ꞌBëlï-English Dictionary

Deng Gideon KolJohn Majok Matuek

with

Tim Stirtz

This book is a list of some of the most common word spoken by YiꞌBëlï. The meaning of each word is given in English.

Contact Address:ꞌBëlï Translation and Literacy Projectc/o SIL-South SudanP.O. Box 64JubaSouth Sudan

© 2013, ꞌBëlï Translation and Literacy Project

Trial Edition March 2013

Publisher: SIL-South Sudan

Place of Publication: Juba

Introduction

In the ꞌBëlï language there are several different types of words: nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, demonstratives, connectors, and others. This dictionary lists many words and tells what kind of word it is. It also gives the meaning of each word in English. Each word is listed according to the order of the alphabet letters so that it is easier to find the words. This book also shows how each word should be spelled. The lessons of the Reading and Writing ꞌBëlï Book 2 and the ꞌBëlï Grammar Book should be learned and used along with this dictionary.

It is especially important for those writing books and translating Scripture to refer to this book when checking the spelling of words. If all writers spell the way that words are written in this dictionary, it will be easier for readers to recognize each word when they read them. Any words in this book that are not spelled correctly or have the wrong English meaning should be marked in pencil. The correct spelling or meaning should then be told to the authors so that they can make corrections for the next printing.

How to read an entry in this dictionary

When you look in the dictionary, you will see many lines of words. Many look similar to the example below:

dɔkɔ [ ˗ ˉ ] M,H n 1) descendant 2) kind or type of something (lit. head seed)

Here’s what the words mean:

• The word dɔkɔ in bold is called the ‘entry’. All the words after it give information about this word. All entries are listed according to the order of the ꞌBëlï alphabet letters. See the ꞌBëlï Aphlabet Order below for the list of letters in order.

• Next, we read [ ˗ ˉ ] M,H which tells us the entry said by itself has Mid, High tone. There are many entries which have the same letters and only differ by tone. For these entries, the tone can help a speaker hear the difference between the entries. The Reading and Writing ꞌBëlï Book 2 explains how rising and falling tone makes the word have a long (doubled) vowel.

• Next, the letter n tells us the word category (type of word) of the entry is a noun. See below for a list of all possible word category abbreviations.

• Next, we read 1) descendant 2) kind or type of somethingThese are two definitions (meanings) of the entry. 1) descendant is the most common meaning. 2) kind or type of something is a less common meaning.

• The words (lit. head seed) give the literal meaning and show which words the entry comes from. The entry dɔko comes from the words dɔ ꞌheadꞌ and kö ꞌseedꞌ.

i

Now look at another example entry.

jɔɔ̱jɔ [ ˗ ˉ ] M,H v 1) try, test mojɔɔ̱jɔ 2) teach (jɔɔ̱ say, tell)

• This entry jɔɔ̱jɔ has the same tone [ ˗ ˉ ] M,H as the first entry. But it has a different word category v that means it is a verb. Verbs entries are the command form of the verb. The Reading and Writing ꞌBëlï Book 2 explains how the first root vowel of each verb is underlined. The ꞌBëlï Grammar Book explains about command verbs.

• This entry also has two definitions. After the first definition 1) try, test we have the word mojɔɔ̱jɔ that is a subentry of (entry related to) jɔɔ̱jɔ. You can find mojɔɔ̱jɔ in the dictionary with other words that begin with the letter m. There you will find mojɔɔ̱jɔ is an adverb meaning ꞌbeing temptedꞌ.

• The words (jɔɔ̱ say, tell) show that jɔɔ̱jɔ is listed as a subentry under the entry jɔɔ̱. This means the original (most basic) verb is jɔɔ̱, and jɔɔ̱jɔ comes from jɔɔ̱.

Here is another example entry.

li ɔ̱ya2 [ ˗ ˉ ] M,H v be same li ɔ̱ya a ne ti not same as him

• There is a small number 2 after the entry li ɔ̱ya2. This means there is another word li ɔ̱ya1 that has the same letters but a completely different meaning. The word li ɔ̱ya1 means ꞌyellꞌ and li ɔ̱ya2 means ꞌbe sameꞌ. The two words are not related, and just happen to have the same spelling.

• The words li ɔ̱ya a ne ti give an example of how the entry li ɔ̱ya2 can be used in a sentence. After the ꞌBëlï example sentence, the English meaning is given.

Here is one further example entry.

tiyara bw (Arabic) n airplane

• The words bw (Arabic) show this entry tiyara is borrowed from Arabic.

ii

ꞌBëlï Alphabet Order

The words in this dictionary are listed according to the order of the ꞌBëlï letters. ꞌBëlï has 38 letters, and they are in the following order.

ꞌBëlï AlphabetA a akora chickenÄ ä mänyä antelopeB b binya goatꞌB ꞌb ꞌbɔti monkeyC c camanja combD d dɔ headꞌD ꞌd ꞌdu foodE e hegbe ratË ë cërë starG g goŋa axeGb gb gbanda cassavaH h ha cowI i kiꞌdi elephantÏ ï kïꞌdï spoonJ j jï handꞌJ ꞌj ꞌjɔlɔ redbud gazelleK k kïlïru giraffeKp kp kpa mouthL l lïꞌbö behiveM m mɔrɔ lionMb mb mbaga basketN n nɔkɔ uncleNd nd ndï potNg ng ngihi fishNj nj njɔlɔ frogNy ny nyipɔꞌdɔ frogŊ ŋ ŋihi moonŊb ŋb ŋbala armŊm ŋm ŋma termitesO o komo hareÖ ö köŋbö canoeƆ ɔ kɔ eyeP p paꞌdo fireR r ru house, hutT t timara crocodileU u huꞌbu oilW w wari shoeY y yii snake

iii

Word Category Abbreviations

Here is a list of all word category abbreviations and what they mean:

adj adjectiveadv adverbcon connectorcon.dep.aft dependent connector after main clausecon.dep.bef dependent connector before main clausecon.main main clause connectorcon.rel relative connectordem demonstrativeindef indefinite adjectiven nounnum numberoth other word category or unknown word

categorypref derivational prefixprep prepositionpron pronounpron.obj object pronounpron.posiv possessive pronounpron.posor possessor pronounpron.sub.comp completive subject pronounpron.sub.incomp incompletive subject pronounqu question wordv verbvn verbal noun

iv

A aa. [ ̖ ] L pron.sub.comp (s)he

a. . . . ni [ . . . ̖ ] L . . .

L pron.sub.comp they Kodi aꞌjaa̱a ꞌdɔ ni, . . . If they find something, . . .

aboyi [ ] L,M,M n net

acɔci [ ̖ ] L,L,L adj obnoxious, disturbing

adiindo [ ‵ ] L,HM,H Qu how is it

adiya [ ] L,H,L Qu is it

akaca [ ] L,M,M n donkey

akora [ ] L,L,M n chicken

ala [ ] H,L Qu who, whom, which

aparaga [ ] L,L,L,H n youth

aranda [ ̖ ] L,L,L n in-law

atɔrɔ [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n sky 2) n rain 3) adv up

awada [ ̖ ] M,H,L n tax

äcïkërï Bw (Arabic) n soldier

äꞌdö [ ] L,H con.dep.bef if had been (introduces action that did not happen)

äyuru [ ̖ ] H,H,L n prostitute

B bbaba [ ] M,H n father

baa̱ba [ ] M,H v rub, touch

baꞌbi [ ̖ ] L,L adv proudly

baci [ ̖ ] L,L adj many, much (uncountable)

bala [ ̖ ] L,L n bull

bali [ ̖ ] H,L n friend

baringɔ [ ] M,M,M n sheep

bata [ ̖ ] M,L adj proud

bea̱ [ ] H v love, want mobea̱ngo

bele [ ] H,H n stick

bete [ ] H,H adj half

bëtï [ ] L,H adv cheating, deceitfully

bi a̱i [ ̖ ] HL v 1) miss (with arrow) 2) (comb) enters (hair on side of head)

bidina [ ] H,L,M oth like this

bidiindo adv greatly

bila [ ̖ ] L,L n horn

binya [ ̖ ] H,L n goat

bira [ ̖ ] L,L adj beautiful

bï [ ̖ ] L n hair

bïï [ ̷ ] LM n place

bï a̱ï [ ⃥ ] HL v smoke, dry (meat)

bïï [ ⃥ ] HL n dog

bo1 [ ̖ ] L adj big, important

bo2 [ ̖ ] L dem that

bo3 [ ] H con.rel who, which, where, of (introduces new action or information)

