YORUBA METAMORPHOSIS IN THE USE OF SYMBOLIC LANGUAGES AND KNOWN ATTRIBUTES OF ANIMALS TO CONVEY IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Awodi nra baba,
Inu al’adie nbaje...
Meaning:
The Eagle hovers,
The owner of chickens anxiously grieves....
Interpretation of expression:
In helpless situations,
We take heart in the eventuality we cannot control...
Emi ‘o le j’oye Awodi,
Ki nma le gb’Adie...
Meaning:
I can’t become a titled chief,
But unable to enjoy privileges (steal a fowl).
Interpretation of expression:
Leadership is an opportunity for self expression and self preservation.
Awodi jeun,
Epe san'ra...
Meaning:
Eagle eats,
Fattening with curses...
Interpretation of expression:
A tactless and ruthless leader is never
bothered or concerned about others
But his personal interest...
A kii ko adie re apata,
Loju awodi...
Meaning:
Never take fowls to mountaintops,
When the Eagle is in sight...
Interpretation of expression:
Never expose your secrets or weaknesses
In the sight of a competitor, powerful adversary or rival.
Ai le w’oju Awodi,
L’oje k’Aladie so o di Oosa...
Meaning:
The inability to look the Eagle's eye,
Has made the fowls owner to deify it....
Interpretation of expression:
The power of the ruthless conqueror or invader
Makes it impossible for a powerless and defeated people to agitate for freedom.
Awodi nfo ferere,
O l’ohun fe m’Oluwa.
Ibi ti yio fo de,
ko ye mi o,
O fe s’eleya ni’....
Meaning:
The eagle soars above the skies,
Aiming to see the heavenly creators.
How far it would reach in the skies,
I don't know.
He wants to be disgraced!
Interpretation of expression:
Performing beyond one's abilities,
Trying to outshine others without competition,
Is calling for unhealthy rivalry and failure....
Awodi re ibara,
Won se bi eye ku....
Meaning:
The Eagle went home (to Ibara),
His adversaries thought he's dead.
Interpretation of expression:
A period of retreat and seclusion,
May sometimes be mistaken for a defeat....
Just thinking loud and appreciating the culture of the Yoruba and their linguistic prowess.
By Jadesola Tai Babatola PhD
Copyright: © 1st May, 2021
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