Nkọwa Ezi Akparamagwa na Ajọ Akparamagwa for JSS 1

Ezi akparamagwa

Performance Objectives

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

1. ịkọwa agwa ọma na agwa ojọọ (explain good and bad behavior);
2. iwebata akparamagwa dabara adaba mgbe ha hụrụ onwe ha (demonstrate appropriate behavior when peers meet);
3. iwebata akparamagwa dabara adaba mgbe ha hụrụ okenye (demonstrate appropriate behavior when meeting an elder);
4. igosipụta agwa ndị adabaghị adaba mgbe a hụrụ okenye (demonstrate inappropriate behaviors when meeting an elder);
5. igosipụta ọnọdụ ịntanet n’ịkwalite ezigbo agwa na ajọ agwa (explain the role of the internet in promoting good and bad behavior);
6. ikwu okwu a nabatara n’ọnọdụ dị iche iche (speak acceptable words in different social situations).

Nkọwa Ezi Agwa na Ajọ Agwa (Meaning of Good and Bad Behavior)

In Igbo culture, character and behavior are highly valued. Good character is seen as the foundation of a successful and peaceful life in the community.

Ezi Agwa (Good Behavior)

Ezi agwa bụ ezigbo akparamagwa ma ọ bụ omume dị mma nke mmadụ na-eme nke dabara n’iwu, omenala, na usoro obodo.

This refers to positive actions, habits, and attitudes that align with societal values, moral laws, and cultural expectations. Examples include honesty, respect, humility, and kindness.

Ajọ Agwa (Bad Behavior)

Ajọ agwa bụ akparamagwa ọjọọ ma ọ bụ omume na-adịghị mma nke megidere iwu, omenala, na usoro obodo.

This refers to negative actions, habits, and attitudes that violate moral standards, laws, and cultural norms. Examples include stealing, lying, fighting, rudeness, and disobedience.

Nkọwa ka Agwa Ọma na Agwa Ọjọọ si Emetụta Ndụ Mmadụ (How Behavior Affects Human Life)

The behavior of an individual has a deep impact on their personal life and the wider society. The main ways behavior affects human life include:

1. Aha Ọma na Nkwanye Ùgwù (Reputation and Respect): A person with good behavior earns a good name and respect from members of the community, while bad behavior brings shame and disgrace to the individual and their family.
2. Mmekọrịta Mmadụ na Ibe Ya (Social Relationships): Good behavior helps people build strong, peaceful, and trusting relationships with friends, family, and neighbors. Bad behavior drives people away and creates isolation.
3. Udo na Esemokwu n’Obodo (Peace and Conflict in the Community): When members of a community practice good behavior, there is peace, unity, and progress. Conversely, bad behavior leads to conflicts, insecurity, and backwardness.

Uru Ezi Agwa na Ọghọm Ajọ Agwa (Benefits of Good Behavior and Consequences of Bad Behavior)

Practicing good behavior brings numerous benefits, while engaging in bad behavior leads to serious consequences.

The benefits of good behavior include:

1. It brings respect and honor from both young and old.
2. It builds trust, making people willing to help or work with the individual.
3. It promotes peace and harmony within the family and community.
4. It opens doors to opportunities, such as scholarships, jobs, and leadership roles.
5. It brings blessings, happiness, and peace of mind.

The consequences of bad behavior include:

1. It brings shame, embarrassment, and loss of respect to the individual and their family.
2. It leads to isolation, as peers and elders avoid associating with the person.
3. It causes constant conflicts, arguments, and fights with others.
4. It leads to severe punishment, which may include suspension from school, community banishment, or arrest by law enforcement.
5. It destroys a person’s future by ruining their educational and career opportunities.

Ezi Agwa Mgbe Nwata Hụrụ Nwata Ibe Ya (Good Behavior Among Peers)

When children or peers meet in the school, home, or community, they are expected to show mutual respect and friendliness. This builds healthy relationships and prevents unnecessary conflicts.