bo gɔa̱ [ ] H M adj sitting, that sits

bo hï a̱ [ ̖ ] H,L adj that is short

bo lëa̱lë [ ] H L,L adj that slopes

bo loa̱ [ ] H H adj that is deep

bo nɔa̱ɔ adj that makes

bo ndaa̱ [ ] H,H adv without, that is not

bo tua̱ [ ] H H adj that gives birth, is born

bo wo ̱ 2

bo woa̱ [ ̖ ] M,L adj that carries bo wo ꞌdɔ that carries something

bo. pref (a prefix that makes an adjective, noun or adverb from a verb; this is the relative clause connector bo 'that' when attached to the following word and forms new meaning)

bobo [ ̖ ] L,L adj fat, old (lit. that be big, important)

boꞌdo [ ̖ ] H,L adj having (that is like, be)

bogoa̱be [ ] H,L,L adj strong (lit. that is strong)

bohi adj red (lit. that be red)

bola1 [ ] L,H n naked person (that. catches, arrests)

bola2 [ ] L,M adj naked (lit. who catches)

bolea̱e adj good (lit. that be good)

bomi [ ] H,H Con than

bonɔ1 [ ] H,H adj fat (lit. that makes, does)

bonɔ2 [ ̖ ] H,L 1) con.dep.aft so that, in order to, so, thus (introduces the purpose of the previous action) 2) Qu why

bonji [ ̖ ] H,L adj many (countable)

boŋmi a̱i [ ] H,H adj healthy ngo boŋmi healthy body (that is sweet)

bopeminidɔ adj batist (lit. that pours water on

head) (pea̱e pour)

boraa̱ [ ̖ ] H,L adj amazing (lit. that be amazing)

boro [ ] H,H adj big

boteꞌdɔ adj priestly (lit. that sacrifices

something) (tea̱ slaughter, cut, offer sacrifice)

bowɔa̱ɔ [ ̖ ] H,L 1) n distance 2) adj far (lit. that be far)

böbï [ ] L,H n leaf

bödï [ ] H,H adj peaceful, good, quiet, nice (lit. that is cold)

bönyëa̱ adj 1) bad 2) mighty (lit. that be bad)

böŋï [ ] M,M n servant (lit. who dreams)

böŋbëŋï1 [ ] L,L,H adj very big (lit. that are very)

böŋbëŋï2 [ ] L,M,M n kingdom (lit. that are many)

börï [ ] H,H 1) n light 2) adj lighted (lit. that fights)

börö [ ] M,M adv down

bɔ [ ̖ ] L oth almost bɔ moyo almost dead

bɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) get engaged 2) be able

bɔꞌdo [ ] L,H n pig

bɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n ear of maize first budding out from stock

bɔngɔ [ ] L,H n 1) cloth 2) garment

bɔa̱ri [ ] H,H v loiter, move about without purpose

bɔti [ ] M,H num thousand

buruku [ ̖ ] H,L,L n ash

butu [ ] H,H n hill

ꞋB ꞌbꞌbaa̱1 [ ] H v 1) lose, be lost 2) forget

ꞌbaa̱2 [ ] H v 1) make pot 2) build

ꞌbaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v turn, change

ꞌbaꞌba [ ] H,M adv among, between

ꞌbaꞌbayi [ ̖ ] L,L,L adv everyday

ꞌbaga [ ] L,H Con even

3 balaꞌ

ꞌbala [ ̖ ] H,L Qu where

ꞌbaa̱ngo [ ] L,M v is turned

ꞌbara [ ̖ ] H,L adv beside

ꞌbayi [ ̖ ] L,L adv tomorrow

ꞌbe [ ̖ ] L n home

ꞌbea̱ [ ] H v 1) go, move 2) follow 3) walk

ꞌbea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v shoots (with bow and arrow)

ꞌbekim Bw (Arabic) n hospital

ꞌbele [ ] H,H n news, message

ꞌbëa̱ [ ] M v give

ꞌbërïꞌbërï [ ̖ ] L,L,L,L adv brightly

ꞌbi [ ] H n day

ꞌbi a̱ [ ] H v be quiet

ꞌbi a̱i [ ̖ ] HL v sing

ꞌbïru [ ̖ ] L,L n bat

ꞌboa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v mend, repair

ꞌbogo [ ̖ ] L,L n theif

ꞌbolo [ ̖ ] L,L n 1) money 2) dowry

ꞌbö1 [ ̖ ] L n egg

ꞌbö2 [ ̖ ] L n father

ꞌbö3 [ ] H adj hungry

ꞌbödï [ ̖ ] M,L adj lazy

ꞌböa̱gö [ ] M,M v steal

ꞌbönï [ ] M,H n 1) owner 2) parent

ꞌböŋö [ ] M,H n wound

ꞌbörï [ ] H,H 1) n bush 2) adv away

ꞌbɔ1 [ ̖ ] L n footprint

ꞌbɔ2 [ ̖ ] L Con for, because Ne aꞌjaa̱a ꞌdɔ, bo lï a̱kö dɔ moo dimi-ru lɔŋi Mitɔrɔ lïyötä, ꞌbɔ

ne agɔa̱ kaa̱ ni-moyɔa̱yɔ börö ga-mene mini-jï moo, ka kpa mulugu. They realized something happened to him in the temple, for he remained with hand signals and his mouth was silent.

ꞌbɔa̱1 [ ] H v hold warm cloth on baby

ꞌbɔa̱2 [ ] H v beat (rug)

ꞌbɔɔ [ ̖ ] HL adv is ready

ꞌbɔ ti adv for not

ꞌbɔ- [ ] M prep for (lit. footprint)

ꞌbɔbolɔ [ ] M,H,L adv blessing, wonderfully (lit. for which bless)

ꞌbɔꞌbayi [ ̖ ] L,L,L adv in morning

ꞌbɔa̱ꞌbɔ [ ] M,H v deceive

ꞌbɔgelɔɔ [ ̷ ] L,L,LM adv you (pl) blessed (lit. for you be blessed)

ꞌbɔgilɔɔ adv you (sg) blessed Yï kaa̱ mäŋbï ꞌbɔgilɔɔ. You are truely blessed. (lit. for you be blessed)

ꞌbɔkɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n bush rat

ꞌbɔna [ ̖ ] L,L adv here

ꞌbɔnda [ ] L,M adv there

ꞌbɔngɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n fig

ꞌbɔra [ ] M,M adv around, about

ꞌbɔti [ ] M,H n monkey, baboon

ꞌbɔɔti [ ‵ ] HM,L adv unable (lit. able not)

ꞌbɔɔtöpï [ ′ ] MH,H,M n early morning

ꞌbɔwayi [ ] M,H,M 1) con.dep.aft because (introduces the reason for the previous action) 2) Qu for what reason

ꞌbua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v foam

ꞌbulu [ ] H,H n pot for storing oil

C c

buluꞌ

ca̱ 4

caa̱ [ ] H v grab, peck

caa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v put caa̱ca

caa̱ca [ ] M,H v put (caa̱a put)

caa̱dɔ [ ̖ ] H,L v 1) care for mocaa̱dɔ 2) put something on head

caja [ ̖ ] L,L n wood dust

camanja [ ̖ ] L,L,L n comb

cana n strong grass for weaving

caa̱ndi [ ̖ ] M,L v be poor

cara [ ̖ ] H,L n sickness type

cengelo [ ] M,M,H n quarter of something

cenje [ ̖ ] L,L adv on side

cëa̱ë [ ⃥ ] HL v spear

cëjë [ ̖ ] L,L n honey

cëmu n thinking, thought

cëa̱mu [ ] H,M v remember, think

cërë [ ] M,M n star

cërëbëtï n hook (lit. star cheating)

ci a̱ki [ ] L,M v warn

cï a̱ [ ] H v prevent, stop

cï a̱kï [ ] M,H v accuse

cïkölu [ ̖ ] L,L,L num twenty

coa̱1 [ ] H v 1) drop 2) fall

coa̱2 [ ] H v attack

coa̱3 [ ] M v build

coa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v fill, be full

cocona [ ̖ ] L,L,L adv now

cokaakii [ ⁄ ⃥ ] L,LH,HL num thirty

conjo [ ] H,H n guinea fowl

coro [ ̖ ] L,L n Shooting (with bow and arrows)

coti [ ] M,M adv before

cɔcɔ [ ̖ ] L,L adv always

cɔkɔcɔkɔ [ ̖ ] L,L,L,L adv earlier, previously

culuku [ ̖ ] L,M,L n spoke of bicycle

cua̱tï [ ̖ ] H,L v join

D dda [ ] H n meat

daa̱ [ ] H v tie daa̱ngo

daa [ ̷ ] LM n grandparent

daa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v hide

daka [ ] L,H adv first

dala [ ] L,H n stone

daa̱ngo [ ] M,H v be tied, tie self (daa̱ tie)

dari [ ] L,H n noise

daa̱ri [ ] L,M v defeat

dii [ ⃥ ] HL adv like

di- [ ̖ ] L prep from

di-ꞌbɔnda [ ] L,L,M con.main from there (introduces new person, place or situation--new paragraph)

