15 research outputs found
The Freedom Fight: A Novel of Resistance and Freedom. A Translation by Pamela J. Olubunmi Smith of Adébáyọ̀ Fálétí’s Ọmọ Olókùn Ẹṣin
No full textThe story entailed in Ọmọ Olókùn Ẹṣin (The Freedom Fight) is straightforward. Àjàyí, the titular hero, starts off with the direct first-person narrative. The story starts off straight from the horse’s mouth, setting the stage for all other active agents to render their own sides of the events, to which everyone else is not privy. Here is the snippet of the novel directly from the author’s blurb: Àjàyí, son of Council Chief Olókùn Ẹṣin of Àgùn, seeks independence on behalf of his Òkè Ògùn kinsmen, independence from the oppressive Òkò, one of the principal regions of Yorùbáland. To this end he and his many friends – among them Àyọwí from Igboho, and Ibiwumi, the Otu Baale’s ̀ daughter – who help him narrate this story, suffered untold hardships. In the beginning, the very countrymen he sought to liberate were opposed to the talk of independence because no one could really grasp the idea. However, in the end, Àjàyí prevailed. Where shall we begin this tale? Which among the story’s many episodes should one emphasize – is it Kọ́lájọ’s demonic rampage, or Ibiwumi’s calculated risk, or Lagbogun’s greed and flagrant abuse of power and privilege? Incidents abound – highlights herein include the riot in Baba-Ode Townships; the fight at Idi Araba; the bizarre encounter in the market 200 Michael Oladejo Afolayan center at Igboho; even the scuffle outside Baale of Ìgbẹtì’s compound; and, ́ of course, many more of Àjàyí’s numerous acts of valour and defiance
The Freedom Fight: A Novel of Resistance and Freedom. A Translation by Pamela J. Olubunmi Smith of Adébáyọ̀ Fálétí’s Ọmọ Olókùn Ẹṣin
No full textThe story entailed in Ọmọ Olókùn Ẹṣin (The Freedom Fight) is straightforward. Àjàyí, the titular hero, starts off with the direct first-person narrative. The story starts off straight from the horse’s mouth, setting the stage for all other active agents to render their own sides of the events, to which everyone else is not privy. Here is the snippet of the novel directly from the author’s blurb: Àjàyí, son of Council Chief Olókùn Ẹṣin of Àgùn, seeks independence on behalf of his Òkè Ògùn kinsmen, independence from the oppressive Òkò, one of the principal regions of Yorùbáland. To this end he and his many friends – among them Àyọwí from Igboho, and Ibiwumi, the Otu Baale’s ̀ daughter – who help him narrate this story, suffered untold hardships. In the beginning, the very countrymen he sought to liberate were opposed to the talk of independence because no one could really grasp the idea. However, in the end, Àjàyí prevailed. Where shall we begin this tale? Which among the story’s many episodes should one emphasize – is it Kọ́lájọ’s demonic rampage, or Ibiwumi’s calculated risk, or Lagbogun’s greed and flagrant abuse of power and privilege? Incidents abound – highlights herein include the riot in Baba-Ode Townships; the fight at Idi Araba; the bizarre encounter in the market 200 Michael Oladejo Afolayan center at Igboho; even the scuffle outside Baale of Ìgbẹtì’s compound; and, ́ of course, many more of Àjàyí’s numerous acts of valour and defiance
A Review of Isaac Oluwole Delano’s Pioneering Works on Yoruba Grammar, Orthography, Lexicography and Cultural Education.
No full textTis is a reproduction and an improved version of our opening chapter on Selected Works of Chief Isaac O. Delano on Yoruba Language. In it, we reintroduce the seminal works of the legendary writer and language educator, I. O. Delano. Many of these works have become obscure to the reading public due to an apparent lack of intentional publication. Delano, known for his prolific writings, wrote a few books relating to Yoruba language and grammar. Tis segment looks at four major non-fiction works of Chief Isaac O. Delano. For the most part, the segment deals with his efforts on Yoruba language, but to some extent, too, it looks at some additional non-language related writings often embedded in his works on language. For example, in Appendix I of his 1965 book, A Modern Yoruba Grammar, the author provides an array of proverbs and sayings in the language with their English equivalents. In Appendix II, Delano infused two old texts into the book, which comprise of a sermon and an essay on schooling. Clearly, Delano seems to have a penchant for dissemination of relevant cultural education in all his works. Indeed, one could say Yoruba Cultural education has always been apparently one of Delano’s passions as well as hidden agenda in writing his books, and he does so relentlessly. In what follows, we 216 Toyin Falola and Michael Oladejo Afolayan examine the four works in no particular order, although the Modern Grammar is given a relatively more detailed review and summarization. The four books are: A Modern Yoruba Grammar; Àgbékà Ọr̀ ọ̀ Yorùbá: Appropriate Words and Expressions in Yoruba; Conversation in Yoruba and English; and Atúmọ̀Èdè Yorùbá
A Review of Isaac Oluwole Delano’s Pioneering Works on Yoruba Grammar, Orthography, Lexicography and Cultural Education.