Appropriate behaviors when peers meet include:

1. Ikele Ekele (Greeting): Greeting each other warmly using polite words.
2. Ikwe n’Aka (Shaking Hands): Shaking hands as a sign of friendship and peace.
3. Ife Aka (Waving): Waving hands to acknowledge a friend from a distance.
4. Ibi Ọma / Ịnabata n’Udo (Warm Embrace): Giving a friendly hug or showing a welcoming attitude.
5. Ikesa Ihe (Sharing): Sharing learning materials, toys, or food in a friendly manner.

Mkparịta Ụka n’Etiti Ụmụaka Abụọ (Dialogue Between Two Peers)

Observe the dialogue below showing polite communication between two classmates, Chidi and Obi, meeting on their way to school:

Chidi: Obi, nnọọ! Kedu ka ị mere? (Obi, welcome! How are you?)

Obi: Imeela, Chidi. A dị m mma, kedu maka gị? (Thank you, Chidi. I am fine, what about you?)

Chidi: A dị m mma nwa m. Ka anyị gaa n’ụlọ akwụkwọ ọsọ ọsọ ka anyị ghara igbu oge. (I am fine, my friend. Let us go to school quickly so we do not waste time.)

Obi: Ọ bụ eziokwu. Ka anyị gawa! (That is true. Let us go!)

Akparamagwa Dabara Adaba Mgbe A Hụrụ Okenye (Appropriate Behavior When Meeting an Elder)

In Igbo culture, respect for elders is a core value. Children are expected to show deep respect whenever they encounter an older person in the family, school, or community.

Appropriate behaviors when meeting an elder include:

1. Iji Ezigbo Olu Kelee Ekele (Greeting with a Respectful Voice): Greeting the elder in a clear, polite, and humble tone of voice, rather than shouting or whispering.
2. Iji Aka Abụọ Kelee Okenye (Greeting with Two Hands): Using both hands to shake an elder (if the elder extends their hand first) or using both hands to receive or give items to them.
3. Ibiliri Okenye n’Oche (Standing up for an Elder): Standing up immediately to offer a seat to an elder who has no place to sit.
4. Ịtụ Aha Nkwanye Ùgwù (Using Respectful Titles): Addressing elders using respectful titles such as Mazi (Mr.), Lolo (Mrs./respected woman), Nna m (my father), or Nne m (my mother), instead of calling them by their first names.
5. Ịnara Okenye Ibu (Helping with Loads): Offering to carry heavy bags or baskets for an elder who is walking.

Mkparịta Ụka n’Etiti Nwata na Okenye (Dialogue Between a Child and an Elder)

Observe the dialogue below showing respectful communication between a student, Ngozi, and an elder, Mazi Okeke:

Ngozi: I bọọla chi, Mazi Okeke. (Good morning, Mazi Okeke.)

Mazi Okeke: I bọọla, nwa m. Ị nọkwa mma? (Good morning, my child. Are you well?)

Ngozi: Eee, nna m. Ka m nyere gị aka buru nkata a ị na-ebu. (Yes, my father. Let me help you carry this basket you are holding.)

Mazi Okeke: Imeela, nwa m ọma. Chineke gọzie gị, biko buru ya. (Thank you, my good child. God bless you, please carry it.)

Agwa Ndị Adabaghị Adaba Mgbe A Hụrụ Okenye (Inappropriate Behaviors When Meeting an Elder)

Certain behaviors are considered highly disrespectful and unacceptable when interacting with elders in Igbo society.

Inappropriate behaviors when meeting an elder include:

1. Iji Otu Aka Ekwe Okenye n’Aka (Shaking an Elder with One Hand): Extending only one hand to shake an elder, which is seen as a sign of pride and equality.
2. Ịgachi Okenye Anya n’Ihu (Staring Defiantly): Looking directly and defiantly into an elder’s eyes when being corrected or spoken to.
3. Ịnọdụ Ala Mgbe Okenye na-Enweghị Oche (Remaining Seated): Sitting comfortably while an elder is standing due to a lack of seats.
4. Ịkpọ Okenye Aha Ya (Calling an Elder by Name): Addressing an elder directly by their first name without using a title of respect.
5. Ịjụ Inyere Okenye Aka (Refusing to Help): Walking past an elder who is struggling with a heavy load without offering assistance.
6. Ịgụgụ Eze ma ọ bụ Ịta Chaangọm (Hissing or Chewing Gum): Making hissing sounds, chewing gum noisily, or showing a bad face when an elder is speaking.