diꞌbɔ- prep from for

diga- [ ] L,M prep from to

digati [ ] L,H,H Con so that

digobati- prep from after

dike [ ̖ ] H,L n cup

dikpa- prep from at

dilo [ ̖ ] L,L n dikdik

dimi- [ ] L,M prep from with, among

5 dina

dina [ ] H,M 1) adj like this bïï di-na place like this 2) adv like this

diindo [ ‵ ] HM,H Qu how

dingo- [ ] L,M prep about

diite [ ⃥ ̖ ] HL,L adv like this

diya [ ] H,M adj like bïï di-ya place like

dï a̱1 [ ] M v 1) sink 2) drown

dï a̱2 [ ] H v be cold

dïgïtörï Bw (Arabic) n doctor

dïhë [ ] M,H adv back

dïlï [ ̖ ] H,L n shadow

dïnyä- [ ] L,M prep among, in middle

dï a̱rï [ ] M,H v fill

doa̱ [ ] H v chase

doa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v arrive

döa̱ [ ] H v 1) kill 2) beat (person, instrument) 3) shake (instrument)

döa̱dö [ ] M,H v knock, beat

dörï1 [ ̖ ] L,L n desert

dörï2 [ ] L,M Con because

dɔ [ ̖ ] L n head

dɔa̱ [ ] H v 1) lay down 2) buy

dɔ- [ ] M prep on, at (lit. head)

dɔ-kpaduru [ ] M,H,H,H n at river bank

dɔ. pref major (a prefix that makes a new noun from nouns or other word types) (lit. head)

dɔbokɔ [ ] M,H,H n fever, headache

dɔbörö [ ] M,M,M n world (lit. head down)

dɔbötö [ ] M,H,H adv freely

dɔꞌbe [ ] L,M n village (lit. head home)

dɔꞌbɔtɔ [ ] M,H,H adv later, in future

dɔdïlï [ ] L,H,M n spirit (lit. head of shadow)

dɔdolikɔ [ ] M,H,H Bw (Arabic) n eyebrow

dɔgutu [ ] M,H,M n back (lit. head tree)

dɔhayi [ ] L,H,H n land, region (lit. head of sand)

dɔko [ ] M,H n 1) descendant 2) kind or type of something (lit. head seed)

dɔkora [ ] M,H,M adj moving without carrying anything on head

dɔkɔ [ ] H,M adv in presence (lit. at eye)

dɔkɔri [ ] M,M,M adv after

dɔkɔtɔ [ ] M,H,H adv so far, forever (lit. head one)

dɔkɔtɔkpo [ ̖ ] M,M,H,L adv at once (lit. at so much)

dɔlëtu [ ] L,H,M n custom

dɔlëtu motea̱ n circumcision (lit. custom of cutting)

dɔmoga [ ] M,M,H n border

dɔri [ ] L,H n year

dɔru [ ] L,M n roof (lit.on house)

dua̱ [ ] H v 1) cry 2) want

duduŋu [ ̖ ] L,L,L n ring

duduŋu

duduŋu 6

ꞋD ꞌdꞌdaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) be cooked 2) be weak, soft,

tired, like

ꞌdea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) pull 2) (river)

receeds ꞌdea̱ꞌde1 3) (swelling) reduces

ꞌdea̱ꞌde2 [ ] M,H v 1) pull 2) lead

ꞌdea̱ꞌde1 [ ] M,H v have

convulsions (ꞌdea̱e (river) receeds)

ꞌdi a̱ v pick

ꞌdi a̱ꞌdi [ ] M,H v pick

ꞌdï a̱ [ ] H v 1) reach, arrive at 2) touch, have intercourse

ꞌdoa̱ [ ] H v sleep, lie ꞌDoa̱ börö! Lie down!

ꞌdoa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v like, be

ꞌdodi [ ] H,H Qu like who

ꞌdoa̱ꞌdo [ ] M,H v crucify

ꞌdö1 [ ] H oth there, there is, exists

ꞌdö2 [ ̖ ] L n thigh

ꞌdöa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v lay down

ꞌdɔ [ ] H n thing

ꞌdɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v digs, cultivates

ꞌdɔbojɔjɔ [ ] M,H,M,H n teaching (lit. thing that says)

ꞌdɔji [ ] H,M n weapon (lit. thing of hand)

ꞌdɔmonyo [ ] H,L,M n food (lit. thing eating)

ꞌdu [ ] H n 1) food 2) bread

ꞌdua̱ [ ] H v pound

ꞌdua̱u1 [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) spear 2) throw 3) put, plant

ꞌdua̱u2 [ ⃥ ] HL v follow

G ggaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) bite gaa̱ga 2) cut

ga- [ ] M prep to

gabana Bw (Arabic) n government

gaꞌdi Bw (Arabic) n judge

gaa̱ga [ ] M,H v bite (gaa̱a bite)

gala [ ̖ ] H,L n fox

gali [ ̖ ] M,L adj leaving

gaa̱mbili [ ] M,H,H v listen (lit. to ear)

gawo [ ̖ ] L,L n town

gayi [ ] H,M Qu what, why

ge [ ̖ ] L pron.posor your (pl)

geli [ ] M,M adj bent over, paralyzed

gi [ ̖ ] L pron.posor your (sg)

girima [ ̖ ] L,H,L n eagle

giya [ ̖ ] H,L n root

go [ ̖ ] L n hole

gobati- [ ] L,M,M prep after

goa̱be [ ̖ ] H,L v be strong mogobe

gomɔ [ ̖ ] M,L adj suffering

goŋa [ ̖ ] H,L n axe

gölï [ ̖ ] L,L n wrestling

gɔa̱ [ ] M v 1) sit 2) remain

7 g naɔ �

gɔa̱ naa̱ v continue to produce (fruit)

gɔa̱da [ ] M,H v wait for someone

gɔa̱gɔ [ ] M,H v sweep

gɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n spear with barbs on handle

gɔmo [ ] L,H n man

gu [ ] H n arrow

gua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v write

gumö [ ] M,H n blood

gundɔ [ ̖ ] L n tongue

gutëyï [ ̖ ] L,L,L n road

gutï [ ] M,H adv only

gutu [ ] H,H n tree

gbaa̱a1 [ ⃥ ] HL v pay

gbaa̱a2 [ ⃥ ] HL v paw, sratch with paws

gbaꞌda [ ] H,H n short local chair

gbagba [ ] M,M n stick instrument

gbanda [ ̖ ] H,L n cassava

gbe2 [ ̖ ] L (fr. var. gbeti) n 1) child 2) son

gbe1 [ ] H n marriage

gbea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v marry

gbeꞌdɔngari irreg. infl. of , pl. of gbeti gbeji [ ] L,M n finger (lit. son of hand)

gbeenga [ ′ ] MH,M n young unmarried woman

gbeti (irreg. infl. , pl. gbeꞌdɔngari) fr. var. of gbe

gbingili [ ] H,H,H adj ready, ripe

gbïꞌdïrï [ ] H,H,H adj straight

gboko [ ] M,H n molar tooth

gböa̱ [ ] H v laugh

gböa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v wash

gböa̱gbö [ ̖ ] M,L v howls (like dog)

gböndöŋï [ ] L,M,M n cockroach

gbörö [ ] M,H adj 1) selfish 2) glutonous, eating too much

gbɔ [ ] H n fence, wall

gbɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v gather

gbɔa̱dɔ [ ̖ ] H,L v gather

gbulu [ ̖ ] M,L adj 1) alive 2) preganant, round

gbulugbulu [ ̖ ] L,L,L,L adj group

H hha [ ̖ ] L n cow

haa̱1 [ ] H v build

haa̱2 [ ] H v 1) sift grain 2) penetrate

haa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v push

hayi [ ] H,H n sand

hea̱ [ ] H v break hea̱he

hegbe [ ] H,H n rat

hea̱he [ ] M,H v break (hea̱ break)

hëa̱1 [ ] H v return möhëa̱ hëa̱2 [ ] H v open (door)

