Lesson 2: Language and Names

Yoruba is a tonal language, so pitch can change meaning. Names, greetings, proverbs, and praise poetry carry family memory and social respect.

Core Idea

Everyday Yoruba speech is relational. Greetings mark age, time of day, work, celebration, mourning, and kinship. Personal names often express family history, faith, circumstance of birth, hope, or gratitude.

Practice Thread

Start with greetings and names before memorizing long lists. Ask elders and fluent speakers how a name is pronounced and what story it carries, then record that knowledge with care and permission.