Language Learning

1. I dey learn Yoruba language.

   I am learning the Yoruba language

   Usage

   Locals are pleased when you say you are learning their language

   Grammar Note

   dey + verb marks an ongoing action or state. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

2. Abeg, tok am again.

   Please say that again

   Usage

   When you did not catch something

   Grammar Note

   Commands start with the bare verb, with no subject. tok is the Pidgin spelling of talk. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

3. Wetin be di meaning of dis word?

   What is the meaning of this word?

   Usage

   Asking about an unknown word

   Grammar Note

   Wetin be ...? asks 'what is ...?'. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

4. You fit tok small Yoruba?

   Can you speak a little Yoruba?

   Usage

   An opener with locals

   Grammar Note

   fit means 'can'; small here means 'a little'. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

5. Teach me Yoruba, I go pay you.

   Teach me Yoruba, I will pay you

   Usage

   When looking for a tutor

   Grammar Note

   go before a verb marks the future. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

6. Tone mark important for Yoruba.

   Tonal marks are important in Yoruba

   Usage

   A reminder when learning a tonal language

   Grammar Note

   The adjective serves directly as the predicate. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

7. Abeg, tok am for Yoruba for me.

   Please say that in Yoruba for me

   Usage

   Asking how something is said

   Grammar Note

   Commands start with the bare verb, with no subject. for is the all-purpose preposition for place and time. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

8. Some words get different meaning wen di tone change.

   Some words have different meanings when the tone changes

   Usage

   Explaining a feature of tonal languages

   Grammar Note

   get means 'have'; wen is the Pidgin spelling of when. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

9. Yoruba textbooks dey for market?

   Are there Yoruba textbooks available in the market?

   Usage

   Looking for study material in a bookshop or market

   Grammar Note

   dey marks location or existence. (Composed from common words by regular grammar; not a fixed phrase.)

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