JAMB Yoruba 2018
Questions & Answers

An adjective, known as 'ọ̀rọ̀ àpèjúwe' in Yoruba, is a word that describes or modifies a noun, indicating its quality, quantity, or extent. Words like 'dára' (good) or 'ga' (tall) provide additional information about the noun they describe, such as its appearance or characteristics. Therefore, the reason a word is called an adjective is that it describes something, making option C the correct choice.

In the sentence 'Ọmọ náà ń sọ̀rọ̀ pẹ̀lú ìrẹ̀lẹ̀,' the word 'ìrẹ̀lẹ̀' (humility) functions as an adjective, describing the manner in which the child speaks. It modifies the verb 'sọ̀rọ̀' (speak) by indicating the quality of the action, specifically that it is done with humility. Thus, 'ìrẹ̀lẹ̀' is the adjective in this context, making option C correct.

The Yoruba proverb 'Bí a bá ń gbin ẹ̀gbin, a kì í ká ogún ọmọ' translates to 'If you sow rubbish, you will not reap a legacy of children.' It means that the outcomes of one’s actions reflect what was invested, emphasizing that good deeds lead to positive results. The correct interpretation is 'Ohun tí a bá gbin ni a máa ń ká,' meaning 'What you sow is what you reap,' as it captures the proverb’s essence of reaping according to one’s efforts, making option B correct.

The Yoruba numeral 'mẹ́jọ' corresponds to the number eight in English. In the sentence 'Mo rí igi mẹ́jọ' (I saw eight trees), 'mẹ́jọ' directly translates to 'eight,' indicating the quantity of trees observed. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, 'Eight.'

In traditional Yoruba construction, the tool known as 'òòlù' is used for pounding or striking, such as in shaping stones or driving stakes. It is a heavy, mallet-like instrument essential for building tasks like constructing mud houses or other traditional structures. Unlike 'àga' (chair), 'kèké' (bicycle), or 'ìbùsùn' (bed), 'òòlù' is specifically associated with construction, making option C correct.

In traditional Yoruba culture, 'àbùjá' refers to a person with a physical deformity or imperfection, such as a congenital abnormality. The term is used to describe someone with a noticeable bodily defect, distinguishing it from positive traits like good character or other unrelated attributes. Thus, 'Ènìyàn tí ó ní àìpé nínú ara' (a person with a physical imperfection) is the correct meaning, making option C correct.

In the sentence 'Ìwé náà dùn láti kà' (The book is pleasant to read), the word 'dùn' means 'pleasant' or 'enjoyable,' specifically referring to the reading experience. It implies that the book is engaging or delightful to the reader, akin to being 'sweet to the ear' in a metaphorical sense. Therefore, 'Dídùn létí' (pleasant to hear/read) is the correct interpretation, making option B correct.

In Yoruba culture, the lion, known as 'kìnìún,' is a symbol of courage and strength due to its powerful and fearless nature. It is often referenced in proverbs and folklore to represent bravery, unlike birds ('ẹyẹ'), snakes ('ejò'), or goats ('ewúrẹ́'), which carry different symbolic meanings. Thus, 'kìnìún' is the animal associated with courage, making option B correct.

In traditional Yoruba religion, an 'àlùfáà' is a priest or spiritual leader responsible for performing rituals and making arrangements for the worship of deities ('òrìṣà'). This role involves conducting ceremonies and offerings to ensure harmony between humans and the divine, distinguishing it from roles like cooking, teaching, or trading. Thus, 'Ènìyàn tí ó máa ń ṣe ààtò òrìṣà' is the correct definition, making option C correct.

In Adebayo Faleti’s novel 'Oju Odun Meerindilogun,' Àbèní is the female protagonist who displays heroism through her courage and wisdom. Her actions demonstrate bravery and leadership, making her the central heroic figure in the story, unlike the other characters listed. Therefore, 'Àbèní' is the correct answer, making option C correct.

The fruit commonly called 'agbalumo' in Yoruba is known as 'ùdàrà.' It is a seasonal fruit with a tangy taste, scientifically named *Chrysophyllum albidum*, and is distinct from bananas ('ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀'), oranges ('ọsàn'), or pawpaw ('èpè'). Thus, 'ùdàrà' is the correct name for 'agbalumo,' making option C correct.

In the sentence 'Ó jẹ́ aláìnílárí,' the term 'àìnílárí' describes a person who lacks possessions or is poor. It refers to someone in a state of poverty or without material wealth, distinguishing it from attributes like good character, strength, or love. Thus, 'Ènìyàn tí kò ní ohun ìní' (a person without possessions) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In Yoruba mythology, Aje is the deity associated with wealth, trade, and commerce. Known as the patron of traders, Aje is believed to bless those engaged in business with prosperity. Unlike Ọbàtálá (creation), Ṣàngó (thunder), or Ògún (war), Aje specifically governs economic activities, making 'Aje' the correct answer for the deity of trade, as in option B.

