A DICTIONARY OF THE IZERE LANGUAGE OF FOBUR
2019 edition
Roger Blench Bitrus Kaze McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research University of Cambridge Correspondence to: 8, Guest Road Cambridge CB1 2AL United Kingdom Voice/ Ans (00-44)-(0)1223-560687 Mobile worldwide (00-44)-(0)7847-495590 E-mail [email protected] http://www.rogerblench.info/RBOP.htm
Jos, 27 December 2018
Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS...... I PREFACE...... II 1. THE IZERE PEOPLE AND THEIR LANGUAGE ...... 1 1.1 Location of the Izere people...... 1 1.2 Classification of the Izere language ...... 2 2. IZERE SOCIETY AND CUSTOMS...... 2 2.1 History...... 2 2.2 Notes on Izere culture ...... 2 2.3 Religion...... 4 2.3.1 Traditional religion ...... 4 2.3.2 Christianity...... 5 2.3.3 Islam ...... 5 3. IZERE DIALECTS AND THE CHOICE OF A STANDARD...... 5 3.1 Dialect survey...... 5 3.2 Differences between dialects...... 6 3.3 Standardisation and language attitudes ...... 7 3.4 Existing literacy materials...... 8 4. THE SOUND-SYSTEM OF IBOR IZERE AND THE OFFICIAL ORTHOGRAPHY...... 10 4.1 Izere phonology...... 10 4.2 Letters of the Izere alphabet ...... 11 5. INTRODUCTION TO IZERE GRAMMAR ...... 11 5.1 Nouns ...... 11 5.2 Pronouns...... 12 5.3 Verbs ...... 15 5.3.1 Verb morphology...... 15 5.3.2 Verbal plurality...... 16 5.3.3 Transitivity...... 17 5.3.4 Tense/aspect...... 18 5.3.5 Imperatives...... 20 5.4 Adjectives...... 21 5.4.1 Overview...... 21 5.4.2 Concordial...... 21 5.4.2 Non-concordial ...... 22 5.5 Adverbs ...... 23 5.6 Conjunction and co-ordination...... 24 5.7 Interrogatives...... 25 5.7.1 Content questions...... 25 5.7.2 Polar questions...... 26 5.8 Ideophones ...... 26 5.9 Interjections...... 26 6. GUIDE TO USING THE DICTIONARY ...... 27 6.1 Structure of individual entries ...... 27 6.2 Scientific Names ...... 27 6.3 Nigerian English Usage...... 27 6.4 Etymology and loan-words ...... 27 6.5 Parts of Speech...... 28 REFERENCES...... 29
i Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Introduction TABLES
Table 1. Percentage differences between other Izere lects and Fobor ...... 7 Table 2. Izere noun-class prefixes...... 11 Table 3. Frequencies of singular noun-prefixes in Izere...... 12 Table 4. Stem changes in nominalised verbs reflecting plural verb stems ...... 12 Table 5. Suppletive plurals in Izere ...... 12 Table 6. Izere pronoun sets ...... 13 Table 7. Izere transitive dative pronoun paradigm...... 13 Table 8. Izere comitative pronoun paradigm ...... 13 Table 9. Izere transitive object pronoun paradigm...... 14 Table 10. Izere possessive pronoun paradigm ...... 14 Table 11. Reduction of CVCVC structures ...... 16 Table 12. Plural verbs in Izere showin semantic shift ...... 16 Table 13. Suppletive plurals in Izere ...... 16 Table 14. Unique singular/plural verb pairs in Izere...... 17
FIGURES
Figure 1. Tentative tree representing classification of Izere dialects...... 7
Abbreviations
Amer. American (for Americanisms) arch. archaic dial. dialect et. etymologically euph. euphemism fig. figurative hum. humorous id. idiom ideo. ideophone ins. insulting lit. literally NE Nigerian English
i Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Introduction Preface This dictionary is a first attempt to record the richness of the Izere language. It is intended to be a tool to standardise the spelling of Izere words and to define words which are no longer in current use, especially cultural terms. The primary goal is to assist Izere speakers to use and spell words correctly. We hope also that the dictionary will be useful to students of the languages of Nigeria and of African languages in general.
The authors are responsible for the present document but acknowledgment should be made of previous compilations. There are two major sources, the lexical database maintained by the Izere language project in Jos, and a manuscript of some 3000 words prepared by Peter Grainger during his stay in Jos in preparation for the Izere Bible Translation Project. Additional data has come from a list of nouns prepared by Don France. All the entries have been checked, retranscribed and tone-marked, as well as adding substantial new lexical material and examples of words in use. Field visits to Fobur were used to identify plants and to clarify the meanings of more obscure terms.
A brief introduction has been provided to facilitate the effective use of the dictionary. It covers Izere phonology, current orthography, a grammar sketch, abbreviations and the structure of individual entries. The appendices provide information of cultural interest, such as Izere personal names, towns and villages. A special feature of this dictionary are the checklists in the appendices which provide scientific information to help make use of Izere biological knowledge. Users are encouraged to send new information to the authors.
We are aware that there are still many Izere words which have eluded the compilation and that some words here defined may have secondary meanings that are not included. A second edition is planned and therefore we would be grateful if any suggestions for amendment, correction and addition could be forwarded to the authors.
Roger Blench Bitrus Kaze Jos January, 2019
ii Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter 1. The Izere people and their language
1.1 Location of the Izere people The Izere people, known as Jarawan Dutse by Hausa speakers, live predominantly in Jos North, Jos East and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State and in Tafawa-Balewa and Toro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State in Central Nigeria (Nyam 1988). The region is dominated by large rocky outcrops and relatively low rainfall. Population is relatively high and trees have been cleared from a large part of the region. The name Jarawa is also applied to speakers of Jarawan Bantu languages, scattered through Bauchi State, but there is no connection between the two groups. Other terms found in the literature are Afizere and Izarek (e.g. Gunn 1953, CAPRO 2004). Population figures are controversial and highly politicised, but Izere certainly has more than 50,000 speakers. Izere is considered to have five dialects, Ibor, Isum, Iganang, Ifudere and Ikyo but Shimizu (1975) was the first to argue that Icen and Firan also formed part of the Izere group. The dialect documented here is Ibor, spoken in most parts of Fobur district and some parts of Shere and Gwong districts.
The terminology of the language and people is as follows;
Language One person People ìzere àfîzere afîzere
Among the listed groups, the Ifudere are most populous, but in terms of exposure to modernisation, the Ibor are foremost.
Major Afizere towns and villages include: Fobur, Lamingo, Fursum, Maijuju, Shere-Ekan, and Shere- Zakim. Others are Federe, Zandi, Zabir, Maigemu, Zangam, Gwash, Dong and Jarawan-Kogi. The Izere population was given by Gunn (1953) as 18,087 for 1950. The 1963 census gave their number as 53,000. Voegelin and Voegelin in 1977 estimated 30,000 speakers of Izere. It is said that the number of their eligible voters in 1983 was 70,000. It has not been possible to obtain a current population figure, and the varying numbers given above make it controversial.
Academic descriptions of the Izere language have essentially emanated from Hamburg and been published in the journal Afrika und Übersee. They include Lukas & Willms (1961), Wolff & Meyer- Bahlburg (1979) and Gerhardt (1984), these last two focussing almost exclusively on verbal morphology. However, the Izere Bible Translation Project has created a rich mine of unpublished material. Lexical data compiled by Peter Grainger (n.d. a, b) was entered into a database set up by Richard Gardner as an adjunct to the translation and was later expanded with data collected by Izang Itse Akumbo, Victoria Isha and Bitrus B. Kaze. Frantz (1996) prepared a grammar sketch of Izere.
In regards to language development, John and Martha Adive of the Nigerian Bible Translation Trust worked on the language and later (1983-85) Peter & Nita Grainger of Wycliffe Bible Translators. An alphabet chart and a primer were produced. Although the literacy materials remained on sale, the project halted when the Graingers left the area. The project was resumed by Richard and Janice Gardner in 1991-2, but they left Nigeria in 200x.
Although Izere has a continuing literacy programme related to the New Testament Translation Project, and an Izere-Hausa-English wordlist has been published, this is the first dictionary of the language to appear. The Ibor dialect has been chosen because of its general use in literacy materials and in the media. A collection of Izere proverbs was published by Joseph Nyako (2000). Ibor is generally considered to be the most widely understood of Izere dialects. However, Izere dialects are far from well-known and future projects may include lexical materials on other dialects.
In view of the limited amount of accessible publications on the Izere, this introduction is fuller than for many other dictionaries. It covers culture, history and religion, the writing system, a sketch of some aspects of the grammar and note on the use of the language in the media. 1 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter 1.2 Classification of the Izere language Izere is generally considered to be part of the Plateau language family which predominates in Central Nigeria. The Plateau language group of Central Nigeria owes its existence to Greenberg (1963) who classified it as part of the Benue-Congo group. Gerhardt (1989) presents a comparative table of the various proposals for classifying Plateau languages and proposes a synthesis that splits this ensemble of languages into a number of co-ordinate branches. In Crozier & Blench (1992), Izere is classified with the south-central subgroup, together with Rigwe and the Tyap cluster. 2. Izere society and customs1
2.1 History Oral tradition says that the Izere came from the Chawai area in the present Kaduna State (Gunn 1953). Their next settlement was somewhere around Fobur. They say that while they lived at Fobur, the Irigwe (from Miango) were together with them and that the Irigwe later departed. The Izere language is most closely related to peoples such as the Atakar, Kagoro, Bajju, Irigwe; and according to them, this is so because they were together with these groups when they were at Chawai.
There is a legend regarding the origin of the Afizere which contradicts the above history. According to this, a man and woman emerged from a hole in the ground at a place called Fegwom near Fobur. This man and woman bred remarkably and the result is now the Afizere. According to Nyam (1988) this hole, called Uta, can be located today, but it is not accessible to people who ‘have not been well brought up in the Afizere tradition’. 2.2 Notes on Izere culture Afizere culture has been described in Gunn (1953) and Nyam (1988) as well as CAPRO (unpublished). In many respects, Afizere culture is the same everywhere among the five groups of the tribe. There are however minor local variations.
Chieftaincy
The overall traditional ruler of the Afizere people is called the Agwom. He has control over the other chiefs in the land. The Agwom is selected by a committee of district heads, although this system is currently being hotly debated. The district heads are selected by village heads, who themselves are selected by village elders.
Birth/Naming
A pregnant woman was given awabi or zakpan traditional medicine in order to prevent pregnancy complications. Kurip kafa was performed during pregnancy. The abok (priest) claimed to talk to the child in the womb and reveal the mother's secret acts or foretell the future of the child. So during the Kurip kafa the abok gave a charm or some medicine for protection to the family. Following delivery of the child, the father would take a he-goat to the abok for a ritual called kunye ishong. The ritual was performed in a stream by killing the goat and spreading its blood and excreta into the water as a sacrifice. Seven days after birth, the child was taken outside the house for naming. The child could be given the name of a visitor, an event or day of week in which it was born. Children were never given their own name, they always answered to the name and pet-name of the person with which they were identified.
1 This section is largely based on unpublished notes made by CAPRO researchers as part of their survey of Plateau State (CAPRO 2004). I would like to thank Patience Ahmed and Lois Fuller for making the electronic files available. 2 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Circumcision
At a set time, boys of about 7 and again 14 years of age or more were taken to a secluded place where a specialist aner kunye izhak performed the circumcision. After the wounds were healed, a special reception for the boys was held. The feast was called Izhak. The boys would march home from the bush in procession with men who were attending them during the seclusion period, and the azhizhi (masquerades) also accompanied them. In the Shere area, circumcision was done once every seven years. Before it was done, preliminary rites called Kuya-Itsab or Kuya-ritu were performed by the abok. The Àtsi (high-priest) performed the circumcision rite.
Initiation (Ìgasang)
When boys reached about 21 years, they were taken to the place of the Kutes masquerade. There they were exposed to the secrets of traditional religion. Nowadays, where this is still done, boys of 10 to 12 years age may be initiated. In some places, the boys are given a special bath, their hair shaved and they are dressed in waist-cloths. They are exposed to both emotional and physical training so as to make them real men who can stand pain and hardship.
Marriage
Two types of marriage were practised among the Afizere. These systems have largely disappeared due to the influence of Christianity, modernisation and Islam.
Kusam was the system in which a man arranged with his uncle, brother or friend that their children would marry each other. The age of the children at the time when the arrangement was made varied among the groups from before birth to about seven years. An initial gift of oil made from the olive fruit (among the Ibor), and acca, a necklace and salt (among the Ikyo) was given by the boy's parents to those of the girl to signify betrothal. In some places, as the children grew up, farm work had to be done for the girl's parents by the boy and his friends as part of the brideprice in addition to, or in place of goats: Ibur-Kuyam and Ibur-Liman (among the Ikyo).
While the girl was still in her parents' home and a man was asking for her hand in marriage for himself or his son, the girl would be assigned to a young man with whom to have sexual contacts. This practice was called ricam, and it could lead to pregnancy. The fiancé knew about it but culturally had to accept it. The temporary husband might take the girl to his own house pending the time when she and her rightful husband got married. When they got married the girl and her child or children belonged to the legal husband. From this point the temporary husband ceased having sexual relations with the woman.
While courtship lasted, a day would be fixed for an occasion called Imak, during which the parents and relatives of the girl were given a feast with much meat. The Nandara feast was also done for both parties to feast together. On a fixed day, beer was brewed for a wedding feast and also much food cooked. Young men and women went from the bridegroom's place and accompanied the bride from her parents’ house to that of the bridegroom. People who gathered from both the relatives of bride and of the groom feasted together. The Àmata dance, performed by women and girls, was punctuated by loud cry, Ikiliyu by an elderly woman.
Marriage was done among kin. So if a family gave their daughter to a related family, when their daughter delivered, they would go and do Kusám for their daughter's child to be married to another of their relations. Sok abining was a system of wife-stealing. It was practised mainly when a man wanted to steal another's wife who liked him. But it was also done when a young man decided to elope with a girl for whom he had not established a Kusám. Upon a group of young men meeting a young woman on the road, each of them would point a rod towards her and say Shan agam, asking her to choose. If she touched any of the rods, the men knew that she had chosen the owner. So on a fixed day, having arranged a meeting with her in a certain place, the young man would ask his friends to capture her and 3 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter take her to his house. The Sok abining type of marriage did not usually attract a glamorous celebration. But the man was required to visit his in-laws with his wife, and he entertained them. Where Sok abining was done with another man's wife, if the woman liked the new husband more than the former one, the former husband was refunded his labour or brideprice.
Burial
Generally, burial rites varied according to the individual's age, position and occupation. Witches or wizards were not buried in the normal tombs but in caves (izeli). Burial was done on the same day as death, outside the village. If the person was an elder, his body was wrapped in fresh animal (goat or cow) skin. Only children would eat the meat of the animal whose skin was used and the blood was not used for any religious purpose. After a period of about two years, the Ìsa festival was performed for the elderly deceased. It involved slaughtering many animals, much feasting, drumming and dancing. If after the burial, a family member suffered from prolonged sickness, they opened up the grave again. If a portion of the body was not yet decayed, they took the body out and burnt it, since this was an indication that the corpse had harboured an àkùr (evil spirit) which caused the sickness. 2.3 Religion
2.3.1 Traditional religion Àda kunòm is the name of the Supreme God, literally ‘father of the sun’. It is the general belief that Àda kunòm lives above, sees all and is the source of all things. Nyam (1988) puts it in this way: ‘The sun was not, in fact, what Afizere worshipped but it only symbolised the supreme being (father of the sun) with whom rituals were often conducted through a mediator. He was beyond human reach, invisible and [the] ultimate cause of the world of fertility, rain, health and every good thing. He was omnipotent, and omnipresent...’. This indicates clearly that there were lesser gods that were worshipped were considered to be mediators to Àda kunòm.
Apart from this, people believed in spirits called àkur. The àkur harm people through human beings (witches). They were regarded as the power responsible for death and misfortune. Some people believe that àkur have the power for both evil and good, that they provide children (twins) to well behaved wives.
Masquerades feature in Izere religion everywhere except among the Ibor. The Afizere recognise the following deities: Ikpe, Kude, Kukon, Uta and Afwena. Certain forests are believed to embody Kude, the provider of rain. Any time rainfall is low, the elders go to the Kude and shout out, blowing horns and drumming as they ask for rain. Kukón is a big tree also worshipped for rain. Kukón is so revered that if a bird makes a nest in it, they remove the nest; if anything disturbs Kukón, rain may not fall again.
Ikpé̱ is a stone and sacrifices there may provide good harvest. It is placed in a new calabash at the entrance to the compound. Ashon is the title of the elder in charge of this shrine. The Ashon makes a prayer at the shrine before the people go out to work the land. No blood or any form of sacrifice is required for Ikpé̱ . Uta, like Ikpé̱ , is a collection of stones put at the entrance to the compound to protect and bless the family. Each family has their own Uta to which they offer beer each time they drink it. Afwena is also a collection of stones, and each stone represents a deceased male member of the family. Every crop harvested is presented to the afwena shrine before being eaten, so as to obtain blessings and further good harvests.
The following are some of the common masquerades in Afizere.
Afubos-aseng is common especially among the Isum. Women must not come near it. Men may present themselves to be beaten by afubos-aseng. Abaziye is a female masquerade usually dressed in white. It is also found among the Isum people. It stays with women during religious gatherings and controls their movements. 4 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Afubos-Atuk functions during initiation rites among the Isum, by enforcing rules, including when the initiated boys are marching home after initiation in the bush. Azhizhi is mostly found among the Ikyo group and appears during Kutas and other ceremonies. Kutas is a festival dedicated for the worship of Azhizhi.
The abok, or priest, is the main actor together with a group of elders. Traditional religion is relatively stronger among the Ikyo and Ifudere, but is almost extinguished among the Ibor. 2.3.2 Christianity Christianity came to Afizere land from the Sudan United Mission (SUM) based at Forom. Oral sources at Fobur say that one Mr. Nyam who had gone from Zarazon to Vom for treatment of his leprosy brought the gospel back to his people around 1937. Written accounts say that one Mr. Suffield, an SUM missionary based at Forom, had made some converts there. One of them was Da Toma Tok Bot who later brought the gospel to Afizere land in 1923 (Nyam, 1988). Nyam says further that other evangelists were sent from Fobur to other parts of Afizere land and that Fobur was chosen as the centre for the SUM's operations in Afizere land. The COCIN church was planted by the efforts of the SUM. The church is now the most widespread denomination in Afizere land.
The next denomination to work in Afizere land was the United Gospel Faith Tabernacle church of Nigeria (UGFTCN). The Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) entered Afizere land in Jos Jarawa about 1945 and now has many churches in Afizere land. Other denominations such as Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). The Baptist church and Deeper Life Bible Church are also making appreciable efforts in Afizere land. 2.3.3 Islam Islam is said to have been introduced in Afizere land through the Bauchi Emirate. By 1900, most of what now constitutes the Afizere chiefdom was under Bauchi Emirate. The Emir at that time, Alhaji Yakubu Maje Wase, demanded representatives in his palace from every district. A man from the Fursum area, named Audu Ajang Izang, was chosen for the task. He later became a Muslim and so helped to introduce Islam to his people, not only around Fursum but in other parts of the land. In the northern part of the land, Islam is said to have come through one Shehu Kayauri of Tilden Fulani (Nyam 1988). Islam is said to be relatively stronger in the Fursum and Federe districts than in other areas in Afizere land. This is obviously a consequence of the early activities of the two islamic pioneers in those two parts of the land. 3. Izere dialects and the choice of a standard
3.1 Dialect survey Izere has been recognised as having a number of distinct dialects following the work of Shimizu (1975). An unpublished survey in 1991 carried out by Clarke Regnier and Richard Gardner has clarified the picture still further. Izere can be divided into northern and southern dialect clusters, also reflecting the linguistic geography of the group. The northern dialects are more closely related to one another than those in the southern group, again reflecting physical dispersal. One southern group, the Fɨran, do not consider themselves to be Izere and indeed are excluded in typical literacy materials such as the published orthography wall-charts. They are, nonetheless, part of the Izere cluster linguistically.
Northern groups
Universally, people reported the dialect groupings (probably due to the government divisions are/were along such lines). The dialects are:
a. Fobur, Shere b. Jarawan Kogi, Fursum, Federe.
5 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter This is not, however, supported by the linguistic evidence. It seems likely that Ikyo and Iganang are close to one another, as are Isum and Ifudere. Ibor is slightly divergent and probably is isolated within the northern group.
Southern groups
Cen
The Foron people initially tell outsiders they are Berom, but call themselves Aficen. They are known as Biken to the Berom and have been influenced by Berom culture and language. Nonetheless, their speech is a type of Izere. Their villages are in Barakin Ladi LGA and under a different paramount chief from the rest of Afizere territory.
Ganang at Gashish
A survey of the Ganang people at Old Gashish (Gashish Kuk) showed that these people are Izere who have come under strong Berom influence and indeed have adopted many Berom and Ron customs. The language has changed substantially under these pressures, rather like Cen, and in many ways must be regarded as a distinct language.
Fɨran
Fɨran is the language of Kwakwi, a railway station town 4 km west of Tahoss, 24 km south of Jos on the Aten-Berom border. The cognate rate (the percent of shared words between language varieties) between Fobur and Kwakwi was low enough to conclude they are now distinct languages. Additionally, the few Kwakwi people, who are themselves Firan, tested on Izere comprehension had absolutely no ability to understand the Fobur dialect and admitted very little contact with the main body of the Izere.
General overview
The picture is far from complete as no survey data is available for several Izere-related languages. However, Figure 1 represents a synthesis of the situation as it is known at present. 3.2 Differences between dialects2 The Ibor dialect was identified as the standard, so testing was carried out to check comprehension of it in two of the other dialects. Ifudere (from Zandi), Foron, Firan and Isum dialects were compared to the Fobor dialect. Table 1 shows how similar they are to the Ibor dialect based on a wordlist of 150- 170 “core” words. For example, 10% of the words collected at Fursum and Fobur differ in pronunciation significantly (several degrees of difference phonostatistically) excluding the noun class prefixes, and another 10% differs by being different words altogether (derived from different cognates). The Shere dialect was not lexically studied, but it was grouped closer to Fobor than those below.
2 The following section is based largely on the unpublished survey report by Clarke Regnier. 6 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Figure 1. Tentative tree representing classification of Izere dialects Proto-Izere
Northern Southern
Ibor
Icen Ganang Firan Ikyo Iganang Isum Ifuderek
Table 1. Percentage differences between other Izere lects and Fobor Pronunciation Word Isum 10% 10% Ifudere 10% 15% Iforom 20% 15% Ifiran 20% 35%
The differences between dialects often relates to one dialect (often Ibor) which has undergone phonological changes. Even though such changes (e.g. The initial “k” in the ku- noun class is deleted in one dialect, or one dialect pronounces “t” while another “r”) are observable to the linguist, it is not clear how much difficulty they cause in intra-dialectal oral communication. The dialectal differences are reported to not so major that Hausa has be used for inter-dialect communication. People always use their own dialect when conversing with a person of another dialect. For those with exposure, comprehension of the dialect not one’s own posed no problems. However, for everyone in Federe who reported no connection with Ibor (those without family/friends in Fobur who do not travel to it) they also reported having difficulty understanding the Ibor dialect.
Elsewhere, there were reports of small degrees of difficulty in communicating with a person of another dialect. If a congregation has a pastor/evangelist from a different dialect, both the congregation and leader admitted there was adequate comprehension between them. Again though this is due to acquired intelligibility. When testing was done (on a small scale, but with very uniform results) using the Ibor dialect, Zandi scored on an average of 85% and the Fursum people 80% 85% is not considered to be high; usually set as the lower threshold of adequate inherent comprehension and scores between 75-85% are considered marginally adequate for the two speech forms to share a common written form without significant difficulty. The Zandi subjects were all young men who infrequently travelled to Fobur, but listen to Ibor dialect on the radio. 3.3 Standardisation and language attitudes The Ibor dialect is used on the radio, and is the prestige dialect and has assumed the position of Standard Izere, linked to the historical development of the church among the Afizere. Another reason for basing standardisation on the Ibor dialect is that the large population of the Jos-Zarazon speak it. Hence the Ibor dialect was chosen for language development. However, other dialects have also made
7 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter their claim for separate development. The most important of these is Icen, which has developed its own orthography and Bible Translation Project.
There is no doubt that Izere is being spoken by the children and will continue to be passed along to the next generation (the exception would be in the Muslim sub-population, which at present constitutes a minority). This is substantiated by the language use, language contact, second language competency, and language attitudes. An Afizere speaks to a fellow Afizere in Izere; this is almost universal when not in the presence of an outsider. In fact, people said it would be wrong, insulting, or surprising if a fellow Afizere used Hausa to speak to them. Izere use extends to the markets; the markets they frequent are almost all within Afizere land so there is plenty of opportunity for Izere use there. Some people admittedly in a knew personally of Afizere in a city who could not (or would not) speak Izere, but their numbers are extremely small and the attitude of the Izere-speakers was that not speaking one’s language is was not a good thing. Izere use in the church (singing, praying and preaching) points to strong vitality of the language and future use of the Scriptures. There is widespread listening to the Izere radio programs, especially among the young and educated which is a positive sign.
Contact with non-Afizere (Hausa, Berom, Ngas, Zari, etc) is by no means universal. However, about 75% indicated that they were no non-Afizere married into their family (either to their children or siblings). In regards to having non-Afizere friends, mostly educated had friends with whom they use Hausa. Naturally those who travel frequently (especially into Jos) have more exposure to the Hausa language. However such travel is restricted and for many (especially non-Ibor) very infrequent. Thus the exposure to Hausa due to travel, market, relations leads one to suspect Hausa ability and comprehension that is limited, that is not fluent, natural, or high enough for restricted Hausa use. The people interviewed about their respective communities indicated less than half of its Afizere residents understood Hausa well enough to live, work and make friends in an area where they could use only Hausa. Similarly, less than half were said to know Hausa only well enough to buy and sell in the market.
Owing to their proximity to Jos town, the Afizere have been greatly influenced by modern life, as well as Christianity and western education introduced by missionaries. In 2001 there were seven secondary schools and 23 primary schools within the Afizere area in Jos East. The literacy level is not easy to estimate but informants gave as low as 20% and as high as 60%. We assume that 25% literacy is likely. The figure will obviously be higher in the Fobur district. 3.4 Existing literacy materials The first attempts to write the Izere language were in the 1930s and the Gospel of Mark was published in 1940. There is no trace of any primers accompanying this and it seems as if few people ever learnt to read during this period. Izere literacy began to take off in the 1970s with a study by Dr & Mrs John Adive, who produced a wall-chart in a preliminary orthography. Additional study of the language was conducted by Peter Grainger 1983-1985, and two wall-charts and a primer were published during this period. However, after the Graingers left, the Izere Language Committee decided to revise the orthography.
The Izere project was revived with the arrival of Richard and Janice Gardner (1991-200x) and a comprehensive programme of literacy was begun which continues up to today. A combination of bible stories and books of the bible have begun to appear, together with readers and books on practical subjects. A monthly newsletter was produced, somewhat intermittently between 1995-1997, but has now ceased production. The table below gives a complete listing of all the materials published.
8 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Izere literacy materials
Date Title in Izere Translation Comment 1980 Izere Language Chart Dr & Mrs John Adive 1985 Rice Anerawe Head parts Gave names of body parts in five dialects 1985 I bosop yir Izere Let us learn Izere Primary School Primer 1985 Ayerek Ikap Kurom Body Parts a wall chart 1985 I fa yir Izere Let us read Izere a primary school primer 1993 Kuyis Ikere Ni Izere Be Calling the names of Most of the words were collected by Niseng Ne Itirik things in Izere, Hausa and the Graingers English 1993 Atin afekashoon nizere The Stories of the elders Folktale book I (most of the stories in Izere were collected by Nuhu John, Markus Yaro and Victoria Isha 1993 Kutes Igon Adakunom The birth of the Son of God 1994 I fa yir Izere Let us read Izere Primary School |Primer 1994 Kufumung aBulus ta Leaf that Paul wrote to The first and second Epistle of Paul to zibir aner a the Thessalonians 1&2 the Thessalonians Tassolika’me 1&2 1994 Iriri Kumaas aYesu ta Different parables Jesus biblical parables nye spoke 1994 Itsi Adakunom Kusok Ten Laws of God Ten Commandments 1994 Aduwa aYesu Jesus’ Prayer The Lord’s prayer (a wall chart) 1996 Riku be Kudorok aYesu The death and resurrection of Jesus 1997 Itak aRut be aHannatu The Story of Ruth and Hannah 1997 Yadda za a karanta a How to read and write in A transition primer kuma Rubuta Izere Izere 1997 Inye Narik Riko be Making Farm Manure Compost making book Ite’me Riko and Applying it on the farm 1997 Rife Ritek aMarkus ta Good Talk that Mark The Gospel of Mark, First Published in Zibir wrote 1940 by the British and Foreign Bible Society 1997 aAIDS AIDS booklet 1999 Atin Afekashoon, The Stories of the elders, Folktale Book II Kufumung kufe afa the second book 2000 Rife ritek aLuka ta zibir Good Talk that Luke The Gospel of Luke wrote
The Izere language is now fully established as a written language and evidence of this is the first publication of Izere proverbs, Nareer Rife Nizere, by Joseph Azi Nyako, published in 2000 outside the Izere Language Project. Various Izere cultural associations both hold meetings in Izere and write the minutes of those meetings in that language.
Radio
The first broadcasts in the Izere language were in 1983, when the radio arm of Plateau Radio and Television (PRTV) introduced vernacular programming. The first transmissions were ‘Izere News’ (Atin kazatse) and ‘Izere magazine’, programmes which have continued up to today in one form or another. The broadcasts were in the Ibor dialect, except where guests were interviewed from other regions of Izere. Discussions ranged from health, culture, religion to politics. There were also request 9 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter programmes for individuals to send greetings to other Afizere and play traditional music. In the early period, there was great enthusiasm for the broadcasts and families would gather around their radios to listen. However, the development of FM stations broadcasting Western pop in 1988 had a deleterious effect on the audience, and many young people stopped listening. At the same time, the station began to broadcast endless repeats of old programmes which had a negative effect on the audience. Since the advent of democratic government in 1999, there has been renewed enthusiasm for vernacular broadcasting, in part because restrictions on content are fewer. The gift of portable tape recorders to the programme makers has added to the sense of immediacy, while the broadcast of party political materials has caused many people to begin listening again. In the present climate, there is little doubt that Izere language broadcasts will continue. 4. The sound-system of Ibor Izere and the official orthography
4.1 Izere phonology Izere has 29 consonant phonemes, 7 vowel phonemes and 3 level tones. Izere consonants are:
Bilabial Labio- Alve- Alveo- Palatal Velar Labial- Glottal dental olar palatal velar Plosive p b t d c j k g kp gb Nasal m n ɲ ŋ ŋm Trill [r] Fricative f v s z ʃ ʒ h Affricate ts Approximant y, ɥ w Lateral l Approximant
Grainger (n.d., b) identifies /ç/, a voiceless labial-palatal semi-consonant which is symbolised in the orthography as ‘wh’. Gerhardt (1984) symbolises this sound as hÿ.
Izere has seven phonemic vowels;
Front Central Back Close i u Close-Mid e o Open-Mid ɛ Open a
There are no nasalised vowels in Izere. Initial sequences of C + front vowels are optionally palatalised and C + back vowels optionally labialised. Only in the case of /ɥ/, which is a distinct phoneme, is there a contrast between /ɥ/ and /n/ + front vowels.
There are five tones in Izere, three level and two contour tones (LM & HL). Contour tones occur in loanwords, words with potentially onomatopoeic names such as those of birds and where a tonally dissimilar VV sequence has been shortened3. As such these synchronic occurrences are probably transitional and Izere can be regarded as having an underlying three-height system. Tones are marked as follows;
3 There is also evidence for VCV sequences reducing to VC and acquiring a contour tone. 10 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter HIGH acute accent above the syllable kú to die MID unmarked fa to count LOW grave accent over the syllable mì I RISING hachek over the syllable àgòrěk bird sp. àmǒngò creeper sp. FALLING circumflex over the syllable àbùlôk block
If a word is unmarked in an entry where its counterpart (a plural, for example) is tone-marked then it should be interpreted as all mid.
The standard Izere orthography only marks tone in very limited cases. However, the dictionary is fully tone-marked as it important to understand, for example, how to distinguish plurals or similar words with the same spelling but different tones. If Izere is written in the usual spelling system, then simply omit the tone-marks. However, the preparation of the dictionary has suggested that tone plays an important role in the language and it may be that future texts will mark rather more tones than at present. 4.2 Letters of the Izere alphabet The alphabet is phonemic and is made up of thirty-six letters. These are arranged as follows:
a, b, c, e, e, d, f, g, gb, gh, h, i, j, k, kp, l, m, n, ng, ny, o, o, p, r, s, sh, t, u, v, w, wh, y, z, zh.
These correspond to the IPA symbols used in the phonology via the following conventions;
e ɛ o ɔ ng ŋ ny ɲ sh ʃ wh ɥ zh ʒ
5. Introduction to Izere grammar
5.1 Nouns Izere is a noun-class language, where singular and plural are marked by alternating prefixes (Blench 2001). These are tone-bearing, but in contrast to many similar languages, the prefixes have a variety of tones, apparently driven by the stem-tone. The segmental noun-class prefixes are relatively restricted as shown in Table 2;
Table 2. Izere noun-class prefixes Singular Plural a- a- i- i- ka- na- ku- ri- ka- and ku- were probably allomorphs of one another historically, since there is a tendency for stem- vowels following ka- to be front or central and those following ku- to be back. However, exceptions now abound, suggesting historical class split. A small set of nouns have only na- prefixes and although many do not have evidently plural meanings, the lack of affix-pairings suggest they should
11 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter be analysed as morphologically plural. Table 3 shows the frequencies of different segmental prefixes, ignoring tone.
Table 3. Frequencies of singular noun-prefixes in Izere Prefix Number Percentage a 616 39.0 i 372 23.6 ka 109 6.9 ku 298 18.9 na 45 2.9 ri 140 8.9 Total 1580 100.2
Nominalisation is a productive process in Izere, and gerunds can be created with the addition of the prefixes ku- and ri-. These prefixes are invariant between singulars and plurals and are always mid- tone. However, where the verb has an iterative or pluractional form, the nominal plural reflects this (Table 4).
Table 4. Stem changes in nominalised verbs reflecting plural verb stems Singular Plural Gloss kubé kubés coming kunyím kunyís meeting kuŋáràk kuŋáràs climbing, ascending kuríp kurísìm questioning, enquiry kusónòng kususòk sitting kusor kususòk staying kuwhér kuwhísèk escaping kuwúrúk kuwúrús emergence rikpa rikpas falling riku rikús dying riwha riwhas satisfaction
Izere has a small number of suppletive or irregular plurals, all connected with persons except for the word for ‘goat’ (Table 5);
Table 5. Suppletive plurals in Izere Singular Plural Gloss àbùkó anyákó old woman afikap anerikap farmer àkpátàŋ atáŋ thief àmìtèk aték man, husband anerbiin anyíín woman àrɛ̀ arɔ̀ friend (Fobur) ìbòn izhá goat ìgon ìnòòn child
5.2 Pronouns Izere has four sets of independent pronouns and a set dependent possessive pronouns which show prefix and tonal concord with the head-noun. A feature of the object pronouns, common in Plateau languages, is their incorporation of tense-aspect marking. Table 6 presents a synthesis of these sets;
12 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Table 6. Izere pronoun sets Subject Object Possessive Present Past Present Future I/me mì tí ní tìin -naan you wán tá ká tàa -fwan he/she/it wú tú kú tùu -fu we/us yír…yír tí…yír ní…yír tìin …yír -feyir you nyín…nyín tá…nyín ká…nyín tàa…nyín -fenyin they bá tá/tú…bá ká…bá tàa…bá -fuba
The subject pronouns include plural forms that are required to bracket the verb.
mì rus agabu nyín rus nyín agabu I beat dog you beat you dog
The same of set of pronouns is used to mark simple possession but without the copying in the plural forms;
naya mì na naya nyín na food my this food your this
However, in the case of object and dative pronouns, past (completed action), present continuous and future are marked on the pronoun. Thus; agabu tí romong agabu tá romong nyin dog me bite dog you pl. bite you pl. the dog bit me the dog bit you pl. agabu tìin romong agabu tàa romong yín dog me + FUT. bite dog you pl. + fut. bite you pl. the dog will bit me the dog will bite you pl. agabu sen ní romong agabu sen ká romong yín dog is me biting dog is you pl. biting you pl. the dog is biting me the dog is biting you pl.
The same pairings of pronominal marker + optional pronoun recapitulation are used in benefactive or dative constructions.
Table 7. Izere transitive dative pronoun paradigm No. Subject Example Gloss 1s tí Adar tí nyé nàya Adar made food for me 2s tá Adar tá nyé nàya … you 3s tú Adar tú nyé nàya …him 1pl tí…yír Adar tí nyé yír nàya …us 2pl tá…nyín Adar tá nyé nyín nàya …you 3pl tá/tú…bá Adar tá nyé bá nàya …them
Izere also has a comitative pronoun set, for doing s.t. with someone (Table 8). These resemble the subject pronouns in Table 6, except for the absence of a second element in the plural pronouns.
Table 8. Izere comitative pronoun paradigm No. Example Gloss
13 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter 1s a nyí itomoong bé mi She works with me 2s a nyí itomong bé wán She works with you(sg) 3s a nyí itomong bé wú She works with him/her 1pl a nyí itomong bé yír She works with us 2pl a nyí itomong bé nyín She works with you(pl) 3pl a nyí itomong bé bá She works with them
The object pronoun set marked for past substitutes an SOV formula for the SVO of the subject paradigm (Table 9). In this case, the plural forms of the subject pronouns are repeated after the main verb. The pronominal subject markers themselves, all tV-, are presumably allomorphs of one another, probably all originally bracketed the verb with the subject pronoun following the verb. Thus;
tV- (verb) Subject Pronoun
However, the recapitulated pronoun has been lost in the singulars.
Table 9. Izere transitive object pronoun paradigm No. Subject Example Gloss 1s tí àgàbu tí romoŋ the dog bit me 2s tá àgàbu tá romoŋ … you 3s tú àgàbu tú romoŋ …him 1pl tí…yír àgàbu tí romoŋ yír …us 2pl tá…nyín àgàbu tá romoŋ nyín …you 3pl tá/tú…bá àgàbu tá/tú romoŋ bá …them
The stand-alone possessive pronouns are usually formed with a concordial prefix, a pronominal marker fV-, and a version of the subject pronoun, although this set appears to have several irregularities (Table 10). The third person singular is unmarked and the first person lacks the fV- element.
Table 10. Izere possessive pronoun paradigm No. Subject Example Gloss 1s mì nàya na nyé nanaan this food is mine 2s wán nàya na nyé nafuan …yours 3s wú nàya na nyé nafu …his 1p yír nàya na nyé nafeyir …ours 2p nyín nàya na nyé nafenyin …yours 3p bá nàya na nyé nafuba …theirs
Izere has two ways of marking the reflexive or reciprocal. Either the stem ricé pl. acé ‘head’ is combined with a pronoun from the possessive set and is placed after the verb, or an invariant ná precedes the verb.
The ricé construction can be described as autobenefactive, as in;
mi! nyé ricé mì abrédi I make head my bread I made bread for myself
Where the subject is plural, the reflexive marker is also marked for number. However, in this case, the subject pronoun has to be repeated after the main verb.
14 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter yír! rép yír acé yír abrédi you pl. buy you pl. heads you bread You pl. bought yourselves bread
With a plural subject, ná is open to either a reflexive or reciprocal interpretation.
mi ná ↑ tsór I REFL bite I bit myself
á ná ↑ tsór bá they REFL bite they They bit themselves/ each other
Izere has an indefinite pronoun, -kak, preceded by a concord morpheme.
àkak tíꜝ tak ye wán nyé tser bá’ someone me tell that you be well not Someone told me that you were not well
aYohána! shán àkak abrédi John bought someone bread
mi! bé náZhosh bé àkak I Past go to Jos with someone I went to Jos with someone
5.3 Verbs
5.3.1 Verb morphology The great majority of Izere verbs have the formula CVCVC, or its common transformation CVVC. The possible formulae are;
CV CVC CVVC CVCV CVCVC CVCCVC very rare CVCVCV very rare CVCVCVC very rare
Restrictions on –C in final position are quite strong, with only k, N, p, S as well as open syllables. The vowel quality in singular forms are always the same in all syllables. Four exceptions have been identified; hìlyù to be mentally defective kaŋmɛ́k to be busy dancing; to be proud of what you know kutáám to lose direction nyíséŋ to stop; stand
Many nouns and verbs have two forms. Grainger (n.d., b) describes this as a dialect variation, but many speakers produce the two forms indifferently and it seems likely that it is an innovation that is
15 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter slowly spreading. Verbs of CVCVC structure either delete C2 where it is a nasal or lose C3 and assimilate the final vowel leftwards in the case of /r/ or /b/ (Table 11). Thus;
Table 11. Reduction of CVCVC structures Form I Form I Example I Example II Gloss CVnVŋ → CVVŋ wɔ́nɔ́ŋ wɔ́ɔ́n to swallow CVmVŋ → CVVŋ tímíŋ tíím to tremble CVrVŋ → CVVŋ bírìŋ bíìŋ to roll CVrVk → CVVr kpɛ́rɛ̀k kpɛ́ɛ̀r to pluck CVbVk → CVVp túbùk tú(s)ùp to stab
5.3.2 Verbal plurality Izere has a complex system of number marking, with nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and ideophones all exhibiting morphologically marked plurals (Blench 2001). Plurals exist in a dynamic; noun or verbs commonly used together only need mark plural on one of them. If both mark plurals then one or the other tends to disappear. Izere has a rich repertoire of plural verb forms described in Wolff & Meyer-Bahlburg (1979) and Gerhardt (1984). Their uses can be described as follows;
1. Describing an action repeated many times 2. Describing an action with multiple subjects 3. Describing an action with multiple objects 4. Describing an action conducted over a long time 5. Any combination of these
The iterative use of the plural forms was led some researchers to associate these forms with an imperfect; if an action is undertaken many times it is presumably incomplete and thus contrastive with a completed form. However, in most languages where the verbal system has been described, aspect and plurality are distinct. Sometimes verbal plurals show meaning shifts associated with repeated action (Table 12). Thus;
Table 12. Plural verbs in Izere showin semantic shift Singular Gloss Plural Gloss yíìr to catch, hold, injure in the leg yísìŋ to limp kon to rub koroŋ to weed rá to touch rás to talk about s.o. shím to answer shíìsh to echo shínìŋ to fill up shíshìŋ to change shúmùŋ to dip shú to soak
Most singulars and plurals show evident, is unpredictable segmental relationships. However, there are some which are suppletive (Table 13);
Table 13. Suppletive plurals in Izere be bes or tsees to go sók kók to pick, take, take a wife tí kpàk nyé kpàk to devour rus tsor to groan in pain and a single case of multiple plurality;
rús to hit once tsór to hit repeatedly tsósók to hit repeatedly many times
Table 14 shows unique singular/plural pairings. 16 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter
Table 14. Unique singular/plural verb pairs in Izere
Singular Plural Gloss bɔmɔ́ŋ bɔsɔ̀p to learn, test, try out, teach fɛ́bɛ́k fɛ́sɛ̀m blow fíníŋ fírìs or fírìk to sun-dry fúnúŋ fúrùk to grow new leaves (of plant) fúnúŋ fúrùk to tether gor gósók to pass kɔ́rɔ̀k kɔ́k to pull, lead (animals) kɔ́sɔ́ kɔs to spend the night káp káás to farm rɛ́p rɛ́ɛ́s to sell kúnúŋ kur embrace, wrap, fold together nɔ nɔ́ɔ́s to enter nɔ́ɔ́k nyísék to give ŋaar ŋa to uproot nyósóŋ nyos to pour away, waste rímíŋ rísìp to kick shímíŋ shíshìp to wake, rise up ríp rísìm to ask rúsòm róós to tie, bind, repair séès or serek sísèk to move; shift shɔ̀ɔ̀r shɔ̀ŋ to pinch shésh shíshék to save s.o. shoròb shúshòp to jump over; skip shúmùŋ shú to dip sónòŋ susòk to sit down tɛ́mɛ́ŋ tɛ́m to cut, to chop down tɛ́p tɛ́sɛ̀p to blow (flute/whistle); crow (cock) tómòŋ túsòm to push tsɛ́ɛ́m tsɛ́mɛ́ŋ to sift tsíbík tsip to twist, dislocate, steer, drive car tún túrúŋ to remove vaŋ varaŋ to rub on pomade excessively wɔ́k wɔ́rɔ̀k to deceive hwyíìr hwyí to remove from, pull out wúsó wúsòk to spend the whole of daytime yíìr yísìŋ to catch, hold, injure in the leg zímíŋ zim to fling; swing, wag
5.3.3 Transitivity The usual syntax of Izere is SVO, with the unmarked form of the verb implying completed action. Thus the typical forms of marking valency are;
Transitive
abining’é! rús ánér’é woman.the hit man.the the woman hit the man
Intransitive
17 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter
àbìnìng’é sen mén wife the CONT lie down The wife is lying down
Ditransitive sentences do not mark a nominal secondary object except through word order, which is SVO₁O₂. Thus; abining’é noók anér’é kufúmúng wife.the gave man.the book the wife gave the man (the) book
However, where the primary object/recipient is a pronoun, the word order becomes S O₁VO₂, as in; a tú noók kufúmúng he him gave book He gave him a book
Benefactives have the same word order; mi tú nyés nayá I him cook food I cooked food for him
Where both objects are pronominals, a dative prefix can be introduced for the second argument. Thus; mi tú! rép núfaan I him sell to.you I sold him to you
Note the downstep on the first argument. 5.3.4 Tense/aspect Izere is an aspectual language, where the primary distinction is between completed aspect, the unmarked form of the verb and incompletive, present or future. Pronominals are marked for aspect (Table 6), so verbs are frequently without auxiliaries. The aspect morphemes are; unmarked neutral sèn be in the process of, continuous marker for intransitive verbs m↓ perfective
These examples shows the three tenses with neutral aspect. Here are examples of continuative aspect with each of the three tenses, again without any PO pronouns. agabú-mé sèn yá nayá dog.the CONT eat food The dog is eating food
àbìnìng’é sèn mén woman.the CONT lie down the woman is lying down agabú-mé↓ sèn yá nayá dog.the CONT eat food The dog was eating food 18 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter agabú-mé↓ tà sèn yá nayá dog.the FUT CONT. eat food The dog will be eating food
Izere has a perfective marker tá marking completed action; itomong yir tá nye yir work we PERF do we the work we did
In combination with the continuous marker, sèn, it expresses anything in process or progress; itomong yir tá sèn nye yir work we PST CONT. do we the work we are doing
Izere marks a rather subtle distinction between present/habitual and completed past. So for the habitual, the verb is unmarked; agabú-mé yá nayá dog.the eat food the dog eats food
Whereas the completed past is marked with an upstep on the main verb. agabú-mé ↑yá nayá dog.the eat.PST food The dog ate food
The future tense is marked with tà, ‘will, shall’, a future auxiliary which precedes the verb; agabú-mé tà yá nayá dog.the FUT eat food The dog will eat food itomong yir tà nyè yir work we FUT do we the work we’ll do tà also appears in conditional constructions; ké tà nyé íkéng kák bá’, né wón akak’é tà nyé if FUT do thing some not, then leave some.the will do If you will not do something, then let someone else do it
Conditional clauses are expressed with a repeated ké, ‘if’. Irrealis is formed by adding the auxiliary fá preceding the main verb in the major clause and ké in the dependent. ké mí fá rén ye wú bé íts`om, ké mi fú kú yís if I had know that he has money if I had him ask Had I known that he had money, I would have asked him. ké wú fá tí shán abrédi, ké mi ta fók izong bá’ if he had me buy bread, if I past experience hunger not 19 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Had he bought me bread, I would not be hungry.
