An Interpretation of the Igbo Terms “Ndigbo” and “Ndimmadu”

This post argues that “Ndigbo” can be understood through expressions such as Ndi Owerri, Ndi Onitsha and Ndi Aba, where “Ndi” refers to people. It suggests that “gbo” conveys the idea of all or everybody. It further compares “Onye Igbo” with “onye mmadụ”, presenting the latter as a general term for a person rather than someone identified with a particular town. In the same way, the post interprets “ndị mmadụ” as people of the world. The argument is that “Ndigbo” and “Ndimmadu” are closely related in meaning, though not identical. It also suggests that the wider use of the name Ndigbo developed through contact with Europeans who had some understanding of Igbo language.

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