib 128

naakoontiib pl. of naakoon naaseektiib pl. of naaseek

noun woman's female friend noun bird [type]
naakootiib pl. of naakoo naatiib pl. of naal noun
noun fish [type] younger sibling of the same
naakpaa noun swallow, sex
naawor noun snail
naakpaatiib pl. of naakpaa
noun swallow, naawortiib pl. of naawor
naal noun younger sibling of noun snail

the same sex Waa kpa bo, nab1 verb join

kaa kpa naal, bee kpel mu nab2 verb swallow

He had neither son (child) nor nabr1 verb continue, proceed
younger-brother nor older-
brother. nabr2 verb interpret, undo, take
apart, quote what somebody
naan1 verb create
said
naan2 negative future pronoun nabukpokpo noun. tree [type]
it won't... . neuter pron. /ni/
assimilated to neg. /aa/ and nachipɔtɔk noun boy's
fut. /-n/ morphemes. neighbouring boy friend
naandam noun cricket [type] nagbangba noun measles
naankee noun. image nak verb overlay, pave (with
stones)
naanyuun noun. morning star
nakpel noun older woman
naar1 verb struggle, persevere
from mother's village
naar2 verb straighten, stretch nakpetiib pl. of nakpel noun
out, straighten up older woman from mother's
naaseek noun bird [type] village
129 nchook

nan1 verb hate noun vulture

nan2 verb grind, eg. grain naŋ verb give/send with a

message, send to do
nan3 particle directional, something
towards, (come)to (do natiib pl. of na noun mother
something) Dan nan lik. (kinship)
Come and look.
nawaa noun mother's younger
nan4 particle time distant past female relative
marker Mpiin na Uwumbɔr nawaatiib pl. of nawaa noun
nan naan kitiŋ. In the mother's younger female
beginning God created the relative
world. nchaamii noun. furnace
*nana numeral each of the
nchayakrtuun noun gourd
four/four each
rattle used in (funeral) dances
nanaa ordinal fourth
nchichibim pl. of
nanar ordinal fourth kichichibik noun calabash
nanbusoŋ noun. tree [type] cup
nandala noun spider nandala nchichigem pl. of
aadil cobweb (spider's house) kichichigeŋ noun calabash
cup with lid
nandala aakokoln spider's
thread nchinbim noun small/inner
courtyard
nandalatiib pl. of nandala
noun spider nchook1 noun nape of neck
nangba noun vulture nchook2 noun my inlaw
(kinship)
nangbatiib pl. of nangba
nchɔkchoodɔ 130

nchɔkchoodɔ noun tool, used ndapɔm noun new wine/pito

for making seed holes in the ndapɔɔl noun strong wine/pito
ground [type]
nchɔkm sp. var. of nchɔm ndi noun guinea corn, sorghum
noun axes ndibim noun guinea corn
nchɔm pl. of kichɔk noun axe grains
(nchɔkm) ndikɔlɔ noun rafter

ndaabiin noun poisoned ndipɔɔndaan noun. new

drink/wine (put under thumb guinea corn festival
nail and introduced into pito ndoon1 noun the end
during a funeral)
ndoon2 sg. of ndoon1 noun
ndaabum pl. of kidaabuk
greeting
noun gun
ndoon3 noun. greeting U doon
ndaan 1) noun pito drink, any
drink, alcoholic or soft u idoon. He greeted him.
2) filtrate obtained during the ndɔ noun. stick, wood (singular
pito making process for idɔ)
ndaawiin noun fermented ndɔkuun noun. dry stick
pito, crying-pito (see App. 8)
ndɔpuinkoo noun cross stick
ndakpaan noun old/strong
wine ndɔsoon noun. green/wet stick
ndakpok noun old/matured ndundur noun wood worm,
wine weevil
ndam noun. a seal (stuck nduyon noun yellow flour
together) from dawa-dawa pod
ndamɔɔn noun sweet wine nee1 demonstrative this one
131 ngeen

(neuter demonstrative) aatingbaan ni Saboba area

nee2 verb deny ngban noun skin of an animal
neen1 verb stick something into or person ngban
something e.g. needle, pencil
aagbapapaln leather belt
neen2 verb have an appetite for,
mpigban sheepskin
be partial to, favour, need
nnaagban cow hide
neen3 noun. neck - body part
ŋŋoogban goat skin
neer verb remove something
ngbanyaan noun. fine
which is sticking out e.g.
needle, pencil (op. neen) leathr/skins
nfaan noun. a threat ngbaŋmeemoon noun pencil,
pen
nfal noun. grave, burial place
ngbapɔɔn noun. health, strong
nfatan noun. ashes body
nfeen noun. a wing ngbasoon noun. cool body
nfɔfɔk noun. length ngbeen noun. tassles (on edge
ngalm noun. fault, blemish of garment)
ngbigbei noun. thickness
ngarm noun an answer, reply
ngbiir noun. playing,
ngbaan1 demonstrative the one
entertainment
we have mentioned before,
that one ngbin noun kapok pod
ngbaan2 noun shore, ngeehn noun will, pleasure,
neighbourhood, edge, bank desire
limɔɔl aagbaan river bank ngeen noun sleep Ngeen chuu
(river's bank) Chabɔb mi. I am sleepy. (sleep has-
ngem 132

caught me) Ngeen bi. Sleep is chee. He returned to us.

there. (response to greeting ni5 conjunction and (between
concerning health)
two nouns) Ubo ni ute .... A
ngem determiner some of
child and his father....
Ngem tar ki len tibaa ngem
nibaa1 reflexive yourselves (2
mu tar ki len tiken. Some pl. reflex.)
said one thing and others said
another. (Some shouted and nibaa2 determiner some,
said one-thing, others also certain, any (thing/s) neuter
shouted and said another.) nibaa3 numeral one (thing)
ngiin1 noun vein Nyan tiwan nibaa kipiik
ngiin2 noun. an answer, reply kipiik ni tii Uwumbɔr. Give
ngirm noun. return, go back God one thing out of every
ten.
ngongobim noun. mounds, nibaabaa numeral each one,
hillocks one by one
ni1 pronoun it, them (see nibaakan adverb maybe,
introduction) M daa ni. I perhaps
bought it. nii verb defecate nii tibinn
ni2 pronoun you (plural sub.) defecate fæces
Ni cha la? Where are you *niin numeral eight (takes
going? (You are-going obligatory prefix agreeing
where?) with the nominal to which it
ni3 locative in U bi kidiik ni. refers.)
'He is in the room' nilaba interrogative which?
ni4 locative hither U gir ni ti which one
nilani interrogative which?
133 njeen

which thing? nimina demonstrative this, the

nilee numeral two one there (see introduction)
nilole numeral seven nin temporal before

nilolole ordinal seventh nin chee locative where

niloob numeral six niniin numeral eight

nima1 locative there nininiin ordinal eighth

nima2 pronoun it neuter emph. ninja noun woman's brother

nima na so, therefore ninjatiib pl. of ninja noun

woman's brother (inalienably
nimbiin noun front lijal possessed)
|aanimbiin ni in front of the ninkpan noun man's sister
chair (chair's front)
ninkpatiib pl. of ninkpan
nimbil noun. eye Ni nan ki
noun man's sister
kpa iniŋaal inana kpee (inalienable)
nimbil wɔb munana ni ifeen niwae numeral nine
inana na pu. In addition to njabim pl. of kijabik noun
their four faces and four small stool
wings, they each had four
human hands, one under each njan ordinal first
wing. njapiin noun fish hook
nimi 1) pronoun you (plural
njeen1 noun ashes from a
object or subj. emph.)
special tree used to make
2) Nimi le ban nnyɔk. It is soap
you who want medicine. U njeen2 noun. dance done
tuk nimi ke.... He told you.... around a man's house after he
njikpepu 134

has died (warrior's dance) nkateendɔ noun stretcher

njikpepu noun. knife blade nkeer noun roof-binder
njim noun feast, festival nkiidɔ noun bar of key soap
njukaa noun. sharp edge (of nkiidɔ, ikiidɔ noun bar of
knife) njukaan wɔb sharp 'key' soap
edge of knife nkiisuk noun hyssop
njum pl. of kijuk noun knife,
nkin noun big clay pito pot
cutlass, cutting implement
njuun noun dawadawa seeds nkokomoon noun. distaff

nkaal1 noun big zana mat nkokon noun thorn

nkaal2 noun. custom, practice, nkon noun hunger, famine

law, tradition Nkon joo u. He is hungry.
nkaan1 1) noun. gall bladder (hunger holds him) Nkon lir
2) bi pu. They had a famine.
nkaan2 noun bile (hunger fell on them)

nkakaa noun. living/staying nkoodaan noun mites found

place on chicken's eggs

nkalmbuun noun drain - nkookooyaan noun lodging, a

purpose-made hole in floor to place to stay in
collect water nkool noun dam walls
nkamoon noun part of guinea nkoon noun chewing stick,
corn stalk nearest to the grain, (may be taken from any
used to make sleeping mats edible tree)
nkan noun sleeping mat made nkoonyon noun yellow
from ikamoon by old ladies
135 nkukuyaan

nkɔnjo noun pepper nkpawiin noun. farm day,

nkpa1 noun sheanut work party
nkpeb noun rabbit
nkpa2 noun shea nut
nkpebtiib pl. of nkpeb noun
nkpaa noun peg, wooden peg,
rabbit
tent peg
nkpen noun waterhole - a
nkpaakon noun field, farm
place where people can get
nkpaal noun. cough, water, medium-sized stream,
tuberculosis well
nkpaar noun stem, stalk nkpen dial. var. of mbun
stream noun. stream,
nkpab noun bone waterhole
nkpakpaa noun kindling nkpen dial. var. of limɔɔl
nkpam noun. egg yolk river noun. stream, water hole

nkpan noun oil, grease, nkpendɔ noun pestle

vaseline, pomade nkpiin noun sap
nkpandiyon noun pito flour nkpobim pl. of ukpobo noun
(see App. 8) orphan
nkpanjepim noun cooked egg nkpubim pl. of ukpubo noun
white duckling
nkpapem noun sheanut butter nkub noun hundred ikui ilee
or oil (lit. oil white) two hundred (hundreds two)
nkpatan noun yam mounds bi nkukuyaan noun. whitewash,
yɔk nkpatan. They raised made from burned snail shells
yam mounds. Ni bur ke ikukuun i bi see i
nkun 136

mmii ni ke bi di ŋa nlangbal noun point of jaw

nkukuyaan na la You nlangbechuun noun chin
crumble like snail shells they
burn to make whitewash. nlee numeral two bijab bilee
two men (men two)
nkun noun death
nleen noun necklace
nkurkuun pl. of noun snail
shell, which, ground fine and nliin noun speech, language,
mixed with water is used to words U nabr tibɔr. U nabr
whitewash walls or clean
iliin. He made a speech.
cooking pots
nkuul noun line, row Bi sil nlole numeral seven ŋisin

nkuul mubaa pu. They stood ŋilule seven bambara beans

in a line. nloob numeral six inaa iloob
nkuun1 noun shout of alarm, a cows six
special high pitched noise Bi nlɔkdɔ noun sticks cut to make
faa ikuun. They gave the roof beams
alarm. (they beat alarm) nnaa numeral four bijab binaa
nkuun2 noun meeting men four
nnaabiin noun cow's milk
nlaar noun stirring-paddle
nnaan noun chieftaincy,
nlahn noun song nkpolahn /
kingdom U jin nnaan. He
ikpolahn funeral song/s
had (ate) chieftaincy.
nlan noun. wisdom, sense nnaanbiln noun upper
nlandak noun thought Aa ŋa grinding stone
mi nlandak. You amaze me. nnaaŋiin noun flat tick
(You do/make me thought.)
137 nnyuun

