Dear Yorùbá Broadcasters and all Yorùbá speaking fellow,
A CALL TO OBSERVATION AND LEARNING.
Over the years and still in existence, there have been method of using borrowed language in Yorùbá language where we find it difficult to translate or give a proper Yorùbá word to interpret a contextual meaning of a word.
Now, research has made it clear that we can translate a MILLION as EGBÈLÉGBÈ, BILLION as EGBÈLÉGBÈJÌ and TRILLION as EGBÈLÉGBÈTA etc differ from the ancient way of using a borrowed language viz MILIONU, BILIONU and TIRILIONU or undefined amount of ÒKÉ ÀÌMOYE.
As a broadcaster whose duty encompasses educating the audience amongst others; I adopted that long time ago since I read about it and having a clear explanation on the subject matter, as to further promote the rich value of the Yoruba language.
Here is the explanation to clear all doubts:
Etymology Of Million is from old french word – Millione, that is; one thousand thousand, a number that follows 999,999 and preceding 1000,001
Now, One million is= thousand × thousand
Egbèrún lónà (×) Egbèrún = Egbèrún’lona’Egbèrún= Egbé’lona’egbè =EGBÈLÉGBÈ
Billion = Egbelegbe agbara eji which means 1000 ×1000 raise to power 2 = EGBÈLÉGBÈJÌ abbl.
Upon request, I can explain further.
However, some people have consistently argued with me that I should stop using it, saying there is nothing like EGBÈLÉGBÈ in Yorùbá language Numbering System and I should rather continue with the ancient style of using a borrowed language e.g MILLIONU or undefined amount (Òke ÀÌMOYE) for million etc.
Now, I am putting it out here for all of us to learn, unlearn and relearn.
Is it correct to say the below?
Million =EGBÈLÉGBÈ
Billion = EGBÈLÉGBÈJÌ
Trillion = EGBÈLÉTA abbl.
Please, comment with explanation. Thank you.
Seun Aríbikólá
Broadcast Journalist.