What Does Igbo and Shayo Mean? Explore the Meaning Behind These Words! (10 Facts)
Ever heard someone use words like “Igbo” and “Shayo” without having any idea what they could mean? It can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the words because both hailing from the Nigerian region and being rooted in the Igbo language. You’ll want to find out the answer to the question of “what do they mean?” - and that’s exactly why we’ve created this article. We’re going to dive into the meaning behind the words “Igbo” and “Shayo” in the following paragraphs so you’ll never have to worry about not knowing what they mean again.
But before that, let’s dive into a little bit more about the Igbo language. In the 10 facts we have listed below, you’ll start to understand the history of the language as well as the region it comes from. Once we have that in mind, we can get a better understanding of the answer to the initial question of “what does Igbo and Shayo mean?”
1. The Igbo Language
The Igbo language is part of the Niger-Congo language family, which means it’s a part of the largest language family Africa has. It’s a language subgroup of the Kwa language and it is actually one of the most wide-spoken languages in the region. It’s estimated that over 25 million people speak Igbo, with most of the speakers located in Nigeria, where it’s the official language in several states.
2. Nigeria’s Regions
Igbo is mostly spoken in the south-eastern region of Nigeria. There are three other major language groups spoken in Nigeria and the borders of these regions meet at the crossroads near Igbo land, which is where a majority of the speakers are located.
3. The Origins of Igbo
The Igbo language has been around for thousands of years. It’s believed to have originated from the Nri kingdom, which was a pre-colonial kingdom that was established in the 12th century. Scholars have managed to trace the existence of the language and its culture to the Nri kingdom and the culture that surrounded it.
4. Igbo Varieties
Kinsley and the Igbo language has several varieties. The language can be divided into six different dialects, which include Owerri, Onitsha, Oguta, Awka, Obolect, and Abriba. Each of these dialects have their own distinct pronunciation and vocabulary - and it is believed that the dialects are heavily influenced by different areas around the region.
5. The Spread of Igbo
As mentioned, Igbo is a widely spoken language. It has spread to other areas like Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Ivory Coast. It’s also been referred to as Ibo in other countries, especially in Equatorial Guinea, where it is the country’s official language.
6. Writing and Translations
The Igbo language doesn’t have a script, however, it has been written in the Latin alphabet since the 19th century. There are now Igbo dictionaries and translations in the Latin alphabet and several books have been translated into Igbo for people to read.
7. The Igbo People
The people who speak the language are called the Igbo people. It is estimated that there are over 27 million Igbo people from Nigeria and around the world. The Igbo tribe is highly diverse and the language itself is full of intonations and colorful expressions that make it so unique.
8. The Igbo Language in Movies
The Igbo language has been used in many Nigerian movies. The language has become popular in recent years and has become a part of the Nigerian movie culture. It has also been used in Hollywood movies, including “Black Panther”, which featured several Igbo words and phrases.
9. Igbo and Shayo
The words “Igbo” and “Shayo” have come to be known as two of the most commonly used words in the Igbo language. The word “Igbo” is often used to refer to the language, culture and/or people, while the word “Shayo” is used to describe someone or something that is great or has done something good. Shayo is often used as a term of endearment and is used to praise someone.
10. Igbo in Popular Culture
The Igbo language is increasingly popular and is becoming more widespread. It is used in popular music, video games and various other areas. The language has also been used in award-winning films, such as 2013’s “Half of a Yellow Sun”, which featured some of the most famous actors and actresses in the African film industry.
Now that we’ve learnt a bit more about the Igbo language, we can finally answer the question of “what does Igbo and Shayo mean?” We now know that the word “Igbo” is used to refer to the language, culture and/or people, while the word “Shayo” is used to describe someone or something that is great or has done something good. The Igbo language is one that’s incredibly unique and has such a unique and rich history - it’s constantly evolving and adapting with the times.