Yoruba, a language spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo, uses a Latin-based alphabet with additional diacritics. These diacritics are crucial as Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning tone changes can alter the meaning of words.

Overview of the Yoruba Alphabet

• Script Type: Latin-based
• Number of Letters: 25
• Unique Features: Three tones (high, mid, low) marked with diacritics on vowels and syllabic nasals.

Detailed Breakdown of the Yoruba Alphabet

Vowels

Yoruba has five oral vowels and two nasal vowels. Each vowel can appear with a high, mid, or low tone.

1. A, a

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
   • Example Word: “Ara” – meaning “Body”

2. E, e

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bed.”
   • Example Word: “Ede” – meaning “Language”

3. Ẹ, ẹ

   • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘e’ in “bed,” but with more breath.
   • Example Word: “Ẹja” – meaning “Fish”

4. I, i

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
   • Example Word: “Ile” – meaning “House”

5. O, o

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “or.”
   • Example Word: “Omo” – meaning “Child”

6. Ọ, ọ

   • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘o’ in “or,” but with more breath.
   • Example Word: “Ọna” – meaning “Road”

7. U, u

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “food.”
   • Example Word: “Umbrella” – borrowed word

Consonants

Yoruba has 18 consonants. Note that ‘p’, ‘v’, ‘x’, ‘z’ are not used in indigenous Yoruba words.

1. B, b

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bat.”
   • Example Word: “Baba” – meaning “Father”

2. D, d

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example Word: “Dada” – meaning “Curly hair”

3. F, f

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “far.”
   • Example Word: “Fẹlẹ” – meaning “Brush”

4. G, g

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
   • Example Word: “Gidi” – meaning “Real”

5. Gb, gb

   • Pronunciation: A unique Yoruba sound; a simultaneous ‘g’ and ‘b’ sound.
   • Example Word: “Gbogbo” – meaning “All”

6. H, h

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hat.”
   • Example Word: “Haha” – meaning “To laugh”

7. J, j

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘j’ in “judge.”
   • Example Word: “Joko” – meaning “Sit down”

8. K, k

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
   • Example Word: “Koko” – meaning “Porridge”

9. L, l

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “lamp.”
   • Example Word: “Lala” – meaning “To swing”

10. M, m

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “man.”
    • Example Word: “Mama” – meaning “Mother”

11. N, n

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “nice.”
    • Example Word: “Nla” – meaning “Big”

12. P, p

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pot.”
    • Example Word: “Pupa” – meaning “Red”

13. R, r

    • Pronunciation: A rolled ‘r’ sound, similar to Spanish ‘r.’
    • Example Word: “Rara” – meaning “Uncommon”

14. S, s

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “snake.”
    • Example Word: “Sisi” – meaning “To peel”

15. Ṣ, ṣ (S with a dot beneath)

    • Pronunciation: A sharper ‘sh’ sound.
    • Example Word: “Ṣiṣe” – meaning “To do”

16. T, t

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “top.”
    • Example Word: “Tata” – meaning “Complete”

17. W, w

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘w’ in “water.”
    • Example Word: “Wewe” – meaning “Thin”

18. Y, y

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “yes.”
    • Example Word: “Yara” – meaning “Quickly”

Tones in Yoruba

Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch or tone in which a word is spoken can affect its meaning.

• High Tone: Indicated by an acute accent (´), e.g., “á.”
• Mid Tone: Generally not marked, e.g., “a.”
• Low Tone: Indicated by a grave accent (`), e.g., “à.”

Pronunciation Tips

• Tonal Nature: Pay attention to the tonal marks, as they can change the meaning of words.
• Nasal Vowels: Nasal vowels are marked with a dot underneath, e.g., “ẹ.”
• Syllable Structure: Yoruba has a simple syllable structure, mostly consisting of vowel-consonant (VC) and consonant-vowel (CV) patterns.

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Practice with audio resources. Listen to native speakers for correct tone usage.
• Writing Practice: Write down each letter and tone mark. Practice writing simple words.
• Reading Practice: Start with basic texts to familiarize yourself with the alphabet and tonal system.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Look for apps that offer Yoruba language courses.
• Online Tutorials: Many websites and YouTube channels provide lessons in Yoruba.
• Language Exchange: Engage with native Yoruba speakers for conversational practice.

Conclusion

Understanding the Yoruba alphabet and its tonal system is key to effectively communicating in Yoruba. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing will enhance your proficiency and deepen your appreciation of the Yoruba language and culture.