Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Yoruba
Curriculum Theme: Àkànlò Èdè àti Ìtúmõ (Idiomatic Expressions and Translation)
Previous Lesson: Àśà: Àśà Ìsômôlórúkô Ní Ilê Yorùbá.
Topic: ÈDÈ: Aáyan Ògbufõ (Language: Principles of Translation)
Subject Matter: Ìtösönà lórí aáyan ògbufõ, túmõ gbólóhùn kéékèèké láti èdè Gêësì sí Yorùbá, àkànlò èdè nínú ìtúmõ (Guidelines on translation, translating simple sentences from English to Yoruba, idiomatic expressions in translation)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define the term ‘translation’ (ògbufõ).
- State at least three principles of good translation.
- Translate simple sentences from English to Yoruba correctly.
- Identify idiomatic expressions in given texts.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of accurate translation in communication.
- Show interest in learning and applying idiomatic expressions in Yoruba.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Write translated sentences from English to Yoruba.
- Apply the principles of translation in practical exercises.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in class discussions on translation challenges.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- National Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools, Yoruba.
- State Unified Scheme of Work.
- Ìwé Èdè Yorùbá fún Ilé-ìwé Gírámà Sèkóndírì Agba 1.
- https://www.naijaedu.com/yoruba/translation-of-yoruba-to-english-and-vice-versa/
- https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features/385573-yoruba-language-translation-and-interpretation-challenges.html
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Blackboard/whiteboard
- Chalk/marker
- Pupils’ notebooks
- Textbooks with English and Yoruba sentences for translation
- Charts showing examples of idiomatic expressions.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the process of converting messages from one language to another, which is important for clear communication between people who speak different languages. It also enables pupils to correctly translate simple English sentences and understand Yoruba idiomatic expressions, improving their language skills for everyday use.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of Yoruba and English grammar and can construct simple sentences in both languages.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
ÈDÈ: Aáyan Ògbufõ (Language: Principles of Translation)
1. Ìtumõ Ògbufõ (Definition of Translation)
Ògbufõ ni ìyípadà èdè kan sí èkejì láìyí ìtumõ rẹ̀ padà. Èyí túmõ sí gbígbé èrò tàbí àsọyé kan láti èdè orísun (source language) sí èdè àfojúsùn (target language) ní ọ̀nà tí ìtumõ àti èrò inú rẹ̀ kò ní yípadà.
2. Àwọn Ìlànà Aáyan Ògbufõ (Principles of Translation)
Àwọn ìlànà wọ̀nyí ṣe pàtàkì fún ògbufõ tó péye:
- Mímọ̀ èdè méjèèjì dáadáa (ògbufõ gbọdọ̀ mọ èdè tí ó ń túmõ láti inú rẹ̀ àti èdè tí ó ń túmõ sí dáadáa).
- Ìmúbádọ́gba ìtumõ (ìtumõ gbọdọ̀ jẹ́ bákan náà ní èdè méjèèjì).
- Ìwà títọ́ sí àṣà àti ìṣe èdè kọ̀ọ̀kan (ògbufõ gbọdọ̀ bọ̀wọ̀ fún àṣà àti ìṣe àwọn èdè tí ó ń lò).
- Ìṣọ́ra nípa àkànlò èdè (àkànlò èdè kò gbọdọ̀ di títúmõ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ọ̀rọ̀ lásán).
- Ìfiyèsí sí ìrírí àti ipò tí àsọyé wà (context).
3. Ìtúmõ Gbólóhùn Kéékèèké láti Gêësì sí Yorùbá (Translating Simple Sentences from English to Yoruba)
Nígbà tí a bá ń túmõ gbólóhùn láti Gêësì sí Yorùbá, a gbọdọ̀ fi àwọn ìlànà tí a mẹ́nubà síwájú sílò. Àwọn àpẹẹrẹ:
- English: “The boy is eating yam.”
Yoruba: “Ọmọkùnrin náà ń jẹ iṣu.” - English: “She went to the market yesterday.”
Yoruba: “Ó lọ sí ọjà lánàá.” - English: “My mother cooks delicious food.”
Yoruba: “Ìyá mi ń sè oúnjẹ adídùn.”