Where the structure is consequential, i.e. x and so y, the first ké can be omitted. wú fá nyé bá’, ké mi sé azi bá’ he had do not, if I am here not had he not done it, I would not be here a! fá nyé ítomong dídéng, ké a! sé nayá gáan he had do work much, if he get food much had he worked more, he would have received plenty of food
5.3.5 Imperatives Indirect forms are often used in place of imperatives in most social situations. Imperatives lack an overt subject, so the typical word order is O₁VO₂, as in; ní shán abrédi me buy bread buy me bread
The only tense/aspect found in commands is continuative; sén nyé itomong, mí saasé CONT do work I come be working, I am coming
Polite or indirect commands or requests are expressed with wán tin shán abrédi a? you me.FUT buy bread QM? Will you buy me bread? or with the auxiliary verb kyèm, ‘can, be able’;
Wán kyém tin shán abrédi a? you can me.FUT buy bread QM? Can you buy me bread?
Negative commands require tu ‘should’; tú fér ákak bá’ should kill anyone not don’t kill anyone
Hortative
The hortative is formed by using the dummy subject i, with the subject pluralizer yir ‘1p’ after the verb as if ‘1p’ were the overt subject.
Í tséng yír x go 1p Let’s go
Í tú shán yír abrédi 20 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter x him buy 1p bread let’s buy him bread
The adhortative is formed by using the particle rá; a rá yá náyá he should eat food He should eat food
A rá kú shán abrédi he should him buy bread He should buy him bread
5.4 Adjectives
5.4.1 Overview Izere qualifies nouns and other adjectives with a small set of concordial adjectives, non-concordial adjectives, ideophones. It has a large set of stative verbs which function in a similar way to true adjectives. The first five numerals also exist in concordial and non-concordial forms. Adjectives greatly as whether they precede or follow the noun they qualify.
5.4.2 Concordial Concordial adjectives agree with the noun they qualify, by copying its prefix, including the tone. It is not clear whether the stems have an underlying tone, or whether that is also in some way derived from the noun. Examples;
-fe its -fu his, hers, its -gbang big; fat; large -tek good
ìtsààp ìfe àYohána car its John It’s John’s car
itsamang na nyé ifu ram this do his this ram is his
a nyé ánér átek he do person good He is a good man
a nyé ágbáng ánér he do fat person he’s a fat man
21 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter 5.4.2 Non-concordial
á shím kúyá àgba kakón àtùk àmánggò̱ rò̱ he like eating fruit tree especially mango he likes eating fruits, especially mangoes
á naka tse̱ ́k be àtùk ìtsò̱ r, i ra no̱ nuro̱ mbá he self cut with proper knife it yet enter skin not Although he cut himself with a proper knife it didn't pierce his skin dide̱ ng very much; a lot [qualifies another adjective]
a nyé ánér átek dide̱ ng he do person good very He is a very good man
Ideophonic adjectives typically occur in equative sentences; gbìf blunt
ìtsòr'e se gbíf knife.the is blunt the knife is blunt gùgò̱ k far
karo̱ ’me se gùgò̱ k place.the is far the place is far ko̱ o̱ r unkempt; disorderly; in a mess (farm)
karo̱ n-ko̱ o̱ r place LOC.mess the place is a mess
Stative verbs
Izere has numerous stative verbs, with the meaning, ‘to be x’ or ‘to become x’. Examples; ka to be proud; arrogant; conceited
Arum ye̱ re̱ k ànyín bá, a tí ka nitso̱ m ada wu Arum look down on everyone them he CONT be proud wealth father his Arum looks down on everyone, he’s proud of his father’s wealth
Some of these are ‘split’ verbs, i.e. the two parts of the verb bracket the copula-type verb. tí…ham be forgotten
22 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter a tí té ham it forget become forget it became forgotten
5.5 Adverbs Izere adverbs are not morphologically marked and cannot be easily distinguished from ideophones, except where the latter have reduplication. Adverbs can be placed either before or after the verb they qualify. They can be divided into a number of subtypes;
Aspectual (repeatedly)
aYohána yíir bés áze. John continually comes here John comes here continually
Modal (possibly, fortunately)
Káshím né mi bé nátson maybe then I come tomorrow Maybe I will come tomorrow
aYohána ta bé gák ayí John will come maybe Maybe John will come
The subject is repeated after the adverb wur ‘immediately’.
aYohana! wúr a! shán abrédi John immediately he bought bread John bought bread at once
Temporal násàng ahead of (in time)
násàng nyé ’me ahead do the do [it] ahead of time wùwììr after sunset
mi no̱ karí karó̱ n té wùwììr I enter home place LOC become after sunset As I got back home it was after sunset mákóng ‘ finally/now’ can be placed before the verb, but it is shortened to má.
a ! shán abrédi mákóng he bought bread finally At last he bought bread.
23 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter a! má shán abrédi he finally bought bread At last he bought bread
Manner
Action oriented (qualifies action)
a tséng zízírík he go fast he went quickly cè̱ è̱ r completely; fully
Atsen'e wor a ya ikam ame cè̱ è̱ r visitor.the ? he eat food the completely The visitor ate the food all up
Actor oriented (qualifies actor or action performed)
tséng tátàn go carefully go carefully
Speaker oriented: awéng hopefully, luckily
í.dí awéng, íza kpá bá’ it.see luckily, rain fall not Luckily, it didn’t rain cam describes motionlessness; implying to faint or to die
a tu rús be kukon rice yong a wor a kpà cam he PST hit with stick head then he lay he fall down motionless He hit him with a stick on the head, he fell down and lay without moving
5.6 Conjunction and co-ordination Any noun phrase or clause can be coordinated, usually with the particle bé, ‘and, with’. For example;
aYohána bé aNúhu tá nook itsóm John and Nuhu you gave money John and Nuhu gave you money.
aYohána nook anyíníng bé angás nyíníng wú itsóm John gave mother with daughter his money John gave his mother and sister money not = John and his daughter gave mother money
However, where the objects to be co-ordinated are pronominals, the word-order rule requires that the first of the co-ordinated patients are placed before the verb. Thus;
24 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter aYohána tá noók itsóm bé mi John you gave money with me John gave you and me money
When full clauses are coordinated, conjunctions such as gíp, ‘also’, can be employed.
aYohána tséng náro rízhik aMári gíp John go to.place trading Mary also John went to the store and Mary did too
Where the actions are simultaneous, no overt conjunction is required.
aYohána shán rínám, Izáng, Ø abrédi John buy meat, Izang, Ø bread John bought meat, and Izang, bread. mama also; as well; like
kakpíìn àko Adang n nye kuwé̱ né̱ ng mama orphan deceased Adang LOC do marriage also Late Adang's orphan has also married
5.7 Interrogatives
5.7.1 Content questions Izere has a small number of content question markers, which must usually also take the polar question markers dè, é, in sentence-final position. Unusually, interrogatives can have singular or plural forms, where they have concordial prefixes.
àngan pl. angan who?
wán nyé àngan dè̱ ? you do who QM Who are you?
Wán dí angan’e [wú dí é?] you think who.the he saw QM Who do you think that he saw?
Wán dí [ye wú dí] ángá`n é? you think comp he see who? QM Who do you think that he saw?
-mang how much; how many?
wán bé ásom amáng-é? you with rabbit how many How many rabbits do you have?
wán bé nàsà namáng-é? you with house how many How many houses do you have?
25 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter nízeng When? Which day?
nízeng ne wán tu ku bun é? when come back you CONT it return QM When arel you coming back?
5.7.2 Polar questions à, dè, é̱ are the polar question markers in Izere.
wán be náZhosh à? you go LOC.Jos QM Are you going to Jos?
á'à polar question marker which marks a rhetorical yes/no question, often used as a rebuke
wán bé ná Zhosh,
wán be náZhosh á’à? you go LOC.Jos QM You went to Jos, didn’t you?
5.8 Ideophones Izere has a wide range of ideophones, mostly but not always reduplicated. They typically fill and adverbial slot, following the verb they qualify.
cash imitates the sound of ankle rattles or noise from trampling on gravel or coarse textured soil
Azi kar be acicezhi na atak ye cash… Azi stroll around with ankle-rattles those ? that cash… Azi strolls around with his ankle-rattles going cash…
dekdek emotional; excited; point of tears
Riye̱ ti dekdek be ìkéng ritek a tu ku nyé'me heart it excited with thing goodness he PERF him do.the He almost wept because of the goodness that he was shown
5.9 Interjections Interjections or exclamations are quite numerous in Izere and often have quite specific sociolinguistic contexts. The following examples present a sample of those recorded. Most typically, they precede or follow a sentence.
Kaí, a bé ítsóm dídéng Wow, he have money much Wow, he has much money
Aíya, Azí ! kpá Oh, Azi fell
26 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter aꜝ tú rús, kpák he him hit, kpak he slapped him, kpak
Yeyeei, mi ta nyé ane é? Oh, I fut do how QM Oh, what will I do?
6. Guide to using the dictionary
6.1 Structure of individual entries Izere words are always in boldface. Each entry has the following order;
Orthographic IPA Part of Meaning Scientific Examples Notes Synonyms speech Singular Plural Singular Plural àbìríting abíríting àbìrítiŋ abírítiŋ n. large fly cér céshèk cér céʃèk v. to carry
Plural verbs are rarer than nouns, but they are listed in the second column where they occur.
The order of the Izere alphabet is not strictly followed. The guiding principle is to conform to order of the English alphabet. In words with phonemes symbolised by diagraphs, such as kp, gb, sh etc. the second letter is treated as an ordinary letter according to the order in the English alphabet. Words with high tones are entered first, followed by mid tone ones and then the ones with low tones. 6.2 Scientific Names In this dictionary, many scientific names are given for plants and animals. Scientific names are in Latin, and they are written in italics to show they are not English. Scientific names are intended to be an international language so that researchers in all countries will have a single name for a living creature, although the name in their own language will vary. For example, when the definition of a word is baobab, Adansonia digitata this means that baobab is the common English name corresponding to the Latin or scientific name following. In the case of some trees and animals, the Hausa name is also given, since this may help some users identify them. 6.3 Nigerian English Usage Certain usage in Nigerian English have now diverged from international English, and this is a potential source of confusion in definitions. For example, 'follow' in Nigeria generally means 'to go along with', whereas in International English it means to 'go after' or 'go behind'. Similarly ‘use to' has the sense of 'customarily' in Nigeria, so 'he use to go to market' implies a practice. In International English the sense is rather 'formerly', implying that the action referred to no longer takes place. In this dictionary, International English is used for the primary definition throughout. Where Nigerian usage is given, it is always in apostrophes, thus; ‘use to' or 'hare'. Other meanings of a word are listed below the first meaning. Where a word is used in an idiom it is marked ‘id.’ and the literal translation of the idiom is given. Examples of the word in use are given first in Izere and then in a natural English translation. 6.4 Etymology and loan-words Not every word in the language is native to Izere; like English, Izere has borrowed words from other languages. The sources of many words have not been identified; however, obvious loanwords from other languages are marked in the text. The following abbreviations are used;
27 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter Ar. = Arabic E. = English F. = Fulfulde H. = Hausa
Occasionally a word can be identified as a loan-word but the precise source language is unknown. In this case the word is marked (
Abbrev- Full form Explanation iation a. Adjective Describes a noun or adjective a.i. Adjectival Adjective which intensifies the sense of another adjective intensifier adv. Adverb Qualifies a verb aux. Auxiliary Added to a verb to modify it, like a tense-marker c.a. Concordial Adjective which agrees with the noun adjective cond. Conditional Expresses the relation between two events conj. Conjunction A word used to join two or more nouns, verbs or clauses dem. Demonstrative Words used to point out something. 'this', 'that' etc. excl. Exclamation Greetings or expressions that do not form part of an ordinary sentence int. Interrogative Question words loc. Locative Describes the position of things in time or space n. Noun Refers to things, objects etc. n.p. Noun phrase A phrase where a head-noun is joined to other words to form an expression num. Numeral Number part. Particle Short words added to complete the sentence p.n. Proper Name A name of a person or object; always capitalised pron. Pronoun A word that stands for a noun s.v. Stative Verb A verb which qualifies a noun, with an adjectival function v. Verb Expresses action v.i. Intransitive Verb A verb with no object v.n. Verbal Noun A noun formed directly from a verb to express a state of being v.p. Verb phrase A phrase where a head-noun is joined to other words to form an expression v.t. Transitive verb A verb with an object
Needless to say, these categories were developed to describe English grammar and not all Izere words fit neatly into them. For example, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish verbs from adjectives. Only a clear grammatical description will help the reader understand the function of a word in a sentence. At that point, the assignment to a particular part of speech is somewhat arbitrary; what counts is consistency throughout.
28 Izere - English -Izere Dictionary Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Front Matter References Blench, R.M. 2000. Transitions in Izere nominal morphology and implications for the analysis of Plateau languages. In: A. Meißner & A. Storch (eds.) Nominal classification in African languages. Frankfurter Afrikanische Blätter, 12:7-28. Blench, R.M. n.d. Plural verb morphology in Fobur Izere. Electronic ms. CAPRO 2004. A harvest of peace: an ethnic survey of Plateau State. Jos: CAPRO Research Office. Crozier, D. and Blench, R.M. 1992. Index of Nigerian Languages (edition 2). Dallas: SIL. Frantz, D. 1996. Izere grammar outline. Electronic ms. Gerhardt, L. 1983. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Sprachen des Nigerianischen Plateaus. Glückstadt: Verlag J.J. Augustin. Gerhardt, L. 1984. More on the verbal system of Zarek (Northern Nigeria). Afrika und Übersee, 67:11-29. Gerhardt, L. 1989. Kainji and Platoid. In: Bendor-Samuel J. ed. Niger-Congo. 359-376. Lanham: University Press of America. Grainger, P. n.d., a. Izere noun list. ms. Jos. Grainger, P. n.d., b. Izere phonology. Electronic ms. Gunn, Harold D. 1953. The Afizere (Hill Jarawa) and related peoples of Bauchi province. In: Peoples of the Plateau area of Northern Nigeria. 1953: 60-74. Ethnographic survey of Africa. Western Africa. Part VII.1A1. Daryl Forde ed. London: International African Institute. Lukas J. and Alfred Willms 1961. Outline of the language of the Jarawa in northern Nigeria (Plateau Province). Afrika und Übersee, 45:1-66. Nyam, Abok Musa 1988. The Afizere (Jarawa) people of Nigeria. Jos: National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Nyako, J.A. 2000. Nareer Rife Nizere (Proverbs and idioms in Izere language). Jos: Multi-purpose Cooperative Society. Regnier, C. 1991. Izere survey of 1991. Electronic ms. Shimizu, Kiyoshi. 1975. The languages of the Jos Division. Presented at a linguistic seminar at the institute of Linguistics. University of Ibadan, Jos Campus. Williamson, K. & R.M. Blench 2000. Niger-Congo. In: African languages: an introduction. B. Heine & D. Nurse eds. 11-42. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wolff, Ekkehard & H. Meyer-Bahlburg 1979. Morphologie und Semantik der erweiteren Verbalstämme in der Sprache der Afuzare (Zarek). Afrika und Übersee, 62:1-32.
29 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English IZERE - ENGLISH - IZERE DICTIONARY
A a
á [á] pron. he; she; it àbar pl. — [àbar pl. —] v.n. plaiting hair -à1 [à] int. polar question marker wán bé àbár(á)wá pl. abár(á)wá [àbár(á)wá pl. náZhosh à? Are you going to Jos? syn. é̱ . abár(á)wá] n. man in charge of women’s -à2 [à] dem. that affairs in a community. He leads the á'à [á'à] int. polar question marker wán bé drumming when women do communal ná Zhosh, á’à? You went to Jos, didn’t labour (agaya) you? [á'à marks a rhetorical yes/no Àbarzhí [Àbarʒí] p.n. man appointed to take question, often used as a rebuke:] charge of organising community labour àbà- [àbà] pref. ‘female person of’; ‘female àbas [àbas] n. direction; side kanarang’i se native of’ abagbang Berom woman na abas akya my bangle is over there abafudelek woman of Federe [precedes àbàtìrìk [àbàtìrìk] n. acca cultivar proper nouns] cf àfú-. àbàtísmà pl. — [àbàtísmà pl. —] n. baptism abáán [abáán] n. offspring; progeny Izaram àbàyama1 [àbàyama, àbàyâma] n. yam ti wei na abaan the monkey died trying to cultivar save its offspring àbàyama2 [àbàyama, àbàyâma] n. acca àbààn [àbààn] adv. especially; particularly a cultivar shim kuso asirik àbààn àfe ica bá he likes abé [abé] n. mound of soil around a seed to drink gruel, especially the one with yam after the main tuber has been dregs harvested àbábàng1 pl. ábabàng [àbábàŋ pl. ábabàŋ] àbèp pl. — [àbèp pl. —] n. edible wild tuber n. bark; outer shell; rind; husk [Icacina trichantha] mostly eaten by àbábàng2 pl. ábabàng [àbábàŋ pl. ábabàŋ] children n. social inferiors (by extension) Yir àbèrèk kutá [àbèrèk kutá] n. small stone ábabàng'e na kyem I di yir aritek ba zirik used to wedge a pot in place when ana bá, ma I tor yir nizham. We the balancing on three firestones inferiors couldn’t see their Head easily, Àbèwà [Àbèwà] p.n. dance for young we had to wait. people which takes place on moonlit àbákò̱ pl. abákò̱ [àbákɔ̀ pl. abákɔ̀] n. register nights The young men and women line up of taxpayers’ names and it is explicitly about finding marriage àbàkò̱ pl. — [àbàkɔ̀ pl. —] n. land left to partners. No musical instruments, just fallow vocal music. àbàkyuruk pl. — [àbàkyuruk pl. —] n. àbíko̱ pl. ábíko̱ [àbíkɔ pl. ábíkɔ] n. drummer water-yam cultivar àbìnìng pl. anyíníng [àbìnìŋ pl. anyíníŋ] n. Àbàn [Àbàn] p.n. name given to a dog wife; woman ábàng1 [ábàŋ] n. premature beans; spiral àbìríting pl. abíríting [àbìrítiŋ pl. abírítiŋ] n. cowpea large fly ábàng2 [ábàŋ] n. fields; farmlands àbìshò̱ k [àbìʃɔ̀k] n. shrub sp. àbàng pl. — [àbàŋ pl. —] n. partially dried [Cochlospermum planchonii] with bright bean left in the field yellow flowers àbàngàràng pl. ábàngàràng [àbàŋàràŋ pl. àbo̱ pl. ábo̱ [àbɔ pl. ábɔ] n. dangerous animal ábàŋàràŋ] n. hard palate sp. ‘bear’. àbàngkùm [àbàŋkùm] n. guinea-corn àbòk pl. abók [àbòk pl. abók] n. herbalist; cultivar doctor; healer
30 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English abòk kútá áko pl. — [abòk kútá áko pl. —] animal, your enemy could turn it to a log n. upper grindstone or termite hill before the others arrive. àbò̱ kò̱ dò̱ k [àbɔ̀kɔ̀dɔ̀k] n. bean plant that àbúr ásèng [àbúr ásèŋ] n. red-coloured climbs a euphorbia iburu cultivar [Digitaria iburua] abóm pl. — [abóm pl. —] n. song; music àbùrong pl. — [àbùroŋ pl. —] n. shrub sp. abóós pl. — [abóós pl. —] n. lie; falsehood; used as a broom untruth wan bo̱ aboos you told a lie lit. àbùrùm pl. — [àbùrùm pl. —] n. you fetched a lie syn. nàbóròk. forgetfulness tu ku tom bá, a mak a be abóp pl. ábop [abóp pl. ábop] n. early aburum don’t send him, he’s very morning; dawn; daybreak a dorok bop forgetful nadiding a ta tseng ritsen he woke up àbúsù pl. — [àbúsù pl. —] n. cowhide worn early in the morning and went visiting by a priest àbò̱ p pl. ábò̱ p [àbɔ̀p pl. ábɔ̀p] n. pigeon àcàang pl. — [àʧàaŋ pl. —] n. cool; wet (generic) place ma wan ta ashi kaben ta ra sherek àbò̱ p rìgbàng [àbɔ̀p rìgbàŋ] n. pigeon sp. acaang you have to pour water on the àbo̱ ro̱ k pl. — [àbɔrɔk pl. —] n. non- ground before you can trample on a wet alcoholic local drink place àbòròk pl. — [àbòròk pl. —] n. red-lined àcàca pl. — [àʧàʧa pl. —] v.n. toddling skink àcak [àʧak] v.n. pounding Àbòròsh [Àbòròʃ] p.n. July àcàm pl. ácám [àʧàm pl. áʧám] n. 1. Abôrzà [Abôrzà] p.n. dialect spoken by the boyfriend; girlfriend arch. 2. young man; people of Fobur; Boda; Zarazon; Gwash; girl Gwisti; Gwafan among others. cf kanámàng. Àbòs [Àbòs] p.n. masquerade A friendly àcàmasèng pl. — [àʧàmasèŋ pl. —] n. masquerade dressed in the leaves of the bishop-bird [Euplectes sp.] syn. àgò̱ m wild banana. It chases children but people àsùra. ( 31 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àdákà pl. adákà [àdákà pl. adákà] n. leather bangle worn round the wrist àdàkan pl. — [àdàkan pl. —] n. water-yam àdàkan ìbò̱ k pl. — [àdàkan ìbɔ̀k pl. —] n. water-yam cultivar àdàkan kátsìk pl. — [àdàkan kátsìk pl. —] n. water-yam cultivar Àdàkarè pl. — [Àdàkarè pl. —] p.n. hunters’ dance Àdakunòm pl. — [Àdakunòm pl. —] p.n. acícézhi; rattle God ( A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àférátseng pl. aférátseng [àférátseŋ pl. àfúnam pl. afúnam [àfúnam pl. afúnam] n. aférátseŋ] n. friend; mate; colleague; mad person; lunatic; crazy person; insane partner syn. àfàram. ( 35 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English agbang kuto̱ [agbaŋ kutɔ] n.p. order àgbóòm pl. agbóòm [àgbóòm pl. agbóòm] n. (strictly); stern warning; emphatic baboon [Papio anubis choras] statement; command ( deaf person àgbè̱ k pl. ágbè̱ k [àgbɛ̀k pl. ágbɛ̀k] n. fig tree sp. [Ficus thonningii] ágbe̱ p [ágbɛp] n. mud syn. amé̱ ré̱ sh. cf rirém. àgíta àgbe̱ rzhe̱ pl. — [àgbɛrʒɛ pl. —] n. immature yam tuber àgo [àgo] p.n. generic female name in àgbírìk pl. agbírìk [àgbírìk pl. agbírìk] n. informal derogatory address (but not used log; billet syn. kúgbìrìk. to a senior) syn. àgyà2. àgo̱ [àgɔ] n. fantasy disease or condition that children give one another; lurgy àgò̱ k pl. ágò̱ k [àgɔ̀k pl. ágɔ̀k] n. black wasp àgò̱ m pl. agó̱ m [àgɔ̀m pl. agɔ́m] n. chief; king; ruler àgò̱ m àsùra pl. agò̱ m àsùra [àgɔ̀m àsùra pl. agɔ̀m àsùra] n. bishop-bird [Euplectes spp.] syn. àcàmasèng. ( 39 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àkù [àkù] n. the late; deceased àkuràde [àkuràde] n. plant sp. àkúgáng [àkúgáŋ] n. sesame leaves; àkúrgyè̱ ng pl. — [àkúrgyɛ̀ŋ pl. —] n. tree beniseed [Sesamum indicum] àkúgáng àsòm [àkúgáŋ àsòm] n. wild plant resembling sesame [Sesamum alatum] ( precedes the noun it does not show concord, but if it follows the noun, it becomes the concordial adjective –maan.] àmáàn kàbik [àmáàn kàbik] n. evil spirit àmààsh pl. — [àmààʃ pl. —] n. grimace; frown àkúzhè̱ rè̱ k [àkúʒɛ̀rɛ̀k] n. purslane [Portulaca oleracea] àmágàzhí1 [àmágàʒí] p.n. title holder; àkya [àkya] dem. there he/she is syn. àya, councillor ( 42 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English anoon [anoon] n. children [plural of ‘child’ Ànyìnìng Àzong [Ànyìnìŋ Àzoŋ] p.n. name but when used with a- prefix has an by which Mr. Hare addresses Mrs. Hare in insulting or derogatory sense] folktales cf igon. Ànyìnìng Kàro̱ [Ànyìnìŋ Kàrɔ] n. spiritual anoon ishosh pl. — [anoon iʃoʃ pl. —] n. being that guards the community which immature bees found dead in the honey lives in forested areas. It wails when there when it is harvested is danger for the community ( ànyò̱ rò̱ s [ànyɔ̀rɔ̀s] n. weed sp. found in acca farms àpánga pl. — [àpáŋa pl. —] p.n. royal dance accompanied by the set of horns, awaza, in which the dancer must either be a chief ányè̱ ng pl. — [ányɛ̀ŋ pl. —] n. any species of or a title holder. Usually performed in small thorny plant that can attach to royal regalia. The chief puts on a a large clothes and prick the body esp. bristly gown and twirls around starbur and blackjack àpàr rìning [àpàr rìniŋ] n.p. soup that does ànyes [ànyes] n. cooking not ‘draw’; such as egusi ànyín [ànyín] pron. someone; no-one; àpèf ìzùzùk [àpèf ìzùzùk] n. parasitic herb nobody Mi ne nasa riku'me gip, ko mi se sp. [Cassytha filiformis] anyin bá. I was also at the deceased’s house but I found no one there. ànyìnìng pl. anyíníng [ànyìnìŋ pl. anyíníŋ] n. female syn. àkuma. ànyìnìng akòp [ànyìnìŋ akòp] n. mother in- law 43 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àpè̱ mè̱ ng pl. ápè̱ mè̱ ng [àpɛ̀mɛ̀ŋ pl. ápɛ̀mɛ̀ŋ] àrè̱ ke̱ pl. — [àrɛ̀kɛ pl. —] n. sugar-cane n. shoulder [Saccharum officinarum] syn. arake. ( 44 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àrúgbàng kàsè̱ m [àrúgbàŋ kàsɛ̀m] n. plant àsè̱ rè̱ ng pl. asè̱ rè̱ ng [àsɛ̀rɛ̀ŋ pl. asɛ̀rɛ̀ŋ] n. sp. resembling àrúgbàng found in the hills rocky place that goes down steeply and àrùm pl. arúm [àrùm pl. arúm] n. rich suddenly; precipitous place person syn. àgbók àgbók 2. Àsè̱ r kutsin [Àsɛ̀r kutsin] p.n. February àrúndùng [àrúndùŋ] n. genet [Gennetta ( 45 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ásho̱ ì [áʃɔì] n. flowers àtabaràng pl. átàbàràng [àtabaràŋ pl. Àsho̱ m pl. — [Àʃɔm pl. —] p.n. man’s name átàbàràŋ] n. leather bandolier worn by àsho̱ n pl. asho̱ n [àʃɔn pl. aʃɔn] n. old man hunters àsidakà [àsidakà] n. harvest offering ( 46 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àtèk pl. átèk [àtèk pl. átèk] n. owner; father; àtsèn pl. atsén [àtsèn pl. atsén] n. stranger; possessor syn. àfe. visitor; guest àtèkàsà pl. átèkàsà [àtèkàsà pl. átèkàsà] n. àtsè̱ r pl. átsè̱ r [àtsɛ̀r pl. átsɛ̀r] n. woman of husband; master; landlord the older generation except for your àtèk àzong [àtèk àzoŋ] n. male hare in mother folklore àtsértser [àtsértser] n. cunning; devious; àtè̱ m nàkòn pl. atè̱ m nàkòn [àtɛ̀m nàkòn pl. wicked person atɛ̀m nàkòn] n.p. woodpecker [Picidae] àtsi pl. atsi [àtsi pl. atsi, átsí] n. priest; vicar; àtè̱ r pl. — [àtɛ̀r pl. —] n. shrub sp. with reverend edible, red fruits Àtsi Àdákunom pl. Atsi Àdákunom [Àtsi àtè̱ s [àtɛ̀s] n. vagina syn. àkìkelle, àzè̱ p, Àdákunom pl. Atsi Àdákunom] p.n. rigbóór. Christian pastor ( 47 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English àvààr rìmo [àvààr rìmo] n. rizga cultivar borrowed from the Amo people àtùk1 [àtùk] a. original; genuine; real; àvàk [àvàk] n. shrub sp. that makes harmful proper; true á naka tse̱ k be àtùk ìtsò̱ r, i ra smoke when burnt no̱ nuro̱ m bá Although he cut himself with àvììr pl. avììr [àvììr pl. avììr] n. biting fly a proper knife it didn't pierce his skin àvóng pl. ávòng [àvóŋ pl. ávòŋ] n. antelope [precedes noun, does not show concord] sp. àtùk2 [àtùk] a. especially; particularly; àvùviring [àvùviriŋ] n. noisy black insect specifically á shím kúyá àgba kakón àtùk that burrows holes in dry wood àmánggò̱ rò̱ he likes eating fruits, àwàcirì [àwàʧirì] n. traditional priest especially mangoes àwámbàng [àwámbàŋ] n. skin rash àtúkòp pl. atúkòp [àtúkòp pl. atúkòp] n. àwàra pl. — [àwàra pl. —] n. tree sp. whose grandfather fruits were formerly used as tapers or candles as they burn for a long time àtúkpè̱ r-ìzóbòk [àtúkpɛ̀r-ìzóbòk] n. caterpillar without smoke àtum ákan [àtum ákan] n.p. plant sp. áwashàk [áwaʃàk] n. bowels [Evolvulus alsinoides] àwázà [àwázà] p.n. royal dance àtum áwè [àtum áwè] n. ironweed accompanied by àgbá horns [Vernonia cinerea] àwè anyísí [àwè anyísí] n. tree sp. [Dialium àtungà [àtuŋà] n. independent lineage guineense] found by rivers. The black fruits have an orange pulp and an edible, àtùràrì átè̱ k [àtùràrì átɛ̀k] n. mosquito plant [Hyptis spicigera] The seeds are used to white seed inside. ( àwè̱ è̱ r1 [àwɛ̀ɛ̀r] n. shepherd’s stick àwè̱ è̱ r2 [àwɛ̀ɛ̀r] n. shrub sp. [Combretum àtúrbàng pl. — [àtúrbàŋ pl. —] n. traditional micranthum] maize àtùrki1 pl. — [àtùrki pl. —] p.n. chieftaincy title ( exaggerate a lot ayo [ayo] dem. this; these (medium close) agabú ayo tí rós núre This (medium close) dog bit me yesterday àyong [àyoŋ] dem. that (far) agabú ayóng tí rós núre that (far) dog bit me yesterday syn. akyóng. àyò̱ rò̱ k [àyɔ̀rɔ̀k] n. measles azá [azá] n. initiation candidates àwúnòn pl. — [àwúnòn pl. —] n. bird; àzá [àzá] loc. there syn. àkya. generic syn. kànon. àzààr [àzààr] n. plant sp. The leaves were plucked and brought to a girl to symbolise 49 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English an offer of marriage and were used by ázhè̱ ng [áʒɛ̀ŋ] n. grits; larger particles of any women to cover their genitals ground substance that will not pass àzàbirè̱ ng pl. azábire̱ ng [àzàbirɛ̀ŋ pl. through a sieve azábirɛŋ] n. mosquito àzhík [àʒík] n. regularly tilting the head àzàki pl. azákí [àzàki pl. azákí] n. lion sideways kanamang'e tseng ne ka barak [Panthera leo] ( 50 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English [àʒɔ̀kɔʒɔkɔ̀m pl. áʒɔ̀kɔʒɔkɔ̀m] n. black àzóí pl. ázòì [àzóí pl. ázòì] n. red-headed hairy caterpillar which causes itching male agama lizard [Agama agama] àzhò̱ rò̱ ng pl. azhò̱ rò̱ ng [àʒɔ̀rɔ̀ŋ pl. aʒɔ̀rɔ̀ŋ] n. àzò̱ k pl. azó̱ k [àzɔ̀k pl. azɔ́k] n. noble vaulted roof; domed roof of a thatched àzòko kánáng [àzòko kánáŋ] n. crab Ikyo house; a strategy against fires dialect only aziir pl. — [aziir pl. —] n. 4th horn player in àzo̱ m [àzɔm] n. brother-in-law the awaza ensemble ( B b bá’ [bá’] aux. not syn. dàu. [in final position bàsbàs [bàsbàs] adv. describes trailing in a negative sentence] somebody closely bá1 [bá] pron. they; them [subject and be1 [be] v. to have; hold; carry syn. cer. object 3rd person plural pronoun, marked be2 pl. bes [be pl. bes, tsees] v. to go for present] be3 [be] conj. with; and ìnyak’e me̱ be kúyá bá2 [bá] p.a. theirs àgam The cow is fat with eating grass syn. bà(bà) [bà(bà)] adv. again syn. gbàk. ber, se1. bàp [bàp] adv. to no effect or purpose; be̱ pl. be̱ s [bɛ pl. bɛs] v. to come pointlessly been pl. — [been pl. —] s.v. to bring to bar pl. — [bar pl. —] v. to plait; braid; ripeness; be ripe; to be cooked weave; twine bé̱ è̱ n'e pl. bé̱ s [bɛ́ɛ̀n'e pl. bɛ́s] v. to bring s.t. bárák pl. bárás [bárák pl. bárás or barak] v. syn. bó̱ . to throw s.t. at s.t. bè̱ è̱ r [bɛ̀ɛ̀r] adv. low báràng pl. báràs [báràŋ pl. báràs] v. to add belèpbelèp [belèpbelèp] adv. flashingly; bàràngbaràng [bàràŋbaràŋ] id. spotted or flickeringly; describes an unsteady patchy (like eczema) reflection; mirage; imitation syn. basák pl. bás [basák pl. bás] v. to seal; paste; berèmberèm. mend; fix; repair 51 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ber [ber] conj. and; together with; in bóròk [bóròk] v. to turn something over; conjunction with arch. syn. be3, ne. invert bè̱ rè̱ 1 [bɛ̀rɛ̀] a. cheap; inexpensive itso̱ m bò̱ rò̱ k [bɔ̀rɔ̀k] a. describes shifty unreliable abredi n te bè̱ rè̱ bread is cheap (behaviour) bè̱ rè̱ 2 [bɛ̀rɛ̀] adv. describes s.t. full up to bó̱ rò̱ ng1 pl. — [bɔ́rɔ̀ŋ pl. —] v. to cool a hot brim (of liquid) ashi'me shining liquid by pouring it from one container to kakereng'e be̱ re̱ ma a nyos. the water another filled up the calabash right to the brim till bó̱ rò̱ ng2 [bɔ́rɔ̀ŋ] v. to consider; discuss it poured over bò̱ rò̱ s [bɔ̀rɔ̀s] a. warm (of the weather) berék pl. bèrek [berék pl. bèrek] v. to bubárák [bubárák] a. near; close support bubìrìk [bubìrìk] a. round; circular berèmberèm [berèmberèm] id. flickeringly bubúk [bubúk] a. 1. lazy; indolent; idle 2. syn. belèpbelèp. weak béreng pl. — [béreŋ pl. —] v. to keep bubung [bubuŋ] a. grey; blue Kukpiin ku ta somebody or something on your lap esp. te se nuro̱ m wu se bubung the shirt he has baby on is blue bés pl. — [bés pl. —] v. to peel; skin -bubung [bubuŋ] c.a. grey; blue kubar'e nye [Already thought of as plural] kububung'e the wall is blue bésèng pl. — [bésèŋ pl. —] v. to spoil syn. bùlbùl [bùlbùl] adv. describes how water whér2. comes out of the ground bè̱ shè̱ k [bɛ̀ʃɛ̀k] adv. describes the grimace of bun [bun] v. to return; come back one about to cry -bun [bun] a. unripe; immature bif! [bif!] excl. Wrong! For example in bung1 [buŋ] v. to roll in the dust esp. dogs answers to a test or riddle ant. car2. and children Inoon naka bung kaben nizen birík pl. bírik [birík pl. bírik] v. to cancel; a ta se be kuyo̱ ro̱ k. Children roll in the erase; postpone dust when they play. syn. bírìng. bírìng [bírìŋ] v. to roll syn. bung1. bung2 [buŋ] v. 1. to beat slang among age- bísík pl. bís [bísík pl. bís] v. to untie; unfold mates 2. to deal with s.o. bó̱ pl. bó̱ s [bɔ́ pl. bɔ́s] v. to fetch; bring syn. búr pl. búsúng [búr pl. búsúŋ] v. to break; bé̱ è̱ n'e, to̱ k2. fracture (wood; bones) bó̱ aro [bɔ́ aro] v. to borrow búrúk1 pl. buruk [búrúk pl. buruk] v. to stir; bok pl. — [bok pl. —] v. to treat an ailment mix bò̱ kbò̱ k [bɔ̀kbɔ̀k] a. describes s.t. overripe; búrúk2 pl. buruk [búrúk pl. buruk] v. to overfilled confuse; muddle; mix up bóm pl. — [bóm pl. —] v. to sing bús pl. — [bús pl. —] v. to rot; putrefy; bo̱ mó̱ ng pl. bo̱ sò̱ p [bɔmɔ́ŋ pl. bɔsɔ̀p] v. to decompose learn; test; try out; teach -bus'e [bus'e] c.a. rotted; decomposed; bo̱ ó̱ n pl. — [bɔɔ́n pl. —] v. to mend; fix; putrefied repair bóp [bóp] adv. early syn. gùm. C c ca [ʧa] v. to pound in a mortar ca ape̱ e̱ r [ʧa apɛɛr] v.p. to suffer by doing cf tú1, tú2. s.t. obsessively Cà! [Cà!] excl. expression used to drive a càar [ʧàar] v. to frequent a place dog away càca [ʧàʧa] v. to toddle caàng [ʧaàŋ] a. very well; healthy; cold 52 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English cam [ʧam] adv. describes motionlessness; cè̱ rè̱ [ʧɛ̀rɛ̀] adv. lying as if dead (e.g. implying to faint or to die A tu rus be accident victims) kukon rice yong a wor a kpa cam. He hit cer rice [ʧer riʧe] v.p. to be humble; to be him with a wood on the head, he fell modest down and lay without moving cícé̱ r [ʧíʧɛ́r] pron. all (people) syn. cei, can [ʧan] v. to struggle; wrestle with a cícé̱ r. burden (physical or mental) a can be cíè̱ k [ʧíɛ̀k] quant. few Afízeré cíè̱ k yá ágábú amudo̱ n wu a ta ra ku te kaben. He Few Izere eat dogs [follows the head noun struggled with his opponent before it qualifies] defeating him cíngcíng [ʧíŋʧíŋ] adv. without definite cánàng pl. cáshàng [ʧánàŋ pl. ʧáʃàŋ] v. to colour defeat in wrestling; argument; overcome; cíp [ʧíp] a. plenty; abundant; plentiful syn. vanquish kpè̱ 1, whe̱ r(e̱ ). car1 [ʧar] a. eloquent cóp [ʧóp] a. straight syn. ryong. car2 [ʧar] excl. Right! e.g. answers in a test co̱ r1 pl. — [ʧɔr pl. —] v. to move about or ant. bif!. move around cáràk [ʧáràk] v. to hit; pound; stamp; co̱ r2 [ʧɔr] adv. sound of a rat running ‘match’; trample; thump through dry grass cash1 [ʧaʃ] n. gravelly or coarse-textured co̱ sh [ʧɔʃ] a. dense; crowded; packed; soil or earth syn. acàsh. stuffed cash2 [ʧaʃ] id. imitates the sound of ankle co̱ sh-co̱ sh [ʧɔʃ-ʧɔʃ] a. spotted; speckled; rattles or noise from trampling on gravel pied or coarse textured soil Azi kar be acicezhi cò̱ shò̱ k [ʧɔ̀ʃɔ̀k] a. untidy; uncomfortable na atak ye cash… Azi strolls around with (esp. of home surroundings); bushy; his ankle-rattles going cash… unkempt cè̱ è̱ r [ʧɛ̀ɛ̀r] adv. completely; fully Atsen'e cú1 pl. — [ʧú pl. —] v. to buzz around; to wor a ya ikam ame cè̱ è̱ r The visitor ate the swarm (insects; but also metaphorically food all up people) itsitsing ti cu rinam'e kamok ri tan Cege! [Cege!] excl. expression usually bus. Flies buzz around the meat because it applied to children requiring them to stop is rotten doing s.t. Cege, igon kanyaka ne mi fe̱ be cú2 pl. — [ʧú pl. —] v. to ooze (as smoke) wu ne ka ya kasho̱ o̱ n be riwo̱ ng'ong e̱ ? Akye̱ sak itsing cu nutu e̱ ? Why is the Tch! Which child is this that, when I talk smoke oozing out of the room? to him he keeps making noise? ( D d 53 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English dáàm pl. — [dáàm pl. —] v. to worry; diding [didiŋ] v. to be obstinate; stubborn; agonise obdurate syn. kùkpàr. Dàkàzha! [Dàkàʒa!] excl. Hello! díkdík [díkdík] a. completely raw dan pl. — [dan pl. —] v. to stagger Amangoro me n been bá, a ru nye abun dar [dar] a. without díkdík. The mango fruit is not yet ripe, it dàu [dàw] part. not; never (emphatic) Mi tu is still completely raw. tak, a ti fok dàu. I told him but he never dingding [diŋdiŋ] id. tightly fixed listens to me. syn. bá’, sang. dìrìng [dìrìŋ] adv. firmly dè̱ [dɛ̀] int. content question marker Wán dísím pl. — [dísím pl. —] v. to sneeze nyé àngan dè̱ ? Who are you? dísíng pl. — [dísíŋ pl. —] v. 1. to disown 2. dé̱ bè̱ r [dɛ́bɛ̀r] v. to roar; boast; brag to refuse food when angry dekdek [dekdek] id. emotional (to the point dónóng [dónóŋ] v. to remove a pot from fire of crying); excited Riye̱ ti dekdek be dorók pl. dóròs [dorók pl. dóròs, dorok] v. ikeng ritek a tu ku nye'me. He almost 1. to leave; migrate; depart 2. to rise; get wept because of the goodness that he was up shown. -duk [duk] a. odd one out [Takes on a dè̱ kdè̱ k [dɛ̀kdɛ̀k] i.a. oily; greasy pejorative meaning when applied to a dep [dep] v. to be (also) known as; to be single person] called dun pl. — [dun pl. —] v. to miss; lack; be dí1 pl. dís [dí pl. dís] v. to see; think; without s.t. consider dun nyé [dun nyé] v. to make mistake; dí2 [dí] conj. like; as [short form of kyó̱ ndí, fumble; mess up; err esp. in rapid speech] dúrwè̱ è̱ r [dúrwɛ̀ɛ̀r] aux. instead; describes dide̱ ng [didɛŋ] a.i. very much; a lot a nyé accepting the next best option Akpam n ánér átek dide̱ ng He is a very good man gang, ya ikam durwe̱ e̱ r'e? There’s no [Non-concordial, follows primary jollof rice left, can you manage with tuwo adjective] instead? syn. wè̱ è̱ r. [Post utterance tag] E e e1 [e] excl. Present! [é is used in place of à when the question e2 [e] excl. Pardon! E, ye wan fe̱ ane̱ e̱ ? needs to be repeated because the speaker Pardon me please, what did you say? didn’t hear it correctly.] ’e [’e] det. this; the á shán ìtsààp’e núre He èì [èì] excl. Yes! bought the horse yesterday syn. ame. èsh-èsh [èʃ-èʃ] excl. used to call the attention [suffixed to the noun it qualifies] of a dog é̱ [ɛ́] int. polar question marker wán bé ná Zhosh é? Are you going to Jos? syn. -à1. F f fa [fa] v. to read; count fábák1 pl. fásàp [fábák pl. fásàp] v. to fold, -fa [fa] num. two draw close to the body -faan [faan] p.a. yours (sg.) fábák2 pl. fásàp [fábák pl. fásàp] v. to faas pl. — [faas pl. —] v. to avoid; deviate; conceal oneself behind something; hide branch syn. tí rè̱ è̱ r1 1. 54 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English fák pl. — [fák pl. —] v. to harvest acca or fírìk pl. fí [fírìk pl. fí] v. to squeeze; milk; rice wring syn. ye̱ be̱ k 1. fám pl. fásàm [fám pl. fásàm] v. to close; fìsh [fìʃ] adv. describes a protruding shape cover; shut syn. kís. -fi yir [fi yir] a. ours fan pl. fáràng [fan pl. fáràŋ] v. to rest; stay fó pl. — [fó pl. —] v. to break (pot); smash back; remain fo̱ 1 [fɔ] v. to be warm; to turn up the heat on fàn pl. — [fàn pl. —] v. to prevent; block; food bar; forestall; impede fo̱ 2 [fɔ] v. 1. to be unfriendly; antangonistic fanang pl. — [fanaŋ pl. —] v. to carry s.o. 2. to harass an animal in its burrow about on one’s shoulder fók pl. fóòs [fók pl. fóòs] v. to hear; far pl. — [far pl. —] v. to sharpen experience something; test faràng pl. — [faràŋ pl. —] v. to lurk fók ìzòng pl. — [fók ìzòŋ pl. —] s.v. to be -fas [fas] c.a. new hungry; starving; famished -fe [fe] c.a. its; which ìtsààp ìfe `aYohána fók kuto̱ pl. — [fók kutɔ pl. —] v.p. to listen; It’s Jo̱ hn’s car (not mine) [Used to hear; pay attention ago na fók kuto̱ bá this underline possession.] woman doesn't listen (i.e. she is stubborn) fè̱ pl. — [fɛ̀ pl. —] v. to say; speak; narrate fòndòng [fòndòŋ] a. twisted; crooked; bent fé̱ bé̱ k pl. fé̱ sè̱ m [fɛ́bɛ́k pl. fɛ́sɛ̀m] v. to blow; out of shape; crushed (objects) esp. metal exhale [also used when sorcerers ‘blow’ for1 pl. fós [for pl. fós] v. to denude; strip off on s.t. or s.o. as part of making trouble] bark syn. fósók 1. fek [fek] v. to shepherd; care for; keep for2 pl. fós [for pl. fós] v. to be bruised watch; guard syn. sák2, tór 2. fóróp pl. — [fóróp pl. —] v. to be clean; to fé̱ kfé̱ k [fɛ́kfɛ́k] a. worn (object) syn. fúfé̱ k. shed skin; to dehusk felfel [felfel] adv. describes s.t. worn out fòs [fòs] s.v. to be grim-looking fé̱ mé̱ ng [fɛ́mɛ́ŋ] a. incriminating (countenance) fèn pl. — [fèn pl. —] s.v. to be light in fósók pl. fós [fósók pl. fós] v. 1. to peel (tree weight bark) syn. for1. 2. to wrench fénéng pl. fés [fénéŋ pl. fés] v. to boil; cook -fu [fu] c.a. his; hers; its itsamang na nye ifu syn. reneng. this ram is his fe̱ nè̱ ng [fɛnɛ̀ŋ, fɛrɛ̀ŋ] v. to gnaw; scrape off -fuba [fuba] p.a. theirs meat from bone with teeth fúbúk pl. fúsùp [fúbúk pl. fúsùp] v. to sip fe̱ p [fɛp] v. to have a hoof disease fúfé̱ k [fúfɛ́k] a. worn out (objects) syn. fé̱ r pl. fé̱ s [fɛ́r pl. fɛ́s] v. to kill; murder; fé̱ kfé̱ k. assassinate fùk… [fùk…] adv. describes foaming; fé̱ ré̱ pl. — [fɛ́rɛ́ pl. —] v. to degrade frothing; bubbling Ke wan di agabu kpaan férèng [férèŋ] v. to lean syn. tí gbòk. kuturung ace fùk… to izharaba mu ku fé̱ ré̱ ng [fɛ́rɛ́ŋ] v. to pass on a message yiir. If you see a dog foaming at the fè̱ shè̱ k [fɛ̀ʃɛ̀k] a. distasteful; ghastly; grisly; mouth, you should know it’s been infected ghoulish; revolting with rabies fìis pl. — [fìis pl. —] v. to massage with hot fùk [fùk] v. to be exhausted (of water in a water after an accident river or food when cooking); dried up syn. fìk pl. — [fìk pl. —] v. to put olive fruits in gang 1. warm water to cook them fùkùshùk1 pl. — [fùkùʃùk pl. —] a. fìm pl. — [fìm pl. —] v. to sprinkle; scatter describes spread or ruffled feathers; fìmìng pl. — [fìmìŋ pl. —] v. to curse tousled (of birds) fìndìng pl. — [fìndìŋ pl. —] v. to compress; fùkùshùk2 pl. — [fùkùʃùk pl. —] a. squash syn. gíír1. describes being disorderly fíníng pl. fírìs [fíníŋ pl. fírìs, fírìk] v. to sun fùkùshùk3 pl. — [fùkùʃùk pl. —] a. dry; desiccate describes being badly dressed -finyin [finyin] c.a. yours (pl.) 55 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English fúmùng pl. — [fúmùŋ pl. —] v. to be fúnúng2 pl. fúrùk [fúnúŋ pl. fúrùk] v. to mildewed; to be mouldy tether; tie up fung1 pl. — [fuŋ pl. —] v. to harvest or use furku pl. — [furku pl. —] v. to suffer; to something before its full maturity undergo serious hardship; endure ( G g gaán [gaán] a. many; much; big gbaàm pl. — [gbaàm pl. —] v. to darken; be gáàr1 pl. — [gáàr pl. —] v. 1. to refuse; dirty; blacken reject 2. to escape gbài [gbài] excl. Is it so? Oh; I see! e.g. 1st gáàr2 pl. — [gáàr pl. —] v. to be heavy speaker Azi tser abining wan so̱ Azi is gààr [gààr] v. to be better for Gààr mi tu ya chasing your wife. 2nd speaker ǹgbài, i alade be agabu. It is better for me to take se anong a? Oh I see, is it so? syn. ǹgbài. pork than dog meat gbàk [gbàk] adv. again syn. bà(bà), gák. gák [gák] adv. more; again bung fe gák say -gbang1 [gbaŋ] c.a. of Berom origin it again syn. gbàk. -gbang2 [gbaŋ] c.a. big; fat; large a nyé gàk [gàk] a. rough; uneven; uncomfortable ágbáng ánér He is a big man syn. kpis. Riyé̱ mi se gàk, mi di ye a tin yiir yir. I am [Precedes the noun it qualifies.] uneasy, I think we will be arrested. syn. gbangbang [gbaŋbaŋ] conj. since syn. gàk’àdàk. gbugbang. gàk’àdàk [gàk’àdàk] a. rough; uneven; gbàràràng [gbàràràŋ] a. dirty (gourd; uncomfortable syn. gàk. cooking utensils) syn. gbìrìrìng. gák àyí [gák àyí] conj. maybe; perhaps syn. gbàrdàk [gbàrdàk] adv. describes rolling kashím. solids into balls gàndàng [gàndàŋ] adv. describes how a gbàshàk [gbàʃàk] adv. fast; quickly; rapidly giant walks gbè̱ m [gbɛ̀m] a. describes surplus; gang pl. gáás [gaŋ pl. gáás] v. 1. to finish; to especially of food exhaust; to run out syn. fùk, kúús. 2. to gbèndès [gbèndès] adv. sullenly push syn. tómòng. gbe̱ pgbe̱ p [gbɛpgbɛp] a. describes stickiness gàpgàp [gàpgàp] a. widely spaced (planting) gbe̱ re̱ gbe̱ re̱ [gbɛrɛgbɛrɛ] a. soft syn. gàptàng [gàptàŋ] a. describes s.t. protruding gbugbe̱ re̱ k. or conspicuously out of place gbe̱ re̱ k [gbɛrɛk] a. weak; fatigued; tired; gàràng [gàràŋ] a. high up karó̱ kusonong'e exhausted se gàràng the place we were sitting is high gbé̱ sè̱ m pl. — [gbɛ́sɛ̀m pl. —] v. to bleat like up a he-goat wanting to mate gàrdàk [gàrdàk] a. describes s.t. out of kilter 56 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English gbìf [gbìf] a. blunt ìtsòr'e se gbíf the knife is gel pl. — [gel pl. —] v. to shine; glow (as the blunt face of a pregnant woman); gleam gbík [gbík] adv. quiet; silent ti gbík! Keep ge̱ ng pl. — [gɛŋ pl. —] adv. describes s.t. quiet! poised; balanced; on edge gbing [gbiŋ] v. to stop an ugly event before ge̱ r [gɛr] a. good; correct; nice it gets out of hand gé̱ rè̱ m pl. — [gɛ́rɛ̀m pl. —] v. to tickle gbirim1 [gbirim] a. ambiguous; ambivalent; ge̱ rge̱ r [gɛrgɛr] id. done well; polite or uncertain friendly manners et. 'well well' gbirim2 [gbirim] a. describes s.t. with no gèsèm [gèsèm] v. to shimmer; to twinkle; to holes in the surface glint; glitter; gleam gbiring [gbiriŋ] a. describes s.o. who keeps gesèp pl. — [gesèp pl. —] v. to stammer; silent with no expression on their face stutter gbìrìrìng a. dirty (gourd; cooking utensils) gè̱ sgè̱ s [gɛ̀sgɛ̀s] id. shimmeringly syn. gbàràràng. gíír1 [gíír] v. to compress; squash syn. gbìsìsì [gbìsìsì] a. describes a face set in a fìndìng. grimace gíír2 [gíír] v. to strengthen a wall eroded by gbonggbong [gboŋgboŋ] id. strong syn. rain with mud or plastering gborong, gbugbong. gíp [gip] conj. also syn. mama. Gbo̱ o̱ k [Gbɔɔk] excl. marks something as gìpzhìng [gìpʒìŋ] adv. describes something not coming up to expectations Gbo̱ o̱ k, standing huge and strong (buffalo or other kam be wu, a nye kugbang'e gye̱ ratan a ra large animal) be agap bá Huh! He is big but he isn't gó̱ k [gɔ́k] s.v. to be curved; bent; wonky strong [pre-sentence tag] (iron; road) gborong [gboroŋ] a. strong; firm syn. go̱ mo̱ ng [gɔmɔŋ] v. to bend; meander; gbonggbong, gbugbong. zigzag syn. gòrdòk. gbugbang [gbugbaŋ] conj. since syn. gop [gop] n. big amount; large; plenty; gbangbang, kúm. enough ikeng iya a tin no̱ o̱ k gop ba he gbùgbè̱ p [gbùgbɛ̀p] a. mushy (as a fruit); didn’t give me much syn. kpis. [always pulpy used in conjunction with negatives.] gbugbe̱ re̱ k [gbugbɛrɛk] a. describes s.t. gò̱ p [gɔ̀p] v. to stink; smell syn. nyus. completely weakened syn. gbe̱ re̱ gbe̱ re̱ . gor pl. gósók [gor pl. gósók] v. to pass; gbugbong [gbugboŋ] a. strong syn. surpass; exceed gbonggbong, gborong. gòrdòk [gòrdòk] v. to be twisty; to meander; gbúrdúk [gbúrdúk] adv. describes to bend; curve syn. go̱ mo̱ ng. interrupting s.t. suddenly; especially a góròk [góròk] v. to surround; go around; sudden outbreak of a fight encircle gbúrum [gbúrum] v. to empty the liquid in a gùgò̱ k [gùgɔ̀k] a. far; distant; remote small volume container into a much larger karo̱ ’me se gùgò̱ k the place is far archaic one syn. tsík, yík. gbúsùm pl. — [gbúsùm pl. —] v. to bark gùm [gùm] adv. early Gang itomong wan ta (dog) sen nye me zirik nong ase ta gùm tseng -ge̱ e̱ r [gɛɛr] a. describes something worn or yir. Finish the work you are doing quickly spoiled so that we can leave early. syn. bóp. gèès pl. — [gèès pl. —] v. to belch; burp gùng pl. gùus [gùŋ pl. gùus] v. to collect; ge̱ k… [gɛk…] adv. peacefully; harmlessly; gather syn. túsùng. safely; in peace; tranquilly Adakunom ta gùpzùng [gùpzùŋ] a. describes a person ka fek nyin ta tseng nyin ge̱ kge̱ kge̱ k tu ku bent over bun nyin caang. God will protect you, gùrgùk [gùrgùk] adv. limpingly going in peace and returning safely. esp. -gyang'e [gyaŋ'e] a. describes the last one of elders in blessing. remaining (people; animals) 57 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English gyo̱ ng [gyɔŋ] adv. describes being shocked; gyo̱ ng anong he stood like that, dumbfounded; aghast; amazed a ti fan dumbfounded H h Hǎ? [Hǎ?] excl. expresses surprise syn. hìlyù pl. — [hìlyù pl. —] v. to be mentally Ho̱ o̱ !. defective; retarded; backward Háì [Háì] excl. Oh! Is that? [tag at the end of ho̱ k [hɔk] adv. describes breaking esp. of a a sentence] calabash hák [hák] adv. describes something falling hò̱ kò̱ m [hɔ̀kɔ̀m] adv. describes swelling up into two halves or mirror images a sarak in annoyance esp. of a frog kukon’e hák he ripped the wood into two hò̱ lhò̱ l [hɔ̀lhɔ̀l] adv. sharp; acrid; pungent halves esp. of the smell of peppers hak tu [hak tu] adv.p. sound of spitting a tu Ho̱ o̱ ! [Hɔɔ!] excl. expresses surprise Ho̱ o̱ ! tas hák tu he is spitting wan ren ye a nye anyanying wan a’a? ham [ham] a. forgotten a ti te ham it became Good Heavens! Don’t you know she is forgotten your sister? syn. Hǎ?. háshák [háʃák] adv. into pieces hòòng [hòòŋ] a. hollow hàshàk [hàʃàk] adv. describes talking to s.o. huruk1 [huruk] adv. describes a collapse in an unfriendly manner (esp. of a house due to excessive rain or Hi [Hi] excl. Oh! Hi, ye ada n ku e̱ ? Oh! Did destruction) you say our father is dead? [–with huruk2 [huruk] adv. describes the ruin of introgression of breath] the standing of s.o. in the community híìr [híìr] a. small; tiny; little syn. nyé̱ è̱ ng, - zhizhe̱ k. I i í [í] pron. it; dummy pronoun í se anong it is ìbin pl. — [ìbin pl. —] n. weal; cane mark on so be í be yír náwum [come [we] go we the body; welt Azi fa tun kukpiin wu ke hunting i.e. let’s go hunting] wan di ibin awhereng. Should Azi remove -i [i] p.a. my his shirt, you will see cane marks on his ìbàràk ìkíríwhèr [ìbàràk ìkíríɥèr] n.p. body. divination through casting bush-candle ìbìn pl. ibín [ìbìn pl. ibín] n. drum (general) seeds syn. itáng áshi. ( 61 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ìngak [ìŋak] n. limit; boundary; frontier syn. inyin [inyin] a. perhaps; about; àgbak, ìgak. approximately; roughly; some esp. of ìngmàk pl. ingmák [ìŋmàk pl. iŋmák] n. numbers. Mi fa se inyin inyon ifa gip to protective finger ring for archers tsek. Even if I can get about two chickens, ìngmakpara [ìŋmakpara] n. tree sp. I will be fine. [Capparis spp.] inyín ikyeng [inyín ikyeŋ] pron. something ìngmè̱ pl. ingmé̱ [ìŋmɛ̀ pl. iŋmɛ́] n. mud arch. granary; barn; silo ìnyìnyèp [ìnyìnyèp] n. waterleaf íngyâ [íŋyâ] conj. instead ìnyìnyèp azhákí [ìnyìnyèp aʒákí] n. ìnyà pl. inyá [ìnyà pl. inyá] n. scar amaranth [Amaranthus hybridus] plant inyak [inyak] p.n. funeral dance for old with edible leaves ( very well; peacefully; without a hitch in elders’ blessings inyam pl. — [inyam pl. —] n. antelope sp. ma inyam let it be an antelope i.e. have good luck inyam áshi pl. — [inyam áʃi pl. —] n. antelope sp. ìnye ishò̱ ng [ìnye iʃɔ̀ŋ] n.p. ritual; ceremony that is performed at the riverside so that barren women could bear children or to ìrèn pl. irèn [ìrèn pl. irèn] n. road; path; way; make restitution for defaulters who cut track down trees in prohibited areas. In both ìríp káfá [ìríp káfá] n.p. ritual or ceremony cases, a black goat is required. performed for a girl’s first pregnancy ìnye̱ ng pl. inye̱ ng [ìnyɛŋ pl. inyɛŋ] n. ( 62 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English irúm [irúm] v.n. digging ìshè̱ n pl. ishé̱ n [ìʃɛ̀n pl. iʃɛ́n] n. stick; ìrùùr [ìrùùr] a. very hot (as of a dying fire) walking-stick; stick used in traditional ìryò̱ k [ìryɔ̀k] n. mistletoe [Loranthus spp.] fighting; club ìsa [ìsa] n. funeral dance for an old man ìshè̱ n rígwò̱ m pl. ishé̱ n rígwò̱ m [ìʃɛ̀n isal [isal] n. plant sp. rígwɔ̀m pl. iʃɛ́n rígwɔ̀m] n.p. staff of isar akpatek [isar akpatek] n. plant sp. office Isék’e [Isék’e] excl. You are doing ìshèp pl. ishép [ìʃèp pl. iʃép] n. young female something wrong! You are worsening the livestock; young woman (informal) situation! Ke asaar ta daam ne kuwun ka ìshè̱ rè̱ p pl. ishé̱ ré̱ p [ìʃɛ̀rɛ̀p pl. iʃɛ́rɛ́p] n. yiir, ke wan se sonong nunom isek'e yong broken part ingya. If you have malaria, you will feel ìshè̱ sh [ìʃɛ̀ʃ] n. cereal threshing cold, if you sit in the sun you will make it ishí pl. íshí [iʃí pl. íʃí] n. cheek worse. ìshìka pl. ishíká [ìʃìka pl. iʃíká] n. bag; ìse̱ re̱ [ìsɛrɛ] n. bone-marrow syn. ìwè̱ . pocket ( ìshàr rìmadá [ìʃàr rìmadá] n. herb with ìshíkò̱ ò̱ r [ìʃíkɔ̀ɔ̀r] n. fog; mist; haze edible leaves [Hibiscus asper] syn. ìshìng [ìʃìŋ] n. callus; hard outgrowth on the àhùhara. skin Ishe [Iʃe] excl. used in replies to suggest that ishí rìgbòòr pl. íshí rìgbòòr [iʃí rìgbòòr pl. the first speaker has exaggerated or guffed. Ishe, a sen fe̱ itak itso̱ m ne wan fe̱ itak itso̱ . Ho-hum, we are talking about money, but you are talking about a shrub instead. ìshè̱ è̱ r1 [ìʃɛ̀ɛ̀r] n. hanger ìshè̱ è̱ r2 pl. — [ìʃɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. —] n. female pet name 63 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English íʃí rìgbòòr] n. labia ìshìrir [ìʃìrir] n. shrub with pleasant scent ìshò̱ p pl. ishó̱ p [ìʃɔ̀p pl. iʃɔ́p] n. spiritual ìshír(í)shò̱ n pl. ishír(í)shò̱ n [ìʃír(í)ʃɔ̀n pl. sickness; disease; illlness iʃír(í)ʃɔ̀n] n. small black ant ìshoròng [ìʃoròŋ] n. reward ìshírìtong pl. ishírìtong [ìʃírìtoŋ pl. iʃírìtoŋ] ìshòsh pl. ishósh [ìʃòʃ pl. iʃóʃ] n. bee n. big red ant ( 64 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ìsùsò pl. — [ìsùsò pl. —] n. chaff; bran syn. ìtsàm riyé̱ pl. itsám riyé̱ [ìtsàm riyɛ́ pl. itsám àwhe̱ . riyɛ́] n.p. favourite child ( 66 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ìwhàs pl. — [ìɥàs pl. —] n. joke; joviality; iɥuɥɛɛ̀s] n. shrub sp. [Cassia singueana] humour; pleasantry; gag; wisecrack ìwhè̱ pl. iwhé̱ [ìɥɛ̀ pl. iɥɛ́] n. garden egg; ìwo̱ m pl. — [ìwɔm pl. —] n. sexual eggplant; aubergine [Solanum melongena] intercourse; copulation; fucking ìwhè̱ bòs [ìɥɛ̀bòs] n. wild garden egg ìwur pl. — [ìwur pl. —] n. dust [Solanum americanum] ìyè̱ rè̱ k pl. iyé̱ rè̱ k [ìyɛ̀rɛ̀k pl. iyɛ́rɛ̀k] n. yam ìwhé̱ è̱ s1 pl. iwhé̱ è̱ s [ìɥɛ́ɛ̀s pl. iɥɛ́ɛ̀s] n. cultivar cockroach ìyèrèng pl. — [ìyèrèŋ pl. —] n. funnel ìwhé̱ è̱ s2 pl. iwhé̱ è̱ s [ìɥɛ́ɛ̀s pl. iɥɛ́ɛ̀s] n. hoof iyiir’e [iyiir’e] c.a. younger; smaller syn. - ìwhèn pl. iwhén [ìɥèn pl. iɥén] n. snake risher. (generic) iyong [iyoŋ] pron. the one; that one syn. -ng, ìwhèn àbo̱ k pl. iwhén abo̱ k [ìɥèn àbɔk pl. -ong. [Shortened to yong, –ong, -ng iɥén abɔk] n. skink sp. following a consonant.] ìwhèn kàfà pl. iwhén kàfà [ìɥèn kàfà pl. ìyo̱ ro̱ [ìyɔrɔ] n. plant sp. similar to sesame iɥén kàfà] n. intestinal worms whose leaves are used for making soup ìwhèn kùkúfò̱ ò̱ n pl. iwhén kùkúfò̱ ò̱ n [ìɥèn ìyúk1 pl. iyúk [ìyúk pl. iyúk] n. soul; life; kùkúfɔ̀ɔ̀n pl. iɥén kùkúfɔ̀ɔ̀n] n. snake sp. vital force green, harmless ìyúk2 pl. iyúk [ìyúk pl. iyúk] n. spider sp. ìwhè̱ nrè̱ r [ìɥɛ̀nrɛ̀r] n. plant sp. People claim to be looking for this species ìwhèp pl. iwhép [ìɥèp pl. iɥép] n. tree sp. of spider when they are really looking for [Terminalia avicennoides] their soul. ìwhe̱ re̱ pl. iwhe̱ re̱ [ìɥɛrɛ pl. iɥɛrɛ] n. s.t. used ìyúrú pl. iyúrú [ìyúrú pl. iyúrú] n. small hoe to whistle izá pl. — [izá pl. —] n. wealthgiving spirits iwhí [iɥí] n. Bambara nut [Vigna ìzà pl. — [ìzà pl. —] n. rain subterranea] ìzáán pl. — [ìzáán pl. —] n. rough farming iwhi [iɥi] n. melon seeds; pumpkin seeds the following season ìwhì [ìɥì] n. desire to eat meat ìzaàn pl. — [ìzaàn pl. —] n. wrestling ìwhìk pl. iwhík [ìɥìk pl. iɥík] n. testicle ìzàkò̱ m [ìzàkɔ̀m] n. wild enset banana ìwhìwhi pl. iwhíwhí [ìɥìɥi pl. iɥíɥí] n. [Ensete gillettii] found in the bush kidneys ìzàr pl. izár [ìzàr pl. izár] n. buffalo; íwhó̱ k ìtsààp [íɥɔ́k ìtsààp] n. climbing plant bushcow [Syncerus caffer] sp. [Ipomoea asarifolia] ( 67 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ìzen ìkak [ìzen ìkak] adv. sometimes; ìzikpi [ìzikpi] n. mouse sp. occasionally; every now and then syn. ìzìnìng pl. izíníng [ìzìnìŋ pl. izíníŋ] n. strong té̱ n2. plaited or woven rope ìzenizèn [ìzenizèn] adv. forever and ever; ìzìp pl. izíp [ìzìp pl. izíp] n. partridge; eternally ( K k ká- pl. — [ká pl. —] pref. diminutive prefix ka3 pl. — [ka pl. —] s.v. to be proud; syn. ki--. [e.g. kásòm (small hare) káner arrogant; conceited Arum ye̱ re̱ k anyin bá, (small person) arch. ká'me yong (that is a ti ka nitso̱ m ada wu. Arum looks down the lad). ka- is the prefix to words without on everyone, he’s proud of his father’s a palatal in the stem. If the stem has a –y- wealth. then it changes to ki-.] Ka’ [Ka’] excl. expression of dismay. Oh ka1 [ka] conj. whether; or; either Ka wan ka dear! Oh no! Ka' akye sak a rus ada wu e? wu, ko angan kaye̱ e̱ r nyin ne a se̱ , mi be Oh no! Why did he have to slap his kudaam bá se. Whether it is you or him father? that wins, makes no odds to me. ká…bá pron. them [3rd person pl. object ka2 [ka] pron. you (sg.) mi tá ka nye pronoun marked for present continuous] itomong kaniya, wan ti karang bá. I did kábák pl. kasàp [kábák pl. kasàp] v. to share the work for you three days ago but you out; divide did not pay me. [2nd person object kàbán agafǔ pl. nàbàn agáfú [kàbán agafǔ pronoun marked for present] pl. nàbàn agáfú] n. three flutes 69 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English constituting the treble notes of the agafu káfá [káfá] num. twice ensemble kafá pl. nàfà [kafá pl. nàfà] n. belly; cf azhaar. stomach; abdomen syn. ríbú. kabánbó̱ k pl. nàbànbò̱ k [kabánbɔ́k pl. kafár pl. nàfàr [kafár pl. nàfàr] n. any small nàbànbɔ̀k] n. finger space kabáritis pl. nabáritis [kabáritis pl. kafarap pl. nàfarap [kafarap pl. nàfarap] n. nabáritis] n. small mud bed syn. ritís. page; sheet of paper kabáshòn’ì [kabáʃòn’ì] n. only baby kafár(à)tàk pl. nàfàr(à)tàk [kafár(à)tàk pl. cf kàwun’ì. nàfàr(à)tàk] n. groin kabén pl. ìbèn [kabén pl. ìbèn, nàbèn] n. kafé̱ è̱ s pl. nàfe̱ è̱ s [kafɛ́ɛ̀s pl. nàfɛɛ̀s] n. twin ground; earth; terrain; nation; soil; land kafé̱ né̱ ng pl. nàfè̱ nè̱ ng [kafɛ́nɛ́ŋ pl. nàfɛ̀nɛ̀ŋ, syn. ìbèn. nafɛ́nɛ́ŋ] n. pot for fetching water kabik kázhel’e [kabik káʒel’e] n. holy spirit kafík pl. nàfik [kafík pl. nàfik] n. stale; [Christian usage] yesterday’s food kabírìk pl. nàbírìk [kabírìk pl. nàbírìk] n. kafók pl. nàfók [kafók pl. nàfók] n. chest bird sp. which appears camouflaged on kafong pl. nàfòng [kafoŋ pl. nàfòŋ] n. space; the ground but when it spreads its wings it cavity; void; hollow within an object will appear as if three birds are flying. kafúfúk pl. nàfúfúk [kafúfúk pl. nàfúfúk] n. kabòn pl. nábòn [kabòn pl. nábòn] n. ebony tree [Diospyros mespiliformis] grandchild kábóròk pl. nabóròk [kábóròk pl. nabóròk] n. lie; untruth; falsehood syn. nàbóròk. kabúng pl. nàbùng [kabúŋ pl. nàbùŋ] n. harmattan period kacanáan pl. nàcanáan [kaʧanáan pl. nàʧanáan] n. front of a house kacídóng pl. nàcidong [kaʧídóŋ pl. nàʧidoŋ] n. cooking tripod kader pl. nàder [kader pl. nàder] n. chin kafúrùk pl. nàfúrùk [kafúrùk pl. nàfúrùk] n. archaic syn. kadure̱ r. black plum [Vitex doniana] fruits eaten kadídìng [kadídìŋ] n. morning kàdìr [kàdìr] n. iburu cultivar kadírík pl. nàdirik [kadírík pl. nàdirik] n. habit of querying things; ungratefulness; resentfulness syn. izú. kadónóng pl. nàdonong [kadónóŋ pl. nàdonoŋ] n. pot; vessel; jar (generic) kadun n. globular pot with constricted neck and handle on one side kafúrùk àsòm pl. nàfúrùk àsòm [kafúrùk àsòm pl. nàfúrùk àsòm] n. black plum sp. [Vitex diversifolia] kagárá [kagárá] n. potash kagarang pl. nàgarang [kagaraŋ pl. nàgaraŋ] n. space; place; square syn. karó̱ . kagoròk pl. nàgoròk [kagoròk pl. nàgoròk] n. circle formed by hunters around a mountain or hill to catch animals kadure̱ r [kadure̱ r] n. chin syn. kader. 70 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English Kài [kài] excl. is that? [end of sentence tag.] kakpang-isháás pl. nàkpang-isháás ( 71 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kanáráng pl. nànàràng [kanáráŋ pl. kàrdàk [kàrdàk] a. wicked; hypocritical; nànàràŋ] n. ring; bracelet; bangle malevolent; evil kànàtar [kànàtar] num. seven káre̱ è̱ r pl. náre̱ è̱ r [kárɛɛ̀r pl. nárɛɛ̀r] n. kané̱ è̱ n pl. nàné̱ è̱ n [kanɛ́ɛ̀n pl. nànɛ́ɛ̀n] n. branch of a trail lowland; plain káre̱ è̱ r rife̱ pl. náre̱ è̱ r rife̱ [kárɛɛ̀r rifɛ pl. kánèng pl. nánèng [kánèŋ pl. nánèŋ] n. nárɛɛ̀r rifɛ] n. proverb; maxim; saying; necklace bead aphorism kangámang pl. nàngamàng [kaŋámaŋ pl. karé̱ p pl. — [karɛ́p pl. —] v. to become nàŋamàŋ] n. armpit white; blanch; whiten kangmé̱ k pl. — [kaŋmɛ́k pl. —] v. to display karí pl. nàri [karí pl. nàri] n. home with pride the mastery of your art esp. in karísíp pl. nàrísíp [karísíp pl. nàrísíp] n. dancing and hunting sling kaniyà [kaniyà] n. day after tomorrow or karó̱ pl. nàro̱ [karɔ́ pl. nàrɔ] n. place syn. day before yesterday; ‘next tomorrow’ kagarang. kànon pl. nànon [kànon pl. nànon] n. bird; karón pl. nàron [karón pl. nàron] n. locust generic syn. àwúnòn. pod fibre kànon ìkíkò [kànon ìkíkò] n. indigo finch karó̱ rízhik pl. naró̱ rízhik [karɔ́ríʒik pl. [Vidua spp.] narɔ́ríʒik] n. market kanon inyak pl. nànon inyak [kanon inyak karuk pl. — [karuk pl. —] n. bellows pl. nànon inyak] n.p. yellow-billed kárúúr [kárúúr] n. laziness; idleness; sloth; oxpecker [Buphagus africanus] inertia; indolence kànon izárám [kànon izárám] n. bird sp. ‘birds of monkeys’ kanon izúk pl. nànon izuk [kanon izúk pl. nànon izuk] n.p. canary [Serinus spp.] kanu pl. nànu [kanu pl. nànu] n. mouth kanu kútu pl. nànu kútu [kanu kútu pl. nànu kútu] n. door syn. àkùkang. kanyé̱ k pl. — [kanyɛ́k pl. —] n. plan; scheme kas1 pl. — [kas pl. —] v. to make fire; kindle kanyim pl. nànyim [kanyim pl. nànyim] n. kas2 pl. — [kas pl. —] v. to abuse; insult; meeting; assembly syn. kunyím. slander ká…nyín pron. you pl. [2nd person pl. kas3 [kas] v. 1. to extract; pull out 2. to object pronoun marked for present skim continuous] kasá pl. nàsà [kasá pl. nàsà] n. house; kanyísí pl. nànyìsi [kanyísí pl. nànyìsi] n. compound face káp1 pl. káás [káp pl. káás] v. to farm; cultivate; till kasa pl. — [kasa pl. —] v. to choose; select káp2 [káp] adv. all; entirely; totally kase̱ m pl. nàse̱ m [kasɛm pl. nàsɛm] n. cave, cavern kar… [kar…] excl. describes insisting on Kásh! [Káʃ!] excl. expression of defeat; having one's way. cf rak…. kar [kar] v. to stroll about; roam; wander pain; regret Kásh, ikeng kuri iyu risik. Oh! kárák pl. káràs [kárák pl. káràs] v. to open This kind of thing is bad. syn. kúbùk. kàsh [kàʃ] adv. describes the sting of a káràk pl. — [káràk pl. —] v. to dredge scorpion karak pl. — [karak pl. —] v. to clean by káshá [káʃá] a. wonderful; marvellous; clearing amazing; remarkable kárám pl. — [kárám pl. —] v. to entangle kasháam pl. nasháam [kaʃáam pl. naʃáam] káráng pl. — [káráŋ pl. —] v. to pay n. young castrated he-goat 72 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kàshàk [kàʃàk] a. stout; fat; corpulent syn. kawúm pl. nàwùm [kawúm pl. nàwùm] n. kpè̱ k’àsè̱ k. hunting káshésh [káʃéʃ] n. salvation kàwun’ì [kàwun’ì] n. only baby cf kashík [kaʃík] n. old yam ridge kabáshòn’ì. kashím [kaʃím] conj. maybe; perhaps; kawúùs pl. nàwúùs [kawúùs pl. nàwúùs] n. possibly syn. gák àyí. bird sp. kashó̱ ò̱ n pl. nashó̱ ò̱ n [kaʃɔ́ɔ̀n pl. naʃɔ́ɔ̀n] n. kayàtsòn [kayàtsòn] adv. following day front; ahead; before káyè̱ è̱ r pl. nàyè̱ è̱ r [káyɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. nàyɛ̀ɛ̀r] n. kasi pl. nàsi [kasi pl. nàsi] n. tree sp. inside; interior [Anogeissus leiocarpa] kayé̱ r [kayɛ́r] n. lower area; lowland; east kàyir1 [kàyir] n. wild nature the world of the bush, but with spiritual connotations of danger kàyir2 pl. — [kàyir pl. —] n. small animal sp. It looks like a hare that runs in the bush, seen when a sacrifice is made to prognosticate for warfare. If the animal is not seen, the war will not go well. kazá pl. nàzà [kazá pl. nàzà] n. sky; heavens kazátse [kazátse] n. world; earth; planet káskás [káskás] adv. exceedingly bitter kaze̱ k kabube [kazɛk kabube] n.p. plant sp. katá pl. nàtà [katá pl. nàtà] n. bow kaziring pl. nàziring [kaziriŋ pl. nàziriŋ] n. kátè̱ m pl. nate̱ m [kátɛ̀m pl. natɛm] n. axe circle; spiral; coil formed by a long snake kátí pl. nàtì [kátí pl. nàtì] n. forehead such as a python katíté pl. nàtíte [katíté pl. nàtíte] n. middle; kaziring ìnyó̱ ò̱ r [kaziriŋ ìnyɔ́ɔ̀r] n. centre harvested guinea-corn heads stood katón pl. nàtòn [katón pl. nàtòn] n. vertically round the basket so that it can highland; top; summit; peak; zenith take more katónbó̱ k [katónbɔ́k] num. nine kazó̱ nó̱ ng pl. nàzò̱ nò̱ ng [kazɔ́nɔ́ŋ pl. kátsàk pl. — [kátsàk pl. —] n. truth nàzɔ̀nɔ̀ŋ] n. flattened hemispherical katsé pl. nàtsè [katsé pl. nàtsè] n. calabash typically used for drinking beer wilderness; bush; forest kázú1 pl. nazu [kázú pl. nazu] n. 1. village; kátsòn pl. — [kátsòn pl. —] n. tomorrow settlement 2. clan; lineage kátúk pl. nátùk [kátúk pl. nátùk] n. night kázú2 pl. nazu [kázú pl. nazu] n. play or katúnbó̱ k [katúnbó̱ k] num. nine syn. àtò̱ n dance ground; ‘playground’; arena kubo̱ k. kazuk [kazuk] n. guinea-corn porridge katúúr pl. natúúr [katúúr pl. natúúr] n. mixed with tomato today kazumung pl. nàzumung [kazumuŋ pl. kawar pl. nàwar [kawar pl. nàwar] n. space; nàzumuŋ] n. place where large game is neighbourhood brought after being hunted kawhánáng pl. nàwhánáng [kaɥánáŋ pl. ké [ké] conj. if ké ta nyé íkéng kák bá’, né nàɥánáŋ] n. mountain syn. rifán. wón akak’é ta nyé If you will not do kawhéshirim pl. nàwhéshirim [kaɥéʃirim something, then let someone else do it pl. nàɥéʃirim] n. evening; dusk; twilight ke̱ [kɛ] v. to pick out; to excavate; to scoop kawop pl. nàwò̱ p [kawop pl. nàwɔ̀p] n. side out of body under the armpit ke̱ e̱ r1 [kɛɛr] v. to hatch kawóróng pl. nawòròng [kawóróŋ pl. ke̱ e̱ r2 [kɛɛr] v. to cut a log into pieces using nawòròŋ] n. nonsense; ramblings; foolish an axe; chop up syn. zhe̱ k. talk; act ke̱ e̱ s [kɛɛs] v. to brew 73 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ké̱ ge̱ s [kɛ́gɛs] n. vine sp. found by rivers collect his money? Atang- Ei kɔ̀! Yes of Kéikà’ [Kéikà’] excl. God forbid! course ke̱ kànù [kɛ kànù] v.p. to look for trouble kóákè̱ [kóákɛ̀] quant. every; everywhere kèkàr [kèkàr] adv. apart kóákè afízeré yá ágábú bá’ No Izere eats kèl pl. — [kèl pl. —] a. describes giving s.t. dog a cursory look kóákè [kóákè] quant. everything; all kem [kem] v. to be able; can mi kem, mi koàngan pl. koangan [koàŋan pl. koaŋan] gang kunye’me ba I am unable to finish quant. everyone; everybody kóangán doing it afízeré yá ágábú bá’ No Izere eats dog ke̱ r [kɛr] v. to scratch syn. ngang. used by elders syn. koànyen. ke̱ re̱ [kɛrɛ] a. disgusting; revolting; nasty; koànyen pl. koanyen [koànyen pl. koanyen] distasteful; repugnant; objectionable syn. quant. everyone; everybody used by kyo̱ o̱ p. younger people syn. koàngan. kerek [kerek] v. to praise; acclaim; applaud; kó̱ bó̱ k pl. kó̱ sò̱ p [kɔ́bɔ́k pl. kɔ́sɔ̀p] v. to loan; approve; esteem; commend borrow ke̱ re̱ k [kɛrɛk] v. to mix; combine (e.g. kók [kók] v. to pick; take different types of soup) cf sók. ké̱ rè̱ ng1 [kɛ́rɛ̀ŋ] v. to clear (esp. of farm at kon pl. korong [kon pl. koroŋ] v. to rub; spring preparatory to farming) wipe syn. kpe̱ , tíríp 1. ké̱ rè̱ ng2 [kɛ́rɛ̀ŋ] v. to devour (derogatory); kò̱ n pl. ko̱ ro̱ ng [kɔ̀n pl. kɔrɔŋ] v. to fight; gobble syn. sek, té kùp, tí kpàk. battle ki-- [ki] pref. diminutive prefix syn. ká-. ko̱ ng [kɔŋ] v. 1. to grate 2. to scrape syn. [e.g. kínyak (small cow) kínyon (small kyo̱ r. 3. to polish chicken) kí- is the prefix to words with a Kó̱ ò̱ k [Kɔ́ɔ̀k] excl. Well done! palatal in the stem. If the stem has no –y- ko̱ o̱ n [kɔɔn] v. to trudge then ká- is used.] -koor [koor] c.a. dry; desiccated; arid kíhììr’e pl. náhììr’e [kíhììr’e, kíhììŋ’e pl. ko̱ o̱ r [kɔɔr] a. unkempt; disorderly; in a náhììr’e] n. small; tiny thing mess (farm) karo̱ n ko̱ o̱ r the place is a kiki [kiki] adv. convincingly (but implies mess amateur or ineffective behaviour) Arin, bo̱ kóós [kóós] v. to ladle out food aboos kiki Arin, at least lie convincingly! kóp [kóp] v. to become old; to be aged; to arch. age; to be elderly kìkyàù [kìkyàù] a. loquacious; garrulous; kor pl. — [kor pl. —] v. to shave talkative ko...ra [ko...ra] conj. but; despite kikyo̱ o̱ r [kikyɔɔr] adv. now; at once; kórók pl. kóròs [kórók pl. kóròs] v. to pour immediately syn. kyo̱ o̱ r, mákòng. syn. nyósóng 1. kírík pl. kiris [kírík pl. kiris] v. 1. to turn kó̱ rò̱ k pl. kó̱ k [kɔ́rɔ̀k pl. kɔ́k] v. to pull; drag; (body) 2. to deviate; turn off; branch 3. lead (animals) to change (clothes) korong pl. — [koroŋ pl. —] v. to weed [pl. kís [kís] v. to cover s.t. syn. fám. of kon] Kísh! [Kíʃ!] excl. God forbid! shows kós1 [kós] v. to vomit contempt Kísh! awo̱ na ta nye kuwe̱ ne̱ ng kós2 [kós] v. to spend a year in a place sg.. be afe rizor God forbid! How could I kó̱ só̱ . marry such a person! kò̱ shò̱ k [kɔ̀ʃɔ̀k] a. strong; energetic; kó̱ pl. — [kɔ́ pl. —] v. to grind; crush; powerful pulverise syn. me̱ re̱ sh. kó̱ só̱ pl. ko̱ s [kɔ́sɔ́ pl. kɔs] v. to spend the Kò̱ [kɔ̀] excl. That is so; of course. night sg.. kós2. Exclamation of reassurance Afan –ye kósóm [kósóm] v. to cough Izang n be̱ a ta shan itsom ame e̱ ? Atang- kpá pl. — [kpá pl. —] v. to be tight syn. Ei kɔ̀ Afan did you say Izang has come to ve̱ ng. 74 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kpà pl. kpàs [kpà pl. kpàs] v. to fall; tumble kpùkpàk [kpùkpàk] a. sour; fermented hiir ke a kpà he nearly fell asirik na se kpùkpàk this gruel is sour syn. kpààn [kpààn] v. to begin; start; commence kùkpàk. kpáí [kpáí] c.i. extremely (red) syn. kpók. kpùkpè̱ rè̱ k [kpùkpɛ̀rɛ̀k] a. thick; impure; [used with –seng] adulterated (of liquid) ashi na se kpàì [kpàì] id. describes sudden breakage of kpùkpè̱ rè̱ k this water has been adulterated rope or slipping from grasp kpùkpòk [kpùkpòk] adv. humorously; kpák [kpák] id. describes a slap on the face funnily; jovially wan mak i fe̱ kpùkpòk kpàkàràk [kpàkàràk] a. thick; fat you speak very humorously kpám pl. — [kpám pl. —] v. to warn; alert; kpurùskpurùs [kpurùskpurùs] id. describes notify the sound of a horse eating [derogatory for kpàm [kpàm] adv. describes being humans] unaccompanied; solo kpùùl [kpùùl] v. to turn bad and taste kpau [kpau] a. half-dry fermented (of gruel) kpe̱ pl. kpe̱ ng [kpɛ pl. kpɛŋ] v. to rub syn. kú1 pl. kús [kú pl. kús] v. to die kon, tíríp 1. kú2 pl. — [kú pl. —] v. to crawl; creep kpè̱ 1 [kpɛ̀] a. abundant; plentiful; ample; kú3 [kú] pron. him; her; it [1st person object copious syn. cíp. pronoun marked for present continuous] kpè̱ 2 [kpɛ̀] a. wicked; evil; malicious; ku pron. him; her; it [3rd person sg. object maleficent pronoun in imperative constructions] kpè̱ dè̱ ng [kpɛ̀dɛ̀ŋ] id. 1. carelessly; ku-- [ku] pref. denotes s.t. bigger in size insouciantly syn. ranko̱ ranko̱ . 