nnaayumii noun torch nnyam pl. of kinyaŋ noun

nnan noun sympathy market
nnyamɔn noun a lie
nnanmoon noun meat fork
nnyan noun type of thorn tree,
nnanyaan noun cone-shaped
which grows by the river
fish trap, made of stalks and
pushed in bunyɔb. Fish swim nnyeen noun urine
in with current. nnyim noun knowledge
nnaŋ noun message
nnyɔk1 noun juju or medicine
Mpɔɔndaan, m kpa inaŋ m
nnyɔk2 noun medicine nnyɔk
tii si. Your Majesty, I have a
message for you. bɔn ground black medicine
kept in a horn in the head
nneel 1) noun throat 2) voice man's house in each village
nniin numeral eight njum (medicine black)
muniin eight knives (knives nnyun noun water nnyuntom
eight) hot water, tea (water-hot)
nnimpa noun yam shoot nnyunbun noun shallow water
hole, well, bathing place
nnimpɔɔ noun. crybaby - a
nnyunsan noun gutter (water
small child who cries for no
reason road/way)
nnubim pl. of kinubik noun nnyunyun noun thirst
small yam of any variety Nnyunyun chuu mi. I am
nnupɔk noun hard skin of thirsty. (Thirst caught me.)
roasted yam nnyuŋ noun honour
nnyaan noun root nnyuun noun weight
nɔn 138

nɔn verb walk by, go straight (give road/way/chance)

along nsan dial. var. of lisachunl
nɔɔr verb regain weight journey noun. opportunity,
right to, chance to
nsachɔb noun porridge [type]
nsanja noun main road
nsakuun noun lonely road
nsanyaan noun good way/road
(empty road)
nsambibim pl. of nsayakr noun crossroad Sil

kisambibik noun small clay isayakr ki li lik man. Stand

pot used for eating soup at the crossroads and look.

nsambum pl. of kisambuun nsiikpan noun honey fat

noun small clay pot used for (beeswax¦)
eating soup nsiinyun noun honey water
nsan noun path, way, road M nsikaakpab noun rib
ga buen nsan. I will travel. (I nsikakl noun side
will go road) U cha nsan. He
nsil noun neck
is travelling. (He is-going
road) kisambik / nsambim nsin noun blood
small path/s (path small) nskuubim pl. of uskuubo
nsanja / isanja main road/s noun school child
(road male/big) mee nsan ask nso noun yam farm with yams
permission (beg road) lii in it
nsan give permission, nsubon noun branch of a tree
opportunity (give or root of a tree
road/way/chance) tii nsan nsupuun noun. tree flower,
give permission, opportunity blossom
139 ntuun

nsurm noun advice, counsel noun face

nsuudoon noun peace nteer noun plain, stony,

grassless land
ntaa numeral three bijab bitaa
ntejenyeen noun hepatitis
men three
ntaabeer noun shin nterm noun. help

ntaabuseeŋ noun hoof ntiin noun fable, tale, story

ntaalangbam pl. of ntim pl. of kitiŋ noun town,

place, country; earth, ground,
kitaalangbaŋ noun cloud: floor
rain-flying-skin
ntindaan noun. land/town
ntaaŋambijar pl. of owner, one who settles first in
kitaaŋambijak noun big a place
toe: leg-seed/child-male ntineen noun earthworm
ntaaŋambim pl. of ntingbaan noun nearby
kitaaŋambik noun toe: leg- village, satellite village
seed/child ntɔŋ noun temptation, test
ntafadaan noun punishment
ntuun1 noun small calabash
(ear-pulling)
with long neck for carrying
ntakpateer noun rocky ground drinking water to farm
ntamapɔɔn noun. building- ntuun2 noun messenger, angel
site - a place cleared for Libuul ni, le Balaam tar lir
building
kitiŋ, ntuun ngbaan
ntaŋaal noun clan
aanimbiin ni. Immediately
ntaŋmin noun bowstring Balaam threw himself face
downwards on the ground in
ntapajam pl. of kitapajak
nu 140

front of the angel. nwiin noun. day, sun

nu dial. var. of nun verb to rain nwiin1 1) noun sun, day,
nu verb smell, stink afternoon Nwiin lir. The sun
nuk verb rub set/fell. 2) day Nwiin mbaa...
nun verb rain, fall (of rain) One day... (day one)
nwindam
Utaal ga nu It will rain (rain
will fall) nwiin2 noun soul, spirit (which
nuŋ verb become or make leaves at death)
smelly, scented nwiin pu aadaŋ noun.
nuun1 verb smell something daydream
nwindam noun sunlight,
nuun2 1) 2) verb boil, cook
sunbeam
(intransitive)
nyaa verb scratch oneself
nuur verb be bored, become
fed up nyaan adjective good, fine,
nwaan noun a yawn U waan beautiful

nwaan. He yawned. Iwaan nyakr verb glow, kindle

joo u. He is sleepy. (yawn nyalnyann adjective horrible

holds him) nyama nyama noun petty
nwae numeral nine iwiin iwae petty things, useless stuff,
nine days (days nine) hardware
nween noun crack (e.g. in nyan1 verb from, go out, leave,
plaster, in a bowl etc.) depart Aa nyan ni la? Where
sickness have you come from? (You
nwiihn noun light from loc. where?)
nyan2 verb take out, extract,
141 nyuun

turn out, choose (e.g. describes a pin)

nyan3 verb conceive (mainly nyimsi noun niim tree
for animals) nyimsibil noun fruit of niim
nyann verb knead (bread) tree
nyaŋ1 verb defeat, greater than nyimsitiib pl. of nyimsi noun
etc. niim tree
nyaŋ2 verb very, incomparably nyoo verb be deep
(ki ti nyaŋ) U kpa ilik ki ti nyook verb make deep,
nyaŋ. He is very rich. (He become deep
has money plenty) nyoonaanyu noun guinea
nyeen dial. var. of ŋeen verb corn [type]
to bud nyɔkl verb make a design,
nyeen1 verb bud embroider
kichakpinaanyeek ni dawn nyɔŋ verb shake, sway in
dancing
nyeen2 verb urinate
nyu verb drink U nyu nnyun
nyi verb know, think, believe li
He drank water
nyi! watch out, beware
nyun verb drink nyun sigaar
nyie verb tease smoke nyun timɔngban sniff
nyii verb press nyunn verb give water to,
nyiin noun. spring (of water) cause to drink (causative)
nyiir verb offend nyuŋ verb respect, honour,
become heavy, make heavy
nyikr verb be thin, small, tiny
nyuun verb be heavy
ŋ- 142

Ŋŋ
ŋ- pronoun they, (see not...
introduction), inalienable ŋaaŋ verb measure, examine
possessive pref.
ŋak1 verb be equal
ŋa1 verb make, do, become
ŋak2 verb quote a proverb
Waa kee ŋa upii. She hasn't
yet become a woman. ŋal verb sew
*ŋa2 question how many/much ŋan1 verb squash, squeeze
ŋaa1 verb suck (breast) ŋan2 verb be good
ŋaa2 negative pronoun pronoun ŋaŋ dial. var. of ŋaaŋ verb
class 8 plural /ŋi/ plus measure, examine
negative /aa/ (they /ŋi/ did/are ŋar verb sweep
not )
ŋaah as they, cl. pro. subord. ŋee demonstrative these (class
Restrictions: takes obligatory demonstrative)
clause final particle /na/] ŋeeb 1) verb plug 2)
ŋaal verb drive, steer ŋeen verb bud
ŋaan1 verb become good, make ŋeen dial. var. of nyeen1 verb
good to bud
ŋaan2 verb put on fire to boil ŋeen aatɔ noun. fellow, peer,
ŋaan3 negative future pronoun neighbour, colleague,
class 8 plural pronoun /ŋi/ companion
with negative /aa/ and ŋeen aatɔtiib pl. of ŋeen
future /-n/ (they will not/are
143 ŋibɔkur

aatɔ noun. fellow, peer, lid

neighbour, colleague, ŋibil pl. of libil noun seed;
companion word
ŋeer verb be suitable, be ŋibimbin pl. of libimbinl
complete, be enough, be time noun earth bench
for (something)
ŋibin1 pl. of libinl noun year
ŋi pronoun they, them (cl.
pron.) ŋibin2 noun knot, joint (of
body)
ŋibaa1 pl. of libaal noun bird
[type] ŋibin3 pl. of ligbinl noun knot,
joint (of body)
ŋibaa2 reflexive themselves (cl.
reflex.) ŋibon1 noun deep, natural
water-hole or well
ŋibaa3 determiner certain,
ŋibon2 pl. of libonl2 noun hole
some (cl. det.) Ŋijal ŋibaa
torn or drilled in fabric or
bi. There are some/certain paper
chairs. ŋibon3 pl. of libonl1 noun
ŋibaawol pl. of libaawol deep natural waterhole
noun sacrifice, libation, ŋibɔgbin pl. of libɔgbinl
offering
noun shoulder
ŋibabaabun pl. of
ŋibɔk pl. of libɔkl2 noun part
litabaabunl noun pipe (for
ŋibɔkpal pl. of libɔkpal noun
smoking)
coconut palm
ŋibeebil pl. of libeebil noun
ŋibɔkur pl. of libɔkul noun
palm nut
dress, shirt of any kind except
ŋibii1 pl. of libiil noun breast kikpalk
ŋibii2 pl. of libiir noun cover,
ŋibɔl 144

ŋibɔl pl. of libɔkl1 noun yam noun small whitish stones

shelter at house or farm used for gravelling roads

ŋibɔl pl. of libɔkl1 noun yam ŋichachal pl. of lichachal

shelter at farm noun tree [type]

ŋibɔlun pl. of libɔlunl noun ŋichakpaa pl. of lichakpaal

bell (for bicycle or school) noun short-handled calabash
used for serving tizet or
ŋibɔɔl pl. of libɔɔl1 noun likɔkɔl
bundle, placenta; secret ŋichakpann pl. of
ŋibɔrwiin pl. of libɔrwiin lichakpanl noun penis
noun bird [type]
ŋichakpelar pl. of
ŋibukak pl. of libukakl noun
scab lichakpelar noun boil

ŋibun pl. of libunl noun wind, ŋichal pl. of lichal noun black
air ant [type]
ŋibuu1 pl. of libuul2 noun pot ŋichapoon pl. of lichapooŋ
(any sort of smallish ~) noun spear-grass used for
roofing
ŋibuu2 pl. of libuul1 noun pot-
hole, gutter, trench, pond, ŋichin pl. of lichinl noun
pool, hole courtyard, verandah
ŋichaafugban pl. of ŋichɔl1 pl. of lichɔl1 noun tool
lichaafugbanl noun with the same metal piece as
kichɔk
bellows
ŋichɔl2 pl. of lichɔl2 noun
ŋichaatakpal pl. of
termite [type]
lichaatakpal noun anvil
ŋichur pl. of lichur noun
ŋichachak pl. of lichachakl thousand
145 ŋifl

ŋichuun pl. of lichuun noun ŋidil pl. of lidil noun net (like
long narrow basket used for mosquito net)
catching fish, which have ŋidinyik pl. of lidinyikl noun
passed through the bunyɔb
tied by a rope foundation

