okwu

Okwu is a noun in the Igbo language that translates as "word," "speech," or "utterance." It is used to refer to a unit of spoken language as well as to a statement or message conveyed verbally. In everyday speech, okwu is employed in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal discourse. The term figures prominently in Igbo proverbs and oratory, where concise and well-chosen words are valued for their clarity and moral weight.

In linguistic descriptions of Igbo, okwu is discussed as a basic lexical item illustrating how nouns denote speech acts and ideas. Igbo is a tonal language, and the meaning of okwu can be influenced by tone, context, and discourse function. The word also appears in various compound forms and expressions related to communication, persuasion, and rhetoric.

Culturally, the concept of speech (okwu) is linked to social roles and etiquette. Public speaking, storytelling, and debate are traditional activities in which speakers use words deliberately to persuade, entertain, or teach. The term also appears in contemporary Igbo media and education as a simple reference to language and communication.

See also: Igbo language; Proverb; Rhetoric in Igbo culture