Yoruba Language
Yoruba is a Niger-Congo language spoken predominantly in West Africa, especially in southwestern and central Nigeria, as well as in Benin and parts of Togo. It is the native language of the Yoruba people, with over 50 million speakers.
Yoruba is characterized by a range of regional dialects across Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, with additional speaker communities in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia due to migration.
Yoruba vocabulary also features prominently in various African diaspora religions. In the Americas, it is used in the liturgy of Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, as well as Caribbean traditions such as Santería, where it survives in the form of the Lucumí liturgical language. In these contexts, Yoruba functions primarily as a sacred or ceremonial language, with new forms evolving independently of everyday spoken fluency.
- There are seven oral vowels in Standard Yorùbá:
a e e̩ i o o̩ u
Phonetic realizations as:
- There are five nasal vowels in Standard Yorùbá:
-an -e̩n -in -o̩n -un
There are eighteen consonants in Yorùbá language:
b d f g gb h j k l
m n p r s s̩ t w y
Phonetic realizations as:
[b] bàtà shoe [d] dun sweet
[f] fìlà cap [g] igi tree
[gb] gbé carry
[dʒ] je̩un eat
[k] kè̩ké̩ bicycle
[l] lo̩ go
[m] méje seven
[n] níbí here
[kp] pápá field [r] rántí remember [s] sáre to run
[∫] s̩ere to play
[t] tuntun new
[w] wàkátí hour
[y] yàrá room
Lesson 1: Greetings among Peers
This lesson introduces basic Yoruba greetings used between individuals of the same age group or social status. It covers informal expressions and appropriate body language among friends and classmates.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can greet and respond to greetings from peers in Yoruba.
I can use culturally appropriate gestures when greeting someone my age.
See here for lesson – Lesson 1 “Greetings among Peers”
Lesson 2: Greetings between younger and older person
This lesson focuses on respectful greetings used by younger individuals when addressing elders in Yoruba culture. It explores verbal expressions of respect, gestures like kneeling or prostration, and the cultural significance of age hierarchy.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can greet and respond to greetings from someone older than me using respectful Yoruba expressions.
I can show appropriate gestures of respect when greeting an elder.
I can recognize the difference between peer and elder greetings in Yoruba
See here for lesson 2 – Lesson 2 “Greetings between younger and older person”
Lesson 3: Numbers 1-20
This lesson teaches students how to count from 1 to 100 in Yoruba. Learners will practice pronunciation, recognize patterns in number formation, and apply counting in everyday contexts such as age, money, and time.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can count from 1 to 100 in Yoruba.
I can recognize and say numbers when I hear or see them.
I can use numbers in basic contexts such as giving my age or saying the time.
See here for lesson 3 – Lesson 3 “Numbers 1-100”
Lesson 4: Introducing Oneself
This lesson helps learners practice simple Yoruba expressions used to introduce themselves. It includes how to state one’s name, origin, and basic personal information such as where one lives or one’s occupation (for older learners).
Lesson Goal(s):
I can introduce myself using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can say my name and where I am from.
I can understand when someone says their name and origin in Yoruba.
See here for lesson – Lesson 4 “Introducing Oneself”
Lesson 5: Introducing Others
This lesson builds on self-introduction by teaching students how to introduce friends, classmates, or family members. It includes vocabulary for family and relationship terms as well as gender-based noun markers where applicable.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can introduce another person using basic Yoruba pronouns.
I can tell someone else the name and relationship of a person I know.
I can understand when someone introduces another person in Yoruba.
Lesson 5 “Introducing Others”
Lesson 6: Telling Age
This lesson focuses on how to ask and answer questions about age in Yoruba. It introduces the structure of age-related expressions, numbers relevant to typical age ranges, and how to respond appropriately when discussing someone’s age.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can ask someone how old they are in Yoruba.
I can say how old I am using Yoruba numbers.
I can understand a simple sentence about someone’s age when I hear it.
Lesson 7: Days and Months
This lesson introduces vocabulary for the days of the week and months of the year in Yoruba. It helps learners identify calendar terms and reference important dates or events.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name the days of the week and months of the year in Yoruba.
I can say what day it is or when something will happen.
I can understand when someone mentions a day or month in conversation.
