Ìtẹ̀ríba, Ìbọ̀wọ̀ Fágbà àti Eré-Oníṣe for JSS 1

Eré-Oníṣe (Ìtẹríba)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. sọ ohun tí ìtẹríba àti ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà jẹ́;
2. tọ́kasí àwọn ìpèdè tó ń ṣàfihàn ìtẹríba àti ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà;
3. sọ ìṣe tó ń ṣàfihàn ìtẹríba àti ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà;
4. ṣàlàyé pàtàkì ìtẹríba àti ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà láwùjọ Yorùbá;
5. ṣe eré-oníṣe tó ń fi ìtẹríba àti ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà hàn.

In Yoruba culture, showing respect and reverence to elders and those in authority is a very important value. This practice is known as Ìtẹríba and Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà. These values guide how people interact with each other, ensuring harmony and good relationships within the community.

Ohun Tí Ìtẹríba àti Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà Jẹ́ (Meaning of Respect and Reverence for Elders)

Ìtẹríba

Ìtẹríba is the act of showing humility, respect, or submission to others, especially those who are older or in positions of authority.

This concept includes being polite, listening attentively, and speaking respectfully. It is a fundamental aspect of good character (Ọmọlúàbí) in Yoruba society.

Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà

Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà is the deep reverence, honour, and high regard given specifically to older people, parents, teachers, and community leaders.

This type of respect acknowledges the wisdom, experience, and position of elders in society. It is a way of showing that their contributions and presence are valued.

Àwọn Ìpèdè Tó Ń Ṣàfihàn Ìtẹríba àti Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà (Expressions Showing Respect and Reverence)

In Yoruba, respect is often shown through specific words and phrases. These expressions are used daily in greetings and conversations.

Common expressions that show respect and reverence in Yoruba culture include:

1. Ẹ káàárọ̀: Good morning (used for elders or multiple people).
2. Ẹ káàsán: Good afternoon (used for elders or multiple people).
3. Ẹ káalẹ́: Good evening (used for elders or multiple people).
4. Ẹ kúùrọ̀jọ́: Greetings for the day (used when meeting someone during the day).
5. Ẹ kú àárẹ̀: Greetings for tiredness (used when someone looks tired or is working).
6. Ẹ kú iṣẹ́: Greetings for work (used when someone is working).
7. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́: Please.
8. Ẹ ṣeun: Thank you (used for elders or multiple people).
9. Bàbá: Father/Sir (a respectful term for an older man).
10. Ìyá: Mother/Ma (a respectful term for an older woman).
11. Àgbà: Elder (a general term for an older person).
12. Jọ̀wọ́: Please (when speaking to a peer or younger person).
13. O ṣeun: Thank you (when speaking to a peer or younger person).

When addressing an elder, it is common to use the plural pronoun “Ẹ” (the plural form of “you”) even when speaking to one person, to show respect. For example, instead of the singular greeting “O káàárọ̀” (Good morning), the respectful plural form “Ẹ káàárọ̀” is used.

Ìṣe Tó Ń Ṣàfihàn Ìtẹríba àti Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà (Actions Showing Respect and Reverence)

Beyond words, physical actions and behaviours are crucial in demonstrating Ìtẹríba and Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà in Yoruba culture. These actions are taught from a young age and are expected from everyone.

Actions that show respect and reverence include:

1. Ìtẹríba (Prostration): Male children and young men prostrate fully on the ground to greet elders, especially parents, grandparents, and community leaders. This is a deep sign of respect and humility.
2. Ìkúnlẹ̀ (Kneeling): Female children and young women kneel to greet elders. This can be a full kneel or a slight bend of the knees, depending on the situation and the elder. It is their equivalent of prostration.
3. Lowering the gaze: In some contexts, maintaining direct eye contact with an elder is considered disrespectful. Younger people may lower their gaze slightly as a sign of humility.
4. Not interrupting elders: It is considered rude to interrupt an elder while they are speaking. Younger people are expected to listen patiently and wait for their turn to speak.
5. Offering seats: When an elder enters a room, younger people should stand up and offer them a seat.
6. Carrying loads: Offering to help elders carry their loads, especially heavy ones, is a sign of respect and care.
7. Speaking softly: When speaking to elders, it is important to use a calm and soft tone of voice. Shouting or speaking loudly can be seen as disrespectful.
8. Receiving and giving items with both hands: When receiving or giving something to an elder, using both hands is a sign of respect.
9. Avoiding arguments: Younger people are expected to avoid arguing or raising their voices with elders.