2. strangely than normal [the ku- prefix can thus be kpe̱ e̱ r [kpɛɛr] v. to harvest cereals by used in insulting forms] stripping the heads by hand kúbà pl. ábà [kúbà pl. ábà] n. molar; back kpè̱ k’àsè̱ k [kpɛ̀k’àsɛ̀k] a. fat; corpulent; tooth stout syn. kàshàk. kpè̱ ng [kpɛ̀ŋ] excl. jovial reply kpè̱ rdè̱ k [kpɛ̀rdɛ̀k] adv. describes strange behaviour kpérèk pl. kpe [kpérèk pl. kpe] v. to pluck; pick (fruits) syn. sho̱ ng. kpe̱ re̱ m [kpɛrɛm] v. to strip groundnuts or Bambara nuts from the vine kpìnìnì [kpìnìnì] id. scattered everywhere kúbáás pl. abáás [kúbáás pl. abáás] n. kpinyit [kpinyit] a. short syn. -kpir’e, -kum. sheath; scabbard -kpir’e [kpir’e] c.a. short syn. kpinyit, -kum. kùbang pl. abang [kùbaŋ pl. abaŋ] n. wide kpis [kpis] a. big; large; great; huge; vast open field syn. -gbang2, gop. kúbár pl. abár [kúbár pl. abár] n. walls kpìshìk [kpìʃìk] a. describes thick and hard without roof; ruin food kubarang pl. ábarang [kubaraŋ pl. ábaraŋ] kpísík pl. kpís [kpísík pl. kpís] v. to split a n. stains; streaks (on s.t. inanimate) chunk off a larger part kúbè pl. ábè [kúbè pl. ábè] n. winnowing kpìtìrìk [kpìtìrìk] a. tasteless; bland tray kpók [kpók] c.i. extremely (red) syn. kpáí. kubé̱ pl. kubé̱ s [kubɛ́ pl. kubɛ́s] v.n. coming; [used with -seng] arriving kpònòr [kpònòr] a. describes s.o. with a kubép pl. — [kubép pl. —] n. locust plump body accidentally exposed (migratory) kporshok [kporʃok] a. rough; coarse (skin) kubér pl. ábér [kubér pl. ábér] n. sod; clod kúbèrnu pl. ábèrnu [kúbèrnu pl. ábèrnu] n. lip 75 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kúbìmìng pl. abímíng [kúbìmìŋ pl. abímíŋ] kucá pl. acá [kuʧá pl. aʧá] n. pestle n. wall dividing two rooms; partition kucara [kuʧara] n. tree sp. [Grewia bicolor] kubísèng [kubísèŋ] v.n. spoiling (fruit; conversation) kucék àrùron [kuʧék àrùron] n. locust kubók [kubók] n. ritual for healing; flower ceremony kubó̱ k pl. ìbò̱ k [kubɔ́k pl. ìbɔ̀k] n. hand; arm kubó̱ k-ishò̱ ng [kubɔ́k-iʃɔ̀ŋ] n. tributary kubó̱ kó̱ pl. — [kubɔ́kɔ́ pl. —] n. tree sp. [Berlinia auriculata] whose leaves are used to cover fermenting locust beans kubo̱ p [kubɔp] n. fig tree [Ficus kúcì pl. ácì [kúʧì pl. áʧì] n. forest; woodland kúcicàk [kúʧiʧàk] n. room where women pound kucílé [kuʧílé] n. tree sp. kudáka [kudáka] n. tree sp. platyphylla] Fruits usually found at the kudàmci pl. adàmci [kudàmʧi pl. adàmʧi] n. beginning of the hot season. The leaves calf of leg are plucked by women for soup. kudar pl. — [kudar pl. —] n. absence; lack of kúdéng pl. ádéng [kúdéŋ pl. ádéŋ] n. kubóró(k) pl. abóró(k) [kubóró(k) pl. borrow-pit filled with water abóró(k)] n. quiver kúdìng pl. ádìng [kúdìŋ pl. ádìŋ] n. heel kudísím pl. — [kudísím pl. —] v.n. sneezing kubó̱ sò̱ p [kubɔ́sɔ̀p] v.n. learning kúdo̱ k pl. ádo̱ k [kúdɔk pl. ádɔk] n. mountain kubúbààs [kubúbààs] n. caterpillar sp. pass; valley kúbùk pl. kusùp [kúbùk pl. kusùp] v. to kudórók pl. kudoròs [kudórók pl. kudoròs] open syn. kárák. n. leaving; departure kúbún pl. kúbúrúng [kúbún pl. kúbúrúŋ] kúdu pl. ádu [kúdu pl. ádu] n. hollow v.n. returning container kúbùr pl. ábùr [kúbùr pl. ábùr] n. temporary kudún pl. ìdùn [kudún pl. ìdùn] n. rope; shelter; smithy cord; twine kubús [kubús] n. rottenness; decomposition; kúdúng pl. ádúng [kúdúŋ pl. ádúŋ] n. pond; foulness lake; pool kúbutòng pl. ábútòng [kúbutòŋ pl. ábútòŋ] kúdùng pl. ádùng [kúdùŋ pl. ádùŋ] n. mortar n. rubbish dump; rubbish heap; trash heap kúdùng ìnyó̱ ò̱ r pl. ádùng ìnyó̱ ò̱ r [kúdùŋ kubyáán ishósh pl. abyáán ishósh [kubyáán ìnyɔ́ɔ̀r pl. ádùŋ ìnyɔ́ɔ̀r] n. harvested guinea iʃóʃ pl. abyáán iʃóʃ] n. honeycomb syn. corn selected and arranged to dry out kúgèm ishósh. completely in a fenced area before being transferred to granary kúdún-kàbèn pl. — [kúdún-kàbèn pl. —] n. snake sp. kufa pl. — [kufa pl. —] v.n. reading; counting kúfabak pl. áfabak [kúfabak pl. áfabak] n. wing 76 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kufák pl. — [kufák pl. —] v.n. harvesting of kufó̱ ró̱ p2 [kufɔ́rɔ́p] n. sloughed skin of a acca or rice snake kufán pl. kufáráng [kufán pl. kufáráŋ] v.n. kufufo̱ o̱ n [kufufɔɔn] n. lime fruit [Citrus resting; relaxing; reposing aurantifolia] kúfáng pl. — [kúfáŋ pl. —] n. outdoors; kufúk [kufúk] n. grain flour mixed with outside; exterior water; dough kúfàragak pl. áfàragak [kúfàragak pl. kufúmúng pl. afúmúng [kufúmúŋ pl. áfàragak] n. impacted tooth growing afúmúŋ] n. leaf; book; piece of paper sideways as new tooth pushes through kugàmàng pl. — [kugàmàŋ pl. —] n. kúfè̱ pl. áfè̱ [kúfɛ̀ pl. áfɛ̀] n. head-board; cornstalk granary wooden board used to carry loads kúgbaàn pl. ágbaàn [kúgbaàn pl. ágbaàn] n. hip kufék [kufék] n. caring; shepherding; kúgbìr pl. ágbìr [kúgbìr pl. ágbìr] n. guarding eyebrow kúfe̱ n [kúfɛn] n. moon; month kúgbìrìk pl. agbìrìk [kúgbìrìk pl. agbìrìk] n. log; billet syn. àgbírìk. kúgei [kúgei] n. tree sp. resembling kufé̱ n growing by rivers with a massive trunk kúgèm ishósh pl. ágèm ishósh [kúgèm iʃóʃ pl. ágèm iʃóʃ] n. honeycomb syn. kubyáán ishósh. kugóbók pl. agóbók [kugóbók pl. agóbók] n. carcass; corpse; cadaver syn. kukóm. kúgo̱ k pl. ágo̱ k [kúgɔk pl. ágɔk] n. termite kufé̱ n pl. ìfè̱ n [kufɛ́n pl. ìfɛ̀n] n. tree sp. that grows on rocks. Its fruits are eaten by hill; termite mound animals and the wood in used for kugo̱ ò̱ s pl. ágo̱ ò̱ s [kugɔɔ̀s pl. ágɔɔ̀s] n. head construction of a cereal plant Kufén ánom [Kufén ánom] p.n. September kugóròk pl. agóròk [kugóròk pl. agóròk] n. Kufén ìshààm [Kufén ìʃààm] p.n. October room where domestic birds esp. chickens Kufén ìshààm kufé àfà [Kufén ìʃààm kufé and ducks roost and lay their eggs àfà] p.n. November kugoròk pl. — [kugoròk pl. —] v.n. running Kufén kùshìk kufé àfà [Kufén kùʃìk kufé around àfà] p.n. June kugyo̱ so̱ pl. — [kugyɔsɔ pl. —] n. comb of Kufén kuwún [Kufén kuwún] p.n. cock December kuka [kuka] n. pride kúfèr pl. áfèr [kúfèr pl. áfèr] n. needle kukáfam pl. akáfam [kukáfam pl. akáfam] kufírík [kufírík] n. partnership n. rib kúfòk pl. áfòk [kúfòk pl. áfòk] n. temple kukám pl. — [kukám pl. —] n. encrusted kufók [kufók] v.n. scrambling for s.t. food at the bottom of the pot; scraped off and made into a breakfast food kufó̱ ó̱ n pl. — [kufɔ́ɔ́n pl. —] n. reciprocal labour; especially among age-mates kúkan pl. ákan [kúkan pl. ákan] n. broken kufóp pl. afóp [kufóp pl. afóp] n. handle pot with a hole in the bottom for filtering kufór pl. ìfòr [kufór pl. ìfòr] n. wound; sore; kukásá [kukásá] v.n. choosing abscess kuké̱ pl. áké̱ [kukɛ́ pl. ákɛ́] n. afterbirth of animals kufó̱ ró̱ p1 [kufɔrɔp] n. ́ ́ kukébin pl. ìkebin [kukébin pl. ìkebin] n. shrub sp. [Grewia edge of a cactus fence mollis] kukém pl. — [kukém pl. —] n. magic; wisdom; sorcery Kukém [Kukém] excl. Wonderful! 77 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kukés1 pl. akés [kukés pl. akés] n. spine; kúkún pl. ìkùn [kúkún pl. ìkùn] n. wail; backbone lament kukés2 pl. ikés [kukés pl. ikés] n. edge; kúkup pl. ìkùp [kúkup pl. ìkùp] n. bone ridge kukúrdúng pl. akúrdúng [kukúrdúŋ pl. kúkíbàr pl. ákíbàr/ábàr [kúkíbàr pl. akúrdúŋ] n. deep water-filled gully; ditch; ákíbàr/ábàr] n. wall of a room or house trench kukím pl. ìkìm [kukím pl. ìkìm] n. side kukúrungme̱ e̱ n pl. nàkúrungme̱ e̱ n kuko̱ pl. ìkò̱ [kukɔ pl. ìkɔ̀] n. seedling; shoot [kukúruŋmɛɛn pl. nàkúruŋmɛɛn] n. space of plant in the ground between length of a bed and wall kukóm pl. ìkóm [kukóm pl. ìkóm] n. dead kukúsóm [kukúsóm] n. cough body; corpse; cadaver syn. kugóbók. kúkùùm pl. ákùùm [kúkùùm pl. ákùùm] n. kukón1 pl. akón [kukón pl. akón] n. organs log of wood to which criminals are tied found upwards the diaphragm (heart etc) kukúyo̱ ng pl. nàkúyo̱ ng [kukúyɔŋ pl. kukón2 pl. ìkón [kukón pl. ìkón] n. wood; nàkúyɔŋ] n. fur; hair stick kukyó̱ ó̱ r pl. ákyó̱ ó̱ r [kukyɔ́ɔ́r pl. ákyɔ́ɔ́r] n. trail; track kukó̱ ò̱ n pl. akó̱ ò̱ n [kukɔ́ɔ̀n pl. akɔ́ɔ̀n] n. spear kúláu pl. aláu [kúláu pl. aláu] n. charm; kukóór pl. — [kukóór pl. —] n. dryness; amulet desiccation; aridity kúm [kúm] conj. since syn. gbugbang, kúkop pl. ákop [kúkop pl. ákop] n. navel kamók. kúkor pl. ákor [kúkor pl. ákor] n. two- -kum [kum] a. short syn. kpinyit, -kpir’e. bladed sheathless knife used for cutting kumáás [kumáás] n. examining; measuring; grass or acca assessing kuko̱ r pl. ìko̱ r [kukɔr pl. ìkɔr] n. animal kúmen pl. ámen [kúmen pl. ámen] n. sheaf spirit which inhabits the bush and lives in of acca or grass parallel to an individual. Whatever kumos [kumos] v.n. swelling; inflating happens to the kuko̱ r will be reflected in kúmùng pl. — [kúmùŋ pl. —] v. to squat; the person. If the animal is killed by crouch; stoop; bend down hunters then the person may also die. kumung [kumuŋ] v. to winnow kumúrkur pl. ámùrkur [kumúrkur pl. kùkò̱ rò̱ ng [kùkɔ̀rɔ̀ŋ] n. shallow trench constructed to plant euphorbia hedges ámùrkur] n. maggots syn. ìtsùsúk. white kukpá pl. akpá [kukpá pl. akpá] n. skin worms with red heads found mostly in kùkpàk [kùkpàk] a. sour syn. kpùkpàk. rubbish heaps kùkpàr [kùkpàr] a. stubborn; obstinate; kumúze̱ ng [kumúzɛŋ] n. plant sp. used for obdurate syn. diding. soup kukpárá pl. àkpárá [kukpárá pl. àkpárá] n. kun [kun] adv. already a kun be aze he has herd; flock already come here kukpàrà pl. akpàrà [kukpàrà pl. akpàrà] n. kùn [kùn] adv. ever 1. canoe; boat; ship 2. plank 3. bench kúna pl. ána [kúna pl. ána] n. intestine kukpáráp pl. — [kukpáráp pl. —] n. finger- kuná kar pl. aná kar [kuná kar pl. aná kar] millet [Eleusine coracana] n. earthworm syn. àgapdang. kukpáták pl. akpáták [kukpáták pl. kuná(ná)ng [kuná(ná)ŋ] n. gift; present akpáták] n. shoe; sandal; footwear; boot kunáràng pl. — [kunáràŋ pl. —] n. cobweb; spiders' web kúkpè̱ rè̱ pl. ákpè̱ rè̱ [kúkpɛ̀rɛ̀ pl. ákpɛ̀rɛ̀] n. fingernail kúne̱ pl. áne̱ [kúnɛ pl. ánɛ] n. footprint; kukpíìn pl. akpíìn [kukpíìn pl. akpíìn] n. track; trail; spoor shirt; blouse kúne̱ n pl. áne̱ n [kúnɛn pl. ánɛn] n. cloud kúku pl. áku [kúku pl. áku] n. bark; outer kuné̱ r [kunɛ́r] n. funeral; burial covering; shell; husk kuné̱ ré̱ ng [kunɛ́rɛ́ŋ] v.n. hiding oneself kuku [kuku] n. evil bird 78 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kungárák pl. kungáràs [kuŋárák pl. kure̱ k pl. àre̱ k [kurɛk pl. àrɛk] n. grave; kuŋáràs] v.n. climbing; ascending; going tomb up kúrèn pl. árèn [kúrèn pl. árèn] n. ridge; kùngùng [kùŋùŋ] v. to suddenly overturn an bump in road; ‘gallop’ apparently victorious opponent kurén pl. — [kurén pl. —] n. fight; quarrel; kuník pl. — [kuník pl. —] n. origin; original combat; skirmish one kurén ishén [kurén iʃén] n. fighting with kuno̱ pl. kunó̱ ó̱ s [kunɔ pl. kunɔ́ɔ́s] v.n. sticks entering kuréréng [kuréréŋ] n. bitterness kunom pl. ìnom [kunom pl. ìnom] n. 1. sun kurés1 pl. arés [kurés pl. arés] n. cloth 2. day kurés2 [kurés] n. container Kuno̱ m pl. ìnom [Kunɔm pl. ìnom] n. lord kurés3 [kurés] n. thing kunó̱ ó̱ k kátsak [kunɔ́ɔ́k kátsak] v.n. kúré̱ s kùtè pl. naré̱ s kùtè [kúrɛ́s kùtè pl. believing narɛ́s kùtè] n. clothing kunóòn pl. — [kunóòn pl. —] n. acca straw kurí [kurí] n. relatives of any side; kin syn. rinóòn. kuri pl. ìrì [kuri pl. ìrì] n. type; kind; sort kúnúng pl. kur [kúnúŋ pl. kur] v. embrace; cf àfuri. wrap; fold together kúrìk pl. — [kúrìk pl. —] n. grass sp. that kunyé pl. kunyés [kunyé pl. kunyés] n. deed; grows on rocks act; action kurík [kurík] n. suicide kunye̱ re̱ ng pl. — [kunyɛrɛŋ pl. —] n. plant kurín1 [kurín] n. part of the month when the sp. moon does not show; absolute darkness kunyím pl. kunyíís [kunyím pl. kunyíís] v.n. kurín2 [kurín] n. non-Christian meeting syn. kanyim. kuríp pl. kurísìm [kuríp pl. kurísìm] n. kunyisèng [kunyisèŋ] v.n. standing questioning; enquiry kunyoro [kunyoro] n. z?? kurísìk pl. — [kurísìk pl. —] n. ugliness; kúp [kúp] v. 1. to sheathe 2. to overturn s.t. hideousness; repulsiveness; unsightliness on top of s.t. else kuró̱ [kurɔ́] n. pain; hurt kupú pl. ápú [kupú pl. ápú] n. raincoat kuró̱ k pl. ìrò̱ k [kurɔ́k pl. ìrɔ̀k] n. sickness; kuraar pl. kurásák [kuraar pl. kurásák] v.n. illness; disease; malady syn. àgaudì, incapacity; instability àkàpe. kurák [kurák] n. whereabouts; situation of kuro̱ m1 pl. ìro̱ m [kurɔm pl. ìrɔm] n. body wan n fok kurák aJohn a? Did you hear kuro̱ m2 [kurɔm] conj. like where John is? kuró̱ n pl. — [kurɔn pl. —] n. fatigue; kuránom [kuránom] n. time from 8-10 a.m. ́ tiredness; exhaustion kurárá [kurárá] n. cornstalk porch at the kuróng pl. ìròng [kuróŋ pl. ìròŋ] n. fire entrance to the main door to block rain kuróng ákur [kuróŋ ákur] n. witchweed from entering [Striga senegalensis] ( 80 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English kuták2 [kuták] a. number of times s.t. kútòp1 pl. átòp [kútòp pl. átòp] n. tube; happened kuták kufá twice cylinder kútàmàng pl. átàmàng [kútàmàŋ pl. kútòp2 pl. átòp [kútòp pl. átòp] n. penis átàmàŋ] n. yam store made from corn (slang) syn. àzhè̱ è̱ r, kútsìp 3. stalks Its surroundings are often cleared to kutó̱ p [kutɔ́p] n. limestone prevent destruction through fire kuto̱ rò̱ ng [kutɔrɔ̀ŋ] n. thought; thinking; kutáng [kutáŋ] n. dysentery; diarrhoea cogitation kutár [kutár] n. roof; thatch kutsá pl. atsá [kutsá pl. atsá] n. V-shaped kútàs1 pl. átàs [kútàs pl. átàs] n. cave pile of stones between two buildings; kútàs2 pl. átàs [kútàs pl. átàs] n. shrine; altar intended to collapse if trodden on by a kúte̱ k pl. áte̱ k [kútɛk pl. átɛk] n. swampy thief area; fadama; marsh; bog kutsara [kutsara] n. projecting claw on a kuté̱ né̱ ng [kutɛ́nɛ́ŋ] n. fowl louse chicken’s foot kutés pl. atés [kutés pl. atés] n. birth clan kútsè pl. átsè [kútsè pl. átsè] n. potsherd kuté̱ s [kutɛ́s] v.n. revealing; unveiling kutsé pl. atsé [kutsé pl. atsé] n. large hoe kutés kakò̱ n [kutés kakɔ̀n] n. fruit with projecting spike common in the kutíím [kutíím] n. shivering; trembling; Plateau area quaking kútsees [kútsees] n. ditch; rivulet; drainage; kúti (ìtsè̱ nè̱ ng) pl. áti ~ [kúti (ìtsɛ̀nɛ̀ŋ) pl. áti channel; trench ~] n. eggs of lice on human hair kútsen pl. átsen [kútsen pl. átsen] n. feather kútìk pl. átìk [kútìk pl. átìk] n. space left kútse̱ n pl. átse̱ n [kútsɛn pl. átsɛn] n. furrow when teeth are lost through accident or old kutseng pl. kutéés [kutseŋ pl. kutéés] n. age journey; voyage kutí kàbèn pl. atí kàbèn [kutí kàbèn pl. atí kutser [kutser] n. miserliness; meanness; kàbèn] n. blind snake; amphisbaenid stinginess syn. rimak. [Typhlops sp.] kutsé̱ r pl. kutsé̱ sé̱ k [kutsɛ́r pl. kutsɛ́sɛ́k] n. kutímíng [kutímíŋ] n. fine (in money) pursuit; search; quest kutín pl. ìtìn [kutín pl. ìtìn] n. waist kùtser pl. atser [kùtser pl. atser] v.n. being kutísìk [kutísìk] n. descent alive kútò pl. átò [kútò pl. átò] n. ear kútsìk [kútsìk] n. farness; distance; kutó pl. ató [kutó pl. ató] n. stirring stick, remoteness spoon kutsín pl. ìtsìn [kutsín pl. ìtsìn] n. sweat; kutó̱ 1 pl. ìtò̱ [kutɔ́ pl. ìtɔ̀] n. 1. neck 2. voice perspiration kutó̱ 2 pl. ìtò̱ [kutɔ́ pl. ìtɔ̀] n. version of a kútsìp pl. átsìp [kútsìp pl. átsìp] n. 1. root story 2. vein 3. penis (coll.) syn. àzhè̱ è̱ r, kutó̱ áshi [kutɔ́ áʃi] n. thirst syn. kutó̱ kútòp2. kukòòr. kútsìrìk pl. átsìrìk [kútsìrìk pl. átsìrìk] n. kútò inyò̱ ò̱ r [kútò inyɔ̀ɔ̀r] n. 1. ear of corn path between two cactus fences or walls; 2. guinea-corn leaf street kutó̱ kúbó̱ k pl. ìtò̱ kìbo̱ k [kutɔ́ kúbɔ́k pl. ìtɔ̀kìbɔk] n. wrist ( 82 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English L l La' [La'] excl. strong warning to prevent s.o. Láu [Láu] excl. scolding word Láu! Won from doing something La'! Tin sak kubo̱ k kutsor àfudang wan na anyas stop beating nitsor'ong bá. Don't touch that knife! syn. your companion for no reason used by Lá'ìlà. elders to children to prevent them from Lá'ìlà [lá'ìlà] excl. strong warning to prevent doing something wrong s.o. from doing something syn. La'. lak… [lak…] adv. imitates the sound of a dog drinking water M m ma [ma] conj. unless; must; until; then do you have? wan bé nasa namáng-e? màá pron. you sg; mi màá rép ábrédi I have How many houses do you have? sold you bread [2nd person sg. object máràp [máràp] v. to join pronoun marked for perfective] -mardak [mardak] a. describes swelling on -maan [maan] c.a. bad; evil the body maan ne [maan ne] adv. from time to time; màrdàk [màrdàk] a. describes sticky food in occasionally; sometimes maan ne i ni te balls ashi na afumung na from time to time, you màrmàr [màrmàr] adv. describes a small put water on these flowers [precedes the swelling or mark on the body subject of a verb.] mas [mas] v. to laugh máár [máár] v. to make into circular shapes; 'me [me] 1. det. the; this á shán abrédi’me especially dandawa; locust bean cake núre He bought the bread yesterday maás1 [maás] v. 1. to measure; gauge 2. to [Suffixed to nouns which end in in a aim at target vowel. It can also stand for a determined maás2 [maás] v. to mimic; imitate pronoun] 2. pron. the thing násàng nyé mák [mák] adv. together ’me ahead do the thing i.e. do [it] ahead of mak [mak] v. to be too much; be excessive; time [-me can act as a dummy pronoun. In be oversized the example sentence, -me stands for ‘the mákòng [mákòŋ] adv. now; this time syn. thing’ such that an actual pronoun can be kikyo̱ o̱ r, kyo̱ o̱ r, kyò̱ ò̱ rna. omitted.] mama [mama] conj. also; as well; like me̱ 1 [mɛ] s.v. to become mature Kakpiin ako Adang n nye kuweneng me̱ 2 [mɛ] v. to become used to mama. Late Adang's orphan has also me̱ 3 [mɛ] v. to be fat; corpulent; overweight married syn. gip. [placed after the noun méés1 [méés] v. to lay something or and sometimes derogatory] somebody down man pl. máràng [man pl. máràŋ] v. to injure; méés2 [méés] v. to defeat; to overcome hurt; wound mé̱ è̱ s [mɛ́ɛ̀s] v. to bleat (sheep; goats) -mànàng [mànàŋ] pron. this thing (but with men pl. mérèng [men pl. mérèŋ] v. to lie derogatory sense) down; to sleep -mang [maŋ] int. how much; how many? me̱ re̱ sh [mɛrɛʃ] v. to crush; smash; pulverise wan bé ásom amáng-e? How many rabbits syn. kó̱ . 83 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English me̱ rme̱ r [mɛrmɛr] adv. watery; especially of mok1 [mok] v. to hope; aspire food mok2 [mok] v. to gossip about s.o. mè̱ rzhè̱ k [mɛ̀rʒɛ̀k] a. bad taste; badly or mo̱ ó̱ r [mɔɔ́r] v. to cheat; defraud; decieve; carelessly done swindle; scam syn. wó̱ k1. -me̱ se̱ ng [mɛsɛŋ] c. num. first mormor [mormor] adv. describes mè̱ smè̱ s [mɛ̀smɛ̀s] a. describes saltiness plumpness Mhm! [Mhm!] excl. sigh of dismay; surprise mos [mos] v. to swell; inflate at something shameful Mhm, ikeng kuri múmák [múmák] s.v. to be intact; complete; iyu nye ikeng isum this kind of thing is integral Itsom wan tin nook ye I ra ka really shameful sak'e ame iyuna mumak. This is the mì1 [mì] pron. I mì rús àgàbu I beat the dog money you gave me to keep for you, it is [1st person singular subject pronoun] still intact. mì2 [mì] p.a. my nàya mì na this [is] my mùmò̱ k [mùmɔ̀k] a. lukewarm; tepid food mùu pron. him; her; it mi mùu rép ábrédi I mir [mir] v. to have an erection have sold him bread mísík pl. mis [mísík pl. mis] v. 1. to fling; múùs [múùs] v. to moo (cow) pour away; waste syn. nyósóng 2. 2. to sprinkle N n n- [n] loc. at; to; on; in [the vowel varies nafuba [nafuba] p. pron. theirs according to the prefix of the noun nàgàng [nàgàŋ] n. gum following] nàgo̱ ng1 [nàgɔŋ] n. mane; ram’s mane used ná [ná] pron. reflexive or reciprocal marker on a stick in dancing yír ná! tsór yír we bit each other syn. nàgo̱ ng2 [nàgɔŋ] n. fly-whisk usually made ricé2. [When used with a plural subject it from a cow tail applies to reciprocals] nàkaas [nàkaas] n. grass sp. na [na] dem. this; these (close) agabú na tí nàkam irén [nàkam irén] n. junction rós núre this dog bit me yesterday nàkàn [nàkàn] n. hunters’ food made from -naan pl. — [naan pl. —] p.a. mine acca; honey and local potash -naas [naas] c. num. four naka nyè [naka nyè] v.p. 1. to get set; to be nabak pl. násàp [nabak pl. násàp] v. 1. to alert; get ready 2. to adjust lift up; raise 2. to present 3. to stretch nakár [nakár] v.n. strolling; promenading nàbàsang [nàbàsaŋ] n. breast-milk nakárfé̱ [nakárfɛ́] n. tiny wild garden egg nàbàsang àbò̱ p [nàbàsaŋ àbɔ̀p] n. spurge nàkarwaù [nàkarwaù] n. bird seen at night weed [Euphorbia heterophylla] nàkírìng [nàkírìŋ, kàkírìŋ] n. whirligig nàbóròk [nàbóròk] n. lie; falsehood; untruth beetle syn. abóós, kábóròk. nakó̱ p [nakɔ́p] n. gleanings nàbòs pl. — [nàbòs pl. —] n. dream nàkpártár [nàkpártár] n. plant sp. nàcébòr [nàʧébòr] n. tadpole syn. àcébòr. námà1 [námà] adv. afterwards nàdep [nàdep] n. praise-name námà2 [námà] loc. at the back nàdi [nàdi] n. acca given on loan nàmè [nàmè] n. oil; pomade; lotion nàdo̱ m [nàdɔm] n. poison; venom; toxin nàmè àgbóòm [nàmè àgbóòm] n. bristly nafenyin [nafenyin] p. pron. yours (pl.) foxtail grass [Setaria barbata] nafeyir [nafeyir] p. pron. ours nàmè nàsèng [nàmè nàsèŋ] n. palm-oil nafu [nafu] p. pron. his/hers/its (sg.) nàming [nàmiŋ] n. dew nafuan [nafuan] p. pron. yours (sg.) 84 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English nanaan [nanaan] p. pron. mine nàya na nyé nàwòr [nàwòr] n. echo, reverberation nanaan this food is mine nàwù [nàwù] n. shade; shadow nang pl. naas [naŋ pl. naas] v. to give; to nàwùn [nàwùn] n. sap dash; to offer; present syn. nó̱ ó̱ k. nàya [nàya] n. food nànon agóm [nànon agóm] n. cuckoo- nàya àgbararàng [nàya àgbararàŋ] n. shrike; bird that goes around in large creeper sp. groups [Campephagidae] nàya ítsáám [nàya ítsáám] n. creeper sp. nànon árùm [nànon árùm] n. flycatcher [Ipomoea vagans] [Trochocercus spp., Coracina sp.] nàya izha [nàya iʒa] n. plant sp. nànyìsi [nànyìsi] n. tears nàyunung [nàyunuŋ] n. Jews’ mallow nàpdàng [nàpdàŋ] a. sticky; gummy; [Corchorus olitorius] cultivated plant. The viscous leaves are cooked to make a draw soup nár pl. násàk [nár pl. násàk] v. to surpass; nàyúnùng nàkan [nàyúnùŋ nàkan] n. plant exceed sp. nàre1 [nàre] n. heartburn ne [ne] conj. and; with Mi shán abrédi né nàre2 [nàre] n. gall-bladder syn. kúre. Ízáng shán adom I bought bread and Izang nàrìk [nàrìk] n. dirt; fertiliser; compost; bought yams itsítsing só nabasáng’é ne dung; manure dórók The fly drank the milk and left syn. nas [nas] v. to broadcast; scatter syn. san. ber. nàsàn [nàsàn] n. beginning; start; inception; né̱ [nɛ́] v. to struggle with an overpowering commencement burden Kum aronyining ta ku, wu ne a ti násàng [násàŋ] adv. ahead of; in front of né̱ ni nakpiin'e kamawu. Since his brother násàng nyé ’me do it ahead of time died, he has been struggling to provide for nàsàs pl. — [nàsàs pl. —] n. point at which the orphans two things meet to form a shape ne̱ [nɛ] v. to come from; originate mi ne̱ na nàsh [nàʃ] v. to shrivel; wrinkle Keben nure. I came from Keben yesterday nàsha [nàʃa] n. mane; tassel nè1 [nè] pron. the one wu nè a ti rus he’s the nàsha anyisi [nàʃa anyisi] n. eyelashes one that beat me nàshàk [nàʃàk] a. tough nè2 pl. nes [nè pl. nes] v. to come from náshirim [náʃirim] adv. last night nees [nees] v. 1. to discipline 2. to nàsò̱ k [nàsɔ̀k] n. blood a be nàsò̱ k he has straighten blood i.e. he is hearty, good-spirited nè̱ k1 [nɛ̀k] adv. nonchalantly; insouciantly nàtè̱ n [nàtɛ̀n] n. beard nè̱ k2 [nɛ̀k] a. flat; plane nàtè̱ n àmùrùm [nàtɛ̀n àmùrùm] n. sedge nel [nel] v. to add cereal flour; stir to make [Fimbristylis littoralis] porridge nàtè̱ n ìci [nàtɛ̀n ìʧi] n. plant sp. ne̱ r pl. né̱ sé̱ k [nɛr pl. nɛ́sɛ́k] v. to bury; inter; nating [natiŋ] n. sweat-flies conceal; hide (object) nátité kunom [nátité kunom] n. noon; mid- ne̱ re̱ ng pl. né̱ rè̱ ng [nɛrɛŋ pl. nɛ́rɛ̀ŋ] v. to day hide; conceal (oneself) nàtò [nàtò] v. to dance -ng [-ŋ] pron. the one; that one Wu'ng That nàtò̱ k [nàtɔ̀k] n. local potash is him, he is the one syn. iyong. [short nàtse̱ n [nàtsɛn] n. wasp; hornet form of iyong, yong. Shortened to –ong nátsìk [nátsìk] a. straight syn. ryong. following a consonant.] nàtsip [nàtsip] n. mark left by twisted line ngaar pl. nga [ŋaar pl. ŋa] v. to uproot nátsòn [nátsòn] adv. tomorrow nowadays nátùk [nátùk] adv. at nights ngàk…1 [ŋàk…] adv. half-cooked natúmun [natúmun] n. tiny irritating flies ngàk…2 [ŋàk…] adv. describes speaking nàtùng [nàtùŋ] v. to brush slightly harshly or in an unfriendly manner náwàràk [náwàràk] adv. given freely nàwé̱ è̱ p pl. — [nàwɛ́ɛ̀p pl. —] n. ritual knife 85 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ngàkngàk [ŋàkŋàk] id. describes speaking nízeng [nízeŋ] int. When?; Which day? harshly to nízeng ne wan tu ku bun e̱ ? When will ngamáng [ŋamáŋ] v. to take the roof off s.t. you come back? ngang [ŋaŋ] v. to scratch syn. ke̱ r, kyo̱ r, nízhàm [níʒàm] adv. yet; before; still whaán. no [no] v. to become fat; fatten ngàpzhàng [ŋàpʒàŋ] a. coarse (esp. food; no̱ pl. nó̱ ó̱ s [nɔ pl. nɔ́ɔ́s] v. 1. to enter; go powder) syn. tò̱ kò̱ shò̱ k. into 2. to pierce; prick ngárák pl. ngáràs [ŋárák pl. ŋáràs] v. to no̱ k pl. nó̱ ó̱ s [nɔk pl. nɔ́ɔ́s] v. to build; climb; ride; mount construct; fabricate ngáram [ŋáram] v. to bring something close nóng [nóŋ] conj. so that; as a consequence to a fire so as to warm or dry it no̱ nurík [nɔ nurík] v.p. to commit suicide ngash [ŋaʃ] v. to boast; brag nó̱ ó̱ k pl. nyísék [nɔ́ɔ́k pl. nyísék] v. to give; ǹgbài [ǹgbài] excl. Is it so?; Oh, I see! syn. offer; present syn. nang. gbài. núdúng [núdúŋ] n. pond; pool; lake barak ngme̱ [ŋmɛ] adv. undoubtedly defeated a tu kuta nudung throw a stone into a pond i.e. barak kaben ngme̱ he was undoubtedly to not get a response to a message defeated núfáng [núfáŋ] loc. outside atekasa fe̱ be ngme̱ k [ŋmɛk] v. to give a public agbang kuto̱ ye sang anerawe tu ko̱ s demonstration of prowess or display of nufang bá the household head emphasised expertise strongly that no-one should sleep outside ngmè̱ m [ŋmɛ̀m] adv. describes plenty of núfé [núfé] loc. from; to (place or person) leftovers anerawe ya naya katuk nufúan [nufúan] pron. to you kuwe̱ ne̱ ng wu ma na tu tuk ngmè̱ m People nùk [nùk] adv. comfortably ate a lot of food on his wedding day but núkím [núkím] loc. near; beside; by the side still left plenty. of; close to ngo̱ o̱ r [ŋɔɔr] v. to devour; to eat without núrè [núrè] adv. yesterday considering others syn. sek, té kùp, tí nuro̱ m [nurɔm] n. skin [check] kpàk. nuwó̱ p pl. níwò̱ p [nuwɔ́p pl. níwɔ̀p] loc. in ní1 [ní] loc. upon; inside; over; on top of town [this has other forms, such as ná-, nú- and nyák [nyák] adv. expresses extreme effort rí- when it replaces the prefix of the noun [Always used in the v.p. tí nyák] to which it refers] -nyaka [nyaka] int. Which? ní2 pron. me agabu sen ní romong a dog is nyan [nyan] v. to torment; torture; biting me syn. ni. [1st person sg. object persecute; to make things difficult for s.o. pronoun marked for present continuous] Kuro̱ k'e tu nyan dide̱ ng. The ailment is ni [no] pron. me ni rép ábrédi sell me bread giving him so much trouble syn. ní2, tìin. [1st person sg. object nyásàng [nyásàŋ] v. to think; to consider; pronoun in imperative constructions] cogitate mi nyásàng ye wan ta tseng ko̱ I nírèn pl. nìrén [nírèn pl. nìrén] n. road; path; had thought that you would go [but you track; trail didn’t] [only used in counterfactuals] nisák riyé̱ [nisák riyɛ́] v.p. to take care over nyé pl. nyés [nyé pl. nyés] v. to do; make; be s.t. a nyé ánér átek He is a good man [nyé is nítìk’e [nítìk’e] adv. describes s.t. done treated as a plural in verb collocations contrary to expectation; out of order; out including tá (q.v.)] of sequence. Aro̱ tseng nizham wan ta ra nyé agwo̱ m [nyé agwɔm] v.p. to be chief in ma be̱ nítìk’e. They had already gone office when you arrived unexpectedly nyé ákusùk [nyé ákusùk] v.p. to plead; beg; ní…yír [ní…yír] pron. us [1st person pl. entreat mi tu nyé akusuk a gaar ku ni fok I object pronoun marked for present pleaded with him but he would not listen. continuous] nyé atsèr [nyé atsèr] v.p. to be well 86 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English nyé háp [nyé háp] v.p. to gasp nyè̱ ng2 [nyɛ̀ŋ] v. to be physically nyèi1 [nyèi] adv. describes the heat of a fire uncomfortable (especially a coal fire) nye̱ re̱ [nyɛrɛ] v. to do something well; be nyèi2 [nyèi] a. 1. exposing the teeth through perfect disease Kurok kukak tuse ku ta ya aber nye̱ re̱ m [nyɛrɛm] v. to cut into pieces in a kanu anerawe ne anyi wu ma se nyei. disorderly manner There is a disease that destroys the lips, nyes [nyes] v. to prepare food leaving the teeth exposed. 