After God Is Dibia | Ọdịnanị Study Guide #2

the book After God is Dibia volume 1 by Professor John Anenechukwu Umeh

We are currently studying the book “After God is Dibia (volume 1)” by Professor John Anenechukwu Umeh. If you like, you can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

What you will need:

• A study guide (you may print or look here)
• A copy of the book (optional)
• Access to the video session (a livestream or the Replay)

Basic knowledge of Igbo language is recommended, but not mandatory.

SESSION #2

In this session we will be studying the Chapter 1 (pages 1–2). We will be reflecting on the concept of Truth in Ọdịnanị. Below are some questions to reflect on.

1. On page 1, Professor Umeh cites one of ilu nke Ndi Igbo when he says: “Ezi okwu bụ ndụ. Okwu asị bụ ọnwụ. (Truth is life. Falsehood is death.)”
2. What does this mean? How is truth equal to life?
3. How does the traditional Igbo man pursue truth?
4. What about falsehood is death? Give some examples of how falsehood has led to death in your life?
5. Do you believe truth is universal (i.e. do you believe that what is true for others is true for you and vice versa?)
6. Professor Umeh also cited another ilu when he said “Mba na-asụ n’onu n’onu, ma egbuchaa ikili ọ bụlụ ofu. (Different peoples/countries/races speak in different tongues/dialects; But when the throat is cleared it conveys the same meaning.)”
7. What implications does this have in cross-cultural communication?
8. What implication does this have to the sophistication of Igbo traditions versus the culture and science of ndi Bekee?
9. What does this imply about the language of science and technology and bringing the conversation from ndi Oyibo to NDi Igbo?
10. Another ilu about Truth Professor Umeh quoted says “Mmụọ na mmadụ na-azụ afịa mana ofeke amarọọ. (The Spirits and human beings are in constant communication/exchanges but the uninitiated does not know.)”
11. What more does this imply about knowing and accessing the truth?
12. What does this lead you to believe about foreigners who may enter into a strange land, or conversely about yourself and how you may interact in situations where you are a newcomer?
13. Further Implications: What are the practical implications of this concept of Truth to further applications in Research & Development of Science and Technology?

A study group is encouraged to spend 5 to 10 minutes discussing each question and exploring their understanding, thoughts and misconceptions of the subject matter leaving room for the more knowledgable people to teach the less knowledgable ones. Care should be taken not to be judgemental, but for everyone to be able to express themselves in such a way to facilitate an encouraging learning environment.