ágba
Ágba, written in Yoruba as Àgbà, is a term used in Yoruba-speaking communities to denote an elder or an older person. It functions as a respectful designation for someone with age and experience and can appear as a social title, in proverbs, and in names. The word reflects a cultural emphasis on age, wisdom, and authority in many West African societies.
Linguistically, Àgbà is a two-syllable word in Yoruba orthography, with tone marks indicating its proper pronunciation.
Usage of Àgbà includes addressing or referring to an elder with deference in everyday conversation, as well
In contemporary settings, the term remains common in formal speech, literature, and in names—both given names
See also: Yoruba language, Elders, West African social structures.