In traditional Yoruba burial practices, the 'àpótí' (coffin or casket) is used to hold the deceased’s body during burial. It is a key item in funeral rites, unlike beads ('ìlẹ̀kẹ̀'), chairs ('àga'), or balls ('bọ́ọ̀lù'), which serve different purposes. Thus, 'àpótí' is the correct tool associated with burial, making option A correct.

In Yoruba tradition, 'àkùkọ̀' refers to a folktale or story with a moral or lesson, often used to teach values or explain phenomena. These stories typically carry symbolic meanings or guidance, distinguishing them from historical accounts, royal tales, or deity-focused narratives. Thus, 'Ìtàn tí ó ní ìtọ́kasí' (a story with a lesson) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In the sentence 'Wọ́n ń ṣe àṣàrò nípa ìṣe rẹ̀' (They are thinking about his/her actions), 'àṣàrò' means contemplation or thought. It refers to the act of reflecting or deliberating on a subject, in this case, someone’s actions. Unlike cooking ('ìdáná'), trading ('ìṣòwò'), or worship ('ìjọsìn'), 'ìrò' (thought) accurately captures the meaning, making option B correct.

In traditional Yoruba religious practices, the ram ('àgbò') is commonly used as a sacrificial animal in rituals and offerings to deities or ancestors. Its strength and symbolic value make it suitable for such purposes, unlike cats ('ológbò'), birds ('ẹyẹ'), or leopards ('ekùn'), which are less frequently used. Thus, 'àgbò' is the correct answer, making option B correct.

In Yoruba belief, 'èmíàbíkú' refers to a child believed to be an 'abiku,' a spirit child who repeatedly dies and is reborn to the same mother, causing grief. The term describes the cyclical nature of their existence, distinguishing it from children with strength, royalty, or good behavior. Thus, 'Ọmọ tí ó máa ń bọ̀ wá' (a child who keeps coming back) is the correct meaning, making option A correct.

In 'Oju Odun Meerindilogun,' Àbèní demonstrates courage by confronting enemies to protect her town and its people. Her bravery is driven by a sense of duty to safeguard her community, rather than seeking knowledge, trading, or performing worship. Thus, 'Láti dáàbò bo ìlú rẹ̀' (to protect her town) is the correct reason, making option B correct.

In Yoruba culture, 'ìdílé' refers to a family or lineage, specifically people related by blood, such as siblings, parents, or extended relatives. It denotes kinship ties, distinguishing it from town citizens, worshippers, or traders. Thus, 'Àwọn ènìyàn tí ó ní ìbátan ẹ̀jẹ̀' (people with blood relations) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

The Yoruba term 'ìgbà òjò' refers to the rainy season, the time of year characterized by frequent rainfall. This distinguishes it from the harmattan ('ìgbà kọ́rọ̀'), cold season ('ìgbà oyè'), or dry season ('ìgbà òrùn'). Thus, 'ìgbà òjò' is the correct name for the rainy period, making option C correct.

The proverb 'Bí òkùnkùn bá ṣú, a máa ń fi ìmọ́lẹ̀ hàn' translates to 'When darkness falls, light is used to show the way.' It means that in times of difficulty or ignorance, one uses knowledge or wisdom to resolve problems. The correct interpretation is 'Èèyàn máa ń lo ìmọ̀ rẹ̀ láti yanjú ìṣòro' (People use their knowledge to solve problems), as it reflects the proverb’s emphasis on wisdom, making option B correct.

In Yoruba mythology, Ṣàngó is the deity associated with fire and lightning, known as the god of thunder. His power is symbolized by his ability to control these natural forces, distinguishing him from Ọbàtálá (creation), Ògún (war), or Ọya (wind). Thus, 'Ṣàngó' is the correct deity for fire and lightning, making option B correct.

In the context of testing knowledge, such as in examinations, the tool commonly used is 'ìwé' (paper or book), where answers are written or questions are provided. Unlike beads ('ìlẹ̀kẹ̀'), pots ('ìkọkọ'), or chairs ('àga'), 'ìwé' is essential for academic assessments, making option B correct.

In Yoruba culture, 'ìtàn' refers to stories or narratives, often folktales, that carry moral lessons or symbolic meanings. These stories are used to teach values or explain cultural phenomena, distinguishing them from strictly factual accounts, royal histories, or deity-focused tales. Thus, 'Ìtàn tí ó ní ìtọ́kasí' (a story with a lesson) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In D.O. Fagunwa’s novel 'Ìrìnkèrindò Nínú Igbó Ẹlẹ́gbẹ̀yẹ,' Ọlọ́wọ́-ayé is the male protagonist who embodies heroism through his adventures and contributions to progress. His character drives the narrative’s exploration of bravery and development, making 'Ọlọ́wọ́-ayé' the correct hero, as in option A.