Hëgë [ ] M,H n Lord, God

hi2 [ ] M adj narrow

hi1 [ ] H adj red

hi a̱ [ ] M v 1) advise 2) push

hinya [ ̖ ] H,L n gun

hïï [ ⃥ ] HL n something short

hïï

hï dïꞌ 8

hïꞌdï [ ̖ ] L,L n penis

hïlï [ ̖ ] H,L n 1) tail 2) duster, fly swatter

hïngu [ ] H,H oth make straight

hïnyë [ ̖ ] L,L n scorpion

hoa̱ [ ] H v talk

hoa̱be [ ̖ ] H,L v be hot

hoꞌdo [ ̖ ] L,L n husband

hoka [ ̖ ] M,L n leather, skin of cow

holo [ ̖ ] L,L n tree type

horo [ ] H,H n saliva

höa̱ v make smooth

höa̱ö [ ̖ ] HL v blow (instrument)

högbï [ ̖ ] L,L n neck

höŋï [ ] M,H 1) n man 2) adj male

höyï [ ] M,H n guinea worm

hɔ1 [ ̖ ] L n nose

hɔ2 [ ̖ ] L n chaff, grain plants after removing grain

hɔ3 [ ̖ ] L num four

hɔa̱ [ ] H v enter

hɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) fish yibohɔŋihi 2) grind something wet

hɔa̱ꞌdɔ [ ] H,M v squat, sit (like a dog)

hɔgɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n back

hɔgɔ- [ ] (?) H,M prep behind

hɔli [ ] M,H n bird

hɔlɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n tail, buttock

hɔlɔ- [ ] H,M prep under (lit. buttock)

hɔrɔ [ ] M,H n fishing spear

hu [ ] H n anus, buttock

hua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v grind

huꞌbu [ ] M,H n oil

hudɔ [ ] H,M n plume, feathers on bird head

huru1 [ ̖ ] L,L n liver

huru2 [ ] M,M n flower

hutïgu [ ] H,M,H adv to the end of something enclosed (pipe)

hutundunyu [ ] H,H,H,H,M n ankle

J jjaa̱1 [ ] H v tear jaa̱ngo

jaa̱2 [ ] M v light (lamp)

jaa̱ngo [ ] H,H v burst, break (by

itself) (jaa̱ tear)

jari [ ] H,H n basket

je [ ̖ ] L 1) pron.sub.comp we 2) pron.sub.incomp we 3) pron.obj us

jea̱ [ ] H v arrange jea̱je

jea̱je [ ] M,H v prepare, create (jea̱ arrange)

jëpë1 [ ̖ ] L,L adv easy, without problem

jëpë2 [ ̖ ] M,L adj incompetent, does not do something well

jëtëyï [ ̖ ] L,L,L n hyena

ji [ ] H oth people

ji a̱ [ ] H v 1) remove (sweat) 2) plane wood

ji a̱i [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) milk (cow) 2) pull up

ji a̱ji v scratch

jï [ ] H n hand

jo [ ] H n milet

joma [ ] L,H n utensil

9 jɔ�

jɔa̱ [ ] H v say, tell jɔa̱jɔ mamojɔjɔꞌdɔ

jɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v compare

jɔa̱ kaa̱ [ ] H H v just said

jɔa̱jɔ [ ] M,H v 1) try, test mojɔa̱jɔ 2)

teach (jɔa̱ say, tell)

jɔkɔ [ ̖ ] M,L n baby carrier

jɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n dress

jɔa̱ɔlɔ [ ‵ ] HM,H v say (lit. compare say)

ꞋJ ꞌjꞌja [ ̖ ] L n wife

ꞌjaa̱ [ ] H v run

ꞌjaa [ ⃥ ] HL adv later

ꞌjaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v see, find

ꞌjaa̱go [ ̖ ] H,L v overcome, get rid of someone

ꞌjaa̱ꞌja [ ] M,H v insult

ꞌjea̱ [ ] H v is burned

ꞌjënä [ ] H,M adv today

ꞌjoa̱lo [ ] M,M v roll

ꞌjöa̱ [ ] H v 1) braid (hair) 2) weave (grass into

mat) möꞌjöa̱ muꞌjöa̱ ꞌjɔlɔ [ ] M,H n redbud gazelle

ꞌjɔa̱ɔngo [ ‵ ] HM,H v be crooked

K kka [ ̖ ] L con.main and, then (introduces a

clause with new action, or a new noun)

kaa̱ [ ] H v 1) be (before a noun; used as an

equal sign) Yïkölu kaa̱ mäŋö. The person is a woman. 2) continuous (used before a verb) ꞌDɔ, na kaa̱ ꞌbea̱ mi-ndoma, ka ne kaa̱ yi a̱ ro-lee. There is something moving in the grass and coming towards us.

kaa̱ wayi [ ] H M,M Qu for what reason

kabi [ ] L,H n rope

kaꞌbo [ ] H,H 1) n paralytic, lame person 2) adj paralyzed, lame

kada [ ̖ ] L,L n 1) sun 2) day

kaꞌdɔ [ ] H,H Con so that

kagba [ ̖ ] L,L n leopard

kajïbunyë [ ] H,H,H,M adv badly

kala [ ] H,M adv enough, also

kalagbango [ ] H,M,M,H adj wavey, having waves

kali [ ] H,H n finger milet

kambeti [ ] H,M,H con.main instead, but (introduces unexpected action)

kanga [ ̖ ] L,L n ostrich

kangi n spur of cock

kaŋi [ ] H,H n parable

kara [ ̖ ] L,L n 1) pool 2) river

karama [ ̖ ] M,H,L n feast

kaya [ ̖ ] L,L n antibas buffalo

kaya

kätï 10

kätï [ ̖ ] H,L adv suddenly

kea̱ [ ] H v separate, divide

kea̱le [ ] H,M v choose

kende [ ̖ ] L,L 1) adv in time past 2) adj old

kendekende [ ̖ ] L,L,L,L adv usually (lit. old old)

kepe [ ] H,H n yeast

kënyï [ ̖ ] M,L adj owing something, endebted

këyï [ ̖ ] M,L adj new

kii [ ⃥ ] HL num ten

ki a̱i [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) watch, look at,

guard ki a̱ki yibokibinya 2) wait, delay

kii yani kɔtɔ [ ⃥ ] HL M,H M,H num eleven

kii yani yo [ ⃥ ] HL M,H H num twelve

kidi [ ] L,H con.dep.bef if, when (introduces a condition or sequence with new information)

kiꞌdi [ ̖ ] L,L n elephant

kija [ ] M,H adj foreigner

ki a̱ki [ ] M,H v keep (ki a̱i watch, look at, guard)

kileŋ [ ] L,M n tree type

kilikaya [ ] L,L,H,H n shaker instrument

kiliŋba [ ] M,H,H n bone

kiliya [ ̖ ] H,H,L n stick

kiti [ ] H,M adv before, for a while

kitɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n shea nut tree

kïï [ ′ ] MH n stool

kï a̱ï [ ⃥ ] HL v beat

kïꞌbö [ ] H,H n hut

kïꞌdï [ ̖ ] H,L n spoon

kïlïkïdï [ ] H,H,H,H n tree fruit

kïlïru [ ̖ ] L,L,L n giraffe

kïnyï [ ] H,H n small insect

kïnyö [ ̖ ] H,L n thorn

kïrïdïmu [ ] L,H,M,M n sweat

kïrïkï [ ̖ ] H,H,L adj well, righteous

kïtï [ ̖ ] H,L n chair

ko [ ̖ ] L con.main and (continues previous action)

ko ndaa̱ [ ] M,H adv and nothing

ko. pref (a prefix that makes an adverb, noun or dependent verb from a verb)

koꞌbɔɔ [ ̷ ] L,LH adv already

kodi [ ] M,H con.dep.bef if, when (introduces a condition or sequence with new information)

kodii [ ⃥ ] L,HL adv be like

koꞌdi con.dep.bef until

kogba [ ] H,H 1) n something big 2) adv in a big way

koꞌja [ ̖ ] M,L Con as, when

kokpa [ ̖ ] L,L n broom

kola [ ̖ ] H,L Qu when

koliya [ ] L,L,M adv 1) same, identically 2) flatly

kolo [ ] L,H adv deeply

koloro [ ] H,H,H n 1) neck 2) voice

komi [ ] M,H adv more than needed

komo [ ] H,H n 1) hare, rabbit 2) story 3) voice

komotɔlɔ [ ] H,H,H,H adv tearfully

kombili [ ] M,H,H n fingernail

konjo [ ̖ ] H,L n 1) drum 2) dancing place

kopara [ ̖ ] L,L,L adv more than expected

11 kop pɔ ɔ

kopɔpɔ [ ̖ ] L,L,L adv smoothly

kora [ ] H,M adj empty, with nothing

kori a̱ n fighting, war (ri a̱ defend, be ready to fight)

koro [ ] L,H adv more than expected

kotimo [ ] M,H,M adv already

koto [ ] H,M adv again

kowɔ [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n long thing 2) adv far

kö [ ] H n seed

köbï [ ̖ ] L,L n buffalo

köŋbö [ ] H,H n 1) board 2) canoe

köpï [ ] M,H adv 1) shamefully 2) respectfully

köröwu [ ̖ ] L,L,L n drought, no water

kötï [ ̖ ] L,L n club, stick

kötua̱ adv multiplying (tua̱ be born, give birth)

