Greetings

Greetings and Respect in Igbo Culture In Igbo society

It is customary to show special respect and use specific greetings when addressing elders and individuals significantly older than oneself. This practice holds particular importance in smaller communities like villages, where it is expected for non-elders to greet every elder they encounter each day. Here are some examples of greetings used to show respect across different societal levels.

Formal:

1. Kèdú (kay-DOO) – The most common formal greeting equivalent to ‘hello.’ Example: Kèdú, how are you? – Hello, how are you?
2. Ǹdêwó (in-DAY-WOAH) – A formal greeting that can be used to greet anyone. Example: Ǹdêwó, sir/madam. – Hello, sir/madam.
3. Má-ḿmá (MAHM-MA) – This is the most common polite term when addressing an elder or important person in society. It is used alongside the person’s name and an honorific. Example: Má-ḿmá Chinedu, good afternoon. – Good afternoon, Mr. Chinedu.
4. Ǹnộ (in-NOORE) – A greeting mostly used in the northern part of Igboland. Example: Ǹnộ, how are you today? – Hello, how are you today?

Informal:

1. Ǹdâ (in-DAH) – Can be an equivalent of ‘what’s up.’ Example: Ǹdâ, my friend. – What’s up, my friend?
2. Ánị̄ (AH-NEE) – More direct, used only by friends. Insulting if used on someone older than the greeter. Example: Ánị̄, how far? – Hey, what’s up?
3. Ọ̀lị́à (aw-LEE-yah) – More direct, mostly from a friend to a friend. Example: Ọ̀lị́à, my guy/girl. – What’s going on, my guy/girl?
4. Ọ̀gị́nị́ kwánụ́/gị́nị́ mẹ̀rẹ̀ (aw-GEE-NEE KU-WA-NOO/GEE-NEE meh-reh) – Very direct and informal, literally ‘what’s happening.’ Example: Ọ̀gị́nị́ kwánụ́, guys? – What’s happening, guys?

Group:

1. Kwénù (QUAY-noo) – The most common group greeting, used only by males. Example: Kwénù, guys! – What’s up, guys!
2. Dǎlụ́’nụ̀ (DAH-LOO nooh) – Meaning literally ‘thank you all,’ this can be used by anybody. Example: Dǎlụ́’nụ̀ for coming, everyone! – Thank you all for coming!

Note: It’s important to adapt greetings to the appropriate context and relationship with the individuals you are addressing.