Ukwuani
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Ụkwụànì (sometimes spelt Ụkwànì) is a language spoken in parts of Delta and Rivers States in Nigeria notably Abbi, Aboh, Afor, Akoku, Amai Nge, Amai Ndoni, Anuabo, Ashaka, Ebedei, Emu Obiogo, Emu Uno, Ejeme Aniogo, Ezionum, Eziokpor, Igbe Ogume, Kwale, Ndemili,Obiaruku, Owa Alizomor, Obetim Uno, Obiakambu, Obikwele, Ogbe, Ogume, Owa Alidima, Sovie Umuekum Amia, Umuekum Amai, Umuleke Ossissa, Utagba Uno, Utagba Ogbe, Umutu, Utue Ogume, Umuebu, Umuseti, Ushie, Uchie, and Utagba.
People
The people in general are also known as Ndokwa people. Ndokwa is supposed to be, in its real sense, Nde Okwa, now known as Ndokwa, meaning kingly people; high people; people of the king; noble people; chiefly people.Language
The language is studied in schools of this distinct towns. The word Ụkwụànì is a concatenation of the words Ukwu, meaning the waist, or the leg (literally the ankle), and Anì, meaning the ground; below; beneath.It probably has its roots in their culture of dancing with waists down, as a symbol of Ụkwụànì dancing expertise. Anyone who dances with their waists stiff or rigid is considered a non-expert and an inexperienced fellow in dance, according to the Ụkwụànì culture.
The Ụkwụànì language is related to several languages in the Niger Delta region which are collectively called Delta Ibo. Although there are similarities with the Igbo language, most Ukwuanì people would deny being Igbo.
Food, dress, and culture
The Ụkwụànì culture is distinct and has a set of rich customs and festivals. The most popular masquerades are the Mmanwu and Odogwu which have their respective cults.The dressing is similar to that found among indigenes of the Niger Delta like the Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and Isoko.
External links
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