An Efik Dictionary Mobile App
Tete's Efik Dictionary App spanned about a year to accomplish and is divided into the Efik- English and English- Efik sections.
Tete's Efik Dictionary App spanned about a year to accomplish and is divided into the Efik- English and English- Efik sections.
Tete's Efik Dictionary App was published on App Store and Google Play Store on the 2nd of March 2022. The Dictionary's name is obtained from the developer's Efik name (Tete). Consisting of 14,400 words in its Database, this Language Dictionary App is the First comprehensive App of its kind developed for an African Language. It is made up of Words and their Definitions, Audio, Synonyms, Antonyms, Phonemic transcription, Origin, History and Etymology of Words, When the words were first used and Examples of how words are used in sentences.
Tete's Efik Dictionary App spanned about a year to accomplish and is divided into the Efik- English and English- Efik sections. The developer, Philip Akoda relied on several Efik dictionaries and numerous language resources for the production. Some of these include Rev Hugh Goldie's dictionaries with the following versions i.e 1862 and 1886; Robert Frederick G. Adams dictionaries i.e 1953, 1952 and 1981; Chief Effiong Ukpong Aye's 1991 Efik-English Dictionary, the Efik Bible etc. The Word of the Day feature which appears daily, and the Audio (by Indigenous Speakers), also add to the uniqueness of the App, and along with other features earlier mentioned, make it an excellent resource for researchers, academics (especially linguists, historians, and anthropologists), church translators, intending writers, dramatists, play writers, authors, school teachers, students, and learners of the Efik- Language. Tete's Efik Dictionary App relied on a diligent technical workforce who relentlessly ensured its successful completion; from the building of the App, through the audio sessions, inputting into the Database, producing the phonemic transcription, and designing the logo, among other t
It is worthwhile, therefore, to mention the various participants and their roles as a credit to them. The Developer, Philip, aside coordinating the team, painstakingly inputted all the Efik-English words into the Database (4,400 in all). This spanned several months. He also designed the App's Logo- a symbol of a book, representing the dictionary; the traditional Efik crown (ntinya), and the English crown, both of which represent the revered Efik monarchy. Similarly, the user interface (the App's outlook specifically with the nsibidi symbols) was his initiative and design. Philip searched for, and inputted Efik words that were hitherto not found in older dictionaries (but are presently in use), and ingeniously generated the synonyms and antonyms of Efik words. Having a wealth of experience in History, he, additionally researched the Origin, History and Etymology of Efik words, when they were first used, and included these in the App for a richer user experience. The dedicated duo of Barrister Timothy Esu and Ani Ukpong did the voice over in the clearly presented Audio of the App. This, too, spanned several months of practicing, editing and cutting at the Strategy Beats Studio, Calabar. Ani Ukpong also joined the relentless team of Etim Effanga, Bassey Emmanuel and Glory Echeng in inserting over 10,000 English-Efik words into the Database. Ita Bassey, a linguist, worked assiduously on the phonemic transcription of Efik words and ensured that each Efik word is represented by symbols that relay its pronunciation. In the course of production, interviews and consultation with several indigenes became mandatory in order to confirm some Efik words and validate some sources. In this regard Engr. Esien-Ekpe provided his invaluable assistance. Furthermore, there were close family whose input into this App surpassed mere moral support; Prof Winifred Eyoanwan Akoda, Professor of History at the University of Calabar, provided some Efik translation whenever challenges arose and made useful suggestions at various stages of the Apps implementation. She contributed to the rich colour selection of the App and spent immeasurable time correcting words that were duplicated or erroneously inserted into the Database. Mary-Brenda Akoda provided IT advice and support during the Apps progression and is one of the trio chosen to maintain this App because of her expertise in Software Engineering. Mr Nya Offiong and Mr Eyo Akak played a role in the technical aspect of this project. A mobile application of this nature requires huge capital to implement. Accordingly, several Efik people, particularly those in the diaspora magnanimously assisted financially towards its production. In this regard, the Efik Community in the USA, and the Calabar Union, UK gave their unalloyed support. The following persons are noteworthy and deserve special mention; Mr Ekpenyong Eyo, Mr Emmanuel Nsemo, Dr Sandy-Asari Hogan and Mr Nya Offiong (Canada). The latter was also relied upon for his technical expertise. Others are Dr Eyo Inameti, Chief Emmanuel Marshall, Asandia Hogan. In Nigeria, Messrs Magnus Ekpiken, Reginald Yves- Bassey and Ekei Duke were also magnanimous in their support. This App is designed for the utmost interaction of users. Suggestions are welcome to improve the App as updates would be made every 6 months by a select team set up for the purpose. On a final note, Tete's Efik Dictionary App has successfully preserved and placed the Efik language on the highest pedestal any African Language has ever attained in the ed- tech space. FREE for download, it is hoped that this App would add new knowledge and experience to its numerous users.
asks. Research and IT skills were fundamental in all of these.