2. baring the nyíknyík [nyíknyík] id. describes cutting teeth; sometimes implying intent to harm something very closely (esp. of dogs) nyim pl. nyíís [nyim pl. nyíís] v. to meet; nyé ìtsàng [nyé ìtsàŋ] v.p. to steal; rob; encounter burgle nyímíng [nyímíŋ] v. to seal; join up; close nyé ìzòng [nyé ìzòŋ] v.p. to beg; to pray; to up plead nyín [nyín] p.a. yours nàya nyín na this [is] nyé kama’mé [nyé kama’mé] v.p. to your (pl.) food defecate ( O o ó [ó] pron. they (past) ó’ò [ó’ò] excl. No! o [o] pron. they (present; future) oò [oò] excl. response on hearing new Oi! [Oi!] excl. Present! (Women’s response information to a call) Osh! [Oʃ!] excl. Oh dear! Exclamation of -ong [-oŋ] pron. the one; that one La’! Tin mild or spurious dismay Osh, mi ta tseng sák kubó̱ k nìtsò̱ r'ong bá Hey! Don't touch riko̱ katuur bá. Karuur ti ro̱ . Oh, I can't go that knife! syn. iyong. [Also iyong, yong, - to the farm today. I feel lazy. ng following a consonant.] P p páng [páŋ] v. to stick to something or s.o. pàr [pàr] adv. describes the cutting of rope 87 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English pás [pás] a. well fitting, as in square peg in a pes [pes] c.i. extremely white [used with - square hole kan] péér [péér] quant. all; every péér afízeré yá píng [píŋ] a. too short; undersized dress izhá all Izere eat goats péér átsi atek (esp. trousers) béseng All the eggs are spoilt syn. cei, pis [pis] id. describes water dropping to the cícé̱ r. ground pep1 [pep] id. describes the fall of a large poi [poi] id. describes a door wide open person to the ground pong [poŋ] id. describes speaking openly; pep2 [pep] a. thick (liquids) overtly; extroverted púk [púk] a. low R r rá pl. rás [rá pl. rás] v. to touch syn. sák rè̱ mrè̱ m [rɛ̀mrɛ̀m] id. describes luring by kubó̱ k. [see separate entry under rás] sweet talk ra [ra] conj. yet; but; however rén [rén] v. to know ra-1 [ra] v. to refuse, reject [with bound reneng [reneŋ] v. to boil briefly syn. fénéng. pronoun] re̱ ng [rɛŋ] v. to sweep; wipe off ra-2 [ra] v. to persist in staying in a place or ré̱ p pl. ré̱ é̱ s [rɛ́p pl. rɛ́ɛ́s] v. to sell in doing something against popular reréng [reréŋ] s.v. to be bitter opinion ri [ri] v. 1. to burn a stone with fire in order raar pl. rásák [raar pl. rásák] v. 1. to be to cleanse a place where a stranger incapable 2. to be short of; to be believed to be infected with syphilis inadequate; to be insufficient; to be scarce (ìtsùsà) has sat 2. to roast (e.g. beniseed) rak… [rak…] excl. describes s.o. who is ribásáng pl. abásáng [ribásáŋ pl. abásáŋ] n. disturbing and insisting on having their breast; mammary gland; tits; boobs way. ribing pl. abíng [ribiŋ pl. abíŋ] n. faeces; cf kar…. stool; shit; manure; dung; excreta; ràkàshàk [ràkàʃàk] id. not neat; disorderly; excrement; flatulence messy; disarrayed ribír pl. abír [ribír pl. abír] n. 1. part; cf shàkàràk. remainder; left-over; remains 2. half ranko̱ ranko̱ [rankɔrankɔ] adv. ríbòng pl. ábòng [ríbòŋ pl. ábòŋ] n. hat; lackadaisically; carelessly syn. kpè̱ dè̱ ng 1. helmet; cap; headgear rás [rás] v. to talk about s.o. ribóng pl. ìbòng [ribóŋ pl. ìbòŋ] n. hole; well rásàk [rásàk] v. to grow ribóng ìkpàng pl. abóng ìkpàng [ribóŋ rásàk nàbò̱ s [rásàk nàbɔ̀s] v.p. to dream ìkpàŋ pl. abóŋ ìkpàŋ] n. anus; arsehole ré̱ [rɛ́] v. to dangle; to hang; to suspend ribóng ìzóbòk pl. ìbòng ìzóbòk [ribóŋ rè̱ [rɛ̀] v. 1. to be close to the ground (as an ìzóbòk pl. ìbòŋ ìzóbòk] n. nostril aeroplane or bird) 2. to bend low; hang ríbòng kàyìr pl. ábòng kàyìr [ríbòŋ kàyìr pl. down (as in a branch of a tree bearing ábòŋ kàyìr] n. hunting hat made of animal many fruits) hair; decorated with horn and jumblebeads reer pl. résék [reer pl. résék] v. to cook ré̱ è̱ r pl. ré̱ s [rɛ́ɛ̀r pl. rɛ́s] v. to lick ré̱ è̱ sh [rɛ́ɛ̀ʃ] adv. describes s.t. delicately balanced; on the point of breaking or falling ré̱ mè̱ ng1 [rɛ́mɛ̀ŋ] v. to be scorched; burnt ré̱ mè̱ ng2 [rɛ́mɛ̀ŋ] v. to cut low; graze on 88 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ribóng kútò pl. ìbòng àtò [ribóŋ kútò pl. rifébék [rifébék] n. fat on meat ìbòŋ àtò] n. ear-hole rífér pl. afér [rífér pl. afér] n. arrow syn. ribó̱ nó̱ ng [ribɔ́nɔ́ŋ] n. rubber vine [Saba àcìdaka. florida] riférátséng [riférátséŋ] n. friendship syn. ribó̱ nó̱ ng kabanon [ribɔ́nɔ́ŋ kabanon] n. rime̱ . rubber vine fruit [Saba florida] edible rifes1 [rifes] n. grass sp. ribóòn [ribóòn] n. mending; skill in making rifes2 [rifes] n. grass granary cover things; craftsmanship rifós [rifós] n. strips of bark from a certain ribor pl. ábor [ribor pl. ábor] n. foundation tree rìbòr pl. ábòr [rìbòr pl. ábòr] n. abandoned rifu pl. ifu [rifu pl. ifu] n. brain homestead; ruins rifúbúk [rifúbúk] n. jealousy; rivalry ríbú pl. àbu [ríbú pl. àbu] n. stomach; belly between any individuals. syn. kafá. cf àfùbùk. ribúùs [ribúùs] n. natural hole in a rock rifun [rifun] n. pus containing water rigba pl. agba [rigba pl. agba] n. antelope ricé1 pl. acé [riʧé pl. aʧé] n. head horn blown to accompany agba dance ricé2 pl. acé [riʧé pl. aʧé] pron. reflexive rigbang [rigbaŋ] n. grasshopper sp. pronoun mi! nyé ricé mì abrédi I made rígbè̱ k pl. ágbè̱ k [rígbɛ̀k pl. ágbɛ̀k] n. goitre bread for myself syn. ná. rigbóór pl. agbóór [rigbóór pl. agbóór] n. ricé àzhirgi [riʧé àʒirgi] n. iburu cultivar vagina syn. àkìkelle, àtè̱ s. ( 90 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English risho̱ n [riʃɔn] n. issues, matters pertaining to rítú [rítú] n. locust seed soup seasoning; and concerning elders dandawa risi [risi] n. herb sp. [Solanum nigrum] ritún [ritún] n. bitterleaf [Vernonia planted together with yam, producing amygdalina] small, edible fruits riwá [riwá] n. 1. dead cells of dry skin 2. risi àkpǎbór [risi àkpǎbór] n. wild cape strand from tree bark used to plait rope gooseberry [Physalis angulata] riwár [riwár] n. noose rísìk [rísìk] v. to be ugly riwha pl. riwhas [riɥa pl. riɥas] v.n. riso [riso] n. bathing satisfaction risup [risup] n. shrub sp. appearing in rainy riwó̱ k [riwɔ́k] n. swimming season, used to make sticks to beat riwo̱ ng [riwɔŋ] n. noise children riwúr pl. — [riwúr pl. —] n. custard apple ritá1 [ritá] n. gizzard [Annona senegalensis] shrub with edible ritá2 pl. — [ritá pl. —] n. igneous stone with fruits mystical powers which determines the riyá pl. — [riyá pl. —] n. right side abode of a community when it migrates. riyé̱ 1 pl. ayé̱ [riyɛ́ pl. ayɛ́] n. heart riyé̱ tsé̱ é̱ r When carried, it becomes extraordinarily heart cut i.e. be challenged heavy and fall down and cannot be carried riyé̱ 2 pl. ayé̱ [riyɛ́ pl. ayɛ́] n. year away, which means the community must riyé̱ kubísèng [riyɛ́ kubísèŋ] n.p. anger; settle in that place. rage; fury ( 91 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English rong2 [roŋ] v. to be talkative in a manner rúm [rúm] v. to dig up; excavate; disinter that implies that you are lying rúmúng [rúmúŋ] v. to rumble; groan; roar (metaphorically) rún pl. rúrùng [rún pl. rúrùŋ] v. to strap a róòn [róòn] v. to prevent; refuse; prohibit; child or s.t. on the back interdict rùrùk [rùrùk] v. 1. to be unclean; dirty; róós [róós] v. to tie; to tighten; to strap on filthy 2. to be mischievous; naughty róós kúwé̱ né̱ ng [róós kúwɛ́nɛ́ŋ] v.p. to rús pl. tsór [rús pl. tsór] v. to beat; strike; hit; solemnise a wedding knock syn. tú1 1. [rús also has a second rú1 [rú] adv. still; in the process of plural, tsósók to hit repeatedly many rú2 [rú] v. to ferment; decay; rot times] rúk… [rúk…] adv. describes s.t. crushed rus [rus] v. to groan in pain into pieces a kpa nutso̱ m kukup kutak wu rúsòm pl. róós [rúsòm pl. róós] v. to tie; fo rúk… yong abok te̱ n kutak'e. He had an bind; repair; fix; mend accident that crushed his leg, so the rùùsh… [rùùʃ…] a. porous (ground; not doctors amputated it. hard to farm); or bone (not hard to crush) ruk1 [ruk] v. to tan (skin) ryong [ryoŋ] a. straight syn. cóp, nátsìk. ruk2 [ruk] v. to pedal S s sá [sá] v. to split wood se1 [se] conj. with; and syn. be3. sà [sà] adv. 1. widely; spaciously 2. se2 [se] v. to be; is; are; am [copula] describes open and acommodating person sé̱ [sɛ́] v. to sift; sieve; strain syn. shírìk, saáse [saáse] v.a. coming; will come tsé̱ é̱ m. sák1 pl. — [sák pl. —] v. to cause; put; se̱ pl. se̱ s [sɛ pl. sɛs] v. to locate; find; order; ask discover sák2 pl. sáàs [sák pl. sáàs] v. to keep; séès pl. sérèk [séès pl. sérèk] v. to move; to conserve; guard syn. fek. shift; budge sg.. sísèk. sák kubó̱ k [sák kubɔ́k] v.p. to touch syn. rá. sé̱ è̱ s [sɛ́ɛ̀s] v. to season food sák ríyé̱ [sák ríyɛ́] v.p. to be careful; be sek [sek] v. to devour your favourite food A cautious tu nye ikam itson be rining rikubuk wan di sam1 [sam] v. to betroth; become engaged a ta sek nigaan'e. Fonio porridge and okra sam2 [sam] v. 1. to tear out branches of soup was prepared for him, you should shrubs or trees without an axe 2. to tear see how he devoured it syn. ké̱ rè̱ ng2, off flesh ngo̱ o̱ r, té kùp, té mò̱ ò̱ r, tí kpàk. sán [sán] v. to begin; start; initiate; sen [sen] v.a. be in the process of àbìnìng’é commence sen mén The wife is lying down san [san] v. to scatter; disperse; broadcast [continuous marker for intransitive verbs] syn. nas. -seng [seŋ] c.a. red sang [saŋ] part. not; no wu ne a bo̱ sang mi sép [sép] v. to transplant cereals bá he is the one that fetched it not me syn. sé̱ p [sɛ́p] v. to sharpen; whittle; carve dàu. [in reported action] sè̱ rè̱ [sɛ̀rɛ̀] a. sloping; steep sárák pl. sáràs [sárák pl. sáràs] v. to tear; to sérèk pl. sísèk [sérèk pl. sísèk] v. to shift rip open sè̱ rè̱ ng [sɛ̀rɛ̀ŋ] a. aslant; askew; out of true sás [sás] s.v. to be good looking; fine; sè̱ rè̱ r [sɛ̀rɛ̀r] a. stumbling; slippery comfortable or beautiful shaam [ʃaam] a. scattered; dispersed; sàs [sàs] adv. doubtful; likely; probable diffused; disseminated; strewed 92 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English shàkàràk pl. — [ʃàkàràk pl. —] adv. ship1 [ʃip] s.v. to be blocked; obstructed (as describes disorderly dressing; dishevelled a hole) cf ràkàshàk. ship2 [ʃip] a. describes loss of voice when shámáng [ʃámáŋ] v. to deviate; turn aside; singing branch syn. tí rè̱ è̱ r1 1. shírìk [ʃírìk] v. to filter; strain liquid syn. sé̱ . shán pl. sháshàng [ʃán pl. ʃáʃàŋ, ʃáàʃ] v. to shirík pl. shirik [ʃirík pl. ʃirik] v. to frighten; buy; receive; purchase scare; terrify shangà shangà pl. — [ʃaŋà ʃaŋà pl. —] adv. shírìm [ʃírìm] v. to be cool; cold (liquid) describes how something breaks into -shirim [ʃirim] a. wet; fresh (leaves or pieces grass) she̱ [ʃɛ] v. to cut a tree into pieces syn. té̱ n1. shírír [ʃírír] adv. feeling nauseous; sick shé̱ é̱ r pl. shé̱ shè̱ k [ʃɛ́ɛ́r pl. ʃɛ́ʃɛ̀k] v. to hang Shirwish! [ʃirwiʃ] excl. It is not like that! up; suspend shìsh [ʃìʃ] a. blurred; unclear; not bright; she̱ e̱ r [ʃɛɛr] v. to hang, suspend s.o. or murky; opaque Ares wu tsang a nye akan something pes, a te shish nizen a ta kusu be aruruk she̱ kshe̱ k [ʃɛkʃɛk] adv. describes a frayed ashi. His brilliant white clothes lost their rope just about to cut brightness when he washed them with she̱ ng [ʃɛŋ] adv. describes sticking; being dirty water. cf rìsh. stuck shìshè̱ k [ʃìʃɛ̀k] adv. feeling OK she̱ p [ʃɛp] v. to reduce a task; especially a shíshím [ʃíʃím] v. to be jealous of s.o.; be journey; shorten; diminish envious shé̱ ré̱ k pl. shé̱ sh [ʃɛ́rɛ́k pl. ʃɛ́ʃ] v. to tread on; shíshìng [ʃíʃìŋ] v. to change; to exchange; trample transform [pl. of shínìng] shé̱ ré̱ p pl. she̱ p [ʃɛ́rɛ́p pl. ʃɛp] v. to cut a shítà [ʃítà] part. not to mention; talk less of piece off; to chip off Azi kem a ta sok abining ba, shita wan shésh pl. shíshék [ʃéʃ pl. ʃíʃék] v. to save Azi couldn't manage to get married, not to s.o.; rescue talk of you. shè̱ tè̱ k [ʃɛ̀tɛ̀k] adv. describes being shó̱ k [ʃɔ́k] v. to force feed a baby drenched; soaked sho̱ ng [ʃɔŋ] v. to pluck leaves or vegetables; shí [ʃí] v. to deny; to refuse to give Anya to pick syn. kpérèk. [pl. of shò̱ ò̱ r] kabak inoon wu rinam amitek ba tu ku Sho̱ ng [ʃɔŋ] excl. It is nowhere! Doesn’t shan ba me, a shi inoon afubuk wu. Anya exist! Mi se tse̱ r itso̱ m'i naro mi ta sak. gave the meat their husband bought to her Sho̱ ng! I searched for my money where I children, but not to her co-wife’s children. thought I put it but it isn’t anywhere! shík [ʃík] v. 1. to drive away; scatter; Ado̱ ti shonong [ʃonoŋ] v. 1. to be stubborn; ke̱ kànù, ke mi tusung ares'i ne wu be obstinate 2. to be difficult to get rid of shik. Ado is looking for trouble, when I shò̱ ò̱ r pl. shò̱ ng [ʃɔ̀ɔ̀r pl. ʃɔ̀ŋ] v. to pinch gather up my materials she comes and shó̱ r [ʃɔ́r] v. to give birth too closely spaced scatters them. 2. to spoil shò̱ rò̱ k [ʃɔ̀rɔ̀k] adv. describes a deflated shím1 [ʃím] v. to love; like; want; desire; tyre; a disappointment agree shoròp pl. shúshòp [ʃoròp pl. ʃúʃòp] v. to shím2 pl. shíìsh [ʃím pl. ʃíìʃ] v. to answer; jump over; skip respond; reply [pl. means ‘to echo’] shosh [ʃoʃ] v. to roast; burn; grill (meat; shímíng pl. shíshìp [ʃímíŋ pl. ʃíʃìp] v. to yam) wake; awaken; rise up; stand up Shòù [ʃòù] excl. Greetings! Hallo! Sorry! -shimshim [ʃimʃim] c.a. any dark colour This greeting, also found in Berom, was shing [ʃiŋ] n. stuffiness (nose) syn. shung2. the source of a now disused name for the shínìng pl. shíshìng [ʃínìŋ pl. ʃíʃìŋ] v. to fill Berom, Shosho up [pl. means ‘to change’] shú [ʃú] v. to soak; wet; drench; moisten 93 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English shú- [ʃú] v. to swear [The verb stem is would come to you today, is it not so? followed by a bound pronoun although it [Post utterance tag] is the subject] sók pl. kók [sók pl. kók] v. to pick; take; take Shuba … [Shuba …] excl. they say that… a wife Shuba, a ta fe̱ ye wan be̱ s aze They say cf kók. you often come here sò̱ k [sɔ̀k] id. describes s.t. fitting perfectly shúmùng pl. shú [ʃúmùŋ pl. ʃú] v. to dip [pl. into a space means ‘to soak’] sónòng pl. susòk [sónòŋ pl. susòk] v. to sit shúmùng rìnyisi [ʃúmùŋ rìnyisi] v. to touch down; be seated s.o.’s eye accidentally so̱ no̱ ng pl. só̱ sò̱ ng [sɔnɔŋ pl. sɔ́sɔ̀ŋ] v. to shùndùng [ʃùndùŋ] a. wrinkled; shrivelled insert; put in shung1 [ʃuŋ] n. stuffing s.t. into s.t. (as -so̱ p [sɔp] a. long; tall papers in a bag) sor pl. susòk [sor pl. susòk] v. to stay; shung2 [ʃuŋ] n. stuffiness (nose) syn. shing. remain shùngùr [ʃùŋùr] a. crumpled; crushed só̱ rò̱ ng [sɔ́rɔ̀ŋ] v. to choke; strangle shushú [ʃuʃú] v. to suck sú [sú] v. to stir; mix shùùr [ʃùùr] dem. right there suk [suk] v. to shrink; erode; reduce; sísèk [sísèk] v. to shift many times over a diminsh long period sg.. séès. [the second plural of sùk [sùk] a. soft (as a mattress) séès] súm [súm] v. to be mature; to be fully ripe so [so] v. to bathe; wash sun [sun] v. to save s.o. the effort; make it só̱ [sɔ́] v. to drink; ingest unnecessary for somebody to have to do So̱ [sɔ] excl. affirmation or give something sò̱ bárè̱ [sɔ̀ bárɛ̀] int. is it not so? mi fe̱ ye mi súrúk pl. sur [súrúk pl. sur] v. to shed leaves ta be̱ nufuan katuur, sò̱ bárè̱ ? I said that I T t t-1 [t] v.a. infinitive marker, to, with verb ta5 [ta] s.v. to be sweet root [The vowel following t- agrees with tà [tà] v.a. will; shall itomong yir tà nye yir the vowel of the verb root] the work we’ll do. ké tà nyé íkéng kák t-2 [t] pron. object pronoun [The vowel bá’, né wón akak’é tà nyé if will do thing following t- indicates the person. Variants some not, then leave some the will do i.e. are tí, tá, tú] If you will not do something, then let tá1 [tá] pron. you sg. àgàbu tá romoŋ the someone else do it [Future marker, dog bit me [2nd person object pronoun. ta precedes the verb.] has a high tone in past contructions and tàa pron. you sg. 2nd person singular object mid-tone in present and future.] pronoun marked for future tá2 [tá] v.a. past tense marker itomong yir tá tàa…bá pron. them [3rd person plural object nye yir the work we did pronoun marked for future] ta1 pl. tang [ta pl. taŋ] v. to flood; tàa…nyín pron. you pl. [2nd person plural ‘overflood’; to overflow (of a river) object pronoun marked for future] ta2 pl. tang [ta pl. taŋ] v. 1. to sting; shoot; táàr [táàr] v. to find by luck; chance on; be throw liquid at 2. to sprout; germinate serendipitous -taar [taar] c. num. three ta3 pl. tang [ta pl. taŋ] v. to make a fence tábák [tábák] v. to maltreat; to manhandle; ta4 pl. — [ta pl. —] v. to bring up e.g. mistreat orphans; to rear animals 94 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English tak1 pl. táás [tak pl. táás] v. to tell; to tá sèn [tá sèn] v.a. continuous marker proclaim; to declare; announce itomong yir tá sèn nye yir the work we are tak2 [tak] v. to arrange; align doing [expresses anything in process or ta kubo̱ k pl. — [ta kubɔk pl. —] v.p. to progress] shake hands tàshàk pl. — [tàʃàk pl. —] adv. 1. describes tàltàl1 [tàltàl] id. light, not dark numbness 2. foolishness tàltàl2 [tàltàl] id. describes roaming about tátàn pl. — [tátàn pl. —] adv. carefully, without caring; happy-go-lucky cautiously támáng1 [támáŋ] v. to block a stick in Tátó̱ pl. — [Tátɔ́ pl. —] excl. Goodbye! traditional fighting game té1 pl. tés [té pl. tés] v. to spend (time) támáng2 [támáŋ] v. to lose one’s way; to té2 pl. tés [té pl. tés] v. 1. to put; fit; wear 2. follow the wrong path; get lost to dress up tánáng [tánáŋ] v. to swirl around with a té3 pl. — [té pl. —] v. to become swizzle stick tebek pl. — [tebek pl. —] v. to approach; tàndàng [tàndàŋ] adv. describes being afloat come near iza tebek the rain is coming táng ìfà [táŋ ìfà] v.p. to complain repeatedly té̱ é̱ k pl. te̱ é̱ s [tɛ́ɛ́k pl. tɛɛ́s] v. to reduce; táng kànù [táŋ kànù] v.p. to reveal secrets; decrease; decline talk freely to expose secrets; to reveal -tek [tek] c.a. good a nyé ánér átek He is a hidden matters Kum a ta fa kpaan ku ku good man [the prefix on the adjective whereng ne a wor a tang kanu. shows concord with the noun it qualifies] Immediately they started beating him, he te̱ ke̱ … [tɛkɛ…] adv. describes how a drunk revealed everything ( 95 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English té̱ s [tɛ́s] v. to reveal; divulge; unfold; unveil tí nyààr pl. nyé nyààr [tí nyààr pl. nyé té̱ sh [tɛ́ʃ] adv. full nyààr] v.p. to moan; whimper tè̱ tè̱ [tɛ̀tɛ̀] a. near; close; nearby Ikeng iya tí nyák pl. nyé nyák [tí nyák pl. nyé nyák] wan ta fe̱ se ko tè̱ tè̱ be katsak'e bá. What v.p. to do excessively you have said is nowhere near the truth. tí pèp pl. nyé pèp [tí pèp pl. nyé pèp] v.p. to [used usually with a negative to mean ‘far congeal; to become thick; solidify away’ or ‘not close’] típtíp [típtíp] c.i. extremely black [with – tí [tí] pron. me; for me; to me agabu tí we] romong the dog bit me [1st person tí pù(k) pl. nyé pù(k) [tí pù(k) pl. nyé pù(k)] singular pronoun marked for past] v.p. to make a greater effort tí bùrùm [tí bùrùm] v.p. to forget tí rè̱ è̱ r1 pl. nyé rè̱ è̱ r [tí rɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. nyé rɛ̀ɛ̀r] v.p. tí gàk1 pl. nyé gàk [tí gàk pl. nyé gàk] v.p. 1. to turn off; to branch; deviate syn. faas, to put in place the framework of a roof shámáng. 2. to be crazy tí gàk2 pl. nyé gàk [tí gàk pl. nyé gàk] v.p. tí rè̱ è̱ r2 pl. nyé rè̱ è̱ r [tí rɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. nyé rɛ̀ɛ̀r] v.p. to set a pot on the fire to lose voice in singing tí gbàshàk pl. nyé gbàshàk [tí gbàʃàk pl. tíríp [tíríp] v. 1. to rub syn. kon, kpe̱ . 2. to nyé gbàʃàk] v.p. to hurry up beat tí gbòk pl. nyé gbòk [tí gbòk pl. nyé gbòk] tírírí [tírírí] a. fine (powder) v.p. to lean on; against syn. férèng. -tisher [tiʃer] c.a. smaller tí gbòk ákúùr pl. nyé gbòk ákúùr [tí gbòk tí shíp pl. nyé shíp [tí ʃíp pl. nyé ʃíp] v.p. to ákúùr pl. nyé gbòk ákúùr] v.p. to kneel become blocked; to be obstructed; to fill tí gìrìp pl. nyé gìrìp [tí gìrìp pl. nyé gìrìp] up with sediment v.p. to tip over tì te̱ e̱ r pl. nyé te̱ e̱ r [tì tɛɛr pl. nyé tɛɛr] s.v. to tí gó̱ k pl. nyé gó̱ k [tí gɔ́k pl. nyé gɔ́k] v.p. to match; be of the same (character; curve; bend; twist dimensions) syn. tè̱ rè̱ . tí gùmùng pl. nyé gùmùng [tí gùmùŋ pl. nyé tìtèng [tìtèŋ] a. inappropriate; unsuitable gùmùŋ] v.p. to stoop; bend down tí tììr pl. nyé tììr [tí tììr pl. nyé tììr] v.p. to tí hàk pl. nyé hàk [tí hàk pl. nyé hàk] v.p. to swallow completely syn. wó̱ nó̱ ng. spit syn. tí tù. tí tò̱ k pl. nyé tò̱ k [tí tɔ̀k pl. nyé tɔ̀k] v.p. to tí icá pl. — [tí iʧá pl. —] v.p. to disappear; sneak out vanish syn. tí zhàù. tí tò̱ ò̱ pl. nyé tò̱ ò̱ [tí tɔ̀ɔ̀ pl. nyé tɔ̀ɔ̀] v.p. 1. to tíìk pl. tísìk [tíìk pl. tísìk] v. to descend; to flutter down (leaves) 2. to be lukewarm go down tí tsìk pl. nyé tsìk [tí tsìk pl. nyé tsìk] v.p. to tìin [tìin] pron. me agabu tìin romong the put in upright position dog will bite me syn. ni. [1st person tí tù pl. nyé tù [tí tù pl. nyé tù] v.p. to spit singular object pronoun marked for syn. tí hàk. future] tí vè̱ è̱ r1 pl. nyé vè̱ è̱ r [tí vɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. nyé vɛ̀ɛ̀r] v.p. tìin …yír pron. us [1st person plural object to squeeze the body accidentally pronoun marked for future] tí vè̱ è̱ r2 pl. nyé vè̱ è̱ r [tí vɛ̀ɛ̀r pl. nyé vɛ̀ɛ̀r] v.p. tí kpàk pl. nyé kpàk [tí kpàk pl. nyé kpàk] to hurt s.o. v.p. to devour syn. ké̱ rè̱ ng2, ngo̱ o̱ r, sek, té tí wèèr pl. nyé wèèr [tí wèèr pl. nyé wèèr] kùp. v.p. to sway; bend slightly tí kpír pl. nyé kpír [tí kpír pl. nyé kpír] v.p. tí yè̱ k pl. nyé yè̱ k [tí yɛ̀k pl. nyé yɛ̀k] v.p. to to bend the head downward partly uncover; to open a little to find out tímíng [tímíŋ] v. to shiver; tremble; quake something (of a pot or room) se tí yè̱ k tí mùùr pl. nyé mùùr [tí mùùr pl. nyé mùùr] kadonong adom ta di ka an been e̱ ? Please v.p. 1. to bend iron 2. to sprain open the pot a little and see if the yam is tí ngàk pl. nyé ngàk [tí ŋàk pl. nyé ŋàk] v.p. well cooked. to bite (of dogs) syn. rómóng. 96 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English tí...yír pron. for us Adar tí nyé yír nàya Adar tsè [tsè] v. to go ahead made food for us [1st person plural dative tsèk [tsèk] a. only pronoun marked for past] tseng pl. tséés [tseŋ pl. tséés] v. to walk; go tí yùs pl. nyé yùs [tí yùs pl. nyé yùs] v.p. to -tser [tser] c.a. alive be dull; apathetic tsé̱ é̱ m [tsɛ́ɛ́m] v. to sift; sieve syn. sé̱ . tí zàng pl. nyé zàng [tí zàŋ pl. nyé zàŋ] v.p. tsé̱ é̱ r pl. tsé̱ k [tsɛ́ɛ́r pl. tsɛ́k] v. to cut; to peep slaughter tí zhàù pl. nyé zhàù [tí ʒàù pl. nyé ʒàù] v.p. tsé̱ r pl. tsé̱ sé̱ k [tsɛ́r pl. tsɛ́sɛ́k] v. to look for; to disappear; vanish syn. tí icá. go after; search; seek tí zò̱ ò̱ pl. nyé zò̱ ò̱ [tí zɔ̀ɔ̀ pl. nyé zɔ̀ɔ̀] v.p. to tsésék [tsésék] v. to bear; endure pour out; spill syn. nyósóng 2. tsíbík1 pl. tsip [tsíbík pl. tsip] v. to twist; tó [tó] v. to dance dislocate tó̱ [tɔ́] excl. So! Well! ( 97 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English túrùk pl. túrùs [túrùk pl. túrùs] v. to punch; tùu pron. he; she; it [3rd person singular to land a blow object pronoun marked for future] túsè [túsè] v. to be present syn. kúsè. túúr [túúr] v. to scrub túsùng [túsùŋ] v. to collect syn. gùng. túùs [túùs] v. to sow; plant tùtùk [tùtùk] a. to act or react to a stimulus; tuus [tuus] v. to stick (stuck) to do something Ke wan tu gé̱ rè̱ m, ko a te tùwùn [tùwùn] num. five syn. –toon. cf - tùtùk bá. Even if you tickle him, he won't toon. react. U u u [u] pron. you (sing. pl.) syn. wo, ‘o. Uhh! [Uhh!] excl. Ugh! expression denoting a bad smell V v vák [vák] s.v. to be little; insufficient; vè̱ r1 [vɛ̀r] adv. plentiful; a lot; in excess; inadequate; not enough; lean abundant vang pl. varang [vaŋ pl. varaŋ] v. to rub on vè̱ r2 [vɛ̀r] adv. describes the sting of a bee pomade excessively vèrèm [vèrèm] adv. conspicuously ve̱ ng [vɛŋ] v. to be skin tight; narrow vong [voŋ] a. describes the long ears of a (trousers) syn. kpá. hare [derogatory when applied to humans] vé̱ r [vɛ́r] adv. very closely vun [vun] v. to convulse; have a fit W w Waà [Waà] excl. Disgraceful! also describes wáshám [wáʃám] v. to violently insist on a hopeless situation having one’s way wààng [wààŋ] adv. spaciously Wáyò [Wáyò] excl. No! wáár1 [wáár] v. to shake the hands to -we [we] c.a. black syn. wébèk. remove dust or powder (signifies we̱ [wɛ] v. to emaciate; to become lean or innocence) lose weight; especially as a result of wáár2 [wáár] a. thin; slender; gracile sickness wán1 [wán] pron. you (sg.) wán sèn tí rép wébèk [wébèk] v. to be dark in colour; ábrédi You are selling me bread [2nd black; to be dirty syn. -we. person subject pronoun marked for weér [weér] v. to proceed; go forward syn. present] wésèk. wán2 [wán] p.a. your (s.) wè̱ è̱ r [wɛ̀ɛ̀r] v. to accept the next best option wané [wané] quant. so much; so many syn. dúrwè̱ è̱ r. warak [warak] a. free; without price; gratis wè̱ è̱ rwè̱ è̱ r [wɛ̀ɛ̀rwɛ̀ɛ̀r] adv. describes being wásá kúrúk [wásá kúrúk] excl. that would easygoing; without obstruction be good! wéí [wéí] s.v. to get lost; to be missing wàshàk [wàʃàk] a. free; unrestricted; at wèl [wèl] v. to pass unnoticed; to sneak liberty; loose away 98 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English wésèk [wésèk] v. to proceed; go on with; go wir… [wir…] excl. describes being forward syn. weér. completely exhausted or asleep Izek se wésèk átò [wésèk átò] v. to listen attentively nameneng wir… be kuro̱ m wu ame. Izek wha pl. whas [ɥa pl. ɥas] v. to be satisfied is completely out as he is sick (with food) wó̱ [wɔ́] s.v. to be loose (clothes) whaán [ɥaán] v. to itch; to scratch syn. wobok pl. wop [wobok pl. wop] v. to bail ngang. water out; scoop whan [ɥan] v. to offload; to take away wó̱ k1 pl. wó̱ rò̱ k [wɔ́k pl. wɔ́rɔ̀k] v. to things bit by bit; gradually deceive; trick; dupe; swindle; hoodwink, whap pl. — [ɥap pl. —] v. to intentionally defraud syn. mo̱ ó̱ r. mislead s.o. into making a wrong choice wó̱ k2 [wɔ́k] v. 1. to flow 2. to swim A whap afertseng ma a kon be amitek wo̱ m [wɔm] v. to have sexual intercourse; yong a tu ro. She misled her friend into copulate fighting her husband, who divorced her. wón pl. wúsòng [wón pl. wúsòŋ] v. to leave whé̱ [ɥɛ́] v. to be narrow off; abandon; desist whè̱ [ɥɛ̀] adv. slowly; carefully; gently; wo̱ ng [wɔŋ] v. to produce echo; sound; quietly; calmly reverberate; resonate whé̱ è̱ n pl. whé̱ sè̱ ng [ɥɛ́ɛ̀n pl. ɥɛ́sɛ̀ŋ] v. to wó̱ nó̱ ng pl. wo̱ s [wɔ́nɔ́ŋ pl. wɔs] v. to close; shut swallow syn. tí tììr. whér1 pl. whísèk [ɥér pl. ɥísèk] v. to escape; wo, ‘o pron. you (sing.; pl.) syn. u. flee; scarper wór [wór] v. to respond immediately; reply whér2 pl. whísèk [ɥér pl. ɥísèk] v. to be at once spoilt (child) An won igon na n wher. This wórók pl. woros [wórók pl. woros] v. to child has been spoilt syn. bésèng. throw; fling; chuck whe̱ r(e̱ ) [ɥɛr(ɛ)] a. plenty; many; abundant wó̱ rò̱ ng1 [wɔ́rɔ̀ŋ] v. to trickle syn. cíp. wó̱ rò̱ ng2 [wɔ́rɔ̀ŋ] v. to surpass your age- whè̱ rè̱ [ɥɛ̀rɛ̀] a. slippery; slimy (esp. fruit- mates in collective farming stones) syn. whè̱ rwhè̱ r. wos1 [wos] v. to make rope; braid; twine whérèk1 pl. whéréng [ɥérèk pl. ɥéréŋ] v. to wos2 [wos] v. to skin whip; flog wósàn [wósàn] v. to be fond to doing s.t. whérèk2 pl. — [ɥérèk pl. —] v. to throw an Adang wosan tsees nasa Ayisa aciek'e bá. opponent on the ground in wrestling hard Adang frequents Ayisa's house a lot. enough to make a sound wú [wú] 1. p.a. his; hers; its 2. pron. he; she; whè̱ rwhè̱ r [ɥɛ̀rɥɛ̀r] id. slippery; slimy (esp. it [3rd sing. subject pronoun marked for fruit-stones) syn. whè̱ rè̱ . present] whés [ɥés] adv. very close to the edge or end wum [wum] v. to fan Whéu! [ɥéu!] excl. expresses victory; wun [wun] v. to grow very tall success Mi whéu makong, a ti gang wúrúk pl. wurus [wúrúk pl. wurus] v. to rikorong itson'i. Whew! I feel relieved, come out; go out; exit they have weeded the whole of the acca wúsó pl. wúsòk [wúsó pl. wúsòk] v. to spend farm for me. the entire day whi [ɥi] v. to be dark; black; gloomy wúsúp [wúsúp] v. to tame; to pat; to stroke whíìr pl. whí [ɥíìr pl. ɥí] v. to remove from; the back as a sign of love pull out; extract Wúù [Wúù] excl. sound made by women whílwhíl [ɥílɥíl] id. smooth when answering a call; indicating the whìwhè̱ [ɥìɥɛ̀] adv. slowly inability to do s.t. wìì [wìì] adv. describes giddiness; being wùwììr1 [wùwììr] a. unripe; immature confused due to sickness; dazed wín [wín] adv. completely silent 99 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English wùwììr2 [wùwììr] adv. after sunset; dusk; got back home it was after sunset twilight mi no̱ kari karó̱ n te wùwììr As it wuyóng [wuyóŋ] v. to melt; dissolve Y y yá pl. yás [yá pl. yás] v. to eat yírìk pl. yírìs [yírìk pl. yírìs] v. to destroy; -ya [ya] c. dem. that one syn. ikya. demolish; dismantle Yááwà [Yááwà] excl. I agree! [response to a yírím [yírím] v. to go amok; berserk; be greeting.] ( Z z zaràp [zaràp] v. to prophesy; to foretell; ze̱ é̱ r [zɛɛ́r] v. to shake (using circular predict motion) syn. zúùr. zè̱ è̱ [zɛ̀ɛ̀] a. unstable; unbalanced (load) ze̱ e̱ r [zɛɛr] adv. separately; differently zé̱ e̱ m [zɛ́ɛm] v. to wander; roam zem [zem] v. to decorate; ornament -zen [zen] a. old (cloth) 100 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze Izere-English ze̱ r [zɛr] a. alone kafa mi ta zhó̱ rò̱ ng tsek. The gruel that I zérè [zérè] a. smeared took yesterday must have been bad, ever zé̱ ré̱ k [zɛ́rɛ́k] v. to menacingly point the since I took it, my stomach has been finger or stick at a person rumbling. ze̱ rze̱ r [zɛrzɛr] id. different from one zho̱ ro̱ p [ʒɔrɔp] v. 1. to mix; to stir 2. to another wash clothes zès [zès] adv. describes leaving a mess zhùkzhùk [ʒùkʒùk] id. very hot around the mouth; especially on the beard; zíbír [zíbír] v. to write; to mark; to inscribe making s.o. look unpleasant zìì [zìì] v. to feel dull; sleepy; dozy a rusek zháár [ʒáár] v. to shake up and down syn. zii nizham he is still feeling sleepy zúùr. zímíng pl. zim [zímíŋ pl. zim] v. to fling; zhààshzhààsh [ʒààʃʒààʃ] adv. messy; not swing; wag neatly; disorderly zínìng [zínìŋ] num. one (count form) zhásh [ʒáʃ] a. shallow -zining [ziniŋ] c. num. one zháúzháú [ʒáwʒáw] a. watery zízé̱ ng [zízɛ́ŋ] v. to be pointed; sharp zhé̱ è̱ r pl. zhe̱ she̱ k [ʒɛ́ɛ̀r pl. ʒɛʃɛk] v. to scold; zìzìk [zìzìk] v. to be foolish; stupid; idiotic admonish zízírík [zízírík] adv. quickly; rapidly; fast; zhé̱ é̱ sh [ʒɛ́ɛ́ʃ] v. to despise; to look down on speedily s.o. or something zò̱ … [zɔ̀…] adv. describes the leakage zhe̱ k [ʒɛk] v. to cut into regular-sized pieces especially of grain or liquid from sack or syn. ke̱ e̱ r2, zhé̱ ré̱ m. container -zhel [ʒel] c.a. pure; innocent; untouched zó̱ k [zɔ́k] v. to find out meaning; decipher; zhé̱ mzhé̱ m [ʒɛ́mʒɛ́m] a. undeniably; decode certainly zónóng [zónóŋ] v. to wear leaves round the zhé̱ ré̱ m [ʒɛ́rɛ́m] v. to cut a random scatter of waist pieces syn. zhe̱ k. zó̱ ntó̱ [zɔ́ntɔ́] a. oval zhè̱ rè̱ tè̱ r [ʒɛ̀rɛ̀tɛ̀r] a. moderately sized zor [zor] v. to mistreat; maltreat; abuse; zhìng [ʒìŋ] v. to be surprised; to be molest surprising; be shocked; be amazed; be zùndùng [zùndùŋ] v. to make a bulging startled shape zhirim [ʒirim] c.a. surprising; shocking; zungzung [zuŋzuŋ] id. overfilled startling zúrzúr [zúrzúr] id. describes having a great zhìrìm [ʒìrìm] adv. amazingly; sexual urge dumbfoundedly zúùr [zúùr] v. to shake syn. ze̱ é̱ r, zháár. zhirzhir [ʒirʒir] id. closely spaced (esp. seedlings) -zhizhe̱ k [ʒiʒɛk] c.a. small (plural i.e. of many objects) syn. híìr. zhó̱ kó̱ dó̱ k [ʒɔ́kɔ́dɔ́k] a. cramped; confined; squashed zho̱ ng [ʒɔŋ] v. to scribble zhò̱ ng… [ʒɔ̀ŋ…] id. describes s.t. coloured and with a pattern Kukpiin a ta te katuur se zho̱ ngzho̱ ng sang kukan kya bá. The shirt that he wore today is the spotted one not the white one. zhó̱ ó̱ r [ʒɔ́ɔ́r] v. to poke; jab; prick zhóósh [ʒóóʃ] v. to be hot zhó̱ rò̱ ng [ʒɔ́rɔ̀ŋ] v. to rumble (bowels) Asirik mi ta so̱ nure ta abos gak ayi, kum 101 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere A a lot a.i. dide̱ ng; adv. vè̱ r1 age-mate n. àfíizàm aardvark n. îtsúbúk age, to v. kóp abandon, to v. wón aged person n. àkò̱ k'e abandoned homestead n. rìbòr aged, to be v. kóp abdomen n. kafá agemate n. ígò able, to be v. kem aggression n. ríkpè̱ about a. inyin aghast adv. gyo̱ ng abscess n. kufór agonise, to v. dáàm absconding v.n. kuwhér agree, to v. shím1 absence n. kudar ahead n. kashó̱ ò̱ n absolutely adv. tanka ahead of loc. násàng abundant a. cíp; a. kpè̱ 1; adv. vè̱ r1; a. aid, to v. tóbòk3 whe̱ r(e̱ ) aim at target, to v. maás1 2 abuse n. ritók ako̱ k tree sp. n. àkò̱ k ìsho̱ ng abuse, to v. kas2; zor alert, to v. kpám acca n. ìtson; nàdi alert, to be v.p. naka nyè 1 acca cultivar n. àbàtìrìk; àbàyama2; àcàrè; algae n. ànàbor àsàk align, to v. tak2 accept, to v. wè̱ è̱ r alive c.a. -tser acclaim, to v. kerek all quant. cei, cícé̱ r; adv. káp2; quant. kóákè; accompany, to v. tsà quant. péér acrid adv. hò̱ lhò̱ l all (people) pron. cícé̱ r act n. kunyé alluring a. rìrè̱ m action n. kunyé alone a. ze̱ r Adam’s apple n. ìzígò̱ rò̱ k already adv. kun add cereal flour, to v. nel also conj. gip; mama add, to v. báràng altar n. kútàs2 adjust, to v.p. naka nyè 2 aluminium n. rikáràk1 admonish, to v. zhé̱ è̱ r always adv. yé̱ r admonition n. ànyìnyè̱ m am v. se2 Ado̱ s dialect p.n. Ìdò̱ s amaranth n. ìnyìnyèp azhákí; ìnyìnyèp adulterated a. kpùkpè̱ rè̱ k izhìzhè̱ k adulterous lover n. àkùna amazed adv. gyo̱ ng adultery n. rikúná amazed, to be v. zhìng advice n. ìtàbàk amazing a. káshá aerial yam n. àfuùr amazingly adv. zhìrìm aerial