Lesson 8: Numbers 30-100
This lesson expands number knowledge from 30 to 100 in Yoruba. Learners will identify number patterns, practice pronunciation, and use numbers in real-life situations such as counting objects or talking about prices.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can count from 30 to 100 in Yoruba.
I can recognize and say large numbers when I hear or see them.
I can use numbers in simple conversations related to quantity, age, or money.
Lesson 9: Immediate Family
This lesson introduces key Yoruba vocabulary for immediate family members such as mother, father, siblings, and children. It includes how to identify relationships and use possessive expressions to talk about one’s family.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name members of my immediate family in Yoruba.
I can say who someone is in my family using simple sentences.
I can understand when someone talks about their mother, father, or siblings.
Lesson 10: Extended Family
This lesson builds on the immediate family lesson by introducing terms for grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. It explores how Yoruba culture emphasizes extended kinship and respect for older relatives.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name extended family members in Yoruba.
I can describe how someone is related to me or another person.
I can recognize family terms in a short conversation or story.
Lesson 11: Describing a house
This lesson introduces learners to basic Yoruba vocabulary used to describe a house. Students learn to identify and describe the parts of a house such as the roof, door, wall, and surroundings using simple descriptive language.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name common parts of a house in Yoruba.
I can use simple words to describe what a house looks like.
I can understand when someone describes basic features of a house.
Lesson 12: Describing Types of Houses
This lesson explores the vocabulary and expressions used to describe different types of houses — such as huts, bungalows, story buildings, and compounds — in Yoruba. It includes cultural references to traditional and modern housing styles.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name different types of houses in Yoruba.
I can use simple phrases to describe what type of house someone lives in.
I can recognize descriptions of house types when I hear or read them.
Lesson 13: Describing Physical Features
This lesson introduces vocabulary and expressions for describing basic physical characteristics in Yoruba, such as height, skin tone, hair, and general appearance. Learners will practice using adjectives and simple noun phrases.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can describe someone’s physical appearance using simple Yoruba words.
I can say what someone looks like (e.g., tall, short, dark-skinned).
I can understand when someone uses basic words to describe a person.
Lesson 14: Describing Personality Traits
This lesson focuses on basic Yoruba words used to describe someone’s personality or behavior, such as being kind, funny, quiet, or hardworking. Students learn to talk about themselves and others using simple descriptive sentences.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can describe someone’s personality using simple Yoruba expressions.
I can say what kind of person someone is (e.g., friendly, serious, respectful).
I can understand basic personality descriptions in conversation.
Lesson 15 – Body Parts
This lesson introduces common Yoruba vocabulary for parts of the human body such as head, eyes, hands, legs, and stomach. Learners will use these terms in basic descriptive phrases and to respond to simple questions about the body.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name parts of the body in Yoruba.
I can point to body parts when I hear them named.
I can say which part of the body hurts or needs help using simple phrases.
Lesson 16 – Feeling Sick
This lesson helps learners express common feelings of illness and discomfort in Yoruba, such as having a headache, fever, or stomach pain. It includes how to describe symptoms and seek help in basic health-related conversations.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say how I feel when I am sick using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can describe basic symptoms (e.g., “My head hurts”) in Yoruba.
I can understand simple questions and statements about being sick.
Lesson 17 – Expressing Likes
This lesson introduces learners to Yoruba phrases used to express preferences and enjoyment. It focuses on talking about favorite foods, activities, colors, and people using simple sentence structures.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say what I like in Yoruba using simple phrases.
I can talk about favorite things like food, games, or music.
I can understand when someone says what they like.
Lesson 18 – Expressing Dislikes
This lesson builds on the previous one by teaching students how to express what they do not like. Learners will practice using basic negation patterns in Yoruba and apply them to everyday topics like food, chores, or school subjects.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say what I do not like using simple Yoruba expressions.
I can talk about things I dislike in daily life.
I can understand when someone says they dislike something.
Lesson 19 – Popular Meals
This lesson introduces learners to common and culturally significant Yoruba meals such as amala, eba, iyan, efo riro, egunsi, moi moi etc. It includes vocabulary for ingredients, preparation methods, and meal times.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name popular Yoruba meals and describe them using simple words.
I can say what I like to eat and when I eat it.
I can understand when someone talks about common foods in Yoruba culture.