ŋidaabil pl. of lidabil noun ŋidipoidabil noun threshing

stick poles

ŋidabukpok pl. of ŋidipoipaal noun threshing

floors
lidabukpokr noun used pito
pot ŋidɔchɔl pl. of lidɔchɔl noun
splinter, wood chip
ŋidabun pl. of lidabunl noun
long narrow drum with one ŋidubil pl. of lidubil noun
skin, held between the legs raised scar, slight swelling,
when played. Modern band scab
drums are also given this ŋidumbil pl. of lidumbil
name. noun praise name, name used
ŋidabuu pl. of lidabuul noun in dancing
pito pot ŋidun pl. of lidunl noun
ŋidel pl. of lidel noun tree engine noise, continuous
[type] throbbing
ŋidichal pl. of lidichal noun ŋifaakuu pl. of lifaakuul
building, house (whole noun big laterite rock, soft,
structure, not individual red and able to be carved,
parts) used in making mfan,
stumbling block
ŋidik1 pl. of lidikl1 noun place
where you may find water ŋifeenchuk noun. heap of
raked bush/grass
ŋidik2 pl. of lidikl2 noun
island, hillock, mound ŋifl1 pl. of lifl1 noun trail,
ŋifl 146

tracks left in the sand, other small straw hat

than footprints ŋigen noun part, section
ŋifl2 pl. of lifl2 noun food
ŋigen pl. of ligenl noun part
[type]
of
ŋigabɔn pl. of ligabɔnl noun
ŋigengel pl. of ligengel noun
tree [type]
tree [type]
ŋigagaa pl. of ligagaar noun
ŋigetek pl. of ligetekr noun
hammer used by blacksmith
to beat molten metal group, small pile

ŋigambil pl. of ligambil ŋigon pl. of ligonl noun wall

noun fruit [type] ŋigongol pl. of ligongol
ŋigangan pl. of liganganl noun incline, slope, hill
noun big drum, used when ŋiguun pl. of liguunl noun
dancing the kinaachɔŋ kola nut
ŋigbanyak pl. of ligbanyakl ŋijafee pl. of lijafeel noun
noun slowness, sluggishness, cushion for sitting on,
laziness mattress
ŋigbapal pl. of ligbapal noun ŋijakpatuuk pl. of
belt lijakpatuul noun fish [type]
ŋigbapapal pl. of
ŋijal pl. of lijal noun chair,
ligbapapanl noun belt stool
ŋigbiyik noun hillock, mound ŋijeen pl. of lijeer noun parrot
(some dialects - cf. lidikl)
ŋijen pl. of lijenl noun egg
ŋigbiyik pl. of ligbiyikl
noun. hillock, mound ŋijingbeekak pl. of

ŋigbuk pl. of ligbukl noun lijingbeekakl noun sugar-

cane
147 ŋikpa

ŋijoo pl. of lijool noun ŋikalwaan pl. of likalwaan

mountain, hill noun maize
ŋijukumbu pl. of ŋikapan pl. of likapanl noun
kijukumbuuk noun pot for small zana mat
storing tijunn (dawadawa ŋikeebil pl. of likeebil noun
seeds) metal ring worn on right
ŋijuu pl. of lijuul noun tail thumb to stretch bowstring
when aiming arrows
ŋijuu pl. of lijuul noun tails
ŋikeken pl. of likekenl noun
ŋikaagii pl. of likaagiil2 noun cloth
bird [type] ŋikiikpin pl. of likiikpinl
ŋikaakul pl. of likaakul noun ball of local soap
noun grave ŋikokopen pl. of likokopenl
ŋikakambil pl. of noun tree [type]
likakambil noun fruit [type] ŋikon pl. of likonl noun fin of
ŋikakan pl. of likakann fish
noun tree [type] ŋikoobil pl. of likoobil noun
ŋikal pl. of likakl noun guinea taboo
corn stalk ŋikoochal pl. of likoochal
ŋikalambab pl. of noun drinking vessel for hens
likalambab noun bed bug ŋikoojen pl. of likoojenl
noun. eggs
ŋikalapol pl. of likalapol
ŋikɔnyunlib pl. of
noun grass cutter, cane rat
likɔnyunlib noun snake
ŋikalmaan pl. of likalmaan
[type]
noun maize
ŋikpa pl. of likpal2 noun.
ŋikpaa 148

wealth ŋikpatambik pl. of

ŋikpaa pl. of likpaal noun likpatambikl noun loin
peg cloth
ŋikpaakool pl. of ŋikpeluu pl. of likpeluul
likpaakool noun holiday noun water-place
(lit. farm taboo day); week ŋikpikpii pl. of likpikpiil
(from one taboo day to the noun block
next)
ŋikpin pl. of likpinl noun
ŋikpaambil pl. of
lump, ball (e.g. of kenkey)
likpaambil noun caterpillar
ŋikpok pl. of likpokl1 noun
ŋikpab1 pl. of likpabl, heap, pile
likpal2 noun bone (ikpab) ŋikpongbaa pl. of
ŋikpab2 noun. bones likpongbaal noun bank of
ŋikpakpeebil pl. of river

likpakpeebil noun kidney ŋikpotekpok noun. jaws (of a

pig)
ŋikpal pl. of likpal1 noun
ŋikpuk1 pl. of likpukl1 noun
baboon, ape
tree [type]
ŋikpan1 pl. of likpanl2 noun
ŋikpuk2 pl. of likpukl2 noun
kapok tree
duck
ŋikpan2 pl. of , pl. of likpanl1
ŋikpukpin pl. of likpukpinl
noun planks of wood
noun bump
ŋikpangbil pl. of likpangbil
ŋikpuu pl. of likpuul noun
noun bank of river
funeral
ŋikpasambil pl. of
ŋikukul pl. of likukul noun.
likpasambil noun. jars
149 ŋimɔchu

heavy club arrow poison made from

ŋikumbal pl. of likumbal snake; quiver
noun tree [type] ŋima pronoun pn. cl. emph.
ŋikumbuu pl. of likumbuul Uma Uwumbɔr u tiyaaja
noun cooking pot for yam or Jakob mu dii u na aa bi ke
TZ
ŋima na. He God whom our
ŋikusambil pl. of likusambil grandfather Jacob followed is
noun. pot not like them. (ŋiwaa)
ŋikutuu pl. of likutuul noun ŋimakdam pl. of
termite (generic term App. 4) limakldaan noun boaster,
ŋikuu pl. of likuul noun hoe braggart
ŋilak pl. of lilakl noun. locks ŋimaleen pl. of limaleen
noun toadstool found on
ŋilamban pl. of lilambanl
rotting dawa-dawa tree, used
noun lizard [type] for juju
ŋilambil pl. of lilambil noun ŋimeel pl. of limeel noun.
tongue
prayers (limeel)
ŋilangban pl. of lilangbanl
ŋimina demonstrative those,
noun beard
the ones there (see
ŋilangben pl. of lilangbenl introduction)
noun. ruins (lilangbenl) ŋimol pl. of limol noun
ŋilapol pl. of lilapol noun vagina
grass cutter, cane rat ŋimombil noun money
ŋilaposal pl. of lilaposal ŋimɔchir pl. of limɔchir
noun hedgehog noun lip-peg hole
ŋiluu pl. of liluul 1 noun ŋimɔchu pl. of limɔchuu
ŋimɔdik 150

noun lip-peg hole patience in waiting

ŋimɔdik pl. of limɔɔdikl ŋimuk pl. of limukl noun
noun river banks problem, peril
ŋimɔfal 1 pl. of limɔfal 1 ŋinaabumbu pl. of
noun nose linaabumbul noun tree
ŋimɔfal 2 pl. of limɔfal 2 [type]
noun life ŋinaagangan pl. of
ŋimɔgban pl. of limɔgbanl linaaganganl noun fly
noun lip [type]
ŋimɔgben pl. of limɔgenl ŋinaagur pl. of linaagur
noun edge, ledge noun tapeworm
ŋimɔjun pl. of limɔjunn ŋinaajikpakpab pl. of
noun central point of lip,
linaajikpakpabr noun
point, peak
round tick
ŋimɔk pl. of limɔkl noun sign,
ŋinaaliin pl. of linaaliin
visual aid, proof
noun tree [type]
ŋimɔɔ pl. of limɔɔl noun river
ŋinaalimbil pl. of
ŋimɔɔgbiyik pl. of
linaaliimbil noun fruit
limɔɔgbiyikl noun river [type]
island (some dialects)
ŋinaapuu pl. of linaapuul
ŋimɔɔluukaan pl. of noun towel, (resembles the
limɔɔluukaan noun dam lining of a cow's stomach)

ŋimɔɔsikak pl. of ŋinaasɔn pl. of linaasɔnn

noun mole
limɔɔsikakl noun mackerel
ŋinaatak pl. of linaatakl
ŋimɔr pl. of limɔr noun noun sandal, shoe
151 ŋinimpuu

ŋinabu pl. of linabul noun linamɔmɔmbil noun fruit

type of tree [type]
ŋinabumbuu pl. of ŋinampal pl. of linampal
linabumbuul noun beetle noun home, compound

ŋinagangan pl. of ŋinanguu pl. of linanguul

noun crooked stick carried by
linaganganl noun crab small boys - imitation axe
ŋinakamangbuk pl. of ŋinanjel pl. of linanjel noun
linakamangbukl noun dove
grasshopper [type] ŋinanyɔn pl. of linanyɔnl
ŋinakumbɔn pl. of noun shoulder or hand bag
with opening in the side,
linakumbɔnl noun charcoal
made of rope
ŋinamanambil pl. of ŋinibol pl. of linibol noun
linamanambil noun fish language group, ethnic group
[type] ŋinikpir pl. of lininkpil noun
ŋinambakun (ni) pl. of corpse, dead body
linambakun (ni) noun area ŋinimapapal pl. of
around the house other than linimapapal noun fish
the entrance area
[type]
ŋinambuir pl. of linambuir
ŋinimbaasan pl. of
noun tray
linimbaasanl noun pity,
ŋinamɔmɔk pl. of
compassion
linamɔmɔkl noun tree
ŋinimbil pl. of linimbil noun
[type]
eye
ŋinamɔmɔmbil pl. of
ŋinimpuu pl. of linimpuul
ŋiniŋmiŋmin 152

noun yam mound kinyaŋgbaŋ fibre plant

ŋiniŋmiŋmin pl. of ŋinyikaakpii noun gums
liniŋmiŋminl noun quiet ŋinyin pl. of linyinl noun
person tooth
ŋinu pl. of linuul noun yam ŋinyipɔɔtan pl. of
ŋinugbin pl. of linugbiŋ linyipɔɔtann noun
noun seed yam crocodile
ŋinujal pl. of linujal noun ŋinyipɔtan pl. of
tuber yam of any kind unyipɔtann noun crocodile
ŋinumbɔɔl pl. of linumbɔɔl ŋinyɔk pl. of linyɔkl noun
noun yam [type] orange
ŋinyaa pl. of linyaar noun ŋinyumbugon pl. of
see App. 8
linyumbugonl noun
ŋinyambir pl. of linyambil
bathing enclosure
noun bird [type]
ŋinyumbuu pl. of
ŋinyandil pl. of linyandil
linyumbuul noun water pot
noun bird's nest
ŋinyansan pl. of linyansanl ŋiŋaalgbin pl. of liŋaalgbinl
noun potty, chamber pot noun wrist

ŋinyaŋ pl. of linyaŋ noun ŋiŋaan pl. of liŋaan noun tree

victories (The plural form [type]; fruit [type]
seems to be rare, often the ŋiŋambim pl. of kiŋambik
same form is used for both noun finger
singular and plural.)
ŋiŋmabil pl. of liŋmabil
ŋinyaŋgbambir noun seeds
noun star
from the fruit of the
153 ŋisachun