No full textTis is a reproduction and an improved version of our opening chapter on Selected Works of Chief Isaac O. Delano on Yoruba Language. In it, we reintroduce the seminal works of the legendary writer and language educator, I. O. Delano. Many of these works have become obscure to the reading public due to an apparent lack of intentional publication. Delano, known for his prolific writings, wrote a few books relating to Yoruba language and grammar. Tis segment looks at four major non-fiction works of Chief Isaac O. Delano. For the most part, the segment deals with his efforts on Yoruba language, but to some extent, too, it looks at some additional non-language related writings often embedded in his works on language. For example, in Appendix I of his 1965 book, A Modern Yoruba Grammar, the author provides an array of proverbs and sayings in the language with their English equivalents. In Appendix II, Delano infused two old texts into the book, which comprise of a sermon and an essay on schooling. Clearly, Delano seems to have a penchant for dissemination of relevant cultural education in all his works. Indeed, one could say Yoruba Cultural education has always been apparently one of Delano’s passions as well as hidden agenda in writing his books, and he does so relentlessly. In what follows, we 216 Toyin Falola and Michael Oladejo Afolayan examine the four works in no particular order, although the Modern Grammar is given a relatively more detailed review and summarization. The four books are: A Modern Yoruba Grammar; Àgbékà Ọr̀ ọ̀ Yorùbá: Appropriate Words and Expressions in Yoruba; Conversation in Yoruba and English; and Atúmọ̀Èdè Yorùbá
A History of The Six-Year Primary Project in the Use of Yoruba as the Medium of Primary Education
No full textThe Larger Context and Arguments on Mother Tongue and Education Many non-English speaking parents think that if their children only learn English, they will fare better in school. In the last half a century or so, researchers have noticed the problem faced especially by developing nations in their language-related educational policies.1 Some countries, like Burundi, for example, have adopted this mentality and made English the official national language, in hopes that encouraging English will stimulate the economy and improve the job prospects of youth.2 However, research consistently shows that focusing entirely on English or any “majority language” at the detriment of one’s native language actually does more harm than good. There are many 1 See works of Joshua Fishman, Language Problems of Developing Nations. New York: Wiley, 1968 and Joshua Fishman. Readings in the Sociology of Language. The Hague, Paris: Mouton, 1968. 2 Angelina Kioko, “Why Schools Should Teach Young Learners in Home Language,” British Council, January 16, 2015, https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/ why-schools-should-teach-young-learners-home-language. 238 Toyin Falola and Michael Oladejo Afolayan benefts of children’s maintaining their native language, which I summarize below and will expand upon throughout the essay: 3 1. One’s language is tied with one’s identity. Consequently, then, maintaining one’s native language means maintaining one’s identity. With this maintained identity, one feels a connection to one’s native culture and therefore has a positive self-concept. 2. Maintaining one’s language allows one to strengthen relationships with family and community members who perhaps do not speak English (or the majority language) or who prefer to speak in their native language. Tis allows for one to keep a reliable social network bound by a common tongue. 3. If a young child is forced to speak in English (or the majority language) when they prefer to speak in their mother tongue, they are also forced to operate at a lower intellectual age than they actually are. Tis can damage the child’s academic future. Therefore, it is best for the child to be encouraged to speak both languages and experience the benefits of bilingualism and a fully developing brain. 4. Similar to #3, children who are able to speak in their native language and English (or the majority language) experience higher academic achievement throughout their life
A History of The Six-Year Primary Project in the Use of Yoruba as the Medium of Primary Education