4. Àkànlò Èdè Nínú Ìtúmõ (Idiomatic Expressions in Translation)
Àkànlò èdè jẹ́ ọ̀rọ̀ tàbí gbólóhùn tí ìtumõ rẹ̀ yàtọ̀ sí ìtumõ ọ̀rọ̀ kọ̀ọ̀kan tí ó para pọ̀. Kò yẹ kí a túmõ àkànlò èdè ní ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀. Àwọn àpẹẹrẹ àkànlò èdè àti ìtumõ wọn:
- Yoruba: “Gbórí fún.”
Ìtumõ: “Tẹríba” tàbí “gbọ́ràn.” (To obey/submit) - Yoruba: “Jẹun lókùn.”
Ìtumõ: “Kú” tàbí “fi ayé sílẹ̀.” (To die) - Yoruba: “Mú eku já.”
Ìtumõ: “Mú àṣírí tú” tàbí “fi ohun pamọ́ hàn.” (To reveal a secret) - Yoruba: “Fọwọ́ gbá omi mu.”
Ìtumõ: “Ṣe ohun tí kò ní èrè” tàbí “ṣiṣẹ́ lásán.” (To do something fruitless/labour in vain)
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they have ever heard someone speak a language they don’t understand and how they would communicate with such a person. The teacher will then introduce the topic “Aáyan Ògbufõ” (Principles of Translation) and explain its relevance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge related to language barriers and are introduced to the concept of translation.
Step 2: Definition of Translation (Ògbufõ)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines ‘ògbufõ’ as the process of converting a message from one language (source language) to another (target language) without changing its original meaning. The teacher will write the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition and copy it into their notebooks. Some pupils may offer their own understanding of translation.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of translation.
Step 3: Principles of Translation
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the important principles of good translation, such as knowing both languages well, maintaining equivalent meaning, respecting cultural contexts, and being careful with idiomatic expressions. The teacher will list these principles on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and copy the principles into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the guidelines for effective translation.
Step 4: Translating Simple Sentences from English to Yoruba
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to translate simple English sentences into Yoruba, applying the principles discussed. The teacher provides examples like “The boy is eating yam” and “She went to the market yesterday” and guides pupils through the translation process, writing the translations on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, participate in translating, and write the examples in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils practice translating simple sentences and apply translation principles.
Step 5: Idiomatic Expressions in Translation
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what idiomatic expressions are and why they should not be translated word-for-word. The teacher provides examples of Yoruba idiomatic expressions and their meanings, such as “Gbórí fún” (to obey) and “Jẹun lókùn” (to die), writing them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, identify the difference between literal and idiomatic meanings, and copy the examples into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the nature of idiomatic expressions and their special handling in translation.
Step 6: Class Activity/Application
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaborative Learning/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils a few simple English sentences and one or two Yoruba idiomatic expressions to translate or explain in small groups or individually. The teacher moves around to provide guidance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to translate the sentences and explain the idiomatic expressions, applying what they have learned.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge in a practical exercise.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is ‘ògbufõ’?
- Mention two principles of good translation.
- Translate the sentence: “My father bought a new car.” into Yoruba.
- Explain the meaning of the Yoruba idiomatic expression: “Mú eku já.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of accurate translation and correct use of idiomatic expressions. The teacher then gives pupils homework: to find five common Yoruba idiomatic expressions and their meanings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to further explore the topic.
Lesson Keywords
- Ògbufõ – Ìyípadà èdè kan sí èkejì láìyí ìtumõ rẹ̀ padà (Translation – the conversion of one language to another without changing its meaning).
- Èdè Orísun – Èdè tí a ń túmõ láti inú rẹ̀ (Source Language – the language from which translation is made).
- Èdè Àfojúsùn – Èdè tí a ń túmõ sí (Target Language – the language into which translation is made).
- Àkànlò Èdè – Ọ̀rọ̀ tàbí gbólóhùn tí ìtumõ rẹ̀ yàtọ̀ sí ìtumõ ọ̀rọ̀ kọ̀ọ̀kan tí ó para pọ̀ (Idiomatic Expression – a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its words).
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will provide more complex sentences or additional idiomatic expressions to translate. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simpler examples and more direct guidance, possibly pairing them with faster learners for peer support.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure that pupils actively participate in the translation exercises. Encourage them to ask questions and share their attempts at translation. Emphasize the cultural nuances involved in translating idiomatic expressions. Make sure to have enough examples prepared for both simple sentences and idioms.

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