Language Pronunciation Guide

This is a small guide to help one get comfortable with the pronunciation of Ajã and Yọrùbá words you will encounter on this site and in my publications. 

Vowels like “ɔ” (ọ) and “ɛ” (ẹ) are what are considered open vowels. They are often nasal. The “ɔ” (ọ in Yorùbá) is pronounced more like “aw” and the “ɛ” (ẹ in Yorùbá) is pronounced more like “eh” but from the back of the throat causing the open sound. It is like the “a” in the word “at”.

“e” is pronounced “eh” and not like “ee” in the word“ seen”. It is like the “e” in the word “ever”

“u” is pronounced like the “oo” in “food”.

“a” is pronounced like the “a” in “father”

“i” is pronounced like the “ee” in the word “seen”.

When you see “gb” in a word, a sound shared by both the Ajã and Yọrùbá, the "gb" is it’s own sound/letter. The “g” and “b” are pronounced together from the back of the throat.

The "ç" in Ajã is similar to the Yọrùbá "ṣ", but is pronounced more like the "ch" in "champ".

We pray this helps you in your journey of your return.