NUMBERS 1-20 IN YORUBA

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Lesson Content

1. Greeting & Lesson Overview

“Welcome! Today we’ll be learning how to count from 1 to 20 in Yoruba.”

Objectives:

• Learn Yoruba numbers from 1 to 20

• Understand basic Yoruba number structure and naming logic

• Practice pronunciation and spelling of each number

2. Core Number Presentation (1–10)

Numbers are introduced with pronunciation and repetition:

1 – Ọ̀ọ̀kan

2 – Èjì

3 – Ẹ̀ẹ́ta

4 – Ẹ̀ẹ́rin

5 – Àrùn

6 – Ẹ̀fà

7 – Èje

8 – Ẹ̀jọ̀

9 – Ẹ̀ẹ́sán

10 – Ẹ̀ẹ́wà̀

3. Number Formation 11–14 (Simple Addition Structure)

• 11 – Ọ̀ọ̀kanlá (10 + 1)

• 12 – Èjìlá (10 + 2)

• 13 – Ẹ̀ẹ́tálá (10 + 3)

• 14 – Ẹ̀ẹ́rìnlá (10 + 4)

4. Number Formation 15–19 (Subtraction from 20)

Introduce the “dín” structure:

• 15 – Ẹ̀ẹ́dógún

• 16 – Ẹ̀ẹ́rìndínlógún (20 minus 4)

• 17 – Ẹ̀ẹ́tàdínlógún (20 minus 3)

• 18 – Èjìdínlógún (20 minus 2)

• 19 – Ọ̀ọ̀kàndínlógún (20 minus 1)

20 – Ògún

5. Diagrams & Explanation Segments

Use visual aids and number breakdowns to show how Yoruba uses a base-20 logic for teen numbers.

6. Pronunciation Drill

Instructor recites each number, learners repeat

Group and individual practice for tricky forms (e.g., 16–19)

7. Interactive Task

• Matching activity: match Yoruba numbers to their numerals

• Listening challenge: “What is 17 in Yoruba?”

• Writing task: Write numbers 11–20 from memory

8. Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Recap the key number structures (1–10 base; 11–14 additive; 15–19 subtractive)

• Emphasize the importance of tonal accuracy in number pronunciation