kɔ [ ̖ ] L n eye

kɔa̱ɔ1 [ ⃥ ] HL v break

kɔa̱ɔ2 [ ⃥ ] HL v search, look for

kɔa̱ɔ3 [ ⃥ ] HL v weave (strong grass into stretcher)

kɔa̱ɔ ꞌbɔ [ ⃥ ] HL H v look for

kɔa̱ piya [ ] H M,H v come out

kɔ- [ ] M prep into (lit. eye)

kɔa̱ꞌbɔ [ ̖ ] H,L v look

kɔꞌdo [ ̖ ] L,L n groin, between stomach and upper thigh

kɔki [ ̖ ] L,L n bird type (egret)

kɔkɔ1 [ ̖ ] H,L n circling wind

kɔkɔ2 [ ] M,H n stock of maize or dura

kɔa̱kɔ1 [ ] M,H v lead

kɔa̱kɔ2 [ ̖ ] H,L v hatch, break shell

kɔkɔtɔ [ ] H,H,H adv one only

kɔɔna [ ⃥ ] HL,M adv for awhile

kɔndata [ ] M,L,L adv that side

kɔngolo [ ̖ ] L,L,L 1) n crack (inbetween tiles) 2) adj cracking (inbetween something) kɔngolog ra cracking inbetween it

kɔngɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n cock, rooster

kɔnyɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n foot

kɔŋɔ [ ] H,H n fly, insect type

kɔpi [ ] M,H n right hand

kɔtɔ [ ] M,H num one

kɔtɔ kpöö [ ⃥ ] L,H ML oth once (lit. one wipe)

kɔyɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n bean

kua̱ [ ] M v cover

kua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) climb 2) make things from iron

kuꞌdu adv kneeling

kuꞌju [ ̖ ] L,L n well

kulu [ ] M,H adv shouting loudly

kulundu [ ] H,L,L adv kneeling

kunï [ ] H,H n last born child

kungu adv eveloping, surrounding

kunyë [ ] L,M adv sinfully

kuru [ ̖ ] H,L n groundnut

kuruꞌbë [ ] H,H,H n widow

kuruꞌbu [ ] H,H,H n dove

kurukudu [ ] H,H,H,M n end of something

kurumu [ ] H,M,M n manure

kurutu [ ̖ ] L,L,L 1) n crippled person 2) adj crippled, lame

kutëkutë [ ] H,M,H,M adj different

kutu [ ̖ ] L,L n comb handle

kutu

kpa 12

kpa [ ̖ ] L n 1) mouth 2) language

kpaa̱ [ ] H v swim, splash in water

kpaa̱a1 [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) throw 2) scatter 3) herd (cattle)

kpaa̱a2 [ ⃥ ] HL v be sick with diarrhhoea

kpa paꞌdɔ [ ̖ ] L L,L n tribe (lit. mouth of fire)

kpa- [ ] M prep at (lit. mouth)

kpaki [ ] M,M n 1) mat 2) stretcher for caring lame person

kpaa̱kpa [ ] M,H v chop

Kpapaꞌdɔ [ ̖ ] L,L,L n Tribe name (lit. mouth of fire)

kpatëyï [ ] H,M,H n door

kpatulï [ ̖ ] L,L,L n 1) rubbish 2) garden

kpayi [ ̖ ] L,L n rock

kpe [ ̖ ] L adv really, again

kpea̱ [ ] H v dance

kpee [ ⃥ ] ML adv 1) long 2) forever

kpea̱hɔrɔ [ ̖ ] L,L,L v jump

kpea̱ngo [ ] M,H v be untied, untie self

kpere [ ] H,M n sesame, simsim

kpea̱ri [ ] M,H v deny

kpërï [ ] H,H n mulberry tree

Kpërï Ranga n place name (lit. tree bed)

kpi a̱ [ ] H v 1) help mamokpiꞌdɔ 2) get certifide

kpiꞌdï [ ̖ ] L,L adv straight

kpikpikpi [ ] H,H,H adv silently

kpili [ ] H,H adj small, short

kpitɔ binya [ ̖ ] H,H,H,L n billy goat

kpöa̱kpö [ ̖ ] H,L v wipe

L llaa̱ [ ] H v hold, catch, arrest laa̱la

laa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v crawl (like vine or water)

Laadi [ ′ ̖ ] MH,L n Sunday

laadi [ ′ ̖ ] MH,L n 1) week 2)

lajana bw (Arabic) n comittee

laki [ ] M,H n hunt

laa̱la [ ] M,H v catch (laa̱ hold, catch, arrest)

lamba n lamp

lano [ ̖ ] H,L n uncle

langiri [ ] L,M,M n bed

lari [ ̖ ] M,L adv falsely

laweya [ ̖ ] L,L,L n short dura, sorghum

le [ ] H n big pot

lea̱ [ ] H v dig

lee1 [ ⃥ ] ML adv slowly

lee2 [ ⃥ ] HL pron.posor our

lea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v be good

lebe [ ] H,H n dish

lea̱dɔ [ ̖ ] H,L v start

lenoma [ ] M,L,L adv pleasingly

lendo [ ̖ ] H,L n brother

Lero [ ̖ ] H,L adj Passover karama Lero Passover feast (Lk 2:41)

lea̱ro [ ̖ ] H,L v pass over

lëa̱ [ ] H v soar, fly (like eagle)

lëbï n news

lëhï [ ] M,H adj begging

13 lëkï

lëkï [ ̖ ] L,L adv judging

lëkïkä [ ̖ ] L,H,L n court

lëa̱lë [ ] M,M v slope

lëmï [ ̖ ] H,L n sister

lëa̱mu [ ] M,H v curse

lëa̱tï [ ] M,H v grow mölëtï lëÿï [ ] M,H adj brezzy, with air or wind

li a̱1 [ ] H v lock

li a̱2 [ ] H v untie

li a̱3 [ ] M v supervise

li a̱4 [ ] H v mix, stir

lii [ ⃥ ] HL n father's sister

li a̱i [ ⃥ ] HL v swallow

likɔ [ ] H,M n chameleon

lili [ ̖ ] H,L n storm

limbila [ ̖ ] H,M,L n slingshot

li a̱ya1 [ ] M,H v yell nëa̱në li a̱ya throw yell

li a̱ya2 [ ] M,H v be same li a̱ya ne ti not same as him

lï a̱ [ ] H v 1) love 2) peel (sugarcane)

lïbïrä Bw (Arabic) n needle

lïꞌbö [ ̖ ] H,L n beehive

lï a̱kö [ ] M,H v 1) refuse 2) confuse, wonder

lï a̱lï [ ] H,M v scatter

lïmö [ ̖ ] H,L n smell

lïyötä [ ] M,H,M adv there

loa̱ [ ] M v narrate, speak

loa̱dɔ [ ̖ ] M,L v be around

loma [ ̖ ] L,L n spirit

lowa [ ] L,M n 1) woman 2) wife

löa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v call, name

lömï [ ] M,H n engagement

löa̱ndïlö [ ̖ ] H,L,L v call

löŋï [ ̖ ] H,L n law

löa̱rï [ ] M,H v 1) cry 2) call name

löa̱tï [ ̖ ] H,L v be dark

lɔa̱1 [ ] H v say yibolɔ awada yibolɔꞌdɔ

lɔa̱2 [ ] M v collect

lɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) wear 2) untie, release, take off (clothes)

lɔꞌbi [ ] H,H n 1) mat 2) bed

lɔa̱ꞌbi [ ] M,H v sleep

lɔgɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n hoe, plow

lɔli [ ̖ ] L,L n swamp place

lɔngɔ [ ] H,H n clothes line

lɔŋi [ ] H,H n prayer

lɔa̱ŋi [ ] M,H v pray

lua̱1 [ ] H v 1) feed 2) suck

lua̱2 [ ] H v put out fire

lua̱lu [ ] H,M v roll

lua̱lungu [ ] H,M,M v roll

lurï [ ] M,H n marabou stork

lutu1 [ ] H,H adj stump (of tree)

lutu2 [ ̖ ] L,L n grass

M mma1 [ ] H pron.sub.incomp I ma2 [ ̖ ] L 1) pron.obj me 2) pron.posor my

ma

maa̱ 14

maa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) go 2) visits

ma. pref person (used to make a noun from another word type) (lit. mother)

maboci Bw (Arabic) n prison

maca [ ] H,H n rhino

madaa [ ̷ ] L,LM n descendent (lit. mother of grandparent)

magbɔkɔ [ ̖ ] M,L,L n old person

mahinya [ ̖ ] L,M,L n trap (lit. mother of gun)

majangili [ ] M,H,H,H n sun bird

makombili [ ] L,H,H,M adj crawling (lit. mother of fingernail)

makungu [ ̖ ] M,H,L n manager (mother organizing)