Lesson 20 – Eating Food in a Restaurant
This lesson helps learners use basic Yoruba expressions to order food, ask for items, and interact politely in a restaurant or food vendor setting. It includes polite phrases, simple questions, and expressions of preference.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can ask for food or drinks in a restaurant using simple Yoruba phrases.
I can respond to basic questions from a food vendor or waiter.
I can understand a simple menu or food conversation in Yoruba.
Lesson 21 -Cultural Events
This lesson introduces Yoruba cultural events such as naming ceremonies (Ìkómójádè), weddings (Ìgbéyàwó), festivals (e.g., Òṣùn Òṣogbo, Ẹ̀yọ̀), and traditional dances. Learners will explore vocabulary and expressions related to these events and their significance.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name some important Yoruba cultural events.
I can say a few things people do or wear during these events.
I can understand simple descriptions of cultural celebrations in Yoruba.
Lesson 22 – National Events
This lesson focuses on major Nigerian national events such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, and Children’s Day. Students will learn how to identify, describe, and talk about these events using appropriate Yoruba phrases.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name important national holidays and events in Nigeria.
I can say when these events happen and what people do during them.
I can understand basic information about national events when I hear them.
Lesson 23- Holidays
This lesson explores major religious and public holidays in Yoruba and Nigerian culture, such as Christmas (Kérésìmesì), Eid (Ìlẹyá), and New Year’s Day (Ọjọ́ Títún). Students will learn how to name holidays, share what they do during those days, and express greetings.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name common Yoruba and Nigerian holidays.
I can say what I do or eat on special holidays.
I can understand basic holiday greetings and traditions when I hear them.
Lesson 24 – Talking about a Trip
This lesson helps students describe travel experiences using basic Yoruba expressions. Learners will talk about where they went, how they traveled (e.g., by car, bus), and what they saw or did on the trip.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say where I went and how I traveled using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can talk about activities I did on a trip.
I can understand basic travel conversations or descriptions.
Lesson 25– Means of Transport
This lesson introduces common Yoruba terms for modes of transportation such as car (ọkọ ayọ́kẹ́lẹ́), bus (bọ́ọ̀sì), motorcycle (ọkádà), bicycle (kẹ̀kẹ́ ẹlẹ́sẹ̀), and walking (rìn). Students will learn to identify transport types and talk about how they get from place to place.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name different ways of getting around in Yoruba.
I can say how I go to school or other places.
I can understand when someone talks about how they travel.
Lesson 26– Travel Guide
This lesson helps learners give and understand simple travel directions in Yoruba. It includes vocabulary for landmarks, direction words (e.g., turn, go straight, near, far), and useful phrases for guiding someone in an unfamiliar place.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can give basic directions to a location in Yoruba.
I can ask how to get somewhere using simple Yoruba phrases.
I can understand short, simple instructions about where to go.
Lesson 27– Emotions
This lesson introduces Yoruba vocabulary for basic emotions such as happiness (ayọ̀), sadness (ìbànújẹ), anger (ibínú), fear (ẹ̀rù), and surprise (yàjẹ́nu). Students will learn to identify and label emotions using words and facial expressions.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name basic emotions in Yoruba.
I can point to pictures that match emotion words I hear.
I can understand when someone uses simple words to describe how they feel.
Lesson 28-Expressing Feelings
This lesson builds on emotion vocabulary by teaching learners how to talk about how they feel using simple Yoruba sentences. It includes structures like “I am happy” (Inu mi dùn) or “I am tired” (Mo rẹ́), and connects emotions to daily experiences.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say how I feel using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can respond when someone asks how I am feeling.
I can understand when someone tells me how they feel
Lesson 29 – Colors
This lesson introduces basic Yoruba color vocabulary such as red (pupa), blue (búlùú), white (funfun), black (dúdú), yellow (ofeefee), and green (àwọ̀ ewé). Learners will describe objects using colors and identify colors in the environment.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name common colors in Yoruba.
I can describe the color of familiar objects.
I can understand simple descriptions of colors when I hear them.
Lesson 30- Giving Gifts
This lesson teaches expressions related to giving and receiving gifts in Yoruba culture. Learners will practice using polite phrases to offer and accept gifts, as well as vocabulary for common gift items and special occasions.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say simple phrases to give or receive a gift in Yoruba.