Pàtàkì Ìtẹríba àti Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà Lárùjọ Yorùbá (Importance of Respect and Reverence for Elders in Yoruba Society)

Ìtẹríba and Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà are not just customs; they are foundational pillars of Yoruba society. Their importance can be seen in several ways:

The importance of respect and reverence for elders in Yoruba society includes:

1. Promotes Harmony and Peace: When everyone shows respect, especially to elders, it creates a peaceful and orderly community. Conflicts are reduced, and people live together in understanding.
2. Preserves Culture and Tradition: These practices are passed down from generation to generation, helping to maintain the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. They ensure that traditional values are not lost.
3. Ensures Blessings and Good Fortune: In Yoruba belief, respecting elders is believed to bring blessings, wisdom, and a long life. Elders are seen as conduits of blessings from ancestors and God.
4. Fosters Good Upbringing: Children who are taught Ìtẹríba and Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà are considered well-brought-up. This reflects positively on their families and helps them integrate well into society.
5. Encourages Learning and Wisdom: Elders hold a wealth of knowledge and experience. Showing them respect encourages them to share their wisdom, which benefits the younger generation.
6. Strengthens Family Bonds: Respect for parents and older family members strengthens family ties and promotes unity within the household and extended family.

Ṣíṣe Eré-Oníṣe Tó Ń Fi Ìtẹríba àti Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà Hàn (Performing a Drama Showing Respect and Reverence)

Performing a short drama (eré-oníṣe) is an excellent way to demonstrate and practise the concepts of Ìtẹríba and Ìbọ̀wọ̀fágbà. This activity allows learners to act out real-life situations where these values are applied.

How to Perform a Drama Showing Respect and Reverence

The procedure for performing a drama showing respect and reverence involves the following steps:

1. Choose a Scenario: Select a common situation where respect is shown.
2. Assign Roles: Decide who will play the elder, the child, or other characters involved in the scenario.
3. Practise Dialogue: Rehearse the Yoruba expressions that show respect, such as “Ẹ káàárọ̀,” “Ẹ jọ̀wọ́,” “Ẹ ṣeun,” and addressing elders as “Bàbá” or “Ìyá.”
4. Practise Actions: Rehearse the physical actions of respect, such as prostrating (for boys), kneeling (for girls), speaking softly, and offering help.
5. Perform the Drama: Act out the chosen scenario, making sure to clearly show both the respectful expressions and actions.
6. Observe and Discuss: After the performance, discuss what was done well and how the display of respect could be improved.

Examples of scenarios to choose from include:

1. A child greeting their parents or grandparents in the morning.
2. A student greeting their teacher at school.
3. A young person offering a seat to an elder on public transport.
4. Children helping an elder carry a load from the market.
5. A child asking for permission from an elder.

Example Scenario: Greeting an Elder in the Morning

The characters in this scenario are:

1. Àgbà (Elder)
2. Ọmọkùnrin (Boy)
3. Ọmọbìnrin (Girl)

The scene is set as follows:

The elder is sitting outside the house in the morning.

The dialogue and actions for the drama are:

1. Ọmọkùnrin: (Walks towards Àgbà, prostrates fully on the ground) Ẹ káàárọ̀ Bàbá. (Good morning, Sir/Father.)
2. Àgbà: Káàárọ̀ ọmọ mi. Báwo ni àárọ̀? (Good morning, my child. How was your morning?)
3. Ọmọkùnrin: (Stands up respectfully) Àárọ̀ dáadáa Bàbá. Ẹ ṣeun. (Morning was good, Sir. Thank you.)
4. Ọmọbìnrin: (Walks towards Àgbà, kneels down) Ẹ káàárọ̀ Ìyá. (Good morning, Ma/Mother.)
5. Àgbà: Káàárọ̀ ọmọ mi. Ṣé o sùn dáadáa? (Good morning, my child. Did you sleep well?)
6. Ọmọbìnrin: (Stands up respectfully) Bẹ́ẹ̀ni Ìyá. Mo sùn dáadáa. Ẹ ṣeun. (Yes, Ma. I slept well. Thank you.)