yam cultivar n. àfuùr akan; àfuùr ikes; ambiguous a. gbirim1 atûrzhik ambivalent a. gbirim1 aerial yam, wild n. àfuùr afurè ̱ amphibian n. àkpábor aeroplane n. àzhirigi kàzà amphibian sp. n. àwhara affirmation excl. So ̱ amphisbaenid n. kutí kàbèn African daisy n. àshìshàk rìye̱ ample a. kpè̱ 1 African olive n. rifár amulet n. kúláu; rídùk inyó̱ ò̱ r after sunset adv. wùwììr 2 amusement n. àkpùkpòk afterbirth n. ìzàs; kuké̱ anal prolapse n. àzùk2 afterwards adv. námà 1 ancestors n. anúkop again adv. bà(bà); gák; gbàk and conj. ber; ne; se1 agama lizard n. àdàng; àdo̱ k and so conj. yóng 102 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere and so on part. ànóng bé ànóng aroid n. àzhe àfúrè̱ anger n.p. riyé̱ kubísèng arrange, to v. tak2 anguish n.p. riyé̱ riwé arrest, to v. yíìr2 1 animal sp. n. àbo̱ ; kàyir2 arriving v.n. kubé̱ animal spirit n. kuko̱ r arrogant, to s.v. ka3 ankle n. ìgbang; kutó̱ kúták arrow n. àcìdaka; àkpèk; àsùra; àtòs1; rífér announce, to v. tak1 arrow shaft n. ìmòs2 another c.a. àkak arsehole n. ribóng ìkpàng answer n. kushím2 as conj. dí2; conj. kamók; conj. kyo̱ ndi; conj. answer, to v. shím2 kyó̱ ndí; part. ye ant sp. n. ányàrong; ìfírìfí; ìshààsh; as a consequence conj. nóng ìshír(í)shò̱ n; ìshírìtong; kuratsé̱ as well conj. mama antagonism n. àfùbùk ascending v.n. kungárák antagonist n. àmùdo̱ n ashes n. ìtòng antelope horn n. rigba ask, to v. ríp; sák1 antelope sp. n. àgbash; àròs; àvóng; ìmadúr; askew a. sè̱ rè̱ ng inyam áshi; inyam; ìtòròp; kakuruk aslant a. sè̱ rè̱ ng antitoxin n. àkári aspire, to v. mok1 ants n. ányàrong assassinate, to v. fé̱ r anus n. ribóng ìkpàng assembly n. kanyim apart adv. kèkàr assessing n. kumáás apathetic, to be v.p. tí yùs assist, to v. tóbòk3 aphorism n. káre̱ è̱ r rife̱ astuteness n. rítsé̱ ng applaud, to v. kerek at loc. n- approach, to v. tebek at liberty a. wàshàk approve, to v. kerek at nights adv. nátùk approximately a. inyin at once adv. kikyo̱ o̱ r; kyo̱ o̱ r; kyò̱ ò̱ rna April p.n. Àkàap ìkap at the back loc. námà2 aquatic herb sp. n. àzhìzhe̱ ng áwè attribute n. kuse archery game n. ìdaàr aubergine n. ìwhè̱ are v. se2 August p.n. àwúdìng area boys n. igon kuwún avarice n. kusóm2 arena n. kázú2 avoid, to v. faas argue, to v.p. yá kànù awaken, to v. shímíng arid c.a. -koor awl n. àtàng aridity n. kukóór axe n. àgíta; kátè̱ m arm n. kubó̱ k armpit n. kangámang B b baboon n. àgbóòm backbone n. kukés1 baby n. kabáshòn’ì; kàwun’ì backsliding v.n. rikpa2 baby below one year n. ìzo̱ k ìgòn backward, to v. hìlyù baby strap n. kurú backwards adv. àmàama bachelor n. àkpàtek backyard n. kama kútu back n. kama bad c.a. -maan back of head, occiput n. rikó̱ r bad taste a. mè̱ rzhè̱ k 103 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere bad thing n. àmáàn bean-cakes n. àkosei badly or carelessly done a. mè̱ rzhè̱ k beans n. ábàng1 bag n. àrànkpàtà; àrìding; ìshìka-kàwò̱ p; bear, to v. tsésék ìshìka; kúshiìp beard n. nàtè̱ n bail water out, to v. wobok beat s.o., to v. tú1 1 bale, to v. kúrùk beat, to v. bung2 1; cáràk; rús; tíríp 2; tsór balsam pear n. àcùre ázhizhe̱ k beautiful person n. àtuk Bambara groundnut n. àwhè̱ k'e beauty n. kusás Bambara nut n. iwhí because conj. kamók Bambara nut cultivar n. àwo̱ k; àzur become blocked, to v.p. tí shíp bamboo n. kusé̱ become engaged, to v. sam1 banana n. àyàbà become fat, to v. no bandolier n. àtabaràng become lean, to v. we̱ bangle n. àdákà; ìbarta; kanáráng become mature, to s.v. me̱ 1 baobab tree n. àdùrbè become old, to v. kóp baptism n. àbàtísmà become thick, to v.p. tí pèp bar, to v. fàn become tired, to v. ró̱ n barb n. ìtsàm 1 become used to, to v. me̱ 2 barbet n. ìkúk become white, to v. karé̱ p barbing v.n. akór become, to v. té3 bare a. ica'me bed n. kabáritis; ritís baring the teeth a. nyèi2 2 bedbug n. ìbì1 bark n. àbábàng1; kúku bee n. ìshòsh bark, to v. gbúsùm beer n. àgakam; akè̱ è̱ s; ìdìzì; ìgàhǎm; ìzhorob barn n. ìngmè̱ bees n. anoon ishosh barn-owl n. àkukû before n. kashó̱ ò̱ n; adv. nízhàm barren n. kakpang beg, to v.p. nyé ákusùk; nyé ìzòng barren land n. àgò̱ ro̱ ro̱ ng beggarweed n. ìdùn ìshúrshò̱ n barren woman n. àsàngigòn begging v.n. àkúsùk; n. ìzòng2; v.n. kúsùk basket n. ìdèrse; ìtàde̱ ng; kakómóng begin, to v. kpààn; sán bat n. ànàànà beginning n. nàsàn bathe, to v. so being alive v.n. kùtser bathing n. riso being busy v.n. rigírík2 battle n. ìtsòm being confused due to sickness adv. wìì battle, to v. kò̱ n being stuck adv. she̱ ng be dirty, to v. gbaàm belch, to v. gèès be envious, to v. shíshím believing v.n. kunó̱ ó̱ k kátsak be in tears, to v. tós 2 bell n. ìbìn-ìtso̱ m; ìre̱ k be mad, to v. yírím bellows n. karuk be of the same, to s.v. tì te̱ e̱ r belly n. kafá; ríbú be present, to v.p. tá se belt n. àkèng be there, to v. kúsè bench n. kukpàrà 3 be weak, to v. yó̱ mò̱ ng bend down, to v. kúmùng; v.p. tí gùmùng be without s.t., to v. dun bend iron, to v.p. tí mùùr 1 be, to v. nyé; v. se2; v.p. tá se bend low, to v. rè̱ 2 bead n. kánèng bend slightly, to v.p. tí wèèr bean n. àbàng; àràpák bend the head downward, to v.p. tí kpír bean (generic) n. ìzízèk bend, to v. go̱ mo̱ ng; v. gòrdòk; v.p. tí gó̱ k bean plant n. àbò̱ kò̱ dò̱ k beneficence n. ritek bean sp. n. àkàrándar; ìshùtuk 104 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere beniseed n. àbùbuso; àkúgáng; àríriìr; black kite n. àkpang ìcé̱ né̱ ng black plum n. kafúrùk bent a. fòndòng; adv. tango̱ k black plum sp. n. kafúrùk àsòm bent, to be s.v. gó̱ k black sesame n. àbùbuso Berom p.n. Agbáng black wasp n. àgò̱ k Berom origin c.a. -gbang1 black-faced monkey n. àkà berserk, to v. yírím black, to v. wébèk; whi beside loc. núkím blacken, to v. gbaàm betroth, to v. sam1 blackjack plant n.p. alúra àbùko; alúra betrothal n. kusám ànyàko better for, to be v. gààr blackness n. kuwébek biceps n. ìshùr kùbo̱ k blacksmith n. àtù big a. gaán; c.a. -gbang2; a. kpis blacksmithing n. kutú big toe n. àtùgbak blanch, to v. karé̱ p big, large, plenty, enough a. gop bland a. kpìtìrìk bigger one n. àrìtek bleat, to v. gbé̱ sè̱ m; mé̱ è̱ s billet n. àgbírìk; kúgbìrìk blemish n. ìtsùruk bind, to v. rúsòm blemishes n. ìzò̱ rò̱ ng bird sp. n. àbò̱ p; n. àbò̱ p rìgbàng; n. blessing n. àwe̱ ng àcàmasèng; n. àcìnyê̱ nyé̱ è̱ r; n. àcò̱ k; n. blind person n. àkpàtó̱ ò̱ n adángádó̱ rò̱ ng; n. àdòòrûm; n. adùrúcing; blind snake n. kutí kàbèn n. àdùwang; n. àgbàráràng; n. àgbátò1; n. blindness n. rikpató̱ ó̱ n àgò̱ m àsùra; n. àgò̱ rě̱ k; n. àkànàrí; n. block, to v. fàn; támáng1; té̱ nè̱ ng àkàrgbààn; n. àkarwàu; n. àkè̱ re̱ ; n. blockage n. ìfààs àkèwùm; n. àkìm; n. àkpààk; n. àkpang; n. blocked, to be s.v. ship1 akpánkú; n. àkukû; n. àkùr(ù)ke̱ r; n. bloke n. àgyà2 àmùr(ù)me̱ r; n. ànyòòr; n. àrèn; n. àrùraar; blood n. nàsò̱ k n. àshàmo; n. àtùr(ù)shìk; n. àwun; n. blouse n. kukpíìn àwùr(ù)me̱ r; n. àwútùk; n. àwuyò̱ k; n. blow, to v. fé̱ bé̱ k; té̱ p1 1 ìbídà; n. ìkírítè̱ ; n. ìkpong; n. ìkúk; n. blue a. bubung; c.a. -bubung ìshùrukur2; n. ìzìko̱ s; n. ìzìp; n. ìzó̱ ; n. blunt a. gbìf izó̱ ó̱ ; n. kabírìk; n. kaké̱ è̱ n; n. kànon ìkíkò; blurred a. rìsh; shìsh n.p. kanon inyak; n. kànon izárám; n.p. board game n. àdalè kanon izúk; n. kawúùs; n. kushúléí; n. boast, to v. dé̱ bè̱ r; ngash; té̱ p2 nàkarwaù; n. nànon agóm; n. nànon árùm boat n. àzhar; àzhirigi; kukpàrà 1 bird, generic n. àwúnòn; kànon body n. kuro̱ m1 birth clan n. kutés body part n. ìkàp bishop-bird n. àgò̱ m àsùra bog n. kúte̱ k bishop-bird n. àcàmasèng boil n. ìtsùruk bit by bit adv. cè̱ k… boil briefly, to v. reneng bite, to v. rómóng; v.p. tí ngàk boil, to v. fénéng biting fly n. àvììr; àzhìzhi inyak bone n. kúkup bitter adv. káskás bone-marrow n. ìse̱ re̱ ; ìwè̱ bitter, to be s.v. reréng boobs n. ribásáng bitterleaf n. ritún book n. kufúmúng bitterness n. kuréréng boot n. kukpáták black c.a. -we borassus palm n. àtàrkài1 black ant n. ìshír(í)shò̱ n boring a. yus black cobra n. àfaka borrow-pit n. kúdéng black hairy caterpillar n. àzhò̱ ko̱ zho̱ kò̱ m 105 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere borrow, to v. bó̱ aro; kó̱ bó̱ k brother or sister-in-law n. àfíìn borrowing v.n. ìkó̱ bó̱ k brother-in-law n. àzo̱ m Bosc’s monitor lizard n. ìzòròk brothers n. anúba; aro boss n. àgbók àgbók 1 bruised, to be v. for2 bottom n. ikpáng 2 brush n. rinyé̱ sé̱ k boundary n. àgbak; ìgak; ìngak brush slightly, to v. nàtùng bow n. katá bubbles n. áfufùk bowels n. áwashàk bubbling adv. fùk… bowl n. àgbaan bud n. imóm bowstring n. rishé̱ budge, to v. séès boyfriend n. àcàm 1 buffalo n. ìzàr bracelet n. kanáráng build, to v. no̱ k brag, to v. dé̱ bè̱ r; ngash; té̱ p2 builder n. ànò̱ k braid, to v. bar; wos1 building n. rínó̱ k brain n. rifu bulbul n. àgbàráràng bran n. átàràng; àwhe̱ ; ìsùsò; kushong1 bull n. àmùng; àwhàràk branch n. ìwhàng bump in road n. kúrèn branch of a trail n. káre̱ è̱ r bunch n. kushók 1 branch, to v. faas; v. kírík 2; v. shámáng; v.p. bundle n. kusóm1 tí rè̱ è̱ r1 1 burglar n. àkpátàng; atáng bread n. àbredì; àkpàm2; àkpàngkam 1 burglary n. ìtsàng breadth n. ìsòng burgle, to v.p. nyé ìtsàng break out, to v. cúrùk burial n. kuné̱ r break, to v. búr; fó; tár3 burn, to v. fúús3; ri 1; shosh breaking a taboo n. rine̱ n burnt, to be v. ré̱ mè̱ ng1 breast n. ribásáng burp, to v. gèès breast milk n. ásabàr bury, to v. ne̱ r breast-milk n. nàbàsang bush n. àkos; katsé breechcloth n. ìtàng1 bush animal n. ìkèwùm breeze n. kúwún 1 bush cat n. àne̱ r brew, to v. ke̱ e̱ s; tup bush-candle n. rifár bright a. kanang 2 bushbaby n. àkàáfo brightness n. àkanang1 bushbuck n. ìtsò̱ rò̱ k bring s.t., to v. bé̱ è̱ n'e bushcow n. ìzàr bring something close, to v. ngáram bushy a. cò̱ shò̱ k bring up, to v. ta4 business n. rízhìk bring, to v. bó̱ but conj. àmma; ko...ra; ra bristly foxtail grass n. nàmè àgbóòm butcher n. àzhìk ìnyàk bristly starbur n. akíryàwo butterfly n. àtáfèbèk broadcast, to v. nas; san buttock n. ìshùr kpàng broken part n. ìshè̱ rè̱ p buttocks n. ikpáng 1 brook n. ìwé̱ è̱ n buy, to v. shán buzz around, to v. cú broom n. àcàng; ìtsìtsààr1; rinyé̱ sé̱ k 1 broth n. rining by the side of loc. núkím brother n. àronèng; àro̱ nyìnìng C c 106 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere cactus n. àsò̱ nggo̱ ; ìzùzùk cautious, to be v.p. sák ríyé̱ cadaver n. kugóbók; kukóm cautiously adv. kyó̱ o̱ n; tátàn cairn n. ìkòk cave n. kase̱ m; kútàs1 cajole, to v. kurúm2 cavern n. kase̱ m cake n. àkpàm2; àkpàngkam 1 cavity n. kafong calabash n. kakéréng; kazó̱ nó̱ ng cease, to v. nyíséng calabash vine n. ìtso̱ 2 ceiling shelf n. àgìp calf (of a cow) n. ìfòr ìnyak cement block n. àbùlɔ̂ k calf of leg n. kudàmci centipede n. àkpàse̱ m call, to v. yís 1 centre n. katíté called, to be v. dep cereal flour n. àsìrìk àko̱ calling v.n. kuyís cereal seeds n. àsìrìk ícá calls the attention of a dog excl. èsh-èsh ceremony p.n. àsùr(ù)bè; n.p. ìnye ishò̱ ng; callus n. ìshìng n.p. ìríp káfá; n. ìzhàk; n. kubók calm n. kaménéng rìyè̱ ; a. tèp certain things pron. ìkéng íkàk calmly adv. whè̱ certainly part. àgà; a. zhé̱ mzhé̱ m can v. kem chaff n. átàràng; àwhe̱ ; ìkíko̱ ; ìsùsò; canary n. àkànàrí; n.p. kanon izúk kushong1 cancel, to v. birík chameleon n. àkùso̱ m cane mark n. ìbin chance on, to v. táàr cane-rat n. ìbèp change (clothes), to v. kírík 3 cane, to v. tsór change, to v. shíshìng canoe n. àzhirigi; kukpàrà 1 channel n. kútsees cap n. ríbòng chap n. àgyà2; àré captain n. àsóyìr chapter n. àtsè̱ k4 car n. àmatò; ìtsààp character n. kuse caracal n. kakperem charcoal n. atse̱ n; ritsé̱ n carcass n. kugóbók charm n. kúláu; rídùk inyó̱ ò̱ r care for, to v. fek chase, to v. ró careful, to be v.p. sák ríyé̱ chatter n. imók carefully adv. tátàn; whè̱ cheap a. bè̱ rè̱ 1 carelessly id. kpè̱ dè̱ ng 1; adv. ranko̱ ranko̱ cheat, to v. mo̱ ó̱ r caring n. kufék cheating v.n. rigúp carry, to v. be1; cer; fanang cheek n. ishí; kúsèk carrying v.n. àgìríte̱ cheerfulness n. ritak 2 carve, to v. sé̱ p chest n. àgo̱ ng; kafók carving v.n. àsé̱ p chicken n. inyon case n. rife̱ 2 chief n. àgò̱ m cash n. ìtso̱ m2 1 chief in office, to be v.p. nyé agwo̱ m cassava n. àragò̱ child n. igon; n.p. ìtsàm riyé̱ cat n. àmúùs children n. anoon catarrh n. àfòròm chili pepper n. ìbèning catch, to v. yíìr2 2 chilly id. yó̱ kyó̱ k category n. ìrìri; kutong chin n. kader; kadure̱ r caterpillar n. àtúkpè̱ r-ìzóbòk chink n. ìfàng; kusáráng caterpillar sp. n. àmùr(u)do̱ k2; kubúbààs chip off s.t. n. ìcek catfish (generic) n. ìzòs nàtè̱ n chip off, to v. shé̱ ré̱ p cattle egret n. adángádó̱ rò̱ ng chisel n. ìgàs cause, to v. sák1 choke, to v. só̱ rò̱ ng choose, to v. kasa 107 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere choosing v.n. kukásá cobweb n. kunáràng chop down, to v. té̱ mé̱ ng cock n. àtsò̱ n chop up, to v. ke̱ e̱ r2 cockroach n. ìwhé̱ è̱ s1 Christian p.n. Àfé ìbe; n. Àfíìkúùs coded expression n. àbúrànà Christmas p.n. àkirmìs cogitate, to v. nyásàng; tò̱ chuck, to v. wórók cogitation n. kuto̱ rò̱ ng chunk of meat n. ìtsùng coil n. kaziring chunks of solid cereal in kunnu drink n. icá coin n. ìtso̱ m2 1 cigarette-lighter n. ìtsò̱ m(i)róng cola nut n. àgo̱ ro̱ circle n. kagoròk; kaziring cold a. caàng; n. kushírìm; id. yó̱ kyó̱ k circular a. bubìrìk cold (liquid), to v. shírìm circumcision n. ìzhàk coldness n. kúwún 2 civet cat n. ìfùnà colleague n. àférátseng; ìgǒ̱ clan n. ìzó̱ ro̱ k; kázú1 2 collect, to v. gùng; túsùng clandestinely adv. kyó̱ o̱ n colonise, to v. ye̱ be̱ k 2 class n. ìrìri colour a. atuúru; c.a. -shimshim claw n. kutsara colourful bird sp. n. ìzhés clay n. rirém colourless adv. cíngcíng clean, to v. karak comb n. àcope; àwùryà clean, to be v. fóróp comb of cock n. kugyo̱ so̱ clear a. kanang 1 combat n. kurén clear, to v. ké̱ rè̱ ng1 combine, to v. ke̱ re̱ k clearing n. riké̱ rè̱ ng come back, to v. bun cleft n. kusáráng come from, to v. nè2; ne̱ clever a. tsítsé̱ ng come near, to v. tebek clever person n. àtsítsé̱ ng come out, to v. wúrúk cleverness n. rítsé̱ ng; ritsitse̱ ng come, to v. be̱ climb, to v. ngárák comfortable or beautiful, to s.v. sás climbing v.n. kungárák comfortably adv. nùk climbing plant sp. n. íwhó̱ k ìtsààp coming v.n. kubé̱ ; v.a. saáse clitoris n. àkyò̱ ng; ìcèk rìgbòòr coming out v.n. kuwúrúk clod n. kubér command n.p. agbang kuto̱ close a. bubárák; tè̱ tè̱ commander n. àsóyìr close to loc. núkím commence, to v. kpààn; sán close to the ground, to be v. rè̱ 1 commencement n. nàsàn close up, to v. nyímíng commend, to v. kerek close, to v. fám; whé̱ è̱ n commerce n. rízhìk closely spaced id. zhirzhir commit suicide, to v.p. no̱ nurík closing v.n. kuwhé̱ è̱ n communal farming n. àpúri; ìshuùn clot of blood n. kushók 2 communal labour group n. àgaya cloth n. àròòs; ìpè̱ r; ìtàn; kurés1 communication n. kutóm 1 clothes n. arúrúk companion n. àfàram; àfudang; ìgǒ̱ clothing n. kúré̱ s kùtè companionship n. rifárám cloud n. ánàkàkà; kúne̱ n compassion n. kuró̱ rìyè̱ clown p.n. Àgbànggbang; Àgbang ìzàkò̱ m complain repeatedly, to v.p. táng ìfà club n. ìshè̱ n complete, to s.v. múmák co-investor n. àfufirik completely adv. cè̱ è̱ r; kùsùm coal n. atse̱ n completely silent adv. wín coarse a. kporshok; ngàpzhàng; tò̱ kò̱ shò̱ k completeness n. kushínìng coax, to v. kurúm2 compost n. nàrìk 108 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere compound n. kasá count, to v. fa compress, to v. fìndìng; gíír1 counting v.n. kufa comrade n. àfàram court case n. àmok conceal (oneself), to v. ne̱ re̱ ng courtier n. àfe riyerek conceal, to v. ne̱ r cover n. ìfùn 2 conceited, to s.v. ka3 cover s.t., to v. kís conclude, to v. kúús cover, to v. fám; tso̱ o̱ m2 condiments n. ikerón covered, to be s.v. tò̱ rò̱ p condolences n. kàkó̱ o̱ k covetousness n. kuyé̱ rè̱ k confined a. zhó̱ kó̱ dó̱ k cow n.p. ìnyak ìzere; n. ìnyak conflict n. ìtsòm cow dung n. riné̱ 2 confuse, to v. búrúk2 cow-itch vine n. rikó̱ s congeal, to v.p. tí pèp cowhide n. àbúsù congo grass n. kutsítsì cowpea n. ábàng1 conserve, to v. sák2 cowry n. ìkírbí consider, to v. bó̱ rò̱ ng2; dí1; nyásàng; tò̱ crab n. àkpàkanang; àzòko kánáng conspicuously adv. vèrèm crabgrass n. àrírì constellation p.n. Àshàn-ìtso̱ m; àtáshò̱ ng2 crack n. izé̱ e̱ n 1 construct, to v. no̱ k crack, to v. tár3 construction n. rínó̱ k craftiness n. rítsé̱ ng; ritsitse̱ ng container n. kurés2 craftsmanship n. ribóòn continue with, to v. tóbòk2 cramped a. zhó̱ kó̱ dó̱ k continuous marker v.a. tá sèn crane n. àrùraar convincingly adv. kiki cranny n. kusáráng convulse, to v. vun crawl, to v. kú2 cook, to v. fénéng; reer craziness n. kuyírím cooked, to be s.v. been crazy act n. àwhòng cooking n. ànyes; v.n. kuréér crazy person n. àfúnam cool id. yó̱ kyó̱ k crazy, to be v.p. tí rè̱ è̱ r1 2 cool place n. àcàang creep, to v. kú2 cool s.t., to v. bó̱ rò̱ ng1 creeper sp. n. àcùre ázhizhe̱ k; àgyò̱ ò̱ r; àkàrè cool, to be v. shírìm àtár; àkúnàtang; àmǒ̱ ngò̱ ; àradè̱ r; ìcés; copious a. kpè̱ 1 ìzhò̱ rò̱ p ádang; ké̱ ge̱ s; nàya àgbararàng; copulate, to v. wo̱ m nàya ítsáám; rikó̱ s copulation n. ìwo̱ m crevice n. ìfàng; kusáráng cord n. ìzìnìng; kudún cricket (tiny) n. izorír cornstalk n. àkányò̱ ò̱ r crocodile n. àkùr(ù)tsàng; ìtsàng àshì corpse n. kugóbók; kukóm crooked a. fòndòng; adv. tango̱ k corpulence n. rino cross, to v. tár4 corpulent a. kàshàk; kpè̱ k’àsè̱ k crossbar n. àkpàndang corpulent, to v. me̱ 3 crossed sticks n. rikón correct a. ge̱ r crouch, to v. kúmùng Correct! excl. ànóng crouching n. àkyò̱ ó̱ kyo̱ k cotton n. àdàham; àdìga crow (cock), to v. té̱ p1 2 cough n. kukúsóm crowd n. rigó̱ m cough, to v. kósóm; kúsóm crowded a. co̱ sh councillor p.n. àgàlámà1; àmágàzhí1; crumpled a. shùngùr àmarki1 crush, to v. kó̱ ; me̱ re̱ sh counsel n. ìtàbàk crushed a. fòndòng; shùngùr 109 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere crustacean sp. n. àkpàkanang curved, to be s.v. gó̱ k cry n. àwyûwyû custard apple n. riwúr cry, to v. tár1; tós2 custom n. ìgò̱ ò̱ n crying v.n. kanák cut a piece off, to v. shé̱ ré̱ p ctustacean n. àzòko kánáng cut a random scatter of pieces, to v. zhé̱ ré̱ m cuckoo n. akpánkú cut down, to v. té̱ mé̱ ng cuckoo-shrike n. nànon agóm cut into pieces, to v. ke̱ e̱ r2; nye̱ re̱ m; she̱ ; zhe̱ k cultivate, to v. káp1 cut low, to v. ré̱ mè̱ ng2 culture n. ìgò̱ ò̱ n cut, to v. té̱ n1; tsé̱ é̱ r cunning n. rítsé̱ ng; ritsitse̱ ng cutlass n. àdá2 cunning person n. àtsértser cutter n. àtsè̱ k2 curse, to v. fìmìng cutting-grass n. ìbèp curve, to v. gòrdòk; v.p. tí gó̱ k cylinder n. kútòp1 curved adv. tango̱ k D d dad n. àdá1 debt n. kutá3 dagger n. àgají; kutsór decay, to v. rú2 daily adv. yé̱ ryé̱ r deceased person n. àko̱ 2; àkù dam n. núdúng deceive, to v. wó̱ k1 dampness n. kushírìm December p.n. Kufén kuwún dance p.n. Àbèwà; p.n. Àdàkarè; n. àgàfu1; decieve, to v. mo̱ ó̱ r p.n. àpánga; n. àshàruwa2; p.n. àwázà; n. decipher, to v. zó̱ k ìkò̱ s; p.n. inyak; n. ìsa declare judgment, to v.p. té̱ n àmok dance ground n. kázú2 declare, to v. tak1 dance group p.n. Àmata decline, to v. té̱ é̱ k dance, to v. nàtò; tó decode, to v. zó̱ k dangle, to v. ré̱ decompose, to v. bús dark in colour, to be v. wébèk decomposed c.a. -bus'e dark, to be v. whi decomposition n. kubús darken, to v. gbaàm decorate, to v. zem darkness n. àwhì; kurín1; kuwébek decoration n. ìzèm dash, to v. nang decrease, to v. té̱ é̱ k dassie n. ìshonong deed n. kunyé date palm n. ìzìzèrèk deep a. tsik daughter n. àngàs; àsùze̱ r defeat, to v. cánàng; méés2 daughter-in-law n. àkùgòn defeated adv. ngme̱ dawn n. abóp defecate, to v.p. nyé kama’mé day n. kunom 2 defend, to v. tór 2 day after n. ìzòròm definitely part. àgà day after tomorrow n. kaniyà defraud, to v. mo̱ ó̱ r; wó̱ k1 day before yesterday n. kaniyà degrade, to v. fé̱ ré̱ daybreak n. abóp dehusk, to v. fóróp dazed adv. wìì deity p.n. Àdakunòm dead body n. kukóm deliver, to v. tés dead cells n. riwá 1 dementia n. kuyírím deaf person n. àgbátò2 Demidoff's galago n. àkàáfo 110 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere demolish, to v. yírìk describes how a drunk person or an old man demon n. ìtsèng1 walks adv. te̱ ke̱ … demonstrate, to v. tónòng describes how a giant walks adv. gàndàng denotes s.t. bigger in size than normal pref. describes how something breaks into pieces ku-- adv. shangà shangà dense a. co̱ sh describes how water comes out of the ground denude, to v. for1 adv. bùlbùl deny, to v. shí; tón describes insisting on having one's way. excl. depart, to v. dorók 1 kar… departure n. kudórók describes interrupting s.t. suddenly adv. Derby’s eland n. ìnàkon gbúrdúk dermatitis n. áshì kúfò describes leakage adv. zò̱ … derogatory remark n. àkúr(ù)pa1 describes leaving a mess around the mouth descend, to v. tíìk adv. zès descent n. kutísìk describes loss of voice when singing a. ship2 describes a collapse adv. huruk1 describes luring by sweet talk id. rè̱ mrè̱ m describes a deflated tyre, a disappointment describes motionlessness, implying to faint adv. shò̱ rò̱ k or to die adv. cam describes a door wide open id. poi describes numbness adv. tàshàk 1 describes a face set in a grimace a. gbìsìsì describes open and acommodating person describes a frayed rope just about to cut adv. adv. sà 2 she̱ kshe̱ k describes plenty of leftovers adv. ngmè̱ m describes a person bent over a. gùpzùng describes plumpness adv. mormor describes a protruding shape adv. fìsh describes roaming about without caring id. describes a slap on the face id. kpák tàltàl2 describes a small swelling adv. màrmàr describes rolling solids into balls adv. describes a very small quantity of s.t. adv. gbàrdàk nyé̱ è̱ ng describes ruffled feathers, tousled a. describes being afloat adv. tàndàng fùkùshùk1 describes being badly dressed a. fùkùshùk3 describes s.o. or s.t. which very much describes being completely exhausted excl. resembles s.t. else adv. kyo̱ n wir… describes s.o. speaking idiomatically adv. describes being disorderly a. fùkùshùk2 Ìbò̱ r2 describes being drenched, soaked adv. shè̱ tè̱ k describes s.o. who insists on having their describes being easygoing adv. wè̱ è̱ rwè̱ è̱ r way. excl. rak… describes being unaccompanied adv. kpàm describes s.o. who keeps silent with no describes breaking adv. ho̱ k expression on their face a. gbiring describes cutting something very closely id. describes s.o. with a plump body accidentally nyíknyík exposed a. kpònòr describes disorderly dressing, dishevelled describes s.t. coloured and with a pattern id. adv. shàkàràk zhò̱ ng… describes drizzle id. kùskùs describes s.t. completely weakened a. describes giddiness adv. wìì gbugbe̱ re̱ k describes giving s.t. a cursory look a. kèl describes s.t. crushed into pieces adv. rúk… describes going round in circles searching for describes s.t. delicately balanced, on the something adv. àkìrízing2 point of breaking or falling adv. ré̱ è̱ sh describes grimace adv. bè̱ shè̱ k describes s.t. done contrary to expectation describes having a great sexual urge id. adv. nítìk’e zúrzúr describes s.t. fitting perfectly into a space id. sò̱ k 111 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere describes s.t. full up to brim (of liquid) adv. describes the sound of a horse eating id. bè̱ rè̱ 2 kpurùskpurùs describes s.t. half-cooked id. nyirìsnyirìs describes the sting of a bee adv. vè̱ r2 describes s.t. out of kilter a. gàrdàk describes the sting of a scorpion adv. kàsh describes s.t. overripe, overfilled a. bò̱ kbò̱ k describes the sweetness of fruits or drinks describes s.t. poised, balanced, on edge adv. adv. rò̱ k… ge̱ ng describes thick and hard food a. kpìshìk describes s.t. protruding or conspicuously out describes trailing somebody closely adv. of place a. gàptàng bàsbàs describes s.t. that happens in quick describes unreliable behaviour a. bò̱ rò̱ k succession adv. cùrcùr describes water dropping to the ground id. describes s.t. that happens in quick pis succession. adv. cùcù describes whirling around to make yourself describes s.t. with no holes in the surface a. giddy (children) adv. àkìrízing3 gbirim2 desert date n. àduwà2 describes s.t. worn out adv. felfel desiccate, to v. fíníng describes saltiness a. mè̱ smè̱ s desiccated c.a. -koor describes something falling into two halves desiccation n. kukóór or mirror images adv. hák design n. ìzìbìr describes something far above the surface of desire n. kushím1 the ground adv. ring… desire to eat meat n. ìwhì describes something standing huge and desire, to v. shím1 strong adv. gìpzhìng desist, to v. wón describes something worn or spoiled a. -ge̱ e̱ r despise, to v. zhé̱ é̱ sh describes speaking harshly or in an despising s.o. n. kuzhé̱ é̱ sh unfriendly manner adv. ngàk…2 despite conj. ko...ra describes speaking harshly to id. ngàkngàk destroy, to v. yírìk describes speaking openly, overtly, deviate, to v. faas; v. kírík 2; v. shámáng; v.p. extroverted id. pong tí rè̱ è̱ r1 1 describes stickiness a. gbe̱ pgbe̱ p device n. izhìng describes sticking adv. she̱ ng Devil p.n. àzénázen2 describes sticky food in balls a. màrdàk devious person n. àtsértser describes strange behaviour adv. kpè̱ rdè̱ k devour, to v. ké̱ rè̱ ng2; v. ngo̱ o̱ r; v. sek; v.p. té describes sudden breakage of rope or kùp; v.p. té mò̱ ò̱ r; v.p. tí kpàk slipping from grasp id. kpàì dew n. nàming describes surplus, especially of food a. gbè̱ m dialect p.n. Àkyo describes swelling on the body a. -mardak dialect p.n. Abôrzà; Àdo̱ s describes swelling up adv. hò̱ kò̱ m dialect p.n. Àfírìsum describes talking to s.o. in an unfriendly dialect p.n. Àfudelek manner adv. hàshàk dialect p.n. Àganang; p.n. Ìdérèk; p.n. Ìdò̱ s; describes the cutting of rope adv. pàr n. ifuderek; n. Ìkyo; p.n. Ìsǔm describes the fall of a large person to the diarrhoea n. kutáng ground id. pep 1 die, to v. kú1 describes the heat of a fire (especially a coal different id. ze̱ rze̱ r fire) adv. nyèi1 differentiate, to v. kam describes the last one remaining a. -gyang'e differently adv. ze̱ e̱ r describes the long ears of a hare a. vong difficult to get rid of, to be v. shonong 2 describes the ruin of the standing of s.o. adv. difficult, to v. ró̱ huruk2 diffused a. shaam 112 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere dig up, to v. rúm doctor n. àbòk digging v.n. irúm dodder n. ìdùn ìzà diminish, to v. she̱ p Doesn’t exist! excl. Sho̱ ng diminsh, to v. suk dog n. àgàbu; àkùkwi; àtìtan diminutive pref. ká-; ki-- dog-name p.n. Àbàn; Àdùrùwà dip, to v. shúmùng dogstooth grass n. àtsòsò direction n. àbas domesticating v.n. kuwúsúp dirt n. nàrìk dominate, to v. ye̱ be̱ k 2 dirty a. gbàràràng; gbìrìrìng Don't! excl. Cege! dirty, to v. rùrùk 1 done well id. ge̱ rge̱ r dirty, to be v. wébèk donkey n. àzhàki disappear, to v.p. tí icá; tí zhàù door n. àkìr(i)kang; àkùkang; kanu kútu disarrayed id. ràkàshàk dormouse? n. kushong2 discipline, to v. nees 1 doubt n. àgak riye̱ discover, to v. se̱ doubtful adv. sàs discuss, to v. bó̱ rò̱ ng2 dough n. kufúk disease n. àgaudì; àgo̱ ; àkàpe; àkpàrashàk; dozy, to v. zìì àsàbor; áshì rìkòs; àyò̱ rò̱ k; ìcàr; ikpés; drag, to v. kó̱ rò̱ k ìshò̱ p; ìtsùsà; ìzhúkùba; kuró̱ k; kushé̱ n; dragonfly n. àfèèp ricìrìm drainage n. kútsees disease of yam tubers n. aròn drama n. kuyó̱ ró̱ k Disgraceful! excl. Waà draw close, to v. fábák1 disgusting n. àke̱ re̱ ; a. ke̱ re̱ ; a. kyo̱ o̱ p dream n. nàbòs dish n. àgbaan dream, to v.p. rásàk nàbò̱ s disinter, to v. rúm dredge, to v. káràk dislocate, to v. tsíbík1 dregs n. ìshùùm dismantle, to v. yírìk drench, to v. shú disorderly a. ko̱ o̱ r; id. ràkàshàk; adv. dress up, to v. té2 2 zhààshzhààsh dribble n. á(cí)cé̱ bòs disown, to v. dísíng 1 dribble, to v. tsír disperse, to v. kam; san dried up, to v. fùk dispersed a. shaam drink n. àbo̱ ro̱ k display with pride, to v. kangmé̱ k drink, to v. só̱ disseminated a. shaam drinking v.n. kusó̱ dissolve, to v. wuyóng; yunung drive away (animals), to v. ró distance n. kútsìk drive away, to v. shík 1 distant a. gùgò̱ k; tsík; yík drive car, to v. tsíbík2 distant, to be s.v. tsààr drive smoke into a hole, to v. fung3 distasteful a. fè̱ shè̱ k; ke̱ re̱ driver ants n. kùshibrik ditch n. kukúrdúng; kútsees drool n. á(cí)cé̱ bòs dive under water, to v. ritip drum (general) n. ìbìn divide, to v. kábák drummer n. àbíko̱ divination n.p. ìbàràk ìkíríwhèr; n. itáng áshi drumstick n. ìgúk3 divulge, to v. té̱ s dry c.a. -koor do excessively, to v.p. tí nyák dry season n. àze̱ ng do s.t. ahead of time, to v. tsan dryness n. kukóór do something right, to v. nyel; nyen dub-grass n. àtsòsò do something well, to be perfect, to v. nye̱ re̱ Duguza language p.n. Ìdìzì do something, to a. tùtùk duiker sp. n. àgbash; ìnyítse̱ n do, to v. nyé 113 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere dull a. yus dupe, to v. wó̱ k1 dull person n. àdo̱ so̱ p dusk n. kawhéshirim; adv. wùwììr2 dull, to be v.p. tí yùs dust n. ìwur dumb person n. àgbánu dust-devil n. ìcìng dumbfounded adv. gyo̱ ng dying v.n. rikú dumbfoundedly adv. zhìrìm dysentery n. kutáng dung n. nàrìk; ribing dung-beetle n. àzhìzhi abing E e eagerness n. ìfèng embers n. ìtòng ear n. kútò embrace v. kúnúng ear of corn n. kútò inyò̱ ò̱ r 1 embroider, to v. tós1 ear of grain n. rinyísí 2 emergence v.n. kuwúrúk ear-hole n. ribóng kútò emotional id. dekdek early adv. bóp; gùm employment n. ìtòmòng early morning n. abóp empty-handedness n. rikóor 1 earth n. acàsh; cash1; ìbèn; kabén; kazátse empty-headed adv. kuróro2 earthworm n. àgapdang; kuná kar empty, to v. gbúrum earthworm casts n. àmùr(ù)zhe̱ r encircle, to v. góròk east n. kayé̱ r encounter, to v. nyim eat, to v. ngo̱ o̱ r; yá end up, to v. kúús eating v.n. kúyá2 end, to v. nyíséng eaves n. itsarang endurance n. ìsó̱ r ebony tree n. kafúfúk endure, to v. furku; tsésék echo n. nàwòr enemy n. àmùdo̱ n eczema n. áshì kúfò energetic a. kò̱ shò̱ k edge n. kukés2 engagement n. kusám edge of a cactus fence n. kukébin engine n. izhìng edible leaves n. ríkón enquiry n. kuríp edifice n. rínó̱ k enset banana n. ìzàkò̱ m egg n. ritsi2 entangle, to v. kárám eggplant n. ìwhè̱ enter, to v. no̱ 1 eggs of lice n. kúti (ìtsè̱ nè̱ ng) entering v.n. kuno̱ eight num. ìkara enthusiasm n. ìfèng either conj. ka1 entice, to v. kurúm2 elbow n. ìkátsoon entirely adv. káp2; kùsùm elder n. ànuma entreat, to v.p. nyé ákusùk elderly person n. àkò̱ k'e entreating v.n. àkúsùk; n. ìzòng2 elderly, to be v. kóp envy n. rishíshím elephant n. ìzòòm epilepsy n. ricìrìm elephant grass n. ìmòs1 erase, to v. birík elevated ground n. àgàràng erode, to v. suk eleven num. kusó̱ k bê azínìng err, to v. dun nyé eloquent a. car1 eructate, to v.p. ta ribing emaciate, to v. we̱ erupt, to v. cúrùk embarassment n. ìsum escape hole n. àtàto̱ k 114 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere escape, to v. gáàr1 2; whér1 excited id. dekdek escaping v.n. kuwhér exclamation used in the children’s game escort, to v. tsà ayaras excl. yáràs especially adv. àbààn; a. àtùk2 Exclamation used to call a puppy excl. esteem, to v. kerek Kwikwî! eternally adv. ìzenizèn excrement n. ribing euphorbia n. àsò̱ nggo̱ ; ìzùzùk excreta n. ribing euphorbia sp. n. ìzùzùk àtse̱ ng exhale, to v. fé̱ bé̱ k Eve p.n. Ìwa exhaust, to v. gang 1; kúús evening n. kawhéshirim exhausted a. gbe̱ re̱ k evening star p.n. àdar àwùwìrìk exhausted, to be v. fùk; ró̱ n ever adv. kùn exhaustion n. kuró̱ n every quant. kóákè̱ ; péér exist, to v.p. tá se everybody quant. koàngan; koànyen exit, to v. wúrúk everyone quant. cei, cícé̱ r; koàngan; koànyen experience, to v. fók everything quant. kóákè exposed a. kúyé̱ everywhere quant. kóákè̱ exposing the teeth a. nyèi2 1 evil a. kàrdàk; a. kpè̱ 2; c.a. -maan; n. ríkpè̱ expresses extreme effort adv. nyák evil bird n. kuku expresses surprise excl. Hǎ?; Ho̱ o̱ ! evil person n. àkpé̱ expresses victory excl. Whéu! evil spirit n. àmáàn kàbik expression of admiration excl. Ish! evil spirit; n. ìtsèng1 expression of defeat, pain, regret excl. Kásh! exaggeratedly adv. yìyàk expression used to drive a dog away excl. Cà! exaggeration n. àyìyàk; excl. Kaika extend, to v. fúús2 examining n. kumáás exterior n. kúfáng excavate, to v. ke̱ ; rúm extinguish, to v. rímíng2 exceed, to v. gor; nár extract, to v. kas3 1; whíìr excessive, to be v. mak extremely black c.i. típtíp excessively adv. yìyàk eye n. rinyísí 1 exchange n. ìwerén eyebrow n. kúgbìr exchange, to v. shíshìng eyelashes n. nàsha anyisi F f fabricate, to v. no̱ k fan, to v. wum face n. kanyísí fantasy n. àwhòng face powder n. ìtsò far a. gùgò̱ k; tsik; tsík; yík facial markings n. ìzùzo̱ far, to s.v. tsààr fadama n. kúte̱ k farewell excl. Àtato̱ faeces n. ribing farm n. riko̱ failing v.n. rikpa2 farm, to v. káp1 fall, to v. kpà farmer n. àner ìkap fallow n. àbàkò̱ farming n. ìkap; ìzáán falsehood n. abóós; kábóròk; nàbóròk farmland n. àfòk family member n. àfékàri farmlands n. ábàng2 famine n. ìzòng1 farness n. kútsìk famished, to be s.v. fók ìzòng fart, to v.p. ta ribing fan-palm n. àtàrkài1 fashion n. ìcam 115 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere fast adv. gbàshàk; zízírík finally notice, to v.p. té kpàràk fasting n.p. kusor dàr kuyá nayá find by luck, to v. táàr fat c.a. -gbang2; a. kàshàk; a. kpàkàràk; a. find, to v. se̱ kpè̱ k’àsè̱ k; n. rifébék fine (in money) n. kutímíng fat, to be v. me̱ 3 fine (powder) a. tírírí father