In traditional Yoruba practices, 'ààtò' refers to arrangements or preparations, particularly in the context of organizing rituals or events. It implies a structured plan or guidance, such as setting up for a ceremony, distinguishing it from marriage, burial, or cooking. Thus, 'Ìtọ́kasí' (arrangement or guidance) is the correct meaning, making option C correct.

The Yoruba term 'inú ríru' refers to a condition causing abdominal pain or stomach upset, often associated with digestive issues. Unlike alcohol ('ọtí'), fever ('ìbà'), or curses ('èpè'), 'inú ríru' specifically denotes internal discomfort, making option C the correct answer.

In Yoruba grammar, 'ọ̀rọ̀ ìṣe' refers to a verb, a word that describes an action or state of being, such as 'sáré' (run) or 'jẹun' (eat). It focuses on what is being done, distinguishing it from words about time, place, or appearance. Thus, 'Ọ̀rọ̀ tí ó ń sọ nípa ìṣe' (a word about action) is the correct definition, making option B correct.

In Yoruba culture, the dove ('ẹyẹ àdàbà') is a symbol of humility and peace due to its gentle and non-aggressive nature. Unlike leopards ('ekùn'), snakes ('ejò'), or wolves ('ìkookò'), the dove’s demeanor aligns with humility, making 'Ẹyẹ àdàbà' the correct answer, as in option A.

In the sentence 'Ó ní ìdánilójú nínú ìṣe rẹ̀' (He/she has confidence in his/her actions), 'ìdánilójú' means confidence or trust. It indicates a belief in the reliability or success of one’s actions, distinguishing it from love, anger, or enthusiasm. Thus, 'Ìgbẹ́kẹ̀lé' (confidence/trust) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In the context of cooking, 'ewé' (leaves) refers to plant parts, such as vegetables, used in preparing dishes like soups. Unlike tails ('ìrù'), stones ('òkúta'), or metal ('irin'), leaves are a common ingredient in Yoruba cuisine, making 'ewé' the correct answer, as in option A.

In Yoruba storytelling tradition, an 'àkùkọ̀wé' is a storyteller who narrates folktales ('àlọ́') and proverbs ('òwe') to educate or entertain, often imparting moral lessons. This role differs from writing books, cooking, or leading worship. Thus, 'Ènìyàn tí ó máa ń sọ àlọ́ àti òwe' (a person who tells folktales and proverbs) is the correct definition, making option B correct.

In the sentence 'Ọmọ náà ń ṣe ìwà àìtọ́' (The child is behaving improperly), 'àìtọ́' means improper or inappropriate behavior. It describes actions that are not right or acceptable, contrasting with good, gentle, or dark behavior. Thus, 'Ìwà tí kò tọ́' (improper behavior) is the correct meaning, making option C correct.

The Yoruba traditional religion, known as 'Ìsìn Ìbílẹ̀,' centers on the worship of deities ('òrìṣà') like Ṣàngó and Ọbàtálá. It involves rituals and offerings to these deities, distinguishing it from Christianity ('Ìsìn Ìgbàgbọ́'), an unspecified religion ('Ìsìn Aláwọ̀'), or Islam ('Ìsìn Ìmàle'). Thus, 'Ìsìn Ìbílẹ̀' is the correct religion, making option A correct.

In the sentence 'Wọ́n ń lọ ọ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan' (They are going one by one), 'ọ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan' means individually or one at a time. It indicates a sequential movement, unlike in large numbers, together, or quickly. Thus, 'Lẹ́ẹ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan' (one by one) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In traditional Yoruba weddings, beads ('ìlẹ̀kẹ̀') are used as a symbol of love, commitment, and adornment, often worn by the bride or exchanged during ceremonies. Unlike coffins ('àpótí'), chairs ('àga'), or balls ('bọ́ọ̀lù'), beads are integral to marriage rites, making 'ìlẹ̀kẹ̀' the correct answer, as in option A.

In Akinwunmi Isola’s play 'Ṣaworoide,' Lapite is the king who emerges as a heroic figure, demonstrating courage and leadership in addressing societal issues. His actions drive the narrative’s focus on justice and progress, making 'Lapite' the correct hero, as in option A.

In Yoruba storytelling, 'àlọ́' refers to a type of folktale featuring talking animals, often used to convey moral lessons or cultural values. These stories, like those involving tortoises or lions, are distinct from historical accounts, royal tales, or deity narratives. Thus, 'Ìtàn tí ó ní àwọn ẹranko tí ń sọ̀rọ̀' (a story with talking animals) is the correct meaning, making option B correct.

In 'Oju Odun Meerindilogun,' Àbèní exemplifies courage and progress through her actions to protect and advance her community. Her bravery in confronting challenges and fostering development is the central lesson, distinguishing it from trade, humility, or knowledge. Thus, 'Ìgboyà àti ìdàgbàsókè' (courage and progress) is the correct theme, making option B correct.