malayika Bw (Arabic) n angel

malɔki [ ] L,M,M n crowd of people

mama [ ̖ ] L,L n python

mamala [ ] M,H,H n teacher

mamojɔjɔꞌdɔ n teacher (lit. mother testing

something) (jɔa̱ say, tell)

mamokpiꞌdɔ [ ] M,M,H,H n saviour (l

it. mother helping something) (kpi a̱ help)

mamomɔꞌdɔ [ ] L,L,M,H n saviour (lit

. mother saving something) (mɔa̱ɔ save, redeem)

mamoyɔyɔꞌdɔ [ ] L,L,H,H,H n teacher, trainer (lit. mother showing something) (yɔa̱ teach)

mangirawa [ ̖ ] M,L,L,L n montitor lizard

mangita [ ] L,L,H n bread

manya [ ] H,M n dura, sorghum

manyataba [ ] H,H,H,M n maize (lit. leprosy sorghum)

maŋa [ ] H,H n grave (lit. mother of taking)

maŋba [ ] L,M 1) n adultery 2) adj adulterous

matidɔ [ ̖ ] L,L,L n leader (lit. mother ahead)

matoo [ ‵ ] L,HM n mother-in-law (lit. mother of in-law)

mä [ ̖ ] L n mother

mäku [ ̖ ] L,L n owl

mäkpërï [ ] L,H,M n horn instrument (lit. mother of mulberry tree)

mänyä [ ̖ ] L,L n antelope

mäŋö [ ] L,H n woman (lit mother of girl)

mäŋbï [ ] L,H oth true

märï [ ̖ ] L,L adj shaking (as with earthquake)

mätïkërï [ ] L,H,M,M n cross

mätïlö [ ] M,H,L adv opposite, contrastively

mea̱ [ ] M v wrap

mee1 [ ′ ] MH n spear

mee2 [ ⃥ ] HL pron.posor their

mene [ ̖ ] L,L 1) pron.sub.incomp they 2) pron.obj them

mea̱nge [ ] H,M v grow

mere [ ̖ ] L,L n palm tree

mëgï [ ] H,H n work

mërë1 adv inside

mërë2 adj type of something

mërï [ ̖ ] H,L n hippo

mëtï n greeting

mëa̱tï [ ] M,H v greet

mi a̱ v win

mi- [ ] M prep in (lit. stomach) (mï stomach)

mida [ ] L,H n flesh, body

15 midɔ

midɔ [ ] L,M n 1) brain, mind 2) thinking (lit. in head)

mige [ ] L,M adv among, into

mikɔ [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n face 2) adv without looking (lit.with eye)

mini [ ] M,H n water

mini- [ ] L,H prep in with

miniyɔ [ ̖ ] L,H,L num nine

minya [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n complaint 2) adj complaining

miŋari [ ̖ ] L,L,L adj 1) forceful, powerful 2) single, alone

mitɔrɔ [ ] L,L,M n 1) heaven 2) god (lit. in up)

mï [ ̖ ] L n stomach mi- mïnïmutä [ ̖ ] L,H,L,L num eight

mïnïu [ ] L,H num seven

mo [ ] H pron.sub.comp I

moo [ ⃥ ] HL pron.posor his, her

moa̱ piya [ ] M H,H v run out

mo. pref (a prefix that makes a noun, adverb, or adjective from a verb)

mobea̱ngo n love, be loved (bea̱ love, want)

moꞌbaa̱dɔ vn 1) destroying 2) forgetting

mocaa̱dɔ vn faith (lit. put on) (caa̱dɔ care for)

mogobe [ ̖ ] L,L,L n power (goa̱be be strong)

mojɔa̱jɔ adv being tempted (jɔa̱jɔ try, test)

moki [ ̖ ] M,L adj few

mokpaa̱ vn scattering

mokpaa̱ gi a̱ v be quiet

mokpiꞌdɔ adj saving

mona [ ] L,H 1) n load 2) adj bearing

moni [ ] H,H n duck

monda [ ̖ ] L,L adv promising

monyaki adv awaking

moŋaa̱ vn praising

moŋaa̱ŋi vn beginning, starting (ŋaa̱ŋi start)

moŋmaa̱ngo [ ] L,L,M n wrestling

mopaa̱ri [ ] L,L,H vn appreciation (paa̱ri praise)

moroa̱ vn going fast, with speed

mota [ ̖ ] L,L num three

moti a̱ vn adding

moya n angry person

moyaŋa n rich person, wealthy

person (yaa̱ŋa be rich, have wealth)

moyaa̱wo vn resting, breathing

moyɔyɔ [ ] M,H,H n teaching,

training (yɔa̱ show, reveal)

möhëa̱ vn repay (hëa̱ return)

möꞌjöa̱ vn insulting (ꞌjöa̱ weave (grass into mat))

mölëtï adv growing (lëa̱tï grow)

mölu [ ̖ ] H,L n darkness

mömbu [ ̖ ] L,L n dead body

mönjëa̱një adv faithfully (njëa̱një obey)

mönyëa̱ 1) vn sinning 2) adj sinning (nyëa̱ be bad)

möpëa̱ vn census taking, counting (pëa̱ count)

mötumötu [ ] L,H,L,H adj rough

möyï [ ̖ ] L,L n summer

mɔ [ ] H n pregnant woman

mɔa̱ [ ] H v be pregnant

mɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) be alive, live 2) save,

redeem mamomɔꞌdɔ

mɔnɔ [ ] M,H n grape

mɔri [ ̖ ] L,L adj rich, wealthy

m riɔ

m rɔ ɔ 16

mɔrɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n lion

mɔtɔ [ ] M,H n yam

mu [ ̖ ] L n bush

mucï [ ̖ ] H,L n banana

muꞌjöa̱ vn weaving (ꞌjöa̱ weave (grass into mat))

muku [ ] M,H n soup, broth

mulugu adv silently

munä [ ̖ ] H,L n old wine

munötö [ ] L,H,H num six

munjua̱lu vn kissing

mutua̱ n birth (tua̱ be born, give birth)

muyï [ ̖ ] H,L num five

mba [ ] H n breast

mbaa̱ [ ] M v leave, let

mbaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v squeeze

mbaga [ ̖ ] H,L n basket

mbala [ ̖ ] L,L n song

mbaya [ ] M,H n wing

mbä [ ̖ ] L n wine

mbea̱1 [ ] H v quarrel, fight, argue

mbea̱2 [ ] H v order, give command

mbele [ ] H,H n sword

mbëru [ ] H,H n fig

mbila1 [ ] H,M adv possibly, might be

mbila2 [ ] M,H n elastic

mbili [ ] H,H n ear

mbï a̱ï [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) jump 2) fly

mboꞌda [ ̖ ] L,L n bag

mboho [ ] L,M n bitter yam

mbowa [ ̖ ] L,L adv for a while, recently

mböku [ ̖ ] H,L 1) n deaf person 2) adj deaf

mbulu n calf of leg

N nna1 [ ] M dem this (near speaker)

na2 [ ] H con.rel who, which, where, of (introduces words that identify the previous noun)

na3 n center of something (hand)

naa̱1 [ ] H v stretch, pull back arrow

naa̱2 [ ] H v bare, produce (fruit)

na gɔa̱ [ ] H M adv usually (lit. this remains)

na- [ ] M prep before, in front of

naka [ ] L,H con.main then, so (introduces important action)

nate [ ] H,H con.dep.bef when (introduces old information to show importance to

following important action)

nawa adv this is it (lit.this know)

ne [ ̖ ] L 1) pron.sub.incomp (s)he 2) pron.obj him, her

nea̱ [ ] H v finish nea̱ngo

nea̱ne [ ̖ ] H,L v test

nea̱ngo [ ] H,H v be finished, finish

self (nea̱ finish)

nëa̱ [ ] H v throw

nëbï Bw (Arabic) n prophet

nëa̱në kua̱lu v alarm (lit.throw warning)

ni1 [ ̖ ] L pron.sub.comp they (follows verb

and object) Kodi aꞌjaa̱a ꞌdɔ ni, . . . If they find something, . . .