n. àdá1; àtèk; àtè; ité fine, to s.v. sás father-in-law n. àtàakop finger n. kabánbó̱ k fatigue n. kuró̱ n finger-millet n. kukpáráp fatigued a. gbe̱ re̱ k fingernail n. kúkpè̱ rè̱ fatness n. rino finish, to v. gang 1; kúús; nyíséng fatten, to v. no fire n. kuróng fear n. inyim firefly n. ìshítiìr feather n. kútsen firmly adv. dìrìng featherbrained adv. kuróro2 first c. num. -me̱ se̱ ng feathergrass n. ìtsìtsààr2 fish (generic) n. ìzòs feathergrass sp. n. ìtsìtsààr àgàbu; ìtsìtsààr fish sp. n. àfìsh; àkèr; àkísè; àwhèrè; ìtsè̱ n; kabanon ìzòs ísèng; ìzòs nàtè̱ n February p.n. Àsè̱ r kutsin fissure n. kusáráng Federe dialect p.n. Ìdérèk fit, to v. té2 1 feeble, to s.v. yò̱ ò̱ five c. num. -toon; num. –toon; num. tùwùn feebleness n. kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 1 fix, to v. basák; bo̱ ó̱ n; rúsòm feel dull, to v. zìì fixed id. dingding feeling nauseous adv. shírír flag bearer n. àzegi feeling OK adv. shìshè̱ k flame n. rigem fellow n. àfudang; àgyà2; àré; àrè̱ flashingly adv. belèpbelèp female pref. àbà-; n. àkuma; n. ànyìnìng flask n. kúwong female name p.n. Adúngshi; p.n. àgo; n. flat a. nè̱ k2 ìshè̱ è̱ r2 flatulence n. ribing fenced area n. rigo̱ o̱ r flatulent, to be v.p. ta ribing flautist n. àrúsòk ferment, to v. rú2 fermented a. kpùkpàk flee, to v. whér1 fern n. àfor fleeing v.n. kuwhér fertiliser n. nàrìk flickeringly adv. belèpbelèp; id. berèmberèm festival p.n. àsùr(ù)bè flies n. ànyàwhì; natúmun fling, to v. mísík 1; wórók; zímíng fetch, bring, to v. to̱ k2 flock n. kukpárá fetch, to v. bó̱ flog, to v. tsór; whérèk few quant. cíè̱ k 1 field n. àfòk; ìwe̱ ng; kùbang flood, to v. ta1 fields n. ábàng2 flour n. ìkpè; ìkpìkèng fig tree n. àgbè̱ k; kubo̱ p flow, to v. wó̱ k2 1 fig tree sp. n. àtáfo ìtsàmàng; àtáfò flowers n. ásho̱ ì fight n. kurén flute n. àdùrúduk2; àgàfu2; àshàruwa1; ìtòp1 fight, to v. kò̱ n flute-player n. àrúsòk fighting with sticks n. kurén ishén flutes n. azhaar; kàbán agafǔ fill up with sediment, to v.p. tí shíp flutter down, to v.p. tí tò̱ ò̱ 1 fill up, to v. shínìng fly n. ìtsítsìng filter, to v. shírìk fly-whisk n. nàgo̱ ng2 filthy, to v. rùrùk 1 flycatcher n. nànon árùm final one n. ìgang’é flying ant n. ìzì 116 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere foam n. áfufùk frame s.o., to v. ritín4 foaming adv. fùk… francolin n. ìzìp Fobur dialect p.n. Ìbò̱ r1 free a. warak; wàshàk fog n. ìshíkò̱ ò̱ r frequent a place, to v. càar fold together v. kúnúng frequently adv. yé̱ ryé̱ r fold, to v. fábák1 fresh a. -shirim folk-tale n. atín àfe (ka)shó̱ ò̱ n friable a. rùùsh… follow the wrong path, to v. támáng2 friend n. àfàram; àférátseng; àrè̱ ; ìgǒ̱ follow, to v. kúùs friendship n. rifárám; riférátséng; rime̱ ‘follow’, to v. tsà frighten, to v. shirík following day adv. kayàtsòn frivolous adv. kuróro2 fond to doing s.t., to be v. wósàn from loc. núfé fonio n. ìtson from time to time adv. maan ne; té̱ n2 food n. kukám; nàkàn; nàya front n. kashó̱ ò̱ n fool n. àfúrè̱ 2; àkúr(ù)pa2 front of a house n. kacanáan foolish talk n. kawóróng frontier n. àgbak; ìgak; ìngak foolish, to be v. zìzìk froth n. áfufùk foolishness adv. tàshàk 2 frothing adv. fùk… footprint n. kúne̱ frown n. àmààsh footwear n. kukpáták fruit n. kutés kakò̱ n for me pron. tí fruit sp. n. àgbaar rifar; kufufo̱ o̱ n for us pron. tí...yír fruit stone n. ìcà1 force feed, to v. shó̱ k fruit stone of the Canarium, rifár tree n. forehead n. kátí ìkírwhè̱ r foreskin n. ìshùrukur1 fruit, generic n. àgba3 forest n. katsé; kúcì fry, to v. kánáng1 forestall, to v. fàn frying pan n. ìtse̱ n foretell, to v. zaràp fucking n. ìwo̱ m foretelling n. kuzaràp full adv. té̱ sh forever adv. ìzenizèn fullness n. kushínìng forget, to v.p. tí bùrùm fully adv. cè̱ è̱ r forgetfulness n. àbùrùm fully ripe, to be v. súm forgiveness n. ìgáàs fumble, to v. dun nyé forgotten a. ham funeral n. kuné̱ r fornication n. rikúná funeral rites n. àrushuk foulness n. kubús funnel n. ìyèrèng foundation n. ribor funnily adv. kpùkpòk four c. num. -naas fur n. kukúyo̱ ng fowl n. inyon furrow n. kútse̱ n fowl louse n. kuté̱ né̱ ng Fursum dialect p.n. Ìsǔm fracture, to v. búr fury n.p. riyé̱ kubísèng fragile a. rùùsh… fustiness n. kushíshírik fragments n. ìtsìtsun G g gag n. ìwhàs gall bladder n. kúre gall n. ìgbé gall-bladder n. nàre2 117 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere gallop n. kúrèn go ahead, to v. tsè Gambian mongoose n. àzò̱ go amok, to v. yírím game n. àyàràs; kuyó̱ ró̱ k go around, to v. góròk games n. ikeyó̱ ró̱ k go crazy, to v. yírím gap in front teeth n. ìshàr1 go down, to v. tíìk garbage n. àwha go forward, to v. weér; wésèk garden egg n. ìwhè̱ bòs; ìwhè̱ ; nakárfé̱ go into, to v. no̱ 1 garlic n. ìnyìr(í)kar go on with, to v. wésèk garrulous a. kìkyàù go out, to v. wúrúk gasp, to v.p. nyé háp go, to v. be2; tseng gasping n. àhihíir goat n. ìbòn; kasháam gather, to v. gùng goatweed n. àtabà azhik’àbòk gauge, to v. maás1 1 gobble, to v. ké̱ rè̱ ng2 gecko n. àkpadìsi gobsmacked, to be s.v. yang generosity n. ritak 1 God p.n. Àdakunòm genet n. àmiya; àrúndùng; àshìdiri God forbid! excl. Kéikà’; Kísh! gently adv. whè̱ God forbid!, It’s a pity! It’s unfortunate! excl. genuine a. àtùk1 Awɔ̂ germinate, to v. ta2 2 going up v.n. kungárák get lost, to v. támáng2 goitre n. rígbè̱ k get ready, to v.p. naka nyè 1 good a. ge̱ r; c.a. -tek get set, to v.p. naka nyè 1 good fortune n. àwe̱ ng get up, to v. dorók 2 good looking, to be s.v. sás ghastly a. fè̱ shè̱ k good mark n. àcàr ghost n. ànò̱ ò̱ s; ànyò̱ goodbye excl. Àtato̱ ghoulish a. fè̱ shè̱ k Goodbye! excl. Tátó̱ giant rat n. àgòr goodness n. ritek gibe n. ìwhàp gossip n. imók gift n. kuná(ná)ng gossip about s.o., to v. mok2 ginger n. ìcàta gourd n. àgùra àkári; àgùra; kakéréng; girlfriend n. àcàm 1; kanámàng kazó̱ nó̱ ng give a public demonstration, to v. ngme̱ k gracile a. wáár2 give birth too closely spaced, to v. shó̱ r grain n. ìcà1 give birth, to v. tés granary n. ìngmè̱ ; kugàmàng give, to v. nang; nó̱ ó̱ k granary cover n. rifes2 given freely adv. náwàràk grandchild n. kabòn gizzard n. ritá1 grandfather n. àtúkòp glare at, to v. ye̱ re̱ k grandmother n. àkàka gleam, to v. gel; gèsèm grasp, to v. yíìr2 2 gleanings n. nakó̱ p grass sp. n. àfe̱ ng; àkir(i)gàr; àkpàs; glint, to v. gèsèm àkúshaar; ànyò̱ k; ásé̱ àfúrè̱ ; àtosop1; ìbì2; glitter, to v. gèsèm ìshìshàng rìbo̱ r; ítson kabanon; ìtsòsò; gloomy, to v. whi ìtùfà; kúrìk; nàkaas; rifes1; rishé̱ -àkùr glory n. kúyìk grass sp. n. adur; àkpàrà ìbò̱ k; àrírì; àtsòsò; glossy starling n. ìzó̱ ìmòs1; ìshìshàng; ìto̱ p; itse̱ àzinu; glow, to v. gel ìtsìtsààr2; ìtsìtsààr àgàbu; ìtsìtsààr glue n. rikáràk2 kabanon; nàmè àgbóòm gnaw, to v. fe̱ nè̱ ng grass, general n. àgam go after, to v. kúùs; tsé̱ r grasscutter n. ìbèp 118 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere grasshopper n. àdúrunìng1; ìcáder groin n. kafár(à)tàk grasshopper sp. n. anyazhosh; àtùbàrsho̱ m; ground n. ìbèn; kabén àtúfè̱ è̱ p; rigbang ground squirrel n. àromong grate, to v. ko̱ ng 1 groundnut n. àgìda gratis a. warak grow new leaves, to v. fúnúng1 grave n. kure̱ k grow, to v. rásàk; wun graze on, to v. ré̱ mè̱ ng2 growing lean v.n. kuwé̱ greasy i.a. dè̱ kdè̱ k growth n. kurásàk great a. kpis gruel n. àsìrìk íshó; àsìrìk ítsón; àsìrìk ízúk; greed n. kusóm2; kuyé̱ rè̱ k àsìrìk kúkpáráp; àsìrìk green amaranth n. ìnyìnyèp kabanon guard, to v. fek; sák2; tór 2 greetings n. àkó̱ o̱ k; kàkó̱ o̱ k guarding n. kufék Greetings! excl. Shòù guest n. àtsèn grey a. bubung; c.a. -bubung guidance n. ìtàbàk grey hair n. rikáráng2 guile n. rítsé̱ ng; ritsitse̱ ng grey plantain-eater n. ìshùrukur2 guinea corn n. inyò̱ ò̱ r grief n.p. riyé̱ riwé guinea-corn cultivar n. àbàngkùm; àcè̱ è̱ r; grill, to v. shosh àkaurà; àkpòtòòr; àmòrǐ grim-looking, to s.v. fòs guinea-corn heads n. kaziring ìnyó̱ ò̱ r grimace n. àmààsh guinea-corn leaf n. kútò inyò̱ ò̱ r 2 grind, to v. kó̱ guinea-fowl n. àkùr(ù)ke̱ r grinding v.n. àko̱ 1 gulch n. kusóón grindstone n. abòk kútá áko; kutááko̱ gully n. kukúrdúng grisly a. fè̱ shè̱ k gum n. àtòs2; nàgàng; rikáràk2 grits n. ázhè̱ ng gummy a. nàpdàng groan in pain, to v. rus gums (tooth) n. rinam anyí groan, to v. rúmúng H h hail n. rikáráng1 happy-go-lucky id. tàltàl2 hair n. kukúyo̱ ng harass, to v. fo̱ 2 2; fung2 hairs n. itántsi; rikóm hard palate n. àbàngàràng half n. kusámáng; ribír 2 hardship n. risám1 half-cooked adv. ngàk…1 hare n. àsò̱ m; àtèk àzong half-dry a. kpau harlot n.p. ìnyak agwo̱ m Hallo! excl. Shòù harmattan n. kabúng halt, to v. nyíséng harmlessly adv. ge̱ k… hamerkop n. ànyòòr harvest offering n. àsidakà hammer n. àtakpak; kutúrúng harvest season n. ìshàmàng hand n. kubó̱ k harvest, to v. fák; fung1; kpe̱ e̱ r handle n. kufóp harvested guinea corn n. kúdùng ìnyó̱ ò̱ r hang down, to v. rè̱ 2 harvesting v.n. kufák hang up, to v. shé̱ é̱ r hat n. ríbòng kàyìr; ríbòng hang, to v. ré̱ ; she̱ e̱ r hatch, to v. ke̱ e̱ r1 hanger n. ìshè̱ è̱ r1 hatred n. rishíshím happiness n.p. riyé̱ rikan Hausa language p.n. Ìtìrìk 119 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere have a fit, to v. vun hide, to v. fábák2; ne̱ re̱ ng have a hole in, to v. to̱ ró̱ r hideousness n. kurísìk have a hoof disease, to v. fe̱ p hiding oneself v.n. kuné̱ ré̱ ng have an erection, to v. mir high up loc. gàràng; id. ringring have sexual intercourse, to v. wo̱ m highland n. katón have, to v. be1 hilly area n. àgbók haze n. ìshíkò̱ ò̱ r him pron. kú3; ku; mùu he pron. á; tú2; tu; tùu; wú 2 hip n. ìtsòk; kúgbaàn he-goat n. àkpak; àshàm his c.a. -fu; p.a. wú 1 he/she alone pron. kamáwu his/hers/its (sg.) p. pron. nafu head n. ricé1 hissing n. awhè̱ k head of a cereal plant n. kugo̱ ò̱ s hit, to v. cáràk; rús head of cereal crop n. kúwúk hoe n. àzò̱ rò̱ k; ìyúrú; kutsé head-board n. kúfè̱ hog plum n. àmùr(u)do̱ k1 head-pad n. ríkàr hold down, to v. nyó̱ ró̱ k headgear n. ríbòng hold, to v. be1; yíìr2 2 healer n. àbòk hole n. àkúp; ìzhúzhuùsh1; ribóng; ribúùs healthy a. caàng hollow a. hòòng; n. kafong heap n. ìkòk hollow container n. kúdu hear, to v.p. fók kuto̱ ; v. fók holy spirit n. kabik kázhel’e heart n. riyé̱ 1 home n. karí heartache n.p. riyé̱ riwé honey n. ìshùk; ritóng heartburn n. nàre1 honeycomb n. kubyáán ishósh; kúgèm ishósh heat n. kuros; kuzhóósh hoodwink, to v. wó̱ k1 heat, to v. fo̱ 1 hoof n. ìwhé̱ è̱ s2 heavens n. kazá hook n. ìgúk1 heavy, to be v. gáàr2 hope, to v. mok1 hedgehog n. ànyàzung hopeless person n. àzénázen1 heel n. kúdìng horn n. àgbá; ìtòp2; ritóm height n. kusó̱ p1 horn player n. àgàlámà2; p.n. àmágàzhí2; n. heir n. àyà kutsé àmarki2; p.n. àpúsa; n. àtùrki2; n. aziir; Hello! excl. Dàkàzha! p.n. Ìgàng rìgba helmet n. ríbòng hornbill (?) n. ìkírítè̱ help, to v. tóbòk 3 hornet n. ìtong1; nàtse̱ n hen n. inyon horse n. ìtsààp her pron. kú3; ku; mùu horse purslane n. ìrèm ìnyak herb sp. n. akíryàwo; n.p. alúra àbùko; n.p. horseradish tree, ben oil tree n. àzogale alúra ànyàko; n. àmàrdàk àwè̱ è̱ r; n. hot a. ìrùùr ànyò̱ rò̱ s; n. àrìrèng; n. àsama; n. àtùràrì hot season p.n. Ànyìnìng kùtsin átè̱ k; n. àzhè̱ é̱ rè̱ ; n. ìshò̱ kò̱ ; n. ìzàkò̱ m; n. hot, to be v. zhóósh risi hound n. àgàbu herb with edible leaves n. ìshàr rìmadá house n. kasá herbalist n. àbòk housefly n. ìtsítsìng herd n. kukpárá household head n. àgida here dem. àkùyù; loc. àzè how many? int. -mang Here! excl. yêu how much int. -mang hers c.a. -fu; p.a. wú 1 how? int. àne̱ hiccough n. àhihíir however conj. ra hide (object), to v. ne̱ r huge a. kpis 120 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere humble, to be v.p. cer rice hurt n. kuró̱ humorously adv. kpùkpòk hurt s.o., to v.p. tí vè̱ è̱ r2 humour n. àkpùkpòk; ìwhàs hurt, to v. man hump n. rigúng hurt, to be v. ró̱ hundred num. kùsók inyak husband n. àmìtèk; àner amìtèk; àtèkàsà hunger n. ìzòng1 husk n. àbábàng1; kúku hungry, to be s.v. fók ìzòng hyperbole n. àyìyàk hunter n. àfékàwùm hyperbolically adv. yìyàk hunting n. kawúm hypocritical a. kàrdàk hurry up, to v.p. tí gbàshàk hurrying n. àgbàshàk I i I pron. mì1 in conjunction with conj. ber I agree! excl. Yááwà in excess adv. vè̱ r1 I alone pron. kamámì in front of loc. násàng I don’t know! excl. àyí in haste n. àgbàshàk iburu n. àbur in pain, to be v. ró̱ iburu cultivar n. àbúr ákàn; àbúr ásèng; kàdìr; in the process of adv. rú1 ricé àzhirgi in the process of, to be v.a. sen idiot n. àfúrè̱ 2; àkúr(ù)pa2; àzénázen1 in town loc. nuwó̱ p idiotic, to v. zìzìk In vain! excl. Izhip bá idle a. bubúk 1 in-law n. ànàp idleness n. kárúúr; kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 2 inadequate, to be v. raar 2; s.v. vák idler n. àcìng inappropriate a. tìtèng if conj. ké incapable, to be v. raar 1 ignorance n. àsér incapacity v.n. kuraar; n. kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 1 illlness n. ìshò̱ p inception n. nàsàn illness n. àgaudì; àkàpe; àzùk2; kuró̱ k incision n. ìzìbìr imaginary complaint n. ìgbàrú2 incite, to v. tso̱ k imitate, to v. maás2 increase, to v. fúús2 imitates the sound of a dog drinking water incriminating a. fé̱ mé̱ ng adv. lak… indigo finch n. kànon ìkíkò immature a. -bun; wùwììr1 indiscrete person n. àtàng kànu immediately adv. kikyo̱ o̱ r; kyo̱ o̱ r indolence n. kárúúr; kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 2 impacted tooth n. kúfàragak indolent a. bubúk 1 impede, to v. fàn indolent person n. àcìng imploring n. ìzòng2 induce, to v. kurúm2 important a. yìk inertia n. kárúúr impotent person n. àmàring inexpensive a. bè̱ rè̱ 1 impregnation n. àkùngùng2 infant n. igon impure a. kpùkpè̱ rè̱ k infinitive marker v.a. t-1 impurities n. àrúrùk1 inflate, to v. mos in loc. n- inflating v.n. kumos in a mess a. ko̱ o̱ r inflexibility n. kushónóng; rikùkpàr in clusters adv. cùsh inflexible, to be v. tso̱ ng influential person n. àgbók àgbók 2 121 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere information n. atín insult, to v. kas2 ingest, to v. só̱ intact, to be s.v. múmák ingredients n. ikerón integral, to be s.v. múmák initiate, to v. sán intelligent a. tsítsé̱ ng initiation p.n. Ìgasang intentionally mislead, to v. whap initiation candidates n. azá inter, to v. ne̱ r injure in the leg, to v. yíìr2 3 interdict, to v. róòn injure, to v. man interdiction n. ìtsì1 injurious language n. ritók interior n. káyè̱ è̱ r innocent c.a. -zhel intestinal worm n. azhízhí kàfà insane person n. àfúnam intestinal worms n. ìwhèn kàfà inscribe, to v. zíbír intestine n. kúna insect sp. n. àbìríting; àdàp; àdúrunìng1; into pieces adv. háshák àfèèp; àgò̱ k; àkpàrtar; àkpàse̱ m; àkpé̱ ng; invert, to v. bóròk amǔrgbe̱ k; ànòrzà; ányàrong; àrànzo̱ ò̱ s; inverted adv. akacé àrèèr; àtàng áko̱ r; àtsè̱ k3; àvùviring; invite, to v. yís 2 àzàbirè̱ ng; àzhìzhaar; àzhìzhi abing; Irish potato n. àdàngkal ànàsara àzhìzhi ate̱ k; àzhò̱ ko̱ zho̱ kò̱ m; ìcáder; iron n. ìtso̱ m2 2; kútso̱ m ìcádèr rìgbàng; ìfírìfí; ìfòr; ìnye̱ ng; ironweed n. àrìrèng; àtum áwè; ìcíndìr ìshààsh; ìshír(í)shò̱ n; ìshítiìr; ìshòsh; ìtsè̱ ; is v. se2 ìtsítsìng; ìtsùsúk; ìwhé̱ è̱ s1; izé̱ e̱ n 2; is it not so? int. sò̱ bárè̱ ìzháàsh; ìzì; izorír; kubúbààs; kùshibrik; Is it so? excl. gbài; ǹgbài kushírík; nàkírìng; nating; nàtse̱ n; is that? excl. Kài natúmun; rigbang island n. rizík1 insert, to v. so̱ no̱ ng issue n. rife̱ 2 inside n. káyè̱ è̱ r; loc. ní1 issues n. risho̱ n insist, to v. wáshám; yíìr1 it pron. á; kú3; ku; mùu; tú2; tu; tùu; wú 2 insistence n. àkikar It is not like that! excl. Shirwish! insouciantly id. kpè̱ dè̱ ng 1; adv. nè̱ k1 It is nowhere! excl. Sho̱ ng instability v.n. kuraar It is so! excl. ànóng instead aux. dúrwè̱ è̱ r; conj. íngyâ it, dummy pronoun pron. í instigate, to v. tso̱ k itch, to v. whaán instrument n. àkùmùng its c.a. -fe; c.a. -fu; p.a. wú 1 insufficient, to be v. raar 2; s.v. vák Izere language p.n. ìzère insult n. àkúr(ù)pa1; ritók J j jab, to v. zhó̱ ó̱ r Jews’ mallow n. nàyunung jackal n. àgba2; àzhàngfúshì job n. ìtòmòng jail n. ìtso̱ m1 join up, to v. nyímíng January p.n. Ìgang kuwún join, to v. máràp; tóbòk1 jar n. àgìbò̱ k; ìdong; ìtsung; kadónóng joint n. ìfùn 1 jealous of s.o., to be v. shíshím joke n. ìwhàs jealousy n. rifúbúk; rishíshím journey n. kutseng jeer n. ìwhàp jovial reply excl. kpè̱ ng jest n. àkpùkpòk joviality n. ìwhàs jovially adv. kpùkpòk 122 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere joy n.p. riyé̱ rikan junction n. nàkam irén judge a case, to v.p. tò̱ àmok June p.n. Kufén kùshìk kufé àfà July p.n. Àbòròsh just like conj. kyo̱ ndi jump over, to v. shoròp; tár4 just now adv. kyò̱ ò̱ rna jump, to v. fúrúk K k kapok n. kakúm kindle, to v. kas1 keep on drinking s.t., to v.p. té kútó̱ king n. àgò̱ m keep watch, to v. fek knee n. rikúùr keep, to v. sák2 kneel, to v.p. tí gbòk ákúùr keeping v.n. kusák knife n. ìcèn; ìtsò̱ r; kúkor; nàwé̱ è̱ p kernel n. àzè̱ ng1 knock, to v. rús key n. àkàràk knot n. ìfùn 1 kick, to v. rímíng1 know, to v. rén kidneys n. ìwhìwhi knowledge n. izé̱ ng’è kill, to v. fé̱ r knowledgeable a. tsítsé̱ ng kin n. àfékàri; àfuri; kurí known as, to be v. dep; yís 1 kind n. kuri; kutong L l labia n. ishí rìgbòòr laughing n. rimánáng lack of n. kudar laughter n. rimánáng lack of consideration n. kushí lavatory n. kama'mé lack, to v. dun law n. ìtsì1 lackadaisically adv. ranko̱ ranko̱ lay something or somebody down, to v. ladder n. ìtsúrùng méés1 ladle n. àrídè̱ laziness n. kárúúr; kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 2 ladle out, to v. kóós lazy a. bubúk 1 lake n. kúdúng; núdúng lazy person n. àcìng lame person n. àkun lazy, to be v. yó̱ mò̱ ng lament n. kúkún lead, to v. kó̱ rò̱ k lampblack n. ìcìcì leader n. àgida land n. àbàkò̱ ; kabén; kakpang leader of musical group n. àtàkànu land monitor lizard n. àdeng leaf n. kufúmúng landlord n. àtèkàsà leak, to v. téng1; to̱ ró̱ r large c.a. -gbang2; a. kpis lean against, to v.p. tí gbòk large fly n. àbìríting lean on, to v.p. tí gbòk large river n. ìshó̱ ng lean, to v. férèng last night adv. náshirim lean, to be s.v. vák last one n. ìgang’é learn, to v. bo̱ mó̱ ng late person n. àko̱ 2; àkù learning v.n. kubó̱ sò̱ p lather n. áfufùk Leave it alone! excl. Kyo̱ n laugh, to v. mas leave off, to v. wón 123 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere leave, to v. dorók 1 locate, to v. se̱ leaves n. ákpè2 lockup n. ìtso̱ m1 leaving n. kudórók locust n. ìcáder; kubép leech n. àkpàrtar locust bean seed n. inyír(í)kar lees n. ìshùùm locust flower n. kucék àrùron left adv. àgarmen locust pod fibre n. karón left-handedness n. rímèn locust powder n. ìkpè àrùron left-over n. ribír 1 locust seed n. rítú leg n. ìcé̱ rè̱ k; kuták1 locust sp. n. àkpé̱ ng legs of a fowl n. izhé̱ ng locust tree n. àrùron length n. kusó̱ p1 locust tree pod n. kuwúk àrùron leopard n. ìcì kàsem log n. àgbírìk; kúgbìrìk; kúkùùm leper n. àkparóng long a. -so̱ p leprosy n. rikparóng long time ago conj. akyo̱ k’e liana sp. n. àgyò̱ ò̱ r longing for something v.n. rikó̱ ò̱ k lice n. ìtsè̱ nè̱ ng loofah n. àsòso lick, to v. ré̱ è̱ r look at, to v. ye̱ re̱ k lid n. ìfùn 2 look down on, to v. zhé̱ é̱ sh lie n. abóós; kábóròk; nàbóròk look for trouble, to v.p. ke̱ kànù lie down, to v. men look for, to v. tsé̱ r life n. ìyúk1 look or act distastefully, to v. cénèng2 lift up, to v. nabak 1 loose a. wàshàk; id. yò̱ kyò̱ k light n. àkanang1 loose, to be s.v. wó̱ light (not dark) id. tàltàl1 loquacious a. kìkyàù light (weight), to be s.v. fèn lord n. Kuno̱ m lightning n.p. ìzà tarang karo̱ lose one’s way, to v. támáng2 like conj. dí2; kuro̱ m2; kyó̱ ndí; mama lose voice in singing, to v.p. tí rè̱ è̱ r2 like this dem. àna losing direction v.n. kutáám like, to v. shím1 lost, to get s.v. wéí likely adv. sàs lotion n. nàmè liking n. kushím1 louse n. ìtsè̱ nè̱ ng lime fruit n. kufufo̱ o̱ n love n. kushím1 limestone n. kutó̱ p love, to v. shím1 limit n. àgbak; ìgak; ìngak low adv. bè̱ è̱ r; a. púk limpingly adv. gùrgùk lower area n. kayé̱ r lineage n. àtungà; ìzó̱ ro̱ k; kázú1 2 lowland n. kané̱ è̱ n; kayé̱ r lion n. àzàki luck n. àwe̱ ng lip n. kúbèrnu lukewarm a. mùmò̱ k listen attentively, to v. wésèk átò lukewarm, to be v.p. tí tò̱ ò̱ 2 listen, to v.p. fók kuto̱ lump n. ìgbàrú1; ìgbé; ìshò̱ little a. híìr lunacy n. kuyírím little pieces n. ìtsìtsun lunatic n. àfúnam little, to be s.v. vák lung(s) n. àfùfuk lizard sp. n. àkpadurung; àkpádùrwa; ikyom lurenist n. àmélèm load n. àcér lurk, to v. faràng loamy soil n. kúzhàr lust n. kushím1 loan v.n. ìkó̱ bó̱ k lute n. ìzòm kàkereng loan, to v. kó̱ bó̱ k lute player n. àmélèm local potash n. nàtò̱ k lying as if dead adv. cè̱ rè̱ 124 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere lying down v.n. àkùr(ú)kùp; kaménéng lying on your back v.n. àzè̱ é̱ ze̱ M m machine n. izhìng Àsumata mad person n. àfúnam man’s name p.n. Àsho̱ m madness n. kuyírím mancala n. àdalè maggot n. ìtsò̱ s; ìtsùsúk mane n. nàgo̱ ng1; nàsha maggots n. kumúrkur mange n. àkùrùk2 magic n. kukém mango n. àmánggò̱ rò̱ magician n. àkùr manhandle, to v. tábák mahogany tree n. kakó mania n. kuyírím maiden n. kanámàng manioc n. àragò̱ maize n. àtúrbàng; inyo̱ o̱ r àgba manure n. nàrìk; ribing; riné̱ 2 make a bulging shape, to v. zùndùng many a. gaán; whe̱ r(e̱ ) make a fence, to v. ta3 mark left by twisted line n. nàtsip make a greater effort, to v.p. tí pù(k) mark, to v. zíbír make a hole, to v.p. ta ribong market n. karó̱ rízhik make a mistake, to v. dun nyé marriage n. kuwé̱ né̱ ng make an error, to v. dun nyé marriage-broker n. àfúnyì make fire, to v. kas1 marry, to v.p. nyé kúwé̱ né̱ ng make into circular shapes, to v. máár marsh n. kúte̱ k make mounds, to v. rong1 marvellous a. káshá make rope, to v. wos1 masquerade p.n. Àbòs; p.n. àfúbòs; n. make s.t. difficult, to v. fung2 àzhìzhi1; p.n. Ricé riséng make things difficult for s.o., to v. nyan massage, to v. fìis make, to v. nyé master n. àtèkàsà malady n. àgaudì; àkàpe; ìshò̱ p; kuró̱ k match, to v. cáràk; s.v. tì te̱ e̱ r male name p.n. Àdáng; pron. àgyà1 matchet n. àdá2 maleficent a. kpè̱ 2 mate n. àférátseng; àfudang; àgyà2 malevolent a. kàrdàk matter n. rife̱ 2 malicious a. kpè̱ 2 matters n. risho̱ n malt n. ìkòshi mature person n. àkò̱ k'e maltreat, to v. tábák; zor mature, to be v. súm mammal sp. n. àdè̱ ngzè; àdòdonbera; àgata; maxim n. káre̱ è̱ r rife̱ àgba2; àgbash; àgbóòm; àgòr; àkàáfo; May p.n. Ànyìnìng Kùshìk àkà; àmiya; àmùrùm; ànàànà; àne̱ r; maybe conj. gák àyí; kashím ànyàzung; àromong; àròs; àrúndùng; me pron. ní2; ni; tìin; tí àwoco; àzàki; àzò̱ ; ìfùnà; inyam áshi; meander, to v. go̱ mo̱ ng; gòrdòk inyam; ìnyítse̱ n; ishok; ìtsò̱ rò̱ k; ìtsùs ashi; meanness n. kutser; rimak ìtsùs; ìtsùtsùr; ìzàràm; ìzàr; ìzíìn; ìzikpi; measles n. àyò̱ rò̱ k ìzòòm; kakperem measure, to v. maás1 1 mammary gland n. ribásáng measuring n. kumáás man n. àner amìtèk meat n. rinam man in charge n. àbár(á)wá mediation n. ìgáàs man in charge of community labour p.n. medicament n. ríkán Àbarzhí medicine n. ríkán man in charge of women’s affairs p.n. meet, to v. nyim 125 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere meeting n. kanyim; v.n. kunyím moistness n. kushírìm melon seeds n. iwhi molar n. kúbà melt, to v. wuyóng mole-cricket n. àrèèr menacingly point, to v. zé̱ ré̱ k molest, to v. zor mend, to v. basák; bo̱ ó̱ n; rúsòm money n. ìtso̱ m2 1 mending n. ribóòn money-bag; n. ishúngú meningitis n. kushé̱ n monkey sp. n. àdas; àgata menses n. ákpè1 month p.n. Àbòròsh; p.n. Àkàap ìkap; p.n. menstruation n. ákpè1 Ànyìnìng Kùshìk; p.n. Àsè̱ r kutsin; p.n. mentally defective, to be v. hìlyù àwúdìng; p.n. Ìgang kuwún; p.n. Kufén merchant n. àzhìk ánom; p.n. Kufén ìshààm kufé àfà; p.n. mercy n. kuró̱ rìyè̱ Kufén ìshààm; p.n. Kufén kùshìk kufé àfà; mess up, to v. dun nyé p.n. Kufén kuwún; n. kúfe̱ n message n. kutóm 1 moo, to v. múùs messenger n. àtòm moon n. kúfe̱ n messy id. ràkàshàk; adv. zhààshzhààsh more adv. gák metal n. ìtso̱ m2 2; kútso̱ m morning n. kadídìng mid-day n. nátité kunom morning star p.n. àdar kusétson middle n. katíté mortar n. kúdùng migrate, to v. dorók 1 mosquito n. àzàbirè̱ ng mildewed, to be v. fúmùng mosquito plant n. àtùràrì átè̱ k milk, to v. fírìk moth n. àtáfèbèk millet n. ìzùk àfìzéré; ìzùk nàkúyò̱ ng; ìzùk mother n. àde; àngǒ̱ millet cultivar n. àràng mother (my) n. ànèng millipede n. àzhir(ì)mo̱ mother in-law n. ànyìnìng akòp mimic, to v. maás2 mouldy, to be v. fúmùng mine p.a. -naan; p. pron. nanaan mound n. abé; rigúng mineral n. ìwè̱ rè̱ ng mounds n. àrong mirth n. rimánáng mount, to v. ngárák misaligned adv. tango̱ k mountain n. kawhánáng; rifán mischief n. ànyàs mountain pass n. kúdo̱ k mischievous person n. àrúrùk2 mourning n. riyó̱ m mischievous, to be v. rùrùk 2 mouse sp. n. ìzikpi misconduct n. ànyàs mousebird ? n. àdòòrûm miserliness n. kutser; rimak mouth n. kanu misery n.p. riyé̱ riwé move about, to v. co̱ r1 miss a target, to v. rin move around, to v. co̱ r1 miss, to v. dun move, to v. séès missing, to be s.v. wéí movement n. kusérèk mist n. ìshíkò̱ ò̱ r much a. gaán mistletoe n. ìryò̱ k mucus n. àfòròm mistreat, to v. tábák; zor mud n. ágbe̱ p; amé̱ ré̱ sh; riró̱ p mix up, to v. búrúk2 mud chamber n. ìtong2 mix, to v. búrúk1; ke̱ re̱ k; riir; sú; zho̱ ro̱ p 1 muddle, to v. búrúk2 moan, to v.p. tí nyààr mum n. àde mode n. ìcam mumps n. ìzhúkùba moderately sized a. zhè̱ rè̱ tè̱ r murder, to v. fé̱ r modest, to be v.p. cer rice murky a. rìsh; shìsh moisten, to v. shú murmur, to v. cùkcùk muscle n. ishur 126 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere mushroom n. àtòror; ìtsòng musk shrew n. ìtsùtsùr mushroom sp. n. ìtsòng àfurè̱ ; ìtsòng akon; must conj. ma ìtsòng àkpàrà; ìtsòng árùm muster n. rigó̱ m mushy a. gbùgbè̱ p muturu n.p. ìnyak ìzere music n. abóm my p.a. -i; mì2 musical instrument n. àgbá; ìtòp1; ìzòm My God! excl. Âyéyé kàkereng; ìzòm N n naked a. ica'me; ìkpángshònóng no-one pron. ànyín nakedness n. ìcà2; rikóor 2 No! excl. ó’ò; Wáyò name n. riyérék noble n. àzò̱ k name a person or place, to v. yérék nobody pron. ànyín narrate, to v. fè̱ nock n. ìzhúzhuùsh2 narrow (trousers), to v. ve̱ ng nodule n. ìgbé narrow, to be v. whé̱ noise n. rigírík1; riwo̱ ng nasty a. ke̱ re̱ ; kyo̱ o̱ p noise from trampling on gravel id. cash2 nation n. kabén non-Christian n. kurín2 naughty, to v. rùrùk 2 nonchalantly adv. nè̱ k1 nauseating n. àke̱ re̱ ; a. kyo̱ o̱ p nonplussed, to be s.v. yang navel n. kúkop nonsense n. kawóróng near a. bubárák; loc. núkím; a. tè̱ tè̱ noon n. nátité kunom nearby a. tè̱ tè̱ noose n. riwár neat person n. ìfa nose n. ìzóbòk neck n. kutó̱ 1 1 nosebleed n. ìcìci needle n. kúfèr nostril n. ribóng ìzóbòk neighbour n. àfègbak not aux. bá’; part. dàu; part. sang neighbourhood n. kawar not bright a. rìsh; shìsh nest n. kuré̱ not enough, to be s.v. vák net n. àgùnùng1 not neat id. ràkàshàk never part. dàu not neatly adv. zhààshzhààsh new c.a. -fas not serious adv. kuróro2 new cocoyam n. àzhe not tight id. yò̱ kyò̱ k news n. atín not to mention part. shítà next tomorrow n. kaniyà notify, to v. kpám nice a. ge̱ r November p.n. Kufén ìshààm kufé àfà night n. kátúk now adv. kikyo̱ o̱ r; kyo̱ o̱ r; mákòng night-heron [?] n. àwùr(ù)me̱ r nowadays adv. ànínàng nightjar n. àrèn nude a. ica'me; ìkpángshònóng nincompoop n. àfúrè̱ 2 nudity n. ìcà2; rikóor 2 nine num. àtò̱ n kubo̱ k; katónbó̱ k; katúnbó̱ k number of times s.t. happened a. kuták2 nipple n. ìcèk rìbàsang nursery n. àkòrok2 nitwit n. àfúrè̱ 2 nutgrass n. ìshò̱ k azhaki no aux. bá’; part. sang 127 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere O o oath n. kushú older one pron. àkó obduracy n. adídíng; kushónóng; rikùkpàr on loc. n- obdurate a. kùkpàr on the left hand adv. àgarmen obdurate, to v. diding on the right hand adv. àgarya object pronoun pron. t-2 on top of loc. ní1 objectionable a. ke̱ re̱ one c. num. -zining; num. zínìng obstacle n. ìfààs one who lacks n. àdar obstinacy n. kushónóng; rikùkpàr one-eyed person n. àtáshò̱ ng1; àtáwhè̱ ng obstinacy, pigheadedness n. adídíng onion n. àlìbasà obstinate a. kùkpàr only a. tsèk obstinate, to v. shonong 1 ooze, to v. cú2 obstinate, to be v. diding opaque a. rìsh; shìsh obstruct, to v. té̱ nè̱ ng open a. kúyé̱ obstructed, to s.v. ship1 open a little, to v.p. tí yè̱ k obstructed, to be v.p. tí shíp open, to v. kárák; kúbùk obstruction n. ìfààs opener n. àkàràk ocarina n. àdùrúduk2 openhandedness n. ritak 1 occasion n. rimélèm opponent n. àmùdo̱ n occasionally adv. ìzen ìkak; maan ne; té̱ n2 or conj. ka1 occupation n. ìtòmòng orange n. àlèmò October p.n. Kufén ìshààm order (strictly), stern warning, emphatic odd one out a. -duk statement n.p. agbang kuto̱ odour n. ìkò̱ ò̱ n order, to v. sák1 Of course! excl. Kò̱ organic rubbish n. kusó̱ k2 offence n. rine̱ n organs n. kukón1 offensive language n. amè̱ r origin n. kuník offer, to v. nang; nó̱ ó̱ k original a. àtùk1 offload, to v. whan original one n. kuník offspring n. abáán; ritín2 originate, to v. ne̱ often adv. yé̱ ryé̱ r Orion’s Belt p.n. Àshàn-ìtso̱ m Oh dear! excl. Ka’; Osh! ornament n. ìzèm Oh no! excl. Ka’ ornament, to v. zem Oh, I see! excl. ǹgbài orphan n. àdar aner; kakpíìn Oh! excl. Hi; Yeyeei otter shrew n. ìtsùs ashi Oh! Is that? excl. Háì ours a. -fi yir; p. pron. nafeyir; p.a. yír oil n. nàmè out of true a. sè̱ rè̱ ng oily i.a. dè̱ kdè̱ k outdoors n. kúfáng okra n. rikúbùk outside n. kúfáng; loc. núfáng okra cultivar n. icúcùús oval a. zó̱ ntó̱ old (cloth) a. -zen over loc. ní1 old age n. rikóp overcome, to v. cánàng; méés2 old cocoyam n. àzhe kuwhaan overfilled id. zungzung old man n. àsho̱ n overflood, to v. ta1 old person n. àkò̱ k'e overflow, to v. ta1 old woman n. àbùkó 128 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere overgrown place n. àcò̱ r overweight, to v. me̱ 3 overgrown, to be v. tóp owl n. àyíhìng oversized, to be v. mak owner p.n. àfe; n. àtèk overturn, to v. kùngùng; kúp 2 P p packed a. co̱ sh penis (coll.) n. kútsìp 3 page n. kafarap penis (slang) n. kútòp2 pain n. kuró̱ people n. anér áwe; ánér’i; aro palm of hand n. àtàs(kù)bo̱ k perfect n. àzè̱ ng2 palm-oil n. nàmè nàsèng perfect, to be v. nye̱ re̱ pamper, to v. to̱ k1 perfume n. ìkò̱ ò̱ n pap n. àsìrìk perhaps conj. gák àyí; a. inyin; conj. kashím papaya n. àgbandang persecute, to v. fung2; nyan parasitic herb sp. n. àpèf ìzùzùk; ìdùn ìzà persist, to v. ra-2; tóbòk2 Pardon! excl. e2 persistence n. àkikar; ìsó̱ r parents-in-law n. àmàn person n. anér áwe; anér parry, to v. té̱ nè̱ ng person possessed by kure̱ demons n. àfúrè̱ 1 part n. ribír 1 person who carries things, carrier n. àsók particularly adv. àbààn; a. àtùk2 pestle n. kucá partition n. kúbìmìng phantom n. ànò̱ ò̱ s partly uncover, to v.p. tí yè̱ k phlegm n. àfòròm partner n. àférátseng; àfufirik physic nut n. àrúgbàng partnership n. kufírík physically uncomfortable, to be v. nyè̱ ng2 partridge n. ìzìp pick out, to v. ke̱ pass on a message, to v. fé̱ ré̱ ng pick, to v. kók; kpérèk; sho̱ ng; sók pass unnoticed, to v. wèl piece of paper n. kufúmúng pass, to v. gor piece of wood n. ìgàk past tense marker v.a. tá2 pied a. co̱ sh-co̱ sh paste, to v. basák pied crow n. àkpààk pastor p.n. Àtsi Àdákunom pierce, to v. no̱ 2; tásák 1; túbùk pat, to v. wúsúp pig n. àládè patas monkey n. àdas; àgata; ìzàràm pigeon n. àbò̱ p; àwútùk patchy id. bàràngbaràng pigeon sp. n. àbò̱ p rìgbàng; ìzìko̱ s path n. ìrèn; kútsìrìk; nírèn pile n. ìkòk pawpaw n. àgbandang pile of stones n. kutsá pay attention, to v.p. fók kuto̱ piles n. kúrùm 1 pay, to v. káráng pimple n. ìtsùruk paying back v.n. ìkarang pinch, to v. shò̱ ò̱ r peace n. kaménéng rìyè̱ pip n. ìcà1 peacefully adv. ge̱ k… pipe n. ìtòp3 peak n. katón piss n. àté̱ k peanut n. àgìda pit n. ìzek pedal, to v. ruk2 pitcher n. ìtsung peel, to v. bés; fósók 1 place n. kagarang; karó̱ ; kazumung; riné̱ 1 peep, to v.p. tí zàng plague locust n. ìcádèr rìgbàng penis n. àzhè̱ è̱ r plain n. kané̱ è̱ n 129 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere plait, to v. bar porter n. àsók plaiting v.n. àbar portion n. rikpa1 plan n. kanyé̱ k possessor p.n. àfe; n. àtèk plane a. nè̱ k2 possibly conj. kashím planet n. kazátse postpone, to v. birík plank n. kukpàrà 2 pot n. àdúrunìng2; àgìbò̱ k; ìdong; ìtsung; plant sp. n. acicaàr; n. àfor àbìzhàri; n. àfor kadun; kafé̱ né̱ ng; kàkarang2; kúkan; akan; n. àfor aseng; n. agade; n. àgágàì; n. kúwong agbanyaar; n. àkàsop; n. àkàtsaap; n. pot (generic) n. kadónóng àkìrkásh; n. àkòri; n. àkpatak àsòm; n. potash n. kagárá àkpòkpò; n. àkúgáng àsòm; n. àkuràde; n. potherb sp. n. àgóòrí; àhùhara; àkúzhè̱ rè̱ k; àkùsù nàkereng; n. àmakparap; n. àràgòr; ìnyìnyèp azhákí; ìnyìnyèp izhìzhè̱ k; n. àrámìng; n. àrúgbàng kàsè̱ m; n. ìnyìnyèp kabanon; ìnyìnyèp; ìrèm ìnyak; àrúvàng; n. àrúvìng; n. àtando̱ k; n. ìshàr rìmadá àtezénu; n.p. àtum ákan; n. àzààr; n. potherbs n. ríkón àzhìzhe̱ ng ákan; n. àzhò̱ k; n. ìcìnge̱ r; n. potsherd n. ìkpìs; kútsè ìfufuk; n. ìkírìtsàn ici; n. ìkúùr; n. isal; n. pound, to v. cáràk; ca; tú1 2 isar akpatek; n. ìsé̱ rè̱ k; n. ìshò̱ àtukòp; n. pounding v.n. àcak iteng; n. ìwhè̱ nrè̱ r; n. ìyo̱ ro̱ ; n. ìzòòs àrèèr; pour away, to v. mísík 1; nyósóng 2 n. ìzùzùk àtse̱ ng; n. ìzùzùk; n. kakpang- pour out, to v.p. tí zò̱ ò̱ isháás; n.p. kaze̱ k kabube; n. kumúze̱ ng; pour, to v. kórók n. kunye̱ re̱ ng; n. kúrùm