I can name some common gifts and say who I give them to.
I can understand when someone gives or receives a gift in conversation.
Lesson 31 – Biographies
This lesson introduces students to basic structures and vocabulary used to talk about people’s lives in Yoruba. Learners will explore how to describe a person’s name, birthplace, family, work, and major life events in simple terms.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can say where someone is from and what they do using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can give basic facts about a person’s life (e.g., when they were born, what they are known for).
I can understand short, simple biographical information when I hear or read it.
Lesson 32 – Black Experiences
This lesson offers vocabulary and expressions to talk about everyday life, identity, and cultural pride in the context of Black experiences. It emphasizes connection to Yoruba roots and allows learners to share personal or community stories using basic language.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can describe simple aspects of my daily life and background in Yoruba.
I can talk about something that makes me proud of my identity or heritage.
I can understand when someone talks about their life or experiences in simple terms.
Lesson 33 – Haggling and Buying
This lesson introduces common Yoruba phrases and vocabulary used when buying goods in a market. It includes expressions for asking prices, negotiating (haggling), and making polite purchases. Cultural norms around bargaining and respectful speech in commerce are also introduced.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can ask how much something costs in Yoruba.
I can bargain for a better price using simple phrases.
I can understand short exchanges between a buyer and seller in a market.
Lesson 34 –Selling
This lesson teaches basic Yoruba expressions and sentence patterns used by sellers in markets or shops. Students will learn how to name products, state prices, respond to customers, and invite buyers using culturally appropriate language.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name products I am selling and state their prices in Yoruba.
I can respond to simple customer questions and offers.
I can understand and use simple Yoruba expressions common among sellers.
Lesson 35 – Telling Time
This lesson introduces Yoruba vocabulary and expressions for telling time, including hours, parts of the day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening), and basic time-telling phrases. Learners will practice asking and answering questions about the time.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can ask and say what time it is in Yoruba.
I can understand simple time-related phrases (e.g., “It’s 3 o’clock,” “In the morning”).
I can use time expressions when talking about daily activities.
Lesson 36 –Daily Routine
This lesson teaches students how to describe their everyday activities in sequence using time and action words. It includes vocabulary for waking up, eating, going to school/work, resting, and going to bed.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can talk about what I do each day using simple Yoruba sentences.
I can say when I do certain activities using time words.
I can understand basic sentences about someone else’s daily routine.
Lesson 37 – Traditional Clothing
This lesson introduces students to traditional Yoruba clothing and their cultural significance. Key garments include bùbá (blouse), ìró (wrapper), gele (head tie), agbádá (flowing gown), ṣọ̀rọ̀ (loincloth), and fìlà (cap). Learners explore when these attires are worn—such as during weddings, festivals, and naming ceremonies—and practice describing them using simple Yoruba expressions.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name traditional Yoruba clothing items.
I can describe what someone is wearing using simple Yoruba words.
I can say when people wear traditional clothing and why.
Lesson 38 – Modern Clothing
This lesson focuses on modern clothing commonly worn by Yoruba speakers today, such as kaba (dress), gaùn (gown), bùútì (boots) etc Students compare these items with traditional outfits and learn how to describe their daily wear, preferences, and style using basic Yoruba phrases.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name modern clothing items in Yoruba.
I can describe what I or others are wearing in everyday situations.
I can understand simple statements about clothes and appearance.
Lesson 39 – Indigenous Professions
This lesson introduces learners to traditional Yoruba professions that are deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and community life. Professions include àgbe (farmer), oníṣègùn (herbalist), oníṣòwò (trader) etc. Students will learn to name these professions, describe what they do, and understand their importance in Yoruba society.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name traditional Yoruba professions using simple vocabulary.
I can say what someone does for a living in traditional Yoruba communities
I can understand short descriptions of indigenous Yoruba jobs
Lesson 40 – Modern Professions
This lesson introduces learners to common modern-day professions in Yoruba, including dókítà (doctor), ọlọ́pàá (police officer), ọjọgbọ́n (professor) etc. Students will learn to identify these jobs, describe what people do, and express career aspirations using simple Yoruba phrases.
Lesson Goal(s):
I can name common modern professions in Yoruba.
I can say what someone does for work using simple sentences.
I can understand basic information about jobs when I hear or read it