ŋiŋmin pl. of liŋminl noun built granary

fowl's gizzard ŋipin pl. of lipenl noun board
ŋiŋoobil pl. of liŋoobil noun ŋipobil pl. of lipobil2 noun
fish [type] courage, heart, chest
ŋiŋɔjuu pl. of liŋɔjuul noun ŋipulaajil pl. of lipulaajil
stern (of boat), pointed end noun pumpkin
ŋiŋɔyil pl. of liŋɔyil noun ŋipulaakpel pl. of
bow (of boat) lipulaakpel noun tortoise
ŋiŋuu pl. of liŋuul1 noun
ŋipulaaleen pl. of
heart; anger
lipulaaleen noun cockroach
ŋiŋuun pl. of liŋuun noun
sigh ŋipulaataal pl. of
ŋipal1 pl. of lipal2 noun lipulaataal noun toad
payment ŋipultayu pl. of lipultayu
ŋipal2 pl. of lipal1 noun plait, noun rabbit
plaited rope or string ŋipumɔɔl pl. of limpumɔɔl
ŋipandakul pl. of noun distaff, arrow point
lipandakul noun cricket (same thing used for different
purposes)
ŋipapal pl. of lipapal noun ŋipur pl. of lipul2 noun. place
fish [type] with long grass
ŋipee pl. of lipeel noun dry ŋipuu pl. of lipuul noun
season abdomen, stomach;
ŋipepel pl. of lipepel noun pregnancy
place (e.g. page of book) ŋir verb wash (hands, pots)
ŋipil pl. of lipil noun mud- ŋisachun pl. of lisachunl
ŋisambil 154

noun journey noun foot print (lit. foot hole)

ŋisambil pl. of lisambil noun ŋitaagbin pl. of litaagbinl
earthenware or wooden bowl noun ankle, heel
for eating ŋitaakɔr pl. of litaakɔr noun
ŋisamonkumbuu dial. var. of hand bag with opening at top
likumbuul, ŋitaakpin pl. of litaakpinl
lisamonkumbuul noun pot noun cheek
ŋisapol pl. of lisapol noun ŋitaanar pl. of litaanal noun
hyena hail
ŋisayik pl. of lisayikl noun ŋitaaŋaayil pl. of
rat litaaŋaayil noun knee
ŋisibikpir pl. of lisibikpil ŋitaapal pl. of litaapal noun
noun dead fly thigh
ŋisiibir pl. of lisiibil noun ŋitaatakpar pl. of
insult litaatakpar noun hail
ŋisijal pl. of noun tree [type]
ŋitaatan pl. of litaatanl noun
ŋisin noun bambara beans foot print
ŋisubil pl. of lisubil noun ŋitafal pl. of litafal noun ear
fruit (of a tree) ŋitakpal pl. of litakpal noun
ŋisugen pl. of lisugenl noun stone
log (part of a tree) ŋitambol pl. of litambol
ŋitaa pl. of litaal noun leg noun sand, sandy soil
ŋitaabɔlun pl. of litaabɔlunl ŋitan pl. of litanl noun
noun calf of leg bandage
ŋitaabuu pl. of litaabuul ŋiteebɔn pl. of liteebɔnl
155 ŋiyɔmbil

noun frog ŋiwuk pl. of liwuul noun

ŋitimbol pl. of litimbol noun basket used by women for
community of people living catching fish. It has a big hole
in one town and speaking the at the bottom which is
same language plunged down over the fish,
then the fish is extracted by
ŋitun pl. of litunl noun work, hand through the small hole
load, burden
ŋiwul pl. of liwul noun flute
ŋitur pl. of litur noun baobab made of linabul wood blown
tree; baobab pod and contents across the top
ŋituturbil pl. of liturbil noun ŋiyaakakan pl. of
baobab seeds
liyaakakanl noun weaver
ŋituun noun beans (generic bird
term)
ŋiyataŋak pl. of liyataŋakl
ŋiwaa1 pl. of liwaal1 noun noun proverb, puzzle, parable
fetishes
ŋiyigbee pl. of liyigbeer
ŋiwaa2 pl. of liwaal2 noun noun forehead
fetish dances, general term
ŋiyikukur pl. of liyikukur
for other peoples' dances
noun pillow, wooden headrest
ŋiwaataa pl. of liwaataal for sleeping
noun snake - puff adder
ŋiyil pl. of liyil noun head
[type]
ŋiwatakel pl. of liwatakel ŋiyimbil pl. of liyimbil noun
noun gecko [type] name

ŋiwɔk1 pl. of liwɔkl1 noun half ŋiyipakuun pl. of

fowl liyipakuun noun shaven
ŋiwɔk2 pl. of liwɔkl2 noun head
giant ŋiyɔmbil pl. of liyɔmbil
ŋiyɔŋ 156

noun fruit [type] ŋmar verb be saved, slip away,

ŋiyɔŋ pl. of liyɔŋ noun tree escape
[type] ŋmee1 verb write
ŋma verb be able ŋmee2 verb be carrying under
ŋmaa interrogative who arm
ŋmaan dial. var. of gbab ŋmeen1 adjective only, alone
clothe verb clothe, put on Nnyun, ni mbɔmbɔɔn ŋmeen
ŋmaan dial. var. of gbin le nan bi ni kookoo. There
tether, tie verb tether, tie was only water and darkness
ŋmaan1 verb put on (ring) everywhere.
*ŋmeen2 adjective naked
ŋmaan2 verb squeeze out,
(takes a personal pronoun
wring out
prefix) Le uja ni upii nan
ŋmaar verb take off (ring)
chuun biŋmeen, kaa san
ŋmal verb mix, be digested
inimɔɔn. The man and the
ŋmam verb put under arm woman were naked and were
not ashamed.
ŋman1 verb chew, be able
ŋmim! dial. var. of ŋmin verb
ŋman2 verb be able
be quiet (imperative)
ŋmangentiib pl. of ŋmin 1) verb 2) verb be quiet
ŋmangeŋ noun bird [type] (often used with intensifier
ŋmangeŋ noun bird [type] 'ŋmin') Bi ŋmin chii They
were silent intensifier
ŋmaninkaabaa how much
ŋmin! inf. var. of ŋmin verb
more!
be quiet (imperative)
ŋmann verb deceive
ŋmir verb rub, rub on
157 ŋwɔb

ŋmirb adjective blunt (never ŋŋmin noun rope

was sharp) ŋŋmu numeral five bijab
ŋmɔ1 verb be equal in height, biŋmu men five
level
ŋoojanunu noun. pepper-like
ŋmɔ2 noun. eat/chew
vegetable
*ŋmu numeral five (takes ŋɔb verb uproot from ground,
obligatory prefix agreeing pull out teeth
with the nominal to which it
refers.) ŋɔk verb be near, by
*ŋmuŋmur ordinal fifth ŋɔkl verb remove from the top
ŋŋaal noun arm, hand of something else
ŋɔŋ verb draw near (to speaker)
ŋŋaalpɔtan noun palm of the
hand ŋum1 verb transplant, plant
ŋŋaan noun broom, brush (animate or inanimate thing)
ŋum2 verb hold in clenched
ŋŋaangan noun left hand
fist, close eyes
ŋŋaangbachuun noun elbow ŋun1 verb hear, understand
ŋŋaangii noun right hand ŋun2 verb make tired, hurt
ŋŋaaŋ noun. measurement ŋuun verb roar, growl, hum,
ŋŋaŋ dial. var. of ŋŋaaŋ sigh, groan
noun. measurement ŋwam dial. var. of ŋwɔb
ŋŋmarn noun salvation, noun. floods
deliverance ŋwɔb noun floods
oo 158

Oo
oo interrogative question child? (she has child?)
marker (if sentence ends with oo interrogative interrogative
-o) U kpa ubo oo? Has she a

Ɔɔ
ɔɔ interrogative question ɔ) Aa kan idɔ ɔɔ? Did you
marker (if sentence ends with get/see firewood? (you saw
wood?)

Pp
paa1 verb be standing or lying heaven
on top of paal1 verb scrape
paa2 verb twine, twist rope paal2 verb branch
paa3 verb be behind U paa paan1 verb put on top of, carry
puwɔb He followed back on top of (e.g. bicycle)
paab locative above, up paan2 verb follow behind, be
next in order
paacham locative above,
159 pi

paar verb remove from on top peel tibin verb have diarrhoea
(opposite paan) peel tibinn have diarrhoea
pak verb praise, thank, honour peen1 verb draw near (to a
pal verb tie, plait hair place)
pam 1) verb sew (with a peen2 verb carry on a shoulder
machine) 2) sew with a strap, put on shirt or dress,
machine wear (op. peer)
pam2 adverb very, much, peer verb take off a shirt or
intensifier Ni ŋan pam. It is dress (opposite of peen)
very good. (good much) pek verb fan a fire, flap (e.g.
pan dial. var. of punn wings)
germinate verb germinate pekr verb spy
pan1 verb germinate (above peŋ verb hide behind
ground) something
pan2 verb pay, employ per1 verb dust off, clean off,
pan3 1) verb milk (a cow) 2) remove covering, strip
branches off piece of wood,
pangara noun log-bench cut yams
papa noun fan per2 verb hinder

papa mam pl. of papa noun per3 verb wipe away, clean off
fan Uwumbɔr ga per binimbil
par verb separate tinyunyunn mɔmɔk. God will
pee verb be wide wipe their eyes' tears all (He
will wipe away all tears)
peek 1) verb widen, become pi dial. var. of pu2 particle on,
wide 2) upon, because of
pi 160

pi dial. var. of pu1 particle on, piiniin numeral eighty

upon, because of piiŋmu numeral fifty
pii dial. var. of keln meet verb
piir1 verb whiten, become
meet
white (causative)
pii1 verb pick up (cumulatively)
piir2 verb open, uncover
pii2 verb blow (opposite piin)
pii3 verb catch up, overtake piitaa numeral thirty
piib verb narrow, be made piiwae numeral ninety
narrow pil verb miss
piija noun. transvestite -
pilichaa noun venereal disease
effeminate man who wears
women's clothes and does or bilharzia, passing blood in
women's work the urine

piilole numeral seventy pin1 verb put on roofing

(opposite pinn)
piiloob numeral sixty
pin2 verb set a trap
piimaŋ noun coyote-like
pin3 verb harvest groundnuts or
animal
other underground nuts,
piin dial. var. of piir2 open remove them from their roots
verb to open pinn1 verb remove roofing
piin1 verb be white (opposite pin)
piin2 verb begin, commence pinn2 verb borrow, lend,
piin3 verb shut, be shut forgive
(opposite piir) *pipim adjective white
piinaa numeral forty pitambum noun wild animal
161 pu

[type] understand/obey. (His ears

pitambuntiib pl. of are hard) Aapuu pɔɔ ɔɔ? How
pitambum noun wild is your wife? (Your wife
animal [type] strong?) Kidaak pɔɔ. It is
expensive. (price is-hard)
ponn noun inside, stomach
area pɔɔk verb become strong,
strengthen
ponn noun inside u bi kidiik
pɔɔn1 verb be new, young
ponn ni 'he is in the room'
pɔɔn2 verb soak
poo verb wrap
pɔɔn3 verb strengthen, harden
poor verb unwrap
pɔɔr verb burn fiercely
por verb get old, be older
Waah nan por buyoonn na pɔr1 verb reproduce moo pɔr
multiply offspring (more
le u ma u. He had been born reproduce)
to him in his old age.
pɔr2 verb bend, fold, go round a
pɔkaa small, a little while, a corner, curve
few Ni gur pɔkaa. In a little pu1 particle in an indirect
while. (It remain small)
question: what, how, why U
pɔkr verb flake off
kan ndaan aah bii pu na.
pɔl verb seal She saw how the pito had
pɔn verb plaster (e.g. a wall) spoiled. Baa nyi baah ga ŋa

pɔnn verb become like new, pu na. They did not know
rejuvenated what they would do. Maa nyi
pɔɔ verb be strong, hard, tough budabu pu u wii na. I don't
Utafal pɔɔ. He does not know why he is crying
pu 162

pu2 prep. on, about, concerning ponn ni in a far place

Ba pu ni ban mi? Why did puln verb intersect
you look for me? (What upon
pun verb roast in a fire
you look-for me?) Nima pu
punn verb germinate (under
na ..... That is why..... (It
ground)
emph. upon)
puŋ verb sprinkle (dust or
puen adverb precede, (do)
ashes on head)
already M puen jin a. I have
pur verb mention (a name)
already eaten. (I already ate)
pui1 verb make a mat puu verb burst, blow up

pui2 verb thresh puu noun wife

pui3 verb drizzle puu1 verb promise

puin verb interlace, interweave puu2 verb flow, seep in, spring
up
puir verb be ripe, mature
puu3 verb promise (a promise),
puk1 verb sprinkle (ashes on swear, make a
head) covenant/promise M ga puu
puk2 verb boast, brag tipuur tii si ke aa ga li kpa
pukr verb come out of hiding yaabitiib pam. I will make
(op. peŋ) my covenant with you and
pul1 verb perform (ordeal) pul give you many descendants.
kipulk perform ordeal puu3 verb rise (of sun)

pul2 verb roast (meat, fish) puul verb crack nuts, shell,
remove crust, hard skin
pulm noun far place pulm
puul noun father's sister
163 saapaa

puultiib pl. of puul noun puur1 verb cross a river in a

father's sister boat, or wade
puun1 verb inflate, pump puur2 verb rise (of the sun)
puun2 verb spray, dust with puutiib pl. of puu noun wife
something puwɔb locative behind, at the
puun lii verb curse back of