17 ni

ni2 [ ̖ ] L oth there is ꞌDɔ na bïï ndogo kɔtɔ ni. There is this thing that is one place of merchant.

ni3 [ ] H oth be, is, have Je ŋaa̱ ni Hëgë Mitɔrɔ Yicirel. We praise be the Lord God of Israel (Lk 1:68).

ni- [ ] H prep with

nidɔ adv with on

niga- prep with to

nige pron.posiv yours (pl)

nigi pron.posiv yours (sg)

nilee pron.posiv ours

nima1 pron.posiv mine

nima2 oth the one

nimala [ ] H,L,M adv which one

nimatɔ [ ] H,L,H adv otherwise

nimee pron.posiv theirs

nimoo pron.posiv his, hers

no [ ] H oth that one, that person Nji a̱ ꞌbönï gi Alicabet kaa̱ magbɔkɔ, ji waa̱a kaa̱ ꞌdɔ, bo nɔa̱ɔ kaa̱ ne mɔa̱, ti, cocona no amɔa̱. Your relative Elizabeth is old, and people know she can't be pregnant, now that person is pregnant.

nɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) make 2) do

nɔkɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n maternal uncle, mother's brother

nɔa̱ngo [ ] M,H v happen, makes by itself

nda [ ] M dem that (away from speaker)

ndaa̱ [ ] H v is not

ndaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v beat

ndako [ ̖ ] L,L n foolish person

ndawa oth that is it

ndayaa [ ⃥ ] M,HL oth watch out

ndea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v be old

ndi a̱ [ ] H v be ripe

ndi a̱ndi [ ] M,H v be wise

ndiya [ ̖ ] M,L dem plural (makes other demonstratives become plural)

ndiya na dem these (near speaker)

ndiya nda dem those (away from speaker)

ndiya ndölïyö dem those (far from speaker and hearer)

ndiya te dem those (previous known)

ndï [ ̖ ] L n pot

ndï a̱lö [ ̖ ] M,L v shout

ndo [ ] H Qu how much

ndogo [ ̖ ] L,L n merchant, person who sells

ndoli [ ] L,M n bicycle

ndoma [ ] M,H n grass

ndölïyö [ ] M,H,M dem that (far from speaker and hearer)

ndölö [ ̖ ] L,L adj there, that

ndɔɔ [ ⃥ ] HL n tongue

ndɔri [ ̖ ] H,L n night

nduwë [ ] H,H adv continually

ngaa̱ [ ] H v reject

ngaa̱li [ ] M,H v put arm around

ngangari [ ] H,H,H adv little, simply

ngara [ ̖ ] L,L n ivory tree

ngëa̱ [ ] M v bend

ngërï [ ] H,H n tree

ngihi [ ] H,H n fish

ngi a̱ꞌji [ ] M,H v investigate, look into

ngi a̱lɔngo [ ] M,H,H v be shriveled

ngïï [ ⃥ ] HL adv at once

ngo [ ] H n body

ngo

ngoo̱ 18

ngoa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v pull down ngoa̱ngo

.ngo suf 1) self (attaches to the ends of verbs to make them reflexive, intransitive, or

passive) 2) self (used after the preposition ga- 'to' and before possessor pronouns to make reflexive pronouns) (lit. body)

ngo- [ ] H prep at (lit.body)

ngobodi [ ] H,H,H adv favorably

ngobono [ ] H,H,H adj 1) carrying 2) honourable

ngobopɔli [ ̖ ] H,H,H,L adv disgracefully (lit. at skin)

ngoa̱ngo [ ] M,H v pick (fruit) with

stick (ngoa̱o pull down)

ngöngölö [ ] H,H,H n bell

ngɔli [ ] M,M adj whistling

ngɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n hill, mountain

ngulu [ ̖ ] L,L n deep place

nja [ ̖ ] L n junction

njaa̱ [ ] H v leave, let

njanja [ ] H,H n woven furniture (mat, table)

njara [ ̖ ] M,L n ant

njea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v burn

njëa̱një [ ̖ ] H,L v 1) obey mönjëa̱një 2) respond, accept

nji a̱ [ ] H v 1) look, see 2) show

njoa̱njo [ ̖ ] H,L v 1) shiver, shake 2) grip

njore [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n fear 2) adv fearfully

njowa [ ] H,H adv both

njɔa̱ [ ] H v 1) leak, flow 2) bleed, shed blood

njɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n frog

njua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v carry

njua̱nju [ ] M,H v gather

nyaꞌbele [ ̖ ] L,L,L n messenger

nyaka [ ] H,H n field, farm, vineyard

nyandɔki [ ̖ ] L,L,L n dura, sorghum

nyata [ ̖ ] L,L n some

nyaa̱to [ ] H,M v waste (incompletive)

nyëa̱ [ ] M v be bad mönyëa̱ nyigari [ ̖ ] M,H,L adv in evening

nyipɔꞌdɔ [ ] M,H,H n frog

nyï a̱ï [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) migrate 2) get

nyoa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) eat 2) play Dɔꞌbolo bea̱ monyoa̱o yete. Dobolo wants to play cards.

nyoa̱tongo [ ] H,M,H v is ruined, destroy self

nyöa̱kï M,H v defecate

nyöa̱tu [ ] H,M v waste (completive)

nyɔkpɔ [ ] H,M n tree type

nyɔrɔ [ ] H,H n poison

Ŋ ŋŋaa̱ [ ] H v praise

ŋaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) take 2) marry

ŋaa̱ngo [ ] L,H v take self, is taken

ŋaa̱ŋi [ ] M,H v start moŋaa̱ŋi

ŋämërë [ ] H,L,M adv many, much

ŋea̱lo [ ] H,M v flash

ŋere [ ̖ ] H,L n chief

ŋete [ ̖ ] H,L adv near

19 ŋihi

ŋihi [ ] H,H n 1) moon 2) month

ŋi a̱ri [ ] M,H v hate, be against

ŋï a̱ [ ] H v dream, have vision

ŋïꞌdu [ ̖ ] H,L n blind person (lit. vision want)

ŋïtï [ ̖ ] H,L n cat

ŋö [ ] H n 1) girl 2) daughter

ŋɔa̱ [ ] H v appreciates, praises

ŋba [ ] H 1) con.main then, as a result (introduces a result of previous action) 2) adv also

ŋba ni [ ] H,L Con then

ŋbaki [ ] L,H n shoulder

ŋbala [ ] L,H 1) n arm 2) n power 3) adj powerful

ŋbanda [ ̖ ] M,L n whip

ŋbaŋi [ ̖ ] L,L adj many

ŋbaya [ ] H,M Con also, but (when reporting)

ŋbä [ ̖ ] L n guest, visitor

ŋbekpe [ ] M,H n heart

ŋbëŋï [ ̖ ] L,L adv very, many

ŋbïlï [ ] M,H n ankle bracelet, band around leg

ŋma [ ̖ ] L n termite

ŋmaa̱1 [ ] H v roast, burn

ŋmaa̱2 v wrestle

ŋmea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v be wet

ŋmi a̱ [ ] H v be white

ŋmi a̱i [ ⃥ ] HL v be sweet

O ooo [ ⃥ ] HL oth no

Ɔ ɔɔɔ [ ⃥ ] ML oth yes

P ppa [ ̖ ] L n open area

paꞌdo [ ̖ ] L,L n fire

panga [ ] H,H n animal

panyi [ ̖ ] H,L n wall

paa̱pa [ ] M,H v puncture, poke holes

paa̱ri [ ] M,H v praise mopaa̱ri pea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v 1) pour bopeminidɔ 2)

shower 3) baptize

pea̱mo [ ] M,M v discuss, debate

pëa̱1 [ ] H v penetrate

pë̱

pë̱ 20

pëa̱2 [ ] M v 1) read 2) count möpëa̱ pii [ ′ ] MH n bamboo

pi a̱i [ ⃥ ] HL v be tall

pili [ ] H,H adv all

piri [ ] M,M n word

piriga [ ] H,H,H n sieve for grain

piya [ ] H,H adv out

pï a̱ [ ] H v push

pï a̱ï [ ⃥ ] HL v send

pïrï [ ] L,H adv again

po [ ] H adv long time ago

pori [ ] H,H n wound

pöbï [ ] L,H n leaf

pɔa̱ [ ] H v light

pɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v go another way, redirect

pɔli1 [ ̖ ] L,L n cloud

pɔli2 [ ] H,H n skin

pɔa̱pɔ v be smooth

pɔri [ ̖ ] M,L adj few

pulï [ ] H,H n cooking stone

R rra [ ] H oth it

raa̱ [ ] H v 1) smear 2) amaze

raa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v make a ladder from tree branch

ranga [ ] H,H n vulture

rea̱ [ ] H v obey, be afraid, respect, revere

reme [ ̖ ] L,L n squirrel

rëa̱ë [ ⃥ ] HL v twist (rope)

ri a̱ [ ] M v 1) defend, be ready to fight kori a̱ 2) be confident 3) hold tight

riyali Bw (Arabic) n coin

rï [ ̖ ] L n 1) name 2) handle (for carrying something)

rï a̱rï [ ] H,M v 1) excuse 2) prevent, refuse

ro [ ̖ ] L n back

roa̱1 [ ] H v cover (chick), hide

roa̱2 [ ] H v 1) not eat unclean thing 2) respect

ro- [ ] M prep towards (lit back)