àdàng; n. kuzhe̱ re̱ ; poverty n. rizor n. nàkpártár; n. nàtè̱ n ìci; n. nàya izha; n. powerful a. kò̱ shò̱ k nàyúnùng nàkan; n. rìkán rìcááng; n. ríkón praise singer n. àmélèm ìtòk; n. risi àkpǎbór; n. ritó̱ ó̱ n; n. riyó̱ m praise-name n. nàdep ízhá praise, to v. kerek planting season n. kushík pray, to v.p. nyé ìzòng play n. kuyó̱ ró̱ k prayer n. àduwà1 play a stringed instrument, to v. rom praying mantis n. àrànzo̱ ò̱ s play, to v. yó̱ ró̱ k pre-dawn period n. kùsétsòn plead, to v.p. nyé ákusùk; nyé ìzòng precede, to go before, to v. tsang pleading v.n. àkúsùk; n. ìzòng2; v.n. kúsùk predict, to v. zaràp pleasantry n. ìwhàs prediction n. kuzaràp plentiful a. cíp; a. kpè̱ 1; adv. vè̱ r1 prepare food, to v. nyes plenty a. cíp; whe̱ r(e̱ ) preparing land n. àtsàrè pluck, to v. kpérèk; sho̱ ng present n. kuná(ná)ng pocket n. ìshìka present, to v. nabak 2; nang; nó̱ ó̱ k pointed, to be v. zízé̱ ng present, to be v. kúsè; túsè pointless adv. bàp Present! excl. e1; Oi!; yêu poison n. nàdo̱ m press down, to v. ye̱ be̱ k 1 poke, to v. zhó̱ ó̱ r press, to v. nyó̱ ró̱ k polish, to v. ko̱ ng 3 prevent, to v. fàn; róòn pomade n. nàmè prick n. àzhè̱ è̱ r pond n. kúdúng; núdúng prick, to v. no̱ 2; zhó̱ ó̱ r pool n. kúdúng; núdúng pride n. kuka porch n. kurárá priest n. àtsi; àwàcirì porcupine n. ìzíìn priesthood n. ritsi1 porous a. rùùsh… prison n. ìtso̱ m1 porridge n. àkè̱ rè̱ ; àkpàm1; àkpàngkam 2; probable adv. sàs ìkǎm; kazuk 130 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere proceed, to v. weér; wésèk pungent adv. hò̱ lhò̱ l processing n. kútóm puppy n. àkùkwi; àtìtan proclaim, to v. tak1 purchase, to v. shán produce echo, to v. wo̱ ng pure c.a. -zhel progeny n. abáán; ritín2 purposeless adv. bàp prohibit, to v. róòn purse n. ishúngú prohibition n. ìtsì1 purslane n. àkúzhè̱ rè̱ k promenading v.n. nakár pursue, to v. kúùs proper a. àtùk1 pursuit n. kutsé̱ r prophecy n. kuzaràp pus n. rifun prophesy, to v. zaràp push down, to v. nyó̱ ró̱ k prophet n. anér kúzáràp push, to v. gang 2; tómòng prostitute n.p. ìnyak agwo̱ m put a load on the head, to v. cénèng1 protective finger ring n. ìngmàk put in place the framework of a roof, to v.p. tí proud, to be s.v. ka3 gàk1 proverb n. káre̱ è̱ r rife̱ put in, to v. so̱ no̱ ng puff adder n. àkpòrò(k) put on, to v. té2 1 pull out, to v. kas3 1; whíìr put out, to v. rímíng2 pull, to v. kó̱ rò̱ k put upright, to v.p. tí tsìk pulpy a. gbùgbè̱ p put, to v. sák1 pulverise, to v. kó̱ ; me̱ re̱ sh putrefied c.a. -bus'e pumpkin n. ánàr; rife putrefy, to v. bús pumpkin seeds; n. iwhi putting v.n. kusák punch, to v. túrùk Q q quake, to v. tímíng questioning n. kuríp quaking n. kutíím quickly adv. gbàshàk; zízírík quarrel n. kurén quiet a. gbík quartz n. ìwè̱ rè̱ ng quiet, to be s.v. yú quenrstone n. kutááko̱ quietly adv. whè̱ quest n. kutsé̱ r quiver n. kubóró(k) question marker int. -à1; á'à; dè̱ ; é̱ R r rabbit n. àsò̱ m raindrop n. kutá izà rabies n. ìzhàraba rainy season n. rikos raffia palm n. riko raise, to v. nabak 1 raft-zither n. ìzòm ram n. àràfúùr; àtùrùk rage n.p. riyé̱ kubísèng ramblings n. kawóróng rain n. àkurtàng; ìzà rapidly adv. gbàshàk; zízírík rain-clouds n. ìshúkò̱ ò̱ r raptor n. àkìm rainbow n. ìtsèrèng rash n. àwámbàng raincoat n. kupú rat sp. n. ìcì rìbo̱ r 131 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere rat, generic n. ìcì reply at once, to v. wór rattle n. acícézhi; àzhààr reply, to v. shím2 rattles n. àtàrkài2 reposing v.n. kaménéng; kufán raw a. díkdík reptile sp. n. àbòròk; àdàng; àdeng; àdo̱ k; read, to v. fa àkpadìsi; àkpadurung; àkpádùrwa; reading v.n. kufa àkpawhe̱ e̱ r; àkùrùk1; àkùr(ù)tsàng; real a. àtùk1 àkùso̱ m; ikyom; ìtsàng àshì really part. àgà repugnant a. ke̱ re̱ ; kyo̱ o̱ p recall, to v. yírìng repulsive a. kyo̱ o̱ p receive, to v. shán repulsiveness n. kurísìk reciprocal labour n. kufó̱ ó̱ n request, to v. ríp reconciliation n. ìgáàs rescue, to v. shésh red c.i. kpáí; c.i. kpók; c.a. -seng resemble, to v. tás red-eyed dove n. àgbátò1 resentfulness n. kadírík red-flowering silk-cotton tree n. kákpòk resonate, to v. wo̱ ng red-headed lovebird n. àzhàì respond immediately, to v. wór red-headed male agama lizard n. àzóí respond, to v. shím2 red-lined skink n. àbòròk response n. kushím2 redness n. kuséng response on hearing new information excl. oò reduce a task, to v. she̱ p rest, to v. fan reduce, to v. suk; té̱ é̱ k resting v.n. kaménéng; kufán reflexive or reciprocal marker pron. ná retarded, to v. hìlyù reflexive pronoun pron. ricé2 return, to v. bun refuse n. àwha returning v.n. kúbún refuse to give, to v. shí reveal secrets, to v.p. táng kànù refuse, to v. dísíng 2; gáàr1 1; ra-1; róòn reveal, to v. té̱ s refute, to v. tón revealing v.n. kuté̱ s register n. àbákò̱ reverberate, to v. wo̱ ng rehydrate, to v. yunung reverberation n. nàwòr reigning v.n. rígò̱ m reverend n. àtsi reject, to v. gáàr1 1; ra-1 revolting n. àke̱ re̱ ; a. fè̱ shè̱ k; a. ke̱ re̱ ; a. relationship n. rínàp kyo̱ o̱ p relative n. àfuri reward n. ìshoròng relatives n. kurí rib n. kukáfam relaxing v.n. kaménéng; kufán rice n. ìshùwa remain over, to v. tuk rich person n. àgbók àgbók 2; àrùm remain, to v. fan; sor riches n. kurúm1 remainder n. ribír 1 ride, to v. ngárák remains n. ribír 1 ridge n. àkpúk; ìzhàr; kashík; kukés2; kúrèn remarkable a. káshá right adv. àgarya remedy n. ríkán right side n. riyá remember, to v. tó̱ rò̱ ng; yírìng right there dem. shùùr remote a. gùgò̱ k; tsík; yík Right! excl. car2 remote, to s.v. tsààr rigid, to v. tso̱ ng remoteness n. kútsìk rind n. àbábàng1 remove from, to v. whíìr ring n. àkùrmá; àzó̱ bè; kanáráng remove, to v. dónóng; tún rinse, to v. kánáng2 repair, to v. basák; bo̱ ó̱ n; rúsòm rip open, to v. sárák reply n. kushím2 ripe, to be s.v. been 132 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere rise up, to v. shímíng rope n. ìzìnìng; kudún rise, to v. dorók 2 roselle n. ìshàr2 ritual n.p. ìnye ishò̱ ng; n.p. ìríp káfá; n. rot, to v. bús; rú2 kubók rotted c.a. -bus'e rival n. àmùdo̱ n rottenness n. kubús rivalry n. àfùbùk; rifúbúk rough a. gàk’àdàk; gàk; kporshok; tò̱ kò̱ shò̱ k river bank n. àkírìk roughly a. inyin rivulet n. ìwé̱ è̱ n; kútsees round a. bubìrìk rizga n. àvààr; riku round up, to v. kúús rizga cultivar n. àrungààr; àvààr rìmo royal python n. ìtsés road n. ìrèn; nírèn rub on, to v. vang roam, to v. kar; zé̱ e̱ m rub, to v. kon; kpe̱ ; tíríp 1 roar, to v. dé̱ bè̱ r; rúmúng rubber vine n. ribó̱ nó̱ ng roast, to v. ri 2; shosh rubber vine fruit n. ribó̱ nó̱ ng kabanon rob, to v.p. nyé ìtsàng rubbish n. àwha robber n. àkpátàng; atáng rubbish dump n. kúbutòng robbery n. ìtsàng rubbish heap n. kúbutòng rock n. àgùdòng; kutá2 ruin n. kúbár rock hyrax n. ìshonong ruins n. rìbòr rock rabbit n. ìshonong ruler n. àgò̱ m rocky hillside n. ìgbàràk ruling v.n. rígò̱ m rocky place n. àsè̱ rè̱ ng rumble, to v. rúmúng; zhó̱ rò̱ ng roll, to v. bírìng; bung1 run out, to v. fùk; gang 1 roof n. àzhò̱ rò̱ ng; kutár run, to v. téng2 roof, to v. tár5 running v.n. ìtsí room n. àzùri; kúcicàk; kugóròk; kútu running around v.n. kugoròk root n. kútsìp 1 running nose n. ìfìp S s s.t. amazing n. àzhìng say, to v. fè̱ s.t. used to whistle n. ìwhe̱ re̱ saying n. káre̱ è̱ r rife̱ saddle-quern n. kutááko̱ scabbard n. kúbáás sadness n.p. riyé̱ riwé scam, to v. mo̱ ó̱ r safely adv. ge̱ k… scammers n. igon kuwún sage n. àtsítsé̱ ng; a. tsítsé̱ ng scar n. ìnyà saliva n. á(cí)cé̱ bòs; á(cí)cè̱ scarce, to be v. raar 2 salt n. ìtò̱ k scare, to v. shirík salvation n. káshésh scarper, to v. whér1 same, to be the v.p. tè̱ rè̱ scatter, to v. fìm; nas; san; shík 1 sand n. rizé̱ k scattered a. shaam sandal n. kukpáták scattered everywhere id. kpìnìnì sandpaper tree n. kakó̱ s scent n. ìkò̱ ò̱ n sap n. nàwùn scheme n. kanyé̱ k satisfaction v.n. riwha scold, to v. zhé̱ è̱ r satisfied, to be v. wha scolding n. ànyìnyè̱ m; àzhe̱ è̱ r save s.o. the effort, to v. sun scolding word excl. Láu save s.o., to v. shésh scoop out, to v. ke̱ 133 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere scoop, to v. kúrùk; wobok set fire to s.t., to v. cuùsh scorchedburnt, to be v. ré̱ mè̱ ng1 settlement n. kázú1 1; kuwó̱ p scorpion n. ìnye̱ ng seven num. kànàtar scrambling for s.t. v.n. kufók sew, to v. tós1 scrape, to v. ko̱ ng 2; kyo̱ r sexual intercourse n. ìwo̱ m scraper n. ìkyò̱ r2 shade n. nàwù scratch, to v. ke̱ r; kyo̱ r; ngang; whaán shadow n. nàwù scream, to v. tár1 shagged out, to be v. ró̱ n scribble, to v. zho̱ ng shake hands, to v.p. ta kubo̱ k scribe n. anér ìzìbìr shake the hands, to v. wáár1 scrub, to v. túúr shake, to v. ze̱ é̱ r; zháár; zúùr scum n. áfufùk; àrúrùk1 shall v.a. tà seal, to v. basák; nyímíng shallow a. zhásh search n. kutsé̱ r shame n. ìsum search, to v. tsé̱ r share out, to v. kábák season food, to v. sé̱ è̱ s sharp adv. hò̱ lhò̱ l seated, to be v. sónòng sharp, to v. zízé̱ ng secretary bird n. adùrúcing sharpen, to v. far; sé̱ p secretly adv. kyó̱ o̱ n sharpener n. àtàng kùta sedge n. àtsè̱ k1; nàtè̱ n àmùrùm sharpening v.n. àsé̱ p sedge sp. n. ìshò̱ k azhaki sharpness n. kúyá1 sediment n. ìshùùm shave, to v. kor see, to v. dí1 shaving v.n. akór seed n. ìcà1; inyír(í)kar; ìzhà shaving knife n. ìcèn seedling n. kuko̱ she pron. á; tú2; tu; tùu; wú 2 seek, to v. tsé̱ r shea tree n. ìshò̱ n seer n. anér kúzáràp sheaf n. kúmen seldom adv. té̱ n2 sheath n. kúbáás select, to v. kasa sheathe, to v. kúp 1 self-sown crop n. ìtsúmúng shed leaves, to v. súrúk sell, to v. ré̱ p shed skin, to v. fóróp semen n. áshì kùbí sheep n. àràfúùr; àtùrùk; ìtsàmàng send, to v. tóm sheet of paper n. kafarap sending v.n. kutóm 2 shelf n. àgìp; àgìrkòn Senegal coucal n. àwun shell n. àbábàng1; kúku senior one n. àrìtek shelter n. kúbùr sense, to v. fók shepherd n. àfèk separate out, to v. kam shepherd, to v. fek separately adv. ze̱ e̱ r shepherding n. kufék September p.n. Kufén ánom shield n. ìkpààr1 serendipitous, to be v. táàr shift many times, to v. sísèk serf n. àsàm shift, to v. séès; sérèk serfdom n. risám2 shimmer, to v. gèsèm serval n. ishok shimmeringly id. gè̱ sgè̱ s servitude n. risám2 shin n. kusé̱ s sesame n. àríriìr shine, to v. gel; tár2 sesame cultivar n. ìkpè̱ nè̱ ng shining a. kanang 2 sesame leaves n. àkúgáng ship n. kukpàrà 1 set a pot on the fire, to v.p. tí gàk2 shirt n. kukpíìn 134 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere shit n. ribing similar to, to be v. tás shiver, to v. tímíng sin n. rine̱ n shivering n. kutíím since conj. akyo̱ k’e; gbangbang; gbugbang; shocked adv. gyo̱ ng kamók; kúm shocked, to be s.v. yang; v. zhìng sing, to v. bóm shocking c.a. zhirim sip, to v. fúbúk shoe n. kukpáták sister n. àngás anèng; àngas anyìnìng shoot n. kuko̱ sister-in-law n. àko̱ zo̱ m shoot, to v. ta2 1 sister’s son n. àkúné short a. kpinyit; c.a. -kpir’e; a. -kum sit down, to v. sónòng short board n. àtsor sitting v.n. kusónóng short of, to be v. raar 2 six num. ìgàtaar short thing n. àkùm'e skill n. ribóòn shorten, to v. she̱ p skim, to v. kas3 2 shoulder n. àpè̱ mè̱ ng skin n. kukpá shout, to v. tár1 skin [check] n. nuro̱ m show, to v. tónòng skin disease n. ikpés shrew n. àdòdonbera skin tight, to be v. ve̱ ng shrine n. kútàs2 skin, to v. bés; wos2 shrink, to v. suk skink sp. n. àbòròk; àkpawhe̱ e̱ r; ìwhèn àbo̱ k shrivel, to v. nàsh skip, to v. shoròp shrivelled a. shùndùng skirmish n. ìtsòm; kurén shrub n. àzùk1 sky n. kazá shrub sp. n. àbìshò̱ k; àbùrong; àdebong; àfò̱ 1; slack id. yò̱ kyò̱ k àgyang; àkàpe akàn; àkàpe awè; àkìrìkà; slander, to v. kas2 àkpàràb; àrúgbàng; àtè̱ r; àtitìk; àtsó̱ ng; slaughter, to v. tsé̱ é̱ r àvàk; àwè̱ è̱ r2; àzhìzhe̱ ng-ìnyàk; slave n. àsàm àzhìzhe̱ ng-kànòn; ìbò̱ p; ìcéndìr; ìkǎmzúk; slavery n. risám2 ìka; ìshìkon; ìtìto; ìtso̱ 1; ìwhuwhe̱ è̱ s; sleep n. ìdà kufó̱ ró̱ p1; risup sleep, to v. men shrub with pleasant scent n. ìshìrir sleeping place n. kamíng shut, to v. fám; whé̱ è̱ n sleepy, to v. zìì shutting v.n. kuwhé̱ è̱ n slender a. wáár2 shyness n. ìsum slimy a. whè̱ rè̱ ; id. whè̱ rwhè̱ r sibling n. àcìk sling n. karísíp sick adv. shírír slippery a. sè̱ rè̱ r; a. whè̱ rè̱ ; id. whè̱ rwhè̱ r sickness n. àgaudì; àkàpe; ìshò̱ p; kuró̱ k slit n. kusáráng side n. àbas; kukím; rifam sloping a. sè̱ rè̱ side of body n. kawop sloth n. kárúúr sieve, to v. sé̱ ; tásák 2; tsé̱ é̱ m sloughed skin n. kufó̱ ró̱ p2 sift, to v. sé̱ ; tsé̱ é̱ m slowly adv. whè̱ ; whìwhè̱ sifting n. àsé̱ small a. híìr; c.a. -zhizhe̱ k sigh of dismay or surprise excl. Mhm! small animal sp. n. àzhe̱ sighted person n. àdì karó̱ small gourd n. kúwong significant a. yìk small hill n. rigúng silent a. gbík small thing n. kíhììr’e silent, to s.v. yú smaller c.a. iyiir’e; a. -risher; c.a. -tisher silk-cotton tree n. kakúm smallpox n. àkpàrashàk silo n. ìngmè̱ smash, to v. fó; me̱ re̱ sh 135 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere smeared a. zérè somewhere adv. àkè̱ àyi smell n. ìkò̱ ò̱ n son n. ariwu; àro̱ m; àsùze̱ r smell, to v. gò̱ p; nyus song n. abóm; àmúsè̱ smithereens n. ìtsìtsun soot n. ìcìcì smithy n. kúbùr sorcerer n. àkùr smoke n. ìtsing sorcery n. kukém smoking pipe n. ìtòp3 sore n. àyenù; ìgààr; kufór smooth id. whílwhíl sore throat n. àgangme̱ snail n. ìtso̱ mbó̱ ró̱ ng sorghum n. inyò̱ ò̱ r snake (generic) n. ìwhèn sorrel n. ìshàr2 snake sp. n. àdamàru; àfaka; àfomong; sorrel seeds n. izóós àkpananà; àkpòrò(k); àmùzè̱ rè̱ (k); ìcé̱ ; sorrow n.p. riyé̱ riwé ìtsés; ìtsùmùng; ìwhèn kùkúfò̱ ò̱ n; kúdún- Sorry! excl. ìwe̱ r; Kakó̱ ò̱ k; Shòù kàbèn; rikorom sort n. kuri; kutong sneak away, to v. wèl soul n. ìyúk1 sneak out, to v.p. tí tò̱ k sound made by women excl. Wúù sneeze, to v. dísím sound of a rat running through dry grass adv. sneezing v.n. kudísím co̱ r2 snoring v.n. àkùgò̱ ng sound of ankle rattles id. cash2 snot n. àfòròm sound of spitting adv.p. hak tu snuff-box tree n. àdùrúduk1 sound, to v. wo̱ ng so many quant. wané soup n.p. àpàr rìning; n. rining so much quant. wané soup pot n. àdúrunìng2 so that conj. nóng sour a. kpùkpàk; kùkpàk So! excl. tó̱ source of spring n. rítà ashi soak, to v. shú sourgrass n. àkpàrà ìbò̱ k soaked, to be v. yunung sow, plant, to v. túùs sob n. àhihíir space n. ìfàng; kafár; kafong; kagarang; social inferiors n. àbábàng2 kakpe̱ re̱ ng; kawar; kukúrungme̱ e̱ n; kútìk sod n. kubér spaciously adv. sà 1; wààng soft a. gbe̱ re̱ gbe̱ re̱ ; sùk speak, to v. fè̱ ; nyè̱ ng1 soften, to v. tso̱ o̱ m1 speakers of Federe dialect n. ifuderek soil n. acàsh; cash1; ìbèn; kabén spear n. kukó̱ ò̱ n soldier n. aSozha specifically a. àtùk2 soldier ant n. ìshààsh speckled a. co̱ sh-co̱ sh soldier ants n. kushírík spectre n. ànò̱ ò̱ s sole of foot n. àtàs(kù)tàk speech n. rife̱ 1 solemnise a wedding, to v.p. róós kúwé̱ né̱ ng speedily adv. zízírík solidify, to v.p. tí pèp spend (time), to v. té1 solo adv. kpàm spend a year, to v. kós2 some a. inyin spend the entire day, to v. wúsó someone c.a. àkak; pron. ànyín spend the night, to v. kó̱ só̱ somersault n. akacébur sperm n. áshì kùbí something c.a. àkak; pron. ìkéng íkàk; pron. spider n. anarang; ànòrzà inyín ikyeng spider sp. n. ìyúk2 something as not coming up to expectations spiders' web n. kunáràng excl. Gbo̱ o̱ k spill, to v.p. tí zò̱ ò̱ something leaking n. ato̱ ró̱ r spinal cord n. àzìzàng sometimes adv. ìzen ìkak; maan ne; tén ̱ 2 spine n. kukés1 136 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere spiral n. kaziring starvation n. ìzòng1 spiral cowpea n. ìshítuk starving, to be s.v. fók ìzòng spirit n. Ànyìnìng Kàro̱ ; p.n. Kuré̱ stay back, to v. fan spirits n. izá stay, to v. sor spit, to v.p. tí hàk; tí tù staying v.n. kusor spitting cobra n. àmùzè̱ rè̱ (k) steal, to v.p. nyé ìtsàng spittle n. á(cí)cè̱ steam n. kuros split off, to v. kpísík steep a. sè̱ rè̱ split wood, to v. sá steer, to v. tsíbík2 spoil, to v. bésèng; shík 2; to̱ k1 stem n. ritín1 spoiling v.n. kubísèng stick n. àgbàding; àgbàng; àgbong; àwè̱ è̱ r1; spoilt (child), to be v. whér2 àzubirik; ìgúk2; ìkyò̱ r1; ìshè̱ n; kukón2 spoon n. àrídè̱ ; kutó stick (stuck), to v. tuus spoor n. kúne̱ stick to something or s.o., to v. páng spot n. rizík2 1 sticky a. nàpdàng spotted id. bàràngbaràng; a. co̱ sh-co̱ sh stiff, to be v. tso̱ ng spotted grass mouse n. àwoco stigma n. rizík2 2 sprain, to v.p. tí mùùr 2 still adv. nízhàm; adv. rú1; a. tèp spread out, to v. tárák sting, to v. ta2 1 sprinkle, to v. fìm; mísík 2 stinginess n. kutser; rimak sprout, to v. ta2 2 stink, to v. gò̱ p; nyus spurge weed n. nàbàsang àbò̱ p stir, to v. búrúk1; nel; riir; sú; zho̱ ro̱ p 1 square n. kagarang stirring stick n. kutó squash n. rife stomach n. kafá; ríbú squash, to v. fìndìng; gíír1 stone n. àbèrèk kutá; ikpé̱ ; kutá2; ritá2 squashed a. zhó̱ kó̱ dó̱ k stool n. ìtsìk; ribing squat, to v. kúmùng stoop, to v. kúmùng; v.p. tí gùmùng squatting n. àkyò̱ ó̱ kyo̱ k stop an ugly event, to v. gbing squeeze, to v. fírìk; v.p. tí vè̱ è̱ r1; v. ye̱ be̱ k 1 stop, to v. nyíséng squirrel n. àshàràk story n. atín àfe (ka)shó̱ ò̱ n; atín stab, to v. túbùk stout a. kàshàk; kpè̱ k’àsè̱ k staff n.p. ìshè̱ n rígwò̱ m straight a. cóp; nátsìk; ryong stagger, to v. dan straighten, to v. nees 2 stains n. ìzò̱ rò̱ ng; kubarang strain liquid, to v. shírìk stakeholder n. àfufirik strain, to v. sé̱ stale food n. kafík strangely id. kpè̱ dè̱ ng 2 stammer, to v. gesèp stranger n. àtsèn stamp, to v. cáràk strangle, to v. só̱ rò̱ ng stand up, to v. shímíng strap a child or s.t. on the back, to v. rún stand, to v. nyíséng strap on, to v. róós standing v.n. kunyisèng straw n. kunóòn; rinóòn star p.n. àdar àwùwìrìk; p.n. àdar kusétson; n. streaks n. ìzò̱ rò̱ ng; kubarang àdàr stream n. ìwé̱ è̱ n stare, to v. ye̱ re̱ k street n. kútsìrìk stars p.n. àtáshò̱ ng2 strength n. àgap start n. nàsàn strengthen, to v. gíír2 start, to v. kpààn; sán stretch, to v. nabak 3 startled, to be v. zhìng strewed a. shaam startling c.a. zhirim strike (lightning), to v. táràng 137 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere strike, to v. rús sun n. kunom 1 strip n. ìtsàm2 sun dry, to v. fíníng strip from the vine, to v. kpe̱ re̱ m sunbird n. àranàp strip off, to v. for1 superior one n. àrìtek striped hyena n. àmùrùm support, to v. berék striped sand-snake n. ìcé̱ surpass, to v. gor; nár; wó̱ rò̱ ng2 strips of bark n. rifós surprised, to be v. zhìng stroke, to v. wúsúp surprising c.a. zhirim stroll about, to v. kar surprising, to be v. zhìng strolling v.n. nakár surprisingly adv. kuróro1 strong id. gbonggbong; a. gbugbong; a. surround, to v. góròk kò̱ shò̱ k suspend, to v. ré̱ ; she̱ e̱ r; shé̱ é̱ r strong warning to prevent s.o. from doing swallow n. àkèwùm something excl. La'; Lá'ìlà swallow, to v.p. tí tììr; v. wó̱ nó̱ ng strong, firm a. gborong swampy area n. kúte̱ k struggle, to v. can; né̱ swarm, to v. cú1 stubborn a. kùkpàr sway, to v.p. tí wèèr stubborn, to v. diding swear, to v. shú- stubborn, to be v. shonong 1 sweat-flies n. nating stubbornness n. adídíng; kushónóng; sweat-fly n. àdàp rikùkpàr sweat, perspiration n. kutsín stuffed a. co̱ sh sweep, to v. re̱ ng stuffiness (nose) n. shing; shung2 sweet potato n. àdàngkal; agúguùn stuffing s.t. into s.t. n. shung1 sweet talk a. rìrè̱ m stumbling a. sè̱ rè̱ r sweet, to be s.v. ta5 stupid person n. àkúr(ù)pa2 sweetness n. kutá1 stupid, to v. zìzìk swell, to v. mos stutter, to v. gesèp swelling n. àmàrdàk; v.n. kumos style n. ìcam swift n. kaké̱ è̱ n sub-clan p.n. Àfúnyítsè̱ r swim, to v. wó̱ k2 2 sub-clan p.n. Àfupadà swimming n. riwó̱ k sub-clan p.n. Àfúkpàng swindle, to v. mo̱ ó̱ r; wó̱ k1 success excl. Whéu! swing n. àtéérù suck, to v. shushú swing, to v. zímíng suffer, to v.p. ca ape̱ e̱ r; v. furku swirl around, to v. tánáng sugar-cane n. àrè̱ ke̱ swizzle stick n. àtànàng sugarcane n. arake sword n. àgají; àgazhi; kutsór sugariness n. kutá1 swordgrass n. kutsítsì suicide n. kurík sympathy n. kushí sullenly adv. gbèndès syphilis n. ìtsùsà summit n. katón T t taboo n. ìtsì1 take away, to v. dónóng; whan tadpole n. àcébòr; nàcébòr take care over s.t., to v.p. nisák riyé̱ tail n. kúrùm 2 take place, to v. cúrùk take a wife, to v. sók take the roof off s.t., to v. ngamáng 138 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere take, to v. íngà; kók; sók that would be good! excl. wásá kúrúk talk about s.o., to v. rás thatch n. kutár talk freely to expose secrets, to v.p. táng kànù thatch, to v. tár5 talk less of part. shítà the det. ame; ’e; 'me 1 talkative a. kìkyàù the one pron. iyong; nè1; -ng; -ong talkative in a manner that implies that you the one, that one pron. -yong are lying (metaphorically), to be v. rong2 theft n. ìtsàng tall a. -so̱ p theirs p.a. bá2; p.a. -fuba; p. pron. nafuba tamarind n. àmùr(u)vè̱ r them pron. bá1; ká…bá; tàa…bá tame, to v. wúsúp then conj. ma; yóng taming v.n. kuwúsúp there dem. àkùkya; loc. àzá; dem. àzòng tan (skin), to v. ruk1 there he/she is dem. àkya taro n. àzhe kuwhaan; àzhe thereafter part. ànóng bé ànóng; conj. yóng tassel n. nàsha these dem. ayo; na tasteless a. kpìtìrìk they pron. bá1; ó; o; tú...nyín tasty a. rìrè̱ m they alone pron. kamába tattoo n. ìzìzo̱ ; ìzùzo̱ they say that… excl. Shuba … taunt n. ìwhàp thick a. kpàkàràk; kpùkpè̱ rè̱ k; pep2 taurine n.p. ìnyak ìzere thickly adv. cùsh teach, to v. bo̱ mó̱ ng thief n. àkpátàng; atáng tear off flesh, to v. sam2 2 thigh n. ìshùrtàk tear out, to v. sam2 1 thin a. wáár2 tear, to v. sárák thing n. àkíkèng; ìkéng; kurés3 tears n. nànyìsi think, to v. dí1; nyásàng; tó̱ rò̱ ng; tò̱ teat n. ìcèk rìbàsang thinking n. kuto̱ rò̱ ng tedious a. yus thirst n. kutó̱ áshi; kutó̱ kukòòr teeth n. ìtsèng2 this det. ame; dem. ayo; det. ’e; det. 'me 1; tell, to v. tak1 dem. na temple n. kúfòk this one dem. -yu ten num. atòòn afà 2; kusó̱ k1 this side dem. àkùyù tense situation n. àgàbùn this thing pron. -mànàng tepid a. mùmò̱ k this time adv. mákòng termite n. ìtsè̱ this year adv. riyé̱ ré̱ ng termite hill n. kúgo̱ k thorn n. ìkírìtsàn termite mound n. kúgo̱ k thorn tree n. àgùk ìkiritsàn; ìkírìtsàn ikan; terrain n. kabén ìkírìtsàn ítek; ìkìrkà terrify, to v. shirík thorny bush n. àkìrìkà terror n. inyim thorny plant spp. n. ányè̱ ng test, to v. bo̱ mó̱ ng; fók those dem. akyóng testicle n. ìwhìk thought n. kuto̱ rò̱ ng tether, to v. fúnúng2 thousand num. ìzùngu that dem. -à2; dem. akyóng; part. ye threaten, to v.p. yá kurik that (far) dem. àyong three c. num. -taar That is so! excl. Kò̱ threshing n. ìshè̱ sh That is the end! excl. ìnyák'e throat n. ìzígò̱ rò̱ k That is the limit! excl. ìngák; ìnyák'e throw liquid at, to v. ta2 1 that one dem. àya; dem. ikya; pron. iyong; throw, to v. bárák; whérèk2; wórók pron. -ng; pron. -ong; c. dem. -ya thumb n. àtùgbak that side dem. àkùkya thump, to v. cáràk 139 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere thunder n. àkpáràm rìnyisi tick n. ìzháàsh touching v.n. kurás tickle, to v. gé̱ rè̱ m tough a. nàshàk tie the skin, to v.p. tóp ìbìn touts n. igon kuwún tie up, to v. fúnúng2 town n. kuwó̱ p tie, to v. róós; rúsòm toxin n. nàdo̱ m tiger-nut n. ìshò̱ k track n. ìrèn; kukyó̱ ó̱ r; kúne̱ ; nírèn tight, to be v. kpá trade n. rízhìk tighten, to v. róós trader n. àzhìk till, to v. káp1 tradition n. ìgò̱ ò̱ n time n. ìtso̱ m2 3; ìzen traditional priest n. àwàcirì time from 8-10 a.m. n. kuránom trail n. kukyó̱ ó̱ r; kúne̱ ; nírèn tiny a. híìr trample, to v. cáràk; shé̱ ré̱ k tip over, to v.p. tí gìrìp tranquil a. tèp tired a. gbe̱ re̱ k tranquil, to s.v. yú tiredness n. kuró̱ n tranquility n. kaménéng rìyè̱ title p.n. Àdáwa; p.n. Àgbang; p.n. àtùrki1; n. tranquilly adv. ge̱ k… ìkpààr2 transform, to v. shíshìng transgression n. rine̱ n title holder n. àfe riyerek; p.n. àgàlámà1; p.n. translucent a. kanang 1 àmágàzhí1 transparent a. kanang 1 tits n. ribásáng transplant cereals, to v. sép to loc. n- transplanting n. asép to (place or person) loc. núfé transport, to v. fanang to me pron. tí trap n. àgùnùng to you, to pron. nufúan 2 toad n. àwhara trash n. àwha tobacco n. àtabà trash heap n. kúbutòng today n. katúúr tread on, to v. shé̱ ré̱ k toddle, to v. càca treat, to v. bok toddling v.n. àcàca tree (generic) n. kakón together adv. mák tree bark n. riwá 2 together with conj. ber tree sp. n. àbunubunik; àdùrbè; àduwà2; toilet n. kama'mé àgàruwa; àgbè̱ k; àgò̱ tsèn; àgùk ìkiritsàn; àkàye̱ r akàn; àkàye̱ r áwè; àkàye̱ r; token n. àtosop2 àkìdàmina; àkòk ìshong; àkòk; àkúrgyèng; tomb n. kure̱ k ̱ ̱ ̱ ̱ tomorrow n. kátsòn; adv. nátsòn àkúr(u)fáng; àmúdo̱ m; àmúdús; àmùr(u)do̱ k ; àmùr(u)vè̱ r; ànúsò̱ ; àsàrkùn; tongs n. àkanang2 1 tongue n. ìrèm àtàrkài1; àtsò̱ ò̱ m; àwàra; àwè anyísí; àwóròp; àwùrùm; àzogale; ìcùber; ìfòm; tonsils n. ìkyò̱ r3 ̱ too much, to be v. mak ìgě̱ s; ìkírìtsàn ikan; ìkírìtsàn ítek; ìkìrkà; too short a. píng ikúkúrum; ìnal; ìngmakpara; ìshò̱ n; tooth n. kúbà; rinyí ìtùkùrùk; ìtùtò; ìwhèp; ìzhò̱ rò̱ p; ìzìzèrèk; top n. katón ìzo̱ r; kafúrùk àsòm; kafúrùk; kakáshe̱ n; torment, to v. nyan kaké̱ ; kakón ìwà; kakó; kakó̱ s; kákpòk; kakúm; kasi; kubó̱ kó̱ ; kubo̱ p; kucara; tortoise n. àkùrùk1 kucílé; kudáka; kufé̱ n; kúgei; kusó̱ p2; torture, to v. fung2; nyan riwúr torturing v.n. kutábák tree trunk n. ritín1 totally adv. káp2 tremble, to v. tímíng touch, to v. rá; v.p. sák kubó̱ k; v. shúmùng 140 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere trembling n. kutíím turn aside, to v. shámáng trench n. kùkò̱ rò̱ ng; kukúrdúng; kútsees turn bad, to v. kpùùl tribal mark n. ìzìzo̱ turn off, to v. kírík 2; v.p. tí rè̱ è̱ r1 1 tribal scars n. ìzùzo̱ turn s.t. over, to v. bóròk tributary n. kubó̱ k-ishò̱ ng tuwo without soup n. àkpàm1 trick, to v. wó̱ k1 twelve num. atòòn afà 1; kusó̱ k bê fà trickle, to v. wó̱ rò̱ ng1 twice num. káfá tripod n. kacídóng twigs n. àdé̱ k trousers n. ìshom; ìtàng1; ìtàng àdìga twilight n. kawhéshirim; adv. wùwììr2 trudge, to v. ko̱ o̱ n twilight place n. àwùwììr true a. àtùk1 twin n. kafé̱ è̱ s truly part. àgà twine n. kudún truth n. kátsàk twine, to v. bar; wos1 try out, to v. bo̱ mó̱ ng twinkle, to v. gèsèm tube n. kútòp1 twist, to v.p. tí gó̱ k; v. tsíbík1 tuber n. àdòm; àgba1 twisted a. fòndòng tuber sp. n. àbèp twisty, to be v. gòrdòk tuft of hair n. rídùk two num. àfa; -fa tulip tree n. àzìzìk rìce two hundred num. ìsò̱ k inyak ífà tumble, to v. kpà type n. ìrìri; kuri; kutong turn (body), to v. kírík 1 U u Ugh! excl. Uhh! unreal story n. àwhòng ugliness n. kurísìk unrestricted a. wàshàk ugly, to be v. rísìk unripe a. -bun; wùwììr1 ulcer n. ìgààr unroll, to v. bísík ululation n. àkílílyú unsightliness n. kurísìk umbilical cord n. àzhìzhi igon; àzhìzhi kùkòp unstable a. zè̱ è̱ unbalanced (load) a. zè̱ è̱ unsuitable a. tìtèng uncertain a. gbirim1 untidy a. cò̱ shò̱ k uncertainty n. àgak riye̱ untie, to v. bísík uncle n. ànìsak until conj. ma unclean, to be v. rùrùk 1 untouched c.a. -zhel unclear a. shìsh untruth n. abóós; kábóròk; nàbóròk uncomfortable a. cò̱ shò̱ k; gàk’àdàk; gàk unveil, to v. té̱ s undeniably a. zhé̱ mzhé̱ m unveiling v.n. kuté̱ s underside n. ritín3 upland n. àgàràng undersized a. píng upon loc. ní1 understanding n. izé̱ ng’è uproot, to v. ngaar uneven a. gàk’àdàk; gàk upset, to v. nyósóng 1 unfold, to v. bísík; té̱ s upset, to be v. fúús1 unfriendly, to be v. fo̱ 2 1 upside down adv. akacé ungratefulness n. izú; kadírík urine n. àté̱ k unkempt a. cò̱ shò̱ k; ko̱ o̱ r us pron. ní…yír; tìin …yír unless conj. ma used to set a dog on a person or animal excl. unmarried girl n. kanámàng Tsók… 141 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere useless person n. àzénázen1 utterance n. rife̱ 1 V v vagina n. àkìkelle; àtè̱ s; àzè̱ p; rigbóór ìtsung; kadónóng valley n. kúdo̱ k; kusóón vicar n. àtsi vanish, to v.p. tí icá; tí zhàù village n. kázú1 1; kuwó̱ p vanquish, to v. cánàng vine sp. n. àgyò̱ ò̱ r; ké̱ ge̱ s; rihák vapour n. kuros viscous a. nàpdàng vast a. kpis visit, to v. ritsén vehicle n. àmatò; ìtsààp visitor n. àtsèn vein n. kútsìp 2 vital force n. ìyúk1 venom n. nàdo̱ m voice n. kutó̱ 1 2 version of a story n. kutó̱ 2 void n. kafong very a.i. dide̱ ng volunteer n. ìtsúmúng very close to the edge or end adv. whés vomit, to v. kós1 very closely adv. vé̱ r vomiting v.n. rikós very far off the ground id. ringring voracity n. kusóm2 very hot id. zhùkzhùk voyage n. kutseng very well a. caàng vulture n. àzhánggá vessel n. àdúrunìng2; àgìbò̱ k; àzhirigi; ìdong; W w wag, to v. zímíng washing sponge n. àsòso wail n. kúkún wasp n. amǔrgbe̱ k; ìtong1; nàtse̱ n waist n. kutín wasp sp. n. àgò̱ k wait, to v. tór 1 wasp-like insect n. àtàng áko̱ r wake up suddenly, to v.p. té kpàràk waste n. rikam wake, to v. shímíng waste, to v. mísík 1; nyósóng 2 walk, to v. tseng water n. áshì ìzoos; áshì walking stick n. àzubirik water spinach n. àzhè̱ é̱ rè̱ walking-stick n. àgbong; ìshè̱ n water yam cultivar n. àrùwazhì wall n. kúbìmìng; kúkíbàr water-pipe; n. ìtòp3 wander, to v. kar; zé̱ e̱ m water-yam n. àbàkyuruk; àdàkan want, to v. shím1 water-yam cultivar n. àdàkan ìbò̱ k; àdàkan war n. ìtsòm kátsìk; àfangar warm a. bò̱ rò̱ s waterleaf n. àgóòrí; ìnyìnyèp warm weather n. àfò̱ 2 watery adv. me̱ rme̱ r; a. zháúzháú warm, to be v. fo̱ 1 wateryam cultivar n. àdìnàzà warmth n. kuzhóósh way n. ìrèn warn, to v. kpám we pron. yír...yír warning n. àwyûwyû weak a. gbe̱ re̱ k warthog n. àdè̱ ngzè weak, to be s.v. yò̱ ò̱ wash clothes, to v. zho̱ ro̱ p 2 weakness n. kuyó̱ mò̱ ng 1 wash, to v. kúsú; so weal n. ìbin 142 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere wealth n. kurúm1 whitlow n. ìcàr wealthy person n. àgbók àgbók 2 whittle, to v. sé̱ p wean, to v. kam rìbàsàng whittling v.n. àsé̱ p wear leaves round the waist, to v. zónóng who? int. àngan wear, to v. té2 1 wholly adv. kùsùm weave, to v. bar whore n.p. ìnyak agwo̱ m weaver bird n. àcò̱ k wicked a. kàrdàk; kpè̱ 2 wed, to v.p. nyé kúwé̱ né̱ ng wicked character p.n. Àkpé̱ wedding n. kuwé̱ né̱ ng wicked person n. àkpé̱ ; àtsértser weed sp. n. àkàzho̱ ro̱ p; àmanya; ànyò̱ rò̱ s wickedness n. ríkpè̱ weed, to v. korong widely adv. sà 1 weeding v.n. àcòrbe; n. rikóróng widely spaced (planting) a. gàpgàp weep, to v. tós2 widow n. àkumung weeping v.n. kanák width n. ìsòng; kusó̱ p1 weighed down, to be v. yòròp wife n. àbìnìng weld, to v. máràp wild animal n. ìkèwùm well n. ribóng wild area n. àkos Well done! excl. Kó̱ ò̱ k wild cape gooseberry n. risi àkpǎbór well fitting a. pás wild cat n. ìtsùs well, to be v.p. nyé atsèr wild nature n. kàyir1 Well! excl. tó̱ wild rice n.p. ìshùwa àbòp welt n. ìbin wild taro n. àzhe àfúrè̱ west n.p. rikpa kunom wilderness n. katsé West African house snake n. àdamàru will v.a. tà wet a. -shirim will come v.a. saáse wet place n. àcàang wind n. kúwún 1 wet, to v. shú wing n. kúfabak wetness n. kushírìm winged termite n. ìzì what? int. ákyè̱ winnow, to v. kumung; tásák 2 When? int. nízeng winnowing n. àsé̱ where? int. àke̱ winnowing tray n. kúbè whereabouts n. kurák wipe off, to v. re̱ ng whether conj. ka1 wipe, to v. kon which c.a. -fe wisdom n. izé̱ ng’è; kukém Which day? int. nízeng wise a. tsítsé̱ ng Which? int. -nyaka wise person n. àtsítsé̱ ng whimper, to v.p. tí nyààr wisecrack n. ìwhàs whip n. àwhèrèng witch n. àkùr whip, to v. whérèk1 witchweed n. kuróng ákur whirligig beetle n. nàkírìng with conj. ne; se1 whirlwind n. ìcìng with, and conj. be3 whisper, to v. cùkcùk without a. dar whistle n. àdùrúduk2 without obstruction adv. wè̱ è̱ rwè̱ è̱ r whistle, to v.p. té̱ p áwhè̱ è̱ r wizard n. àkùr whistling v.n. áwhè̱ è̱ r woman n. àbìnìng; n. àkuma; n. àner ábining; white a. -kan; c.i. pes n. àtsè̱ r; p.n. Àwúrkàk white person n. ànàsara wonderful a. káshá white sesame n. ìcé̱ né̱ ng Wonderful! excl. Kukém whiten, to v. karé̱ p wonky, to be s.v. gó̱ k 143 A dictionary of Izere Roger Blench & Bitrus Kaze English-Izere wood n. kukón2 wound, to v. man wooden handle of hoe n. àkòrok1 wrap v. kúnúng woodland n. kúcì wrench out, to v. sam2 1 woodpecker n.p. àtè̱ m nàkòn wrench, to v. fósók 2 woodpile n. rite̱ wrestle, to v. can word n. rife̱ 1 wrestler n. àkùngùng1 work n. ìtòmòng wrestling n. ìzaàn world n. kazátse wring, to v. fírìk worm n. àgapdang; àzhìzhi2; kuná kar wrinkle, to v. nàsh worm sp. n. ìzù wrinkled a. shùndùng worn (object) a. fé̱ kfé̱ k wrist n. kutó̱ kúbó̱ k worn and easily torn a. tsùktsùk write, to v. zíbír worn out (objects) a. fúfé̱ k writing n. ìzìbìr worry, to v. dáàm Wrong! excl. bif! wound n. ìnyò̱ ò̱ r; kufór Y y yahoo boys n. igon kuwún you (sg.) pron. ka2; wán1 yam n. àdòm; àgbe̱ rzhe̱ ; àtsè̱ m You are doing something wrong! excl. Isék’e yam cultivar n. àbàyama1; àrang akpàng; you pl. pron. ká…nyín; tàa…nyín; tá...nyín àrang; ìyè̱ rè̱ k you sg, pron. màá yam stake n. ìtsì2 you sg. pron. tá1; tàa yam store n. kútàmàng young female livestock n. ìshèp year n. riyé̱ 2 young girl n. àcàm 2 yell, to v. tár1 young man n. àcàm 2 yellow a. atuúru young woman n. ìshèp yellow-billed oxpecker n.p. kanon inyak younger c.a. iyiir’e; a. -risher Yes! excl. èì younger one n. àwùsong yesterday adv. kuré; núrè younger ones n. àshèeshe yet adv. nízhàm; conj. ra your (s.) p.a. wán2 yonder dem. àzòng yours pron. àfúàn; p.a. nyín you pron. u; wo, ‘o yours (pl.) c.a. -finyin; p. pron. nafenyin you (pl.) pron. nyín...nyín yours (sg.) p.a. -faan; p. pron. nafuan Z z z?? n. kunyoro zeal n. ìfèng zenith n. katón zigzag, to v. go̱ mo̱ ng 144