Ss
s- inf. var. of , pl. of si2 saagbeen noun gathering for
pronoun you (sing. before dancing
/aa/ negative or possessive) saak verb be itchy, irritate
saa1 verb pierce
saak kuub verb irritate (the
saa2 verb reach, up to (a certain skin)
time or point) Le u di bi ŋa saakpen adjective big, very
kiyondiik ni, ki ti saa iwiin much, intensifier
itaa. He put them in prison saakpiin adjective big
for three days. saan1 negative future pronoun
saa3 negative pronoun you sg. you-singular-will-not Saan
did not/are not...
buen aa? Won't you go?
saafi noun key (You-neg.-fut. go?)
saafitiib pl. of saafi noun saan2 verb ill-treat, torture
key
saapaa noun cobra
saapaatiib 164

saapaatiib pl. of saapaa san1 verb feel, fear saa

noun cobra ijawaan feel fear saa
saapɔɔŋeer noun girl's kinimbaak feel pity saa
neighbouring girl of the same
inimɔɔn be embarrassed (fear
age group
shame)
saapɔɔtɔk noun. girl's
san2 verb pound to pulp or
neighbouring girl of the same
age group powder

sadan noun rabbit san3 verb run

sadantiib pl. of sadan noun sandee noun rabbit

rabbit sandeetiib pl. of sandee
sagbo noun pito gourd noun rabbit

sak1 verb be between sansan noun tree [type]

sak2 verb advise, warn saŋ verb put between

(causative) (opposite sakr)
sakr verb remove from
sasaa noun fruit of sasaa shrub
between two things, pass
through, between (opposite sasaa aasub noun shrub [type]
sak)
satuu noun termite [type]
sakula noun fufu
satuutiib pl. of satuu noun
sal verb get pepper in one's
termite [type]
eyes U bi sal mi. He is being
see1 unless, except, must
a nuisance to me.
see2 verb burn, set fire to
sala noun tobacco
seek noun bird [type]
salmaa noun gold, precious
metal seektiib pl. of seek noun bird
165 suklaa

[type] sin pronoun you (sing. sub.

seerkaa noun needle emphatic)
si1 verb be standing, stand (lit. sinpeek noun bean [type]
be standing) siŋater noun canary
si2 pronoun you (2nd sing. obj.) siŋater mam pl. of siŋater
sii verb insult noun canary
siib qualifier few, a little, small sisiik locative middle, centre

siin1 verb set down, set before, skuul noun school

place soon verb be cold, wet
siin2 verb whistle through teeth, sooni verb be slow
hiss
soor verb be better
siir verb set off, go away from,
move sɔ verb be present U sɔ there he
siiraa noun a witness is!
sɔksɔk rustling noise in a bag
siiraadaan noun lit. witness-
owner sɔnn verb defecate
sil verb stand, stop sil yir stand sɔŋ verb become cool, wet,
to attention (without moving) cold, get better (of sickness),
sil kichaŋ support, back (lit. make wet, cold
stand waist) su verb have intercourse (man
siln! verb stand! with a woman)

siln! inf. var. of si1 verb stand, sub verb bury

stop sui noun soul, heart
simaa noun groundnuts suklaa noun patience,
sukpokpo 166

longsuffering when irritated sunn verb put down, get down

sukpokpo noun woodpecker suŋ verb be, or become a mess,
sukpokpotiib pl. of muddle
sukpokpo noun woodpecker sur1 verb reverse, go backwards
sukr verb nauseate, cause sur2 verb advise, warn
nausea, disgust susuu adverb slowly, gently,
suln verb forget quietly
sun1 verb skin an animal, flay suuna adverb quietly
sun2 verb steal

Tt
t--1 prefix we Taa ban nibaa. used with the imperative Taa
We do not want anything. jaa kijaak. Don't fight. U taa
taajuk/timi aajuk our knife nyu ndaan. He should not
t--2 pronoun they drink pito.
taa1 inf. var. of aa1 negative *taa4 numeral three
pronoun we/it did not/are taab locative below
not...1st person plural or class
5 plural pronoun with taabitiib pl. of te aabo noun
negative particle sibling with same father
taa2 verb trample, step on taah1 as we.. subord.
taa3 imperative Don't. Negative taah2 as they, cl. ti pro. subord.
167 taparnyinyir

taama noun optimism, hope tafajɔnjɔn noun ear ring

taan negative future pronoun tafajɔnjɔtiib pl. of
we/it won't/aren't, 1st per. pl. tafajɔnjɔn noun ear rings
pron. with neg. and fut.
morphemes. tafajɔtiib pl. of tafajɔn noun
taandark noun bicycle ear-ring
tak1 verb be walking on the
taanli noun fault Naa kpa
road
taanli. It does not matter. (lit.
tak2 1) verb provoke, accost, lie
It has no fault) Taa ban ti
in wait 2) tak titakl fish by
koo baataanli ni. We do not dragging a net
want to offend them. (we
don't want to enter their tak3 verb take honey from a
offence) beehive
taataa noun ostrich takl verb take off shoes
(opposite of tak/taŋ)
taataamam pl. of taataa
noun ostrich takoobii noun sword

taataatiib pl. of taataa noun takɔ noun hyena

ostrich takɔtiib pl. of takɔ noun
tab1 verb switch on hyena
tab2 verb move taln verb stretch out, make
longer, extend
tabr verb unstick
tam verb stick
tae verb flatten, dab head with
wet towel taŋ1 verb walk on road

tafajɔn noun ear-ring taŋ2 verb put on shoes

taparnyinyir noun face mark
tapoo 168

[type] noun father's wives

tapoo noun wide, rat-skin wrist teb verb cure, heal (trans)
band worn on left wrist when tee demonstrative these (cl.
using bow and arrows, to
protect from injury demonstrative)

tapoo mam pl. of tapoo noun teeb dial. var. of tiib particle
wide, rat-skin wrist band pluralises n. cl. 9 and 11
worn on left wrist when using (borrowed words, and kinship
bow and arrows, to protect terms)
from injury -teeb dial. var. of tiib noun.
tar verb be calm, smooth (of pluralises n. cl. 9 and 11
water), flat teela 1) noun sewing machine
tataa1 noun meaning: ni kpa 2)
tataa 'it has meaning' naatataa teen verb shout at
le ye.. 'its meaning is..' Aa teenku noun sea
bee naatataa aa? Do you
teer1 verb be complete,
understand? (you know its
meaning?) complete

tataa2 ordinal third teer2 verb remember, remind

*tataa3 numeral three tek verb be holding underneath,

each/three. three be held up, be supporting
ubɔɔteŋ soothsayer's assistant
te noun father
tekpel noun father's older
te aabo noun sibling with
brother
same father
tekpetiib pl. of tekpel noun
te aapuu noun father's wife
father's older brothers
te aapuutiib pl. of te aapuu tekr 1) verb remove from
169 tibɔkpiirkaan

underneath something 2) take ti3 pronoun we

off the top, (leaving
something at the bottom e.g. tibaa1 reflexive ourselves (1 pl.
dregs, sediment) reflex.)
telk verb be shallow, become tibaa2 determiner some, certain
shallow (cl. )
teŋ 1) verb cup hands to catch tibaa3 reflexive themselves (cl.
something falling 2) collect reflex.)
rain water
tibab pl. of kibabr noun head
ter1 verb help louse (pl.)
ter2 verb spread out something tibar pl. of mbar noun body
(e.g. skin) marks
ter3 verb make bottom part of a tibar pl. of kibeek noun guitar
basket tibar1 noun guitar
tetiib pl. of te noun fathers
tibar2 noun body marks found
tewaa noun father's younger on face or front
brother tibin pl. of kibiŋ noun chest
tewaatiib pl. of tewaa noun
tibinn noun faeces
father's younger brothers
ti1 pronoun they (cl. pro.) tibɔbir noun woe, trouble,
nonsense, something said
ti2 particle directional, away against another person
from, (go) to (do something)
tibɔkpeŋ pl. of kibɔkpeŋ
M cha kinyaŋ ni m ti daa noun house for small animals
tikpin la. I am going to (goats, sheep, pigs, hens etc.)
market to buy some soup tibɔkpiirkaan noun.
ingredients. revelation
tibɔɔkur 170

tibɔɔkur pl. of kibɔɔkuuk noun ant [type]

noun baskets tichalangunn pl. of
tibɔɔr noun. soothsayer's kichalanguŋ noun crayfish
pronouncements, fortune, tichalgɔr pl. of kichalgook
horoscope Ubɔɔ buu tibɔɔr. noun bird [type]
The soothsayer told fortunes.
tichandanl noun. apology
tibɔr1 noun. words, case,
matter, information, trouble tichann noun. hospitality Li
gbaa tibɔr converse (beat channi bicham tichann.
matter) Show hospitality to strangers.
tibɔr2 pl. of kibɔɔk noun lake ticheer noun. remains after
or pond flour has been sieved
tibɔrkpaan noun very tichichir pl. of kichichiik
important matter noun large calabash with lid
cut out, used mostly for fish
tibukpir pl. of kibukpiik
noun fish [type] tichinn pl. of kichiŋ noun
insect like a cricket
tibulchinn noun. kindness
tichɔnn noun fibre from the
tibuul noun. leaves etc. placed stem of an old kinyangbaŋ
under top of yam mound plant
tibuwar pl. of kibuweek tidaabur pl. of kidaabuk
noun scar noun gun
tichaafr pl. of kichaafik tidaan pl. of kidaan noun
noun forge owner-identification mark
tichabɔnl noun. gourd [type] tidadir pl. of kidadiik noun
tichadeek pl. of kichadeek kitchen
171 tigbingbir

tidakan noun. pito solids after tifatann pl. of kifataŋ noun

straining/filtering (see App. valley
8) tifeen noun cut down
tidaŋ noun. dream U daŋ bush/grass before it is raked
tidaŋ. He dreamed. together U feen tifeen. He
tidapɔr pl. of kidapɔkr noun raked grass.
small piece of bark removed tifenn pl. of kifeŋ noun head
from a tree of grain
tidifɔfɔŋ noun tall buildings, tifuleer pl. of kifuleek noun
towers fowl's crop
tidijɔr pl. of kidijɔk noun tigagann pl. of kigangaŋ
sleeping room noun water-carrying tin
tidikamoor noun. grass roof tigangam noun. trouble,
tidipimoor noun thatch, roof amusing or surprising
tigasar pl. of kigaseek noun
tidir pl. of kidiik noun room
tree [type]
tidɔpɔr pl. of lidɔpɔkl noun tigbandonn pl. of
bark of tree
kigbandoŋ noun wide-
tidur noun dawa dawa pod brimmed straw hat, worn by
tifaan noun. dread, awe, fear men
Ni kpa tifaan. It is tigbann pl. of kigbaŋ noun
frightening. (It has fear - skin, book, letter, paper
perhaps a mask) tigbefar noun kapok tree
tifafar noun. soup leaves [type] leaves
tifar pl. of kifark noun leaf tigbingbir noun. unusable bits
left after winnowing guinea
tigbukr 172

