Learn Igbo: a beginner's introduction

TL;DR: Igbo is a major language of Southeastern Nigeria, and several varieties are used for more specific regional communication. Beginners can start with everyday expressions, such as Ndeewo (hello), Biko (please), Nnọọ (welcome), and Daalụ (thank you). The language is tonal, meaning pitch has an impact on the meaning of words. Learners should, therefore, practise correct pronunciation to effectively engage in everyday conversation.

This guide covers what Igbo is and where it is spoken, the everyday words to start with, why tone changes meaning (using the four versions of akwa as the standard example) and a six-step order for learning the language. The guide does not assume any prior Igbo and starts from the alphabet and the vowel sounds.

What is the Igbo language?

Igbo, also referred to as Asụsụ Igbo, is one of the main languages spoken in Nigeria, alongside Hausa and Yoruba. According to Harvard’s ELIAS language course, it features several regional variations. However, there is a central form of Igbo spoken and understood more broadly.

Learners may encounter slightly different vocabulary or expressions depending on the speaker’s community. There are currently five core states that speak Igbo, Imo Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi, with significant Igbo-speaking populations in the Delta and Rivers regions. You don't need to learn every regional variation, and you can start with commonly taught forms.

What Igbo words should beginners start with?

There is a small group of everyday expressions that provide a practical starting point. Here are some of these expressions:

How do you greet someone in Igbo?

Ndeewo is a useful Igbo greeting that translates to hello. However, natives also use “Kedụ?”, which means “How are you doing?” A simple exchange can look like this:

• Person A: Ndeewo (Hello)
• Person B: Ndeewo (Hello)
• Person A: Kedụ? (How are you?)
• Person B: Ọ dị mma, Daalụ (I am fine, thank you)

Nnọọ is different because it translates to welcome. It is often used when welcoming a person. However, when welcoming multiple people, the correct vocabulary is Nnọọ nụ.

Why are tones important in Igbo?

Igbo is a tonal language, like other African languages, and words will look alike but have different sounds and meanings. The language uses tone marks to distinguish these words. For example, the word akwa can have multiple meanings according to where emphasis is placed. Here is an example:

• àkwá (low/high): egg
• àkwà (low/low): bed
• ákwà (high/low): cloth
• ákwá (high/high): cry

These tonal variations may make the language a little challenging for English speakers. However, practice with language learning apps like Memrise, which offer native-speaker videos, helps learners differentiate them quickly. The key is constant practice and whistling or humming to help you mark the tones.

Learners should also pay attention to the vowels ị, ụ, and ọ because their marks distinguish them from other vowel letters. Knowing these differences early makes it easier to master vocabulary later.

How should you start learning Igbo?

Start with simple phrases and words while paying close attention to sounds and pronunciation. These include everyday vocabulary such as greetings and asking for assistance. Practise each word and phrase in short exchanges rather than memorising a long list of vocabulary. This will help you learn how they function in a conversation, improving your mastery of the language. You can follow this sequence when learning Igbo:

1. Learn the Igbo alphabet and vowel sounds
2. Practise the three basic tones
3. Memorise everyday words such as Ndeewo and Biko
4. Add polite expressions such as Kedụ ka ị mere?
5. Listen to a native or proficient speaker
6. Build short sentences from vocabulary you know

Memrise includes comprehensive Igbo instructions for all-level learners. It presents you with thousands of immersive lessons, using content from TikTok and YouTube, to help you grasp the language. Learners also get to practise speaking Igbo with an AI language partner, which lets them improve their spoken language skills.

Frequently asked questions

Is Igbo difficult to learn?

No. While Igbo presents some challenges due to its tonal nature, learners can grasp it just like other languages. Beginners also don’t have to master the entire grammatical system before they can use basic expressions. How quickly someone learns the language is, however, dependent on their study method and exposure.

What language is Igbo?

Igbo belongs to the Niger-Congo family and is one of Nigeria's principal languages alongside Hausa and Yoruba. It is spoken mainly across the southeast of the country. There are many regional varieties, but a central form, sometimes called Standard Igbo, is taught and understood broadly, and it is the one most learning material uses.