iye
The Edo word for mother is iye.
iye refers to a female human who has given birth to or is parenting a child.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Did you know?
- In the context of the Benin Kingdom, the term iye can transition from a biological descriptor to a title for female spiritual ancestors.
- Addressing a stranger as iye is a common way to signal politeness and recognize a woman's elder status in the community.
- In traditional Edo settings, specific gestures of respect are often performed while addressing a mother to acknowledge her authority and role.
Example conversation
Osas and Isoken are talking about their families.
- OsasIsoken, iye mwin ọ rẹ ọmwan.Isoken, my mother is a good person.
- IsokenIye mwin gha rẹ ọmwan khé.My mother is also a good person.
- OsasIye mwin ọ rhiere ẹvbe.My mother is cooking food.
- IsokenOyiẹ mwin rhiẹ ẹvbe gha.My mother is cooking too.