corn noun snake [type]

tigbukr noun. medium sized tijiir dial. var. of tijikaar
edible mushrooms used in noun. food
soup tijikaar noun food (generic
tigir pl. of kigiik noun leech term for food, whether
tiguŋ noun. matted hair, as of a processed/cooked or not)
mad person tijoor pl. of kijook noun
tii1 verb give evening, after mid-day
tijɔŋ noun. dirt
tii2 verb spit tii timɔɔtan spit
(saliva) tijubaabar pl. of kijubaabak
tiib particle n. cl. 9 & 11 noun scissors
pluraliser tijunjunn pl. of kijunjuŋ
-tiib noun. pluralises n. cl. 9 noun shadow
and 11 tijunn pl. of kijuŋ noun soup
tiin1 verb droop ingredient, balls of dawa
dawa seeds
tiin2 verb tell (a story) tiin ntiin tikaafr pl. of kikaafik noun
tell a story shelter by the compound,
tiir 1) verb trade, transfer 2) used for drying various foods
tijagur pl. of kijagur noun tikaakar pl. of kikaakark
tree [type] noun yam shelter found on
the farm, (yams are covered
tijambir pl. of kijambirk with leaves)
noun small fish
tikaakpar pl. of kikaakpaak
tijapar pl. of kijapark noun noun high shelter, verandah,
gecko [type] used for drying grains
tijeepenn pl. of kijeepeŋ tikakann pl. of likakanl
173 tikpifar

noun outer leaves kikpaatuuŋ noun spear

tikakl1 noun. mucus, phlegm tikpab noun. muscle
tikakl2 noun husk tikpakpapenn pl. of
tikapar pl. of kikapeek noun kikpakpapeŋ noun tree
high-quality sleeping-mat [type]
tikapir pl. of kikapiik noun tikpakpar noun. mud
woven door (from stalks)
tikpaluudaa pl. of
tikar pl. of likal2 noun grass
kikpaluudaak noun
by the river used for roofing
weaving loom
tikar pl. of likal2 noun grass
tikpanjepɔkr pl. of
(for roofing)
kikpanjepɔkr noun egg
tikokonl noun. cotton
shell
tikokonn pl. of kikokoŋ
tikpann pl. of kikpaŋ noun
noun fish [type]
hunting (a lone hunter goes to
tikor1 pl. of kikork noun clam hunt)
tikor2 noun. hair tikpar pl. of kikpalk noun
long Mossi shirt
tikpaa pl. of kikpaak noun
1) non-working day, holidays tikpasɔnn noun. sheanut fruit
2) tikpeen pl. of kikpeeŋ noun
tikpaa pl. of kikpaak1 noun hernia
split guinea-corn-stalk mat, tikpetur pl. of kikpetuk
often used in a doorway
noun mortar, pounding-pot
tikpaalɔnn pl. of kikpaalɔŋ
tikpifar noun. soup leaves
noun pocket
(generic term)
tikpaatuun pl. of
tikpil 174

tikpil1 pl. of noun tilalak noun. itchy white rash

tikpil2 dial. var. of likpil noun found around the neck (app.
10)
buttocks
tilangbigbir pl. of
tikpin noun. soup, soup
ingredients kilangbigbir noun snake
[type]
tikpuwuun pl. of
tilar pl. of kilaan noun big
kikpuwuuŋ noun smoking
string bag or net, could be a
apparatus fishing net
tikukur dial. var. of kikukurk tiloloon pl. of kiloloŋ noun
noun feathers corner
tikumbur pl. of kikumbuuk tilonn pl. of kiloŋ noun drum
noun clay or aluminium pot shaped like an hour-glass, a
for cooking soup hollow thing
tikur pl. of kikurk noun iron, tiloor pl. of kilook noun little
metal, roofing sheet; hour (in goatskin bag with drawstring,
colonial days, a metal gong used for small bush animals
was sounded every hour) caught. General term for bag.
tikur1 pl. of kikurk noun iron, tima1 pronoun we emph. (1 pl.
hour (see kikurk) comp. emph.)
ikudɔ comp. ikupiin
tima2 pronoun they, (pn. pl. cl.
tikur2 1) noun. fur/hair of an emph.)
animal 2) body hair timaan pl. of kimaaŋ noun
tilaar noun. laughter Ni kpa womb
tilaar. It is funny. (It has timi 1) pronoun we, object, or
laughter) U laa tilaar. He emphatic 2) us
laughed.
175 tineekpakur

timina demonstrative these, tinaapipir pl. of kinaapipirk

the ones here (see noun moth, butterfly
introduction) tinaapulor pl. of
timombibir pl. of limombil kinaapulook noun big fly
noun coin [type]
timook noun. ringlet tinaasisin noun. athlete's foot
timoor pl. of kimook noun tinaawor pl. of kinaawol
grass, weeds, the bush noun granary
timoor1 noun. grass, rubbish tinabar pl. of kinabak noun
timoor2 noun bush, the bush tree [type]
timɔngban noun. nose water tinambonn pl. of kinamboŋ
U nyu timɔngban. He noun stall in market place
sniffed. (He drank nose- tinanjenn pl. of kinanjeŋ
water) noun bat
timɔɔtan noun. saliva tinann noun. meat, flesh, prey
tinaabinn noun. cow dung tinar pl. of kinaak noun lower
tinaajikɔr pl. of kinaajikok grinding stone
noun ringworm tinar1 noun. pus
tinaakɔr pl. of kinaakook tinar2 noun lower grinding-
noun entrance hall, where stone
cows are often kept tinatafur pl. of kinatafuuk
tinaakpajabun pl. of noun sock
kinaakpajabunl noun tineekpakur pl. of
whirlwind, dust devil kineekpakurk noun larynx,
tinaakpambur noun. brain Adam's apple
tineer 176

tineer pl. of kineek noun tinuyir pl. of kinuyirk noun

intestine yam head
tinikpakpak pl. of tinyalandir pl. of
kinikpakpak noun kinyalandeek noun
argument glowworm
tinimbar noun face mark tinyanyar pl. of kinyanyark
[type] noun claw, nail
tinimbidar pl. of tinyaŋgbann pl. of
kinimbidark noun kinyaŋgbaŋ noun fibre
spectacles, glasses plant, may be red or white -
tinimbikur pl. of sorrel rosella [type]; calices
or leaves of the plant used for
kinimbikurk noun eyelash soup
tinimbilir pl. of kinimbilikr tinyar pl. of kinyeek noun
noun mirror night
tinimoor noun. ground cleared tinyenyengbir pl. of
for yam mounds U gaa kinyenyengbeŋ noun
tinimoor. He cleared the land bladder
to raise yam mounds. (He cut tinyingbiln noun. toothless
weeds) gums
tiningbinn pl. of kiningbeŋ tinyoor noun profit, gain
noun eyebrow, eyelid
tinyunkpeln pl. of
tininkpel noun leadership,
kinyunkpuŋ noun wave
headship Bi tii u tininkpel.
tinyunyun noun. tears
They promoted him. (They
gave him leadership) tiŋ1 verb be gathered together,
177 tipuul

congregate armpit
tiŋ2 verb settle tiŋɔpann pl. of kiŋɔpaŋ
tiŋaalfar pl. of kiŋaalfark noun canoe paddle
noun hand (arm leaf) tipal pl. of kipalk noun little
tiŋaangbenn pl. of leather bag for putting money
in
kiŋaangbeŋ noun navel
tipɔkr noun. scales (of f ish),
tiŋambijar pl. of hard skin e.g. of yam
kiŋambijak noun thumb tipɔɔkar pl. of kipɔɔkalk
tiŋambinyanyar pl. of noun wasp [type]
kiŋambinyanyark noun tipɔɔr pl. of kipɔɔk2 noun
finger nail uninhabited places
tiŋambipɔk pl. of tipɔr pl. of kipɔɔk1 noun
fishing net
kiŋambipɔkr noun finger
nails tipugar pl. of kipugaak noun
tree [type]
tiŋambisir pl. of
tipukpamann pl. of
kiŋambiseeŋ noun little
finger kipukpamaŋ noun bird
[type]
tiŋann noun gift, dash,
tipupuul pl. of kipupuk
goodness U kpa tiŋann He is
noun boast
good (has goodness)
tipupuur noun. foam found on
tiŋmafuleer pl. of
water
kiŋmafuleek noun fowl's
tipuul noun promise, oath,
crop
vow U puu tipuul. He
tiŋmann pl. of kiŋmaŋ noun
promised.
tisamɔndir 178

tisamɔndir pl. of titaadar pl. of kitaadal noun

kisamɔndiik noun cooking trousers
room titaafar pl. of kitaafark noun
tisanjɔnn pl. of kisanjaŋ foot (leg leaf)
noun broken piece of pot for titaakur pl. of kitaakuuk
carrying live coals noun the season when all the
tisanyɔnn pl. of kisanyɔŋ crops are yielding - approx.
noun tree [type] Oct. - Nov., end of rains but
before harmattan
tisaper pl. of kisapeek noun
titaaŋambinyanyar pl. of
bathing bowl (clay)
kitaaŋambinyanyark
tisar pl. of kisaak noun farm
noun toe nail
(orginally yam farm)
titaapar noun. footprints made
tisibir pl. of kisibir noun fly
by running; the toe marks are
tisiir pl. of kisiik1 noun deep
1) sticks to support yam vines titakl noun. fishing by walking
2)
in the river with a net U tak
tisiir1 noun honey
titaklr. He fished (by
tisiir2 pl. of kisiik1 noun yam walking).
sticks (sticks to support the
titakpaloln pl. of kitakpaloŋ
vines)
noun cave
tisɔnn pl. of kisɔŋ noun head
titambur pl. of kitambuuk
pad
noun pit or hole dug to get
tisufar pl. of kisufark noun building clay
leaves (of a tree or bush)
titan noun. earth, soil, dust
tisusuur noun lungs
titann pl. of kitalŋ noun trap,
179 tiyakl

snare tiwakor noun domestic animal

titapal pl. of kitapak noun (generic term) Lit. thing-hair
cheek, side of the face tiwakpir pl. of kiwakpiik
titar pl. of kitaak noun day noun rag
tititeelaakpann pl. of tiwan noun thing Ti kan tiwan
kititeelaakpaŋ noun frog pam. We saw/got many
[type] things.
titotor pl. of kitotok noun tiwanbaarkaan noun.
calabash cut through the crawling thing
middle used to store salt or tiwannyukaan noun. drinking
fish. Big ones used to be used thing
for clothes and some may be
used for cotton. tiwanpeenkaan noun.
titunwanbir noun sin, killing clothing
of someone or of some big tiwanyukaan noun. insect
animal, e.g. lion (Lit. work- (generic term), something
thing-bad) which jumps
titunwanbirdaan noun tiwon noun body, frame, skin
sinner, wrongdoer, one who tiwoor noun cold
kills people (or big animals)
titunwanbirdam pl. of tiwuln noun vomit

titunwanbirdaan noun tiwusar pl. of kiwusark noun

sinner, wrongdoer, one who flute made of linaalii wood,
kills people (or big animals) blown across top
tiwaafulor pl. of tiyaayar noun. evil spirit,
kiwaafulook noun snake person having an evil spirit
[type] tiyakl noun. clay for making
tiyayar 180

