Language/Bambara/Grammar/Plurals

Bambara Grammar - Plurals

Hi Bambara learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on plural nouns in Bambara. Mastering plurals is essential to have fluid conversations and to understand the language structure. But don't worry, with our explanations and examples, you will quickly understand Bambara's plural rules!

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Negation & Give your Opinion.

Basic rules

In Bambara, to form the plural, you usually add the suffix "-w" at the end of the noun. It sounds simple, right?

Examples

Let's take some examples to make it clear:

Bambara	Pronunciation	English
bolo	/bɔlɔ/	ball
bolow	/bɔlɔw/	balls
ton	/tɔn/	drum
tonw	/tɔnw/	drums
jigi	/dʒigi/	chicken
jigow	/dʒigow/	chickens

As you see in the examples above, the plural noun "-w" is added at the end of the singular noun.

However, some singular nouns end in "-u" or "-i". In these cases, you replace the ending "-u" by "-w", and the ending "-i" by "-yi".

Examples

Bambara	Pronunciation	English
kuru	/kuru/	stick
kuruw	/kuruw/	sticks
sisi	/sisi/	name
sisiyi	/sisijɛ/	names
yiri	/jiri/	house
yiriw	/jiriw/	houses

Exceptions

As for every rule, there is always an exception. In Bambara, some nouns have an irregular plural, meaning that the singular and the plural forms do not follow the usual rule. Let's take some examples:

Bambara	Pronunciation	English
tigi	/tigi/	clay jug
tigin	/tigin/	clay jugs
marasa	/marasa/	twins

In some rare cases, the plural may be indicated with a change in the tone. For example:

Bambara	Pronunciation	English
wɔlɔsi	/wɔlɔsi/	lazy man
wɔlɔsí	/wɔlɔsí/	lazy men

As you see, the first word is pronounced with a low tone, whereas the second has a high tone.

Dialogue

To help you understand the plural rules, here's a dialogue between two friends:

• Fanta: I ni wɛrɛ yɛrɛtigi n'a ? (Do you have clay jugs?)
• Demba: Iya, m'an tigin bɛ xɔrɔ (Yes, I have clay jugs at home)

In this dialogue, Fanta uses the word "yɛrɛtigi" (clay jug) in the plural form for the noun "tigi." Demba, in his answer, uses the plural noun "tigin."

Culture Corner

Bambara people are known for their rich and diverse culture. Music, dance, and traditions have evolved throughout history and have brought the Bambara communities together. They celebrate life through music, and different instruments such as the balafon (a wooden xylophone), n'goni (a stringed instrument similar to a guitar), and kora. These instruments are often played to accompany traditional songs and dances during festivals or ceremonies. Music and dance are an integral part of Bambara culture and a way for its people to express themselves.

Practice, practice, practice

Now that we have introduced you to the plural rules in Bamabara, it's time to practice! Try to create some sentences using plural nouns. To improve your Bambara find native speakers and ask them any questions.

And don't forget to check out the Grammar page for more Bambara lessons!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Bambara Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
• Online Bambara/Dioula Course — An ka taa

• Balafon

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• Conditional Mood
• Questions
• How to Use Have
• Give your Opinion
• Adjectives
• How to Use Be
• Negation