Ọnọdụ Ịntanet n’Ịkwalite Ezigbo Agwa na Ajọ Agwa (The Role of the Internet in Behavior)

The internet (ịntanet) is a powerful digital tool that can influence the character and behavior of young people either positively or negatively.

The ways the internet promotes good behavior (ezigbo agwa) include:

1. Mmụta Omenala na Asụsụ (Learning Culture and Language): Providing educational videos, websites, and digital dictionaries that teach children Igbo language, respect, and cultural values.
2. Mmekọrịta Dị Mma (Healthy Communication): Allowing students to connect with peers and mentors globally to share academic ideas and positive moral values.
3. Ihe Ngosi Dijitalụ na-Aba Uru (Educational Digital Shows): Watching moral-based stories, cartoons, and educational programs that encourage kindness, honesty, and hard work.

The ways the internet promotes bad behavior (ajọ agwa) include:

1. Ikiri Ihe Ndị Na-adabaghị Adaba (Exposure to Inappropriate Content): Exposing young learners to violent, immoral, or age-inappropriate videos and pictures that corrupt good morals.
2. Ịkparị Ndị Ọzọ n’Ịntanet (Cyberbullying): Using abusive language, insults, and threats to attack peers or elders on social media platforms.
3. Ịgbasa Ozi Ụgha na Izu Ohi (Spreading Fake News and Fraud): Learning dishonest practices, online scams, and spreading false information that harms the community.

Okwu a Nabatara n’Ọnọdụ Dị iche iche (Acceptable Words in Different Situations)

Using polite and acceptable words is an essential part of speaking skills (nka ekwumekwu) in Igbo culture. The table below shows acceptable Igbo expressions and their English meanings for various social situations:

Otu E Si Egosipụta Ekele Nkwanye Ùgwù n’Ala Igbo (How to Demonstrate Respectful Greetings)

This practical guide explains the correct physical posture and verbal expressions required when a young person greets an elder in Igbo land.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Approach the elder calmly: Walk towards the elder gently without running or making loud noises.
2. Adopt a respectful posture: Boys should bow their heads or bend slightly from the waist. Girls should curtsy (gbuo ikpere n’ala) slightly as a sign of humility.
3. Use both hands if shaking hands: If the elder extends their hand for a handshake, receive it respectfully using both hands. Never extend your hand first to shake an elder.
4. Speak clearly and politely: Say the appropriate greeting, such as “I bọọla chi, nna m” or “Mazi, ndọọ”, using a calm and respectful tone of voice.
5. Wait for the elder’s response: Listen attentively to the elder’s reply and blessings before moving away or continuing the conversation.

Ajụjụ Nnyocha (Evaluation Questions)

Answer the following questions to review the lesson:

1. Nye nkọwa atọ ka agwa ọma na agwa ọjọọ si emetụta ndụ mmadụ (Give three explanations of how good and bad behavior affect human life).
2. Kwuọ ụzọ ise ezi agwa si aba uru n’obodo (State five benefits of good behavior in the community).
3. Kwuọ ụzọ ise agwa ọjọọ si ebute ọghọm ná ndụ nwata akwụkwọ (State five consequences of bad behavior in a student’s life).
4. Kwuọ ụzọ ise ịntanet si ebute agwa ọma ma ọ bụ agwa ọjọọ (State five ways the internet brings about good or bad behavior).
5. Gosi akparamagwa abụọ dabara adaba mgbe nwata hụrụ nwata ibe ya, na akparamagwa abụọ dabara adaba mgbe nwata hụrụ okenye (State two appropriate behaviors when peers meet, and two when meeting an elder).