pots (generic term)

tiyayar pl. of kiyayak noun tiyiyir pl. of kiyiyirk noun
sieve (calabash or modern head-tie, head-band
type) tiyɔr pl. of kiyɔlk noun tree
tiyenn pl. of kiyeŋ noun bird [type]
[type] to verb be bitter
tiyibubur pl. of kiyibubuuk
tok verb be straight
noun head-scarf
tiyikper pl. of kiyikper noun ton1 verb be hot
hair ton2 verb meet, approach
tiyikpichaar pl. of toŋ1 verb go another way
kiyikpichaak noun comb toŋ2 verb become hot, heat
tiyikpopur pl. of toŋ3 verb become straight,
kiyikpupuk noun cloth hat straighten (causative)
without a brim, worn mostly too1 verb lay (an egg)
by Muslim men
tiyikur pl. of kiyikuuk noun too2 verb play a game with
small calabash for drinking pieces
pito too3 verb shoot (an arrow)
tiyinyor pl. of kiyinyoor toor verb prepare, repair, fix
noun calabash larger than together
kiyikuuk used for dipping and
drinking water toor verb make a sacrifice

tiyipɔr pl. of kiyipook noun tɔ interjection O-kay

scalp tɔb noun. each other, one
tiyir pl. of kiyik noun calabash another
181 ubaa

tɔk1 verb kidnap, snatch, seize, tun4 verb work

grab tuŋ verb join, knit
tɔk2 verb be standing on top of
tur verb push
tɔŋ1 verb test, tempt
turuturu noun turkey (loan
tɔŋ2 verb stand something on word)
top of (causative) turuturutiib pl. of turuturu
tɔr verb remove firewood (in noun turkey
order to quench fire) tuu verb thread beads
tui verb mash
tuun verb insert through a hole
tuk verb tell, command (e.g. put on ear rings, thread a
tulalee noun perfume, scent, needle)
lotion tuur1 verb light a fire
tun1 verb carry on head, help a tuur2 verb lift down off head,
person put a load on head unload
tun2 verb send tuutuu noun bird [type] (loan
tun3 verb strain through word)
something tuutuutiib pl. of tuutuu
noun bird [type]

Uu
u1 pronoun 3 sg. he/she, ubaa1 determiner 1) one, alone,
u2 pronoun it cl. 3 or 5 only, certain one Waa kan
ubaa 182

unii ubaa. He did not see ubopɔɔn new-born baby

anyone. 2) U kan unii ubaa. (until weaned) ubowaatiir
He saw a certain man/one small child (weaned to
man. adolescent child) ukpobo
ubaa2 reflexive himself/herself orphan ubɔmbo illegitimate
(3sg. reflex.) U ter ubaa He child ubogeen
helped himself favourite/beloved child
ubabae noun apprentice, ubo2 noun child
learner
ubon noun donkey
ubafen noun fish [type]
ubopɔɔn noun baby
ubal noun fish [type]
ubɔ noun dog ubɔbo puppy
ubanja noun tree [type]
ubɔja / ibɔja male dog/s
ubeegbaa noun guitar player
ubɔja noun male dog
ubijabo noun boy (pre-
ubɔlen noun speaker, judge
puberty)
(the ubɔlen speaks and the
ubilkiin noun fish [type] ubɔnabr interprets)
ubir noun deaf-mute ubɔlenkpaan noun talkative
ubiyoor noun child-minder, person
probably another child, a ubɔn noun fish [type]
person who may help a
ubɔnabr noun interpreter,
mother with a child over
about 7 months translator, prophet, chief's
linguist
ubo1 noun child (pre-puberty),
ubɔnbo noun illegitimate child
young of an animal ubɔbo
ubɔndinn noun bride, chosen
puppy ubijabo boy upiibo girl
183 udichadaan

by bridegroom uchaa noun blacksmith, one

ubɔnyundaan noun gossip who smelts metal
monger uchaan noun stranger, visitor
ubɔɔ noun soothsayer, fortune- uchakooja noun guinea corn
teller [type]
ubɔɔkɔla noun bird , lives by uchakpee noun partridge
lakes
uchakpin noun bride, fiancee,
ubɔɔn noun lover, fiancee,
promised wife (as promised
fiancee, boy-friend, girl- at birth)
friend
uchandaatunl noun mediator,
ubɔɔtiib pl. of ubɔɔn noun
one who is sent to make an
lover, fiancee, fiancee, boy- apology for some action of
friend, girl-friend, inaleinably the sender
possessed 1
uchiichuun noun hornbill
ubɔr noun chief, king bibɔrb
uchilkpaan noun earth-worm
ubɔrbo noun prince, chief's
child uchinn noun lion
ubukal noun bird [type] udaan noun that person, owner
ubulchindaan noun kind U ga di cha pinn udaan
person, generous ngbaan He will forgive that
ubun noun sick person one

ubunaa noun large antelope udagbiir noun lit. filled with

[type] ndaan (wine)

ubusoondaan noun person udagoor noun adulterer

covered with sores udichadaan noun householder
udidaan 184

udidaan noun guinea corn ugbeeninkpel old pig/mother

owner pig
udidiir pl. of noun ugiin noun poor person, weak
follower/disciple (bididiliib) person

udimaal noun lit. house ugodaan noun hunchback

builder uja1 noun male animal uja ni
udin noun enemy upii male and female
udoon noun bridge made with uja2 noun man, male, strong,
one or more poles and a rope big ubɔja male dog (ubɔ)
to help balance
ubijabo male child nsanja
udul noun bird [type] main road
uduun noun bell used in ujaan noun twin
funeral dancing. A likeebil is
used to hit it. ujabaabo noun fish [type]

ufin noun owl ujachal noun fish [type]

ufl noun red-haired baby ujagen noun snake [type]

ugbandaan noun person or ujakaan noun brave person

animal with scabs on body, ujakpaa noun fish [type]
(excema or mange)
ujakpakunjuŋ noun fish
ugbanyakdaan noun slow,
[type]
lazy person
ujaman noun red man
ugbatam noun market tax-
collector (charges for loads) ujambɔn noun mud fish
ugbeebo noun piglet ujambɔɔl noun fish [type]
ugbeer noun pig ugbeeja boar ujan noun fish (generic term)
185 ukpeedaan

ujanban noun fisherman ukamoja noun Muslim

ujaninkpel noun old man ukikiir noun protector, guard
ujaputaan noun fish [type] ukoobo noun baby chick
ujar noun pimple ukooja ikooja noun rooster,
ujasoon noun fish [type] (male chicken)
ukookpindaan noun person
ujawaandaan noun coward
with hernia or elephantiasis
ujayii noun fish [type] ukɔla noun fowl/hen/chicken
ujiŋeen noun porcupine ukɔndaan noun leper
ujookɔla noun bird [type] ukpaal noun farmer
ujoon noun blind person ukpaan noun guinea fowl
ujɔr noun fool, half-wit, ukpaayuk noun lazy person
mentally handicapped person
ukpakpaar noun carpenter,
ujunab noun. soup leaves
joiner
[type]
ukpakpaln noun changeling,
ujuun noun python
baby whose behaviour is
ukaa noun eagle, hawk, kite abnormal, magician (e.g. one
who can turn himself into a
ukaabɔn noun raven, black stone to escape attack)
eagle
ukpambal1 noun fly [type]
ukakal noun jackal
ukpambal2 noun servant,
ukal noun fish [type] follower, chief's elders
ukalmpii noun white woman ukpan noun hunter
ukalnja noun white man ukpeedaan noun one who
ukpeekuub 186

demands food, or takes it person

when uninvited, greedy for ukuub noun snake (generic
food
term)
ukpeekuub 1) noun round
ukuuman noun snake [type]
worm 2) snake [type]
ukpiin1 noun antelope [type] ulaan noun night hawk

ukpiin2 noun trumpet (made ulaaŋaabnii noun one who

from animal horn) interrupts and pesters - a pest

ukpiinja noun large bush ulakanja noun male agama

animal with horns used for lizard
trumpets ulambakuub noun reptile
ukpikpiir noun carver, [type]
carpenter ulambidaan noun busybody
ukpobo noun orphan ulampuugaar noun people
ukpopii noun widow tax-collector
ukpopiija The woman who ulangbin noun speckled hen
lead widows to the man's ulankpal noun wise man
farm.
ulapol noun mouse
ukpubo noun duckling
ulatan noun monkey
ukukpaar noun fairy
ulatiir noun silly, stupid person
ukukuun noun fish [type]
ulelek noun fish [type]
ukulŋaan noun crane
uleleŋ noun spokesman
ukulun noun small antelope
[type] ulɔ noun monitor lizard
ukumɔndaan noun greedy uluub noun elephant
187 unaaduun

uma pronoun he, she, it umɔmɔndii noun fly [type]

(emphatic) umɔmɔɔndaan noun
umaantɔ noun ally, friend, charming, smooth person (not
neighbour ki cha unii ni always to be trusted, lit. one
whose mouth is sweet)
umaantɔ fenn lir tɔb pu. and
umɔɔchuun noun chameleon
cause a person and his friend
to turn and fall upon each umɔɔdaan noun river owner
other. (gives permission for
umamaan noun midwife, birth poisoning river in dry season)
nickname for crocodile
attendant Le umamaan bui u
umɔɔntoon noun snake [type]
ke, "Rachel, taa san
ijawaan. U mu ki ye ubijabo umɔɔpeel noun hippopotamus
(lit. river animal)
la." The midwife said to her,
"Rachael, don't be afraid. He unaa noun cow U kpa inaa
also is a boy." iŋmu He has five cows (cows
umar noun woman who has five)
just given birth unaabilpaan noun dung
umeen noun turtle beetle
umina pronoun this, the one unaabo noun calf (of a cow)
here (see introduction) unaachiin noun hyena
umɔmɔkr noun teacher, scribe unaachuun noun chameleon
Uma le ye umɔmɔkr kpaan
unaaduun noun mosquito, a
ki jer bimɔmɔkb mɔmɔk. He
biting fly unaaduunpipir
(emph.) is a great teacher
pass all teachers. unaaduunwaatiir sand fly
unaagan 188

unaagan noun bird [type] inoculates cows, vet

unaagbiija noun slave Sin u unaayuk noun thief Aa yaa

daa u na taa cha u tun ye unaayuk aaŋeen aatɔ

lituln ke unaagbiija na. You kan, aa tii aabaa titotonn

who bought him, don't make la. If you are the accomplice
him work like a slave. of a thief you hurt yourself.
unaaja noun bull (male cow) unachipɔɔn noun youth,
unaajabo noun baby bull, young man
baby male cow unagodaan noun greedy for
unaaken noun grasshopper meat - a person who likes
meat very much
unaakpaal noun cow-boy, unakechaan noun termite
young boy who tries to keep [type]
cows from spoiling crops
unambɔln noun ant [type]
unaakpaapiin noun cattle
egret (app. 5) unambunn noun cat
unaakpeen noun fish [type] unanann noun grinding mill
unaal noun fish [type] unandaan 1) noun hated
unaamuun noun leopard person, orphan 2)
unangbee noun bee
unaan noun guinea worm
Unaan duun mi. I have unangben noun mud wasp
guinea worm. (lit. guinea- unanjar noun pot for storing
worm is-swelling me.) pito, okra, kpaka etc.
unaanyoon noun bird [type] uneebɔ noun cat
unaasaar noun one who uneedaan noun one who has a
189 unyombo