roꞌba [ ] H,H n part of something

roꞌboroꞌbo [ ] H,H,H,H adv in pieces

roa̱kpa [ ̖ ] H,L v be fast

ronga [ ̖ ] L,L n forest

roroꞌbo [ ] H,H,H adv completely

Rowa [ ̖ ] L,L n river name

röa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v mix röa̱öngo

röcö [ ] H,H n mediator

röju [ ] L,M n flour

röa̱öngo [ ‵ ] HM,H v be anxious,

worry (röa̱ö mix)

rɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v stop, stand

ru [ ] H n house, hut

rua̱1 [ ] H v sew (clothes)

rua̱2 [ ] H v roar

rua̱3 [ ] H v gather and burn (branches, grass)

rua̱u [ ⃥ ] HL v be away a long time, be last, delay

rutu [ ̖ ] L,L n grass

21 ta̱

T ttaa̱ [ ] H v meet

taa [ ′ ] MH adv there

taba [ ] M,H n leprosy

taa̱nya [ ] M,H v 1) be durable, tough 2) be malnurished

tanyari [ ̖ ] L,L,L n camel

tata [ ̖ ] H,L n table

tayi [ ̖ ] L,L adv through the night until morning

täa̱mï [ ̖ ] H,L v disturb

täräbëcä Bw (Arabic) n table

te1 [ ] H con.rel who, which, where, of (introduces words that remind hearers of a noun already known) (put comma before)

te2 [ ̖ ] L dem that (already known)

tea̱1 [ ] H v slaughter, cut, offer

sacrifice boteꞌdɔ yiboteꞌdɔ

tea̱2 [ ] H v remain

tea̱be [ ̖ ] H,L v be better

telɔ [ ] L,M Con seems

tea̱ri [ ] L,H v argue, be against, resist

tëa̱ [ ] M v 1) depend on 2) support

tëa̱gë [ ] M,M v hear, listen

tëyï [ ̖ ] L,L n road

ti1 [ ] H adv not

ti2 [ ] H oth will (future word)

ti pïrï [ ] H M,H adv yet

ti a̱ꞌbɔ [ ̖ ] M,L v make fence around house

tidɔ [ ] H,M adv ahead

timara [ ̖ ] L,L,L n crocodile

tinge [ ] M,H n tree type

tinyi [ ̖ ] H,L n curse

tinyigari Bw (Arabic) n west

titii [ ′ ] H,MH n bird type

ti a̱ti [ ] M,M v ask

tiyara bw (Arabic) n airplane

tï a̱ [ ] H v 1) answer, reply 2) return 3) repeat

tï a̱ dïhë [ ] H M,H v return (lit. return back)

tï a̱ hëa̱ë [ ⃥ ] H HL v refund, return

tïkï [ ] M,M n cloudly day

tïmïnï [ ] H,H,H n things made from iron (spear head, arrow head)

too [ ⃥ ] HL n in-law

toa̱o [ ⃥ ] HL v smell

togbe [ ] H,H n wild pumpkin, gourd

tonyi [ ̖ ] L,L n official, governor

topa [ ] H,H n sign, colour

toro [ ] H,H n water hog

torototo [ ] H,H,H,H adv uncountably, many

toto [ ] H,H n grinding stone

töa̱ [ ] H v 1) follow 2) escort, free (?)

töa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v press

tödï [ ̖ ] L,L n life

töa̱ŋï [ ] M,H v invite

törö n song

tɔ [ ] M indef certain, any, other (used when mentioning a noun for the first time)

tɔa̱ [ ] H v leave tɔa̱tɔ

tɔꞌdɔ [ ̖ ] H,L n salt

tɔlɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n dew

t lɔ ɔ

t ndɔ ɔ 22

tɔndɔ [ ] H,H n tip

tɔrɔ [ ̖ ] L,L 1) n sky 2) adj up

tɔtɔ [ ] H,H n wood insect

tɔa̱tɔ [ ̖ ] H,L v 1) be around 2) change

position of something (tɔa̱ leave)

tua̱1 [ ] H v step tua̱tu

tua̱2 [ ] H v 1) be born, give

birth kötua̱ mutua̱ 2) lay egg

tudi [ ] M,H n bull

tuŋï [ ] M,H n base for pounding or grinding grain

turë, tulë [ ̖ ] L,L n dust

tua̱ru [ ̖ ] H,L v rub

turumbïlï [ ] L,L,H,M n vehicle

tutë moya [ ] L,H,L,M n generation

tua̱tu [ ] M,H v step (tua̱ step)

U uugä bw (Arabic) n container

W wwaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v know

wala Bw (Arabic) Con or

wali1 [ ̖ ] L,L n crime

wali2 [ ] H,H adv all

wara [ ̖ ] L,L n cotton

waraga Bw (Arabic) n book

wari [ ] M,H n shoe, sandal

watɔ [ ] M,H n someone

wayi [ ̖ ] L,L Qu what

wiliwili [ ] H,H,H,H adv very far, distantly

woa̱1 [ ] M v carry

woa̱2 [ ] M v lie, deceive

woa̱jo Bw (Arabic) v want

wöwö [ ̖ ] L,L adj around

wɔa̱ [ ] H v remove, scoop out (food)

wɔa̱ɔ [ ⃥ ] HL v be far, long

wɔcɔ [ ] M,H n wolf, small hyena

wɔa̱ti [ ̖ ] H,L v remove (small place)

wɔwɔ [ ̖ ] L,L n shelter

Y yya [ ̖ ] L oth plural (shows more than one

noun) ha kpili ya small cows

yaa̱1 [ ] H v 1) cut, harvest (sorghum) 2) not love

yaa̱2 [ ] H v hate, be angry, be cruel

23 yaa̱

yaa̱a [ ⃥ ] HL v skin

yaa̱ki [ ] M,H v grab

yanga [ ̖ ] L,L n removed foreskin

yangali [ ] L,L,H n sweet potato

yaa̱ŋa [ ̖ ] H,L v be rich, have

wealth moyaŋa

yaa̱ya [ ̖ ] H,L v wave, shake

ye [ ̖ ] L 1) pron.sub.comp you (pl) 2) pron.sub.incomp you (pl) 3) pron.obj you (pl)

yea̱2 [ ] M v stretch yea̱ye

yea̱1 [ ] H v drink

yea̱e [ ⃥ ] HL v play

yeke [ ̖ ] L,L n crow, bird type

yelo [ ] H,H adv quickly

yete [ ] M,H n game (mancala, cards)

yea̱ye [ ] M,H v stretch (yea̱ stretch)

yëa̱ë [ ⃥ ] HL v awake

yëa̱ku [ ̖ ] H,L v resurrect, be raised from the dead, come back to life

yi a̱ [ ] H v come yi a̱ ni yii [ ′ ] MH n snake

yi a̱ ni [ ] H,H v bring, come with (yi a̱ come)

yi. pref person (used to make a noun from another word type)

yi'bele [ ] H,H,H n messenger (lit. person of news)

yibata [ ] H,L,M n proud person

yibëtï [ ] H,M,H n hypocrite, cheating person (lit. person cheating)

yibo [ ] H,M adj elder (person important)

yibo'be [ ] H,H,H n traveller (lit. person who moves)

yibobo [ ] H,M,M n elder (lit. person old)

yibohɔŋihi [ ] L,H,L,H,H n fisherm

an (lit. person who catches fish) (hɔa̱ɔ fish)

yibokibinya [ ̖ ] L,H,L,M,L n shephe

rd (lit. person who guards sheep) (ki a̱i watch, look at, guard)

yibolɔ awada [ ] H,M,M L,H,M n collector (lit. person that collects taxes) (lɔa̱ say)

yibolɔꞌdɔ [ ] H,H,M,H n collector (lit.

person that collects something) (lɔa̱ say)

yiboteꞌdɔ n priest (lit. person that offers

something) (tea̱ slaughter, cut, offer sacrifice)

yiꞌbogo [ ] H,L,M n theif (lit. person of theif)

yidɔmoga [ ] H,M,M,H n neighbor (lit. person of border)

yigee [ ̷ ] H,LM n some people, others

yikija [ ] H,M,H n foreigner, gentile (lit. person of foreignor)

yinyaka [ ] H,H,M n farmer (lit. person of field)

yitaba [ ] H,L,M n leper, person with leprosy

yiteri [ ] H,M,H n enemy (lit. person arguing)

yiti [ ] M,H n 1) young man 2) son

yï1 [ ] H 1) pron.sub.comp you (sg) 2) pron.sub.incomp you (sg)

yï2 [ ̖ ] L pron.obj you (sg)

yïkölu [ ̖ ] L,L,L n person

yïturu [ ] H,M,M n government (lit. person rubbing)

yo [ ] H num two

yö [ ̖ ] L n death

yöa̱ö [ ⃥ ] HL v die

yöö̱

yɔ� 24

yɔa̱ [ ] H v 1) show, reveal moyɔyɔ 2)

teach mamoyɔyɔꞌdɔ