Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi: *1977

Purple Hibiscus, 2003 - Explanations

  • Igbo Terms and Cultural References
    • Agbogho - short for Agboghobia; young lady, maiden
      Agwonatumbe - "The snake that strikes the tortoise" (i.e. despite the shell/shield)--the name of a masquerade at Aro festival
      Aja - sand or the ritual of appeasing an oracle
      Aku - winged termites, common during the rainy season; also means wealth.
      Akwam ozu - Funeral/ grief ritual or send-off ceremonies for the dead
      Aro - Spear referring to Aro-Igbo people, short for Arochukwu
      Aro festival - The main cultural festival of Aro people known for its fierce masquerades
      Asusu anya - Eye language
      Atilogu - A form of Igbo acrobatic dance performance
      Atulu - Sheep/lamb--insinuating stupidity, dumb, a fool
      Azu - Fish
      Big man, Big Oga, or Big people - Powerful, wealthy, influential, high status in the community, large (ex. Head of state)
      Chukwu - God
      Dim - my husband
      Kwa - also
      Kobo - Nigerian Currency, cents
      Harmattan - dry, dusty West African trade wind, blows south from Sahara into Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March (winter)
      Mmuo - spirits, separated between good and bad
      NEPA - Nigerian Electric Power Company
      Naira - Nigerian Currency, dollar
      Nwunye m - My wife
      O bugodi - dispel
      Ogbunambala - "He that kills in public." No secrecy or privacy. He who loves to publicly disgrace or shame another
      Okada - motorcycle taxi
      Omelorav - one who does for the community
      Umunna - “ancestors,” extended group of paternal kinsmen; extended family
      Unu - you (plural)