craving for meat person, orphan

uneepɔɔmpiin noun sea gull uninkpel 1) noun elder
uneepɔɔn noun bird [type] bininkpeeb elders tininkpel
headship, leadership 2) 'fairy'
unibaan noun one person,
[Gh.], bush-sprite bininkpeeb
only one
fairies
unibɔn noun man, mankind
uninyaan noun good person
unifuur noun living person
uninyuun noun hero,
unii noun person important man
unikoondaan noun hard, unyamɔndaan noun liar
unfeeling, unsympathetic
unyampuu noun market
person
woman
unikpaan noun important
unyanchaar noun market
person
owner who may collect his
unikur noun murderer Unikur dash from the sellers. (u chaa
mɔmɔk ŋeer nkun la. Every kinyaÅ‹)
murderer deserves to die. unyandaan noun market
unileekoo noun chosen one owner

unimɔɔndaan noun shy unyann noun ant (generic

person term)

unimɔɔsaln noun shy person unyiib noun crocodile

unimpɔɔn noun new-born unyipɔtann noun crocodile

baby, a person newly returned unyombo noun small bird of
after a long absence
any kind unyombo /
uninandaan noun hated
inyombiyaar little birds that
unyoohn 190

fly in a group uŋobo noun young goat

unyoohn noun scorpion uŋoob1 noun goat uŋooja billy
unyoon noun bird (generic goat
term) uŋoob2 noun barren woman
unyɔkdaan noun uŋooŋoob barren goat
juju/medicine man (will not
dance for it) uŋɔk noun jackal

unyɔnyun noun leopard uŋɔyildaan noun man who

paddles boat, or who directs
unyumui noun bird [type] paddler
unyumwiir noun bird [type] uŋuuldaan noun impatient,
unyunja noun current (of bad-tempered person,
water), strong ~ choleric

uŋaaŋaal noun driver upaan noun cricket

uŋmal1 noun month upalee noun fish [type]

uŋmal2 noun moon uŋmamɔn upeegbin noun antelope [type]

full moon uŋmapɔɔn new upeel noun wild animal

moon (generic term)
uŋmaŋmann noun hypocrite, upeeman noun antelope
deceiver upeenamuun noun leopard
uŋmaŋmar noun saviour upeeyun noun antelope [type]
uŋmaŋmarndaan noun upepekr noun spy
saviour
upihbo noun lamb
uŋmaŋmee noun bird [type]
upii1 noun married woman,
uŋmarndaan noun saviour
191 usamɔnn

also used to distinguish upɔɔkɔla noun bush fowl

whether a baby is a boy or a
girl (female) upɔɔnaa noun bush cow,
upii2 noun female (animal) buffalo
upɔɔndaan noun rich,
upiibo noun girl (pre-puberty)
powerful or physically strong
upiidaagoor noun adulteress person (e.g. Head of State)
upiih noun sheep upihbo lamb upɔɔnyaan noun crocodile
upihja ram upihkpaal / upɔɔŋoob noun bush goat,
bipihkpaab shepherd/s wild goat
upihninkpel ewe which has upudaan noun pregnant
woman (lit. 'stomach-owner')
borne lambs upihsal ewe-
lamb upukpaanchakpuk noun bird
[type]
upiijoor noun married man
upuusaakpendaan noun
upininkpel noun old woman,
greedy person
female elder
usaapɔɔn noun pubescent,
upobildaan noun brave
unmarried girl
person
usachub noun squirrel
uponn noun bush cat [type]
usachulann noun squirrel
upor noun eldest one
[type]
upɔndaan noun debtor ...ki usakpen noun great,
ŋeer upɔndaan aah ga ŋmaa important, big one
pa pu na. ...according to usal noun female goat/sheep
what the debtor is able to pay.
usamɔnn noun cook
upɔɔgbeer noun bush pig
usangaln 192

usangaln noun man who has itapiin dar utatar, ...the third
insight, can indicate right (chariot) was drawn by white
way to go or to solve a horses,
problem utechuun noun hornbill
usanloln noun one leading the
uteer noun frog
way, foremost
uskuubo noun school child utekpeenyoon noun bird
[type]
usoon noun witch, wizard,
utekpiir noun soul - a dead
anyone who would try to kill
another person by magical person's living soul/spirit
means utekpobo noun fatherless
usub noun wild animal [type] child

usugbagbab noun ant [type] utimbui noun snake [type]

ususur noun advisor utindaan noun. land/town-

owner
usuun noun fish [type]
utingbin noun mouse [type]
utaal noun rain
utoon noun locust
utaan noun horse
utotoor noun priest, one who
utafakpaa noun deaf person offers sacrifice, pours
utafaldaan noun rabbit libation, one who settles
disputes, one who prepares
utakpaja noun agama lizard something
utangbar noun horses mane ututunl 1) noun paid servant,
worker 2) messenger
utanja noun stallion
ututunn noun worker
utapiin noun white horse ...le
ututuŋeer noun colleague
193 uyidaan

uu interrogative question uwɔkpiir noun carver,

marker (if sentence ends with carpenter
u) Aa kan upuu uu? Did you uwɔwɔnii noun foreigner,
see his wife? (You saw his- alien Waan ŋmaa di u kooh
wife?)
tii uwɔwɔnii. He cannot sell
uwaa noun snake (generic
her to a foreigner. (as a slave)
term)
uwɔwɔnja noun stranger, one
uwaadaan noun fetish owner
whose language is not
(will dance for his fetish) understand by Konkombas
uwaafr noun fetish priest uwul noun monitor lizard
uwaaman noun snake [type] Uwumbɔr noun God
uwaar noun mad person uyaab noun. his ones (people)
(biwaarb)
uyaar noun sparrow, small bird
uwaatiir noun younger one, Nite Uwumbɔr yaa kaa kii
smaller one
kan, uyaar ubaa aan lir ni
uwandaan noun owner (lit.
kitiŋ. Not one sparrow falls to
'thing-owner')
the ground without God's
uwankpadaan noun rich man consent.
uwanmeer noun beggar uyaayan noun different person
uwon noun rabbit or thing
uyan noun a different one
uwoon noun fish [type]
uyayak noun night adder
uwɔb noun cripple
uyidaan noun leader (lit. head-
uwɔkpaar noun carpenter,
joiner owner) Nyan linibol mɔmɔk
uyiguidaan 194

ni uyidaan, aan bi ter bi. person, someone rich,

Appoint one leader from each influential, (with a large
tribe to help them (divide the family) (lit. name-owner)
land). uyom noun captive, prisoner,
uyiguidaan noun bald man slave Cha uyom ngbaan
uyikpuku noun mantis nyan kiyondiik ni. Let the
prisoner go free. (go out of
uyimbidaan noun honourable the prison room)

Ww
w-- pronoun he, before neg. or waakpimanja noun. rainbow
poss. (see introduction) waan1 verb raise head to look
waa1 verb be wide, widen up
waa2 verb dance waan2 verb yawn
waa3 verb see, be able to see waan3 negative future pronoun
waa4 negative pronoun class 1, 2 or 3 sg. pronoun
with negative and future
he/she/it is not/did not. Sg. morphemes. (he/she/it
Pronoun class 1, 2, or 3 fused (animate) will not/is not
with neg. particle /aa/
waar dial. var. of piir2 open
waah as he/she was...
verb to open
Restrictions: takes obligatory
clause final particle /na/] waar1 verb open (mouth)
waahr temporal first, before waar2 verb leave alone, leave
in peace
195 wuŋ

waatiir adjective small, thin wiin verb shine, be bright

wab verb grab wiir verb be many, numerous
*wae numeral nine (takes wiir dial. var. of chikr2 1
obligatory prefix agreeing mature verb mature
with the nominal to which it woln verb enlighten
refers.)
waŋ verb be missing, lost (of a won1 verb swim
thing) won2 verb be burnt up (e.g. of
war verb cut up, apportion food bush grash)

wawae ordinal ninth wor verb warm oneself

wee1 verb grow, become many woween adverb quickly U fuu

ni woween. He came quickly.
wee2 demonstrative this (3 sg.
or class 1 demonstrative) woyaa noun bird [type]
weei! inf. var. of wee1 woyaatiib pl. of woyaa noun
interjection exclamation bird [type]
ween1 verb wilting (of a tree) wɔb locative direction
ween2 verb make a noise wu verb be painful, hurt
wer verb remove (a thorn) wuljo noun. sweet potato
wii1 1) verb cry (with tears) wuln verb vomit
2) hiss (of pito as it gets wun verb singe, burn hair
strong)
wii2 verb smash, break gbaa wuŋ verb sit on (to hatch),
crouch down, hide under, sink
wii knock down, smash (beat beneath the water (e.g. of
break) soaking guinea corn)
wur 196

wur verb crumble, break into wuuŋ verb go mouldy

pieces Ligoln ngbaan ga wur wuur verb dissolve (as bunn),
lir kitiŋ. The wall will lose dye, fade (of cloth)
crumble and fall. chuuwuur take off, take out

Yy
y- pronoun they (see yaabiltiib pl. of yaabil noun
introduction) grandchild
yaa1 noun grandmother yaah as they pro. cl. subord....
yaa2 verb scatter, sow, disperse Ŋijoo pu le ye yaah ŋmɔ

yaa3 negative pronoun they cl. timoor nin chee na. The
3, 4, or 6 pronoun plural /i/ mountains are the pastures
with neg. particle /aa/ did where they feed.
not/are not... yaaja 1) noun grandfather
yaa...kan particle if, when 2) ancestor
(subordinating) Libuul yaa yaajatiib pl. of yaaja noun
lir kitiŋkan, li ga wii. If a pot grandfather; ancestor
falls, it will break. yaan1 noun. things
yaab noun. people possessed/ possessed/owned M. yaan.
owned Yaan yaab. Yendi M.'s things.
people. yaan2 negative future pronoun
yaabil noun grandchild class 3, 4, or 6 plural pronoun
fused with neg. /aa/ and
197 yiir

future /-n/ They sre not/did speaker), draw near (in time),
not) reach
yaansara noun joke, geniality, yak2 verb sift
joviality (ŋani yaansara) U yakl verb divide, separate from
kpa yaansara. He is a jovial each other
man. (He has..) M ŋani yann verb be healed, of a
yaansara la. I am joking. (I wound
am-doing..) ye verb be (in essence),
yaansara dial. var. of aasai occupation U ye ukɔndaan
noun. joking, mocking la. He is a leper.
yaaparik noun guinea corn yeb verb grind coarsely to
[type] remove husks
yaar 1) verb make a bending yee demonstrative these cl.
person straighten up demonstrative
2) applies only to this sort of
position yeh verb own
yaatiib pl. of yaa1 noun yenn verb go astray, get lost
grandmothers yeŋ verb toss about
yaayan adjective different,
yi pronoun they
another
yadaa noun trust Maa ki ŋa yii verb refuse, fail Uyii

liwaal yadaa nsui ni. In my maamɔb He disobeyed me

heart, I could not trust the (He refused my-mouth)
fetish any more. (I-neg.again yiin verb put on (trousers)
do fetish trust my-heart in)
yiir verb take off trousers
yak1 verb draw near (to (opposite of yiin)
yiko 198

yiko noun authority, power yɔlk verb wither

yikɔ dial. var. of yiko noun. yɔɔl dial. var. of yooli adverb
power, authority useless, weak
yin verb call yɔɔn 1) noun co-wife 2) rival
yir1 verb put on head scarf yɔɔntiib pl. of yɔɔn noun co-
yir2 verb motionless wife; rival
yuk verb jump, fly
yoo1 interjection O-kay (some
dialects) yun1 verb threaten rain
yoo2 noun. possession yun2 verb hit with a stone,
(animate) arrow, or any projectile
yooli qualifier useless yunn verb be a long time, keep
yoor verb take, pick up U yoor long U nan bun ni yunn
upii. He married. (U took a pam. He was sick a long
woman) time.
yɔk1 verb sprinkle yuŋ! inf. var. of yuk verb jump

yɔk2 verb dig mounds yɔk yuul verb hoot at

nkpatan make yam mounds