Translating English to Edo

This study provides a comprehensive beginner-oriented guide to translating English into Edo (Bini), an indigenous Nigerian language deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Edo people. Recognizing translation as both a linguistic and cultural act, the guide emphasizes the importance of understanding Edo’s tonal system, grammatical structure, and sociocultural context rather than relying on literal word-for-word substitution.

The work examines key structural differences between English and Edo, including tense expression, sentence construction, respect markers, and the use of idioms and proverbs. It outlines foundational translation theories such as meaning-based translation and dynamic equivalence, highlighting common challenges faced by beginners, including tone misinterpretation, cultural mismatch, and overreliance on English grammatical patterns.

By combining theoretical insights with practical translation strategies, examples, and exercises, this guide aims to equip learners with the skills needed to produce accurate, natural, and culturally appropriate translations. Ultimately, the study underscores the role of translation in language preservation, cultural continuity, and the promotion of Edo in educational and digital spaces.