No full textThe Larger Context and Arguments on Mother Tongue and Education Many non-English speaking parents think that if their children only learn English, they will fare better in school. In the last half a century or so, researchers have noticed the problem faced especially by developing nations in their language-related educational policies.1 Some countries, like Burundi, for example, have adopted this mentality and made English the official national language, in hopes that encouraging English will stimulate the economy and improve the job prospects of youth.2 However, research consistently shows that focusing entirely on English or any “majority language” at the detriment of one’s native language actually does more harm than good. There are many 1 See works of Joshua Fishman, Language Problems of Developing Nations. New York: Wiley, 1968 and Joshua Fishman. Readings in the Sociology of Language. The Hague, Paris: Mouton, 1968. 2 Angelina Kioko, “Why Schools Should Teach Young Learners in Home Language,” British Council, January 16, 2015, https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/ why-schools-should-teach-young-learners-home-language. 238 Toyin Falola and Michael Oladejo Afolayan benefts of children’s maintaining their native language, which I summarize below and will expand upon throughout the essay: 3 1. One’s language is tied with one’s identity. Consequently, then, maintaining one’s native language means maintaining one’s identity. With this maintained identity, one feels a connection to one’s native culture and therefore has a positive self-concept. 2. Maintaining one’s language allows one to strengthen relationships with family and community members who perhaps do not speak English (or the majority language) or who prefer to speak in their native language. Tis allows for one to keep a reliable social network bound by a common tongue. 3. If a young child is forced to speak in English (or the majority language) when they prefer to speak in their mother tongue, they are also forced to operate at a lower intellectual age than they actually are. Tis can damage the child’s academic future. Therefore, it is best for the child to be encouraged to speak both languages and experience the benefits of bilingualism and a fully developing brain. 4. Similar to #3, children who are able to speak in their native language and English (or the majority language) experience higher academic achievement throughout their life
“Welcome to the White Man’s World”: An English Translation of Isaac Oluwole Delano’s Historical Novel Aiyé D’Aiyé Òyìnbó
No full textWelcome to the White Man’s World
By Chief Isaac O. Delano
Author of Soul of Nigeria, An African Look at Marriage, One Church for Nigeria, Notes and Comments from Nigeria, The Singing Minister of Nigeria, Ìran Ọrun, Ìtàn Ogun Àdùb ̀ í, and Ìwé Atúmọ Yorùbá ̀ (Yoruba – Yoruba Dictionary) London: Tomas Nelson Ltd., 1953
Foreword
I appreciate the kind of love with which you, my readers, embraced my previous books, whether those I wrote in the English language or in Yoruba. For the record, one important thing I would like to say right here is that all names, be it of towns or of people, that are used in this book are totally fictional. We had no one in mind when this story was being written. The story is purely fictional but based on our various experiences in the Yoruba society.
Isaac O. Delano Bajiki Ake, Abeokuta London, 1953
Dedication
Tis book is dedicated to Ẹgbẹ́Ọmọ Odùduwà (Te Society of Sons and Daughters of Oduduwa), which is frantically engaged in working relentlessly towards the progress of the Yoruba society.
“Welcome to the White Man’s World”: An English Translation of Isaac Oluwole Delano’s Historical Novel Aiyé D’Aiyé Òyìnbó
No full textWelcome to the White Man’s World
By Chief Isaac O. Delano
Author of Soul of Nigeria, An African Look at Marriage, One Church for Nigeria, Notes and Comments from Nigeria, The Singing Minister of Nigeria, Ìran Ọrun, Ìtàn Ogun Àdùb ̀ í, and Ìwé Atúmọ Yorùbá ̀ (Yoruba – Yoruba Dictionary) London: Tomas Nelson Ltd., 1953
Foreword
I appreciate the kind of love with which you, my readers, embraced my previous books, whether those I wrote in the English language or in Yoruba. For the record, one important thing I would like to say right here is that all names, be it of towns or of people, that are used in this book are totally fictional. We had no one in mind when this story was being written. The story is purely fictional but based on our various experiences in the Yoruba society.
Isaac O. Delano Bajiki Ake, Abeokuta London, 1953
Dedication
Tis book is dedicated to Ẹgbẹ́Ọmọ Odùduwà (Te Society of Sons and Daughters of Oduduwa), which is frantically engaged in working relentlessly towards the progress of the Yoruba society
Akinwumi Isola. Treasury of Childhood Memories. Translated by Pamela J. Olubunmi Smith. Austin, TX: Pan African University Press, 2016. 192 pp.
No full textReview essay of Akinwumi Isola's Treasury of Childhood Memories. Translated by Pamela J. Olubunmi Smith. Austin, TX: Pan African University Press, 2016. 192 pp
