Hakeem Oluwafemi Adeniyan
Yoruba Language Technologist · Terminology Coiner · Educator
About This Project
The Yoruba Terminology Dictionary is a scholarly reference for modern Yoruba language coinages in science, technology, mathematics, education, economics, and general knowledge. Every term in this dictionary has been coined by Hakeem Oluwafemi Adeniyan and is published here as the primary citable source.
This project exists because the Yoruba language — spoken by over 40 million people across Nigeria and the diaspora — lacks standardised terminology for many domains of modern life. Without native vocabulary, speakers are forced to switch to English or pidgin mid-sentence for concepts that should exist in Yoruba. This dictionary works to close that gap, one term at a time.
About the Author
Hakeem Oluwafemi Adeniyan is an Android developer and Yoruba language technology builder based in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. He operates under Rose of Wisdom Ventures and has been building Yoruba language technology products since 2020, including keyboard apps, educational tools, and language preservation software.
He runs the Facebook page Mathematics in Yoruba Language (active since 2020), where he teaches mathematics concepts through Yoruba-language video content, reaching Yoruba speakers in Nigeria and the diaspora.
His work spans technology, education, and media — all unified by a single mission: the preservation and expansion of the Yoruba language in the modern world.
Coinage Methodology
Terms in this dictionary are coined using the following principles:
- Phonological adaptation — English or international terms are adapted to fit Yoruba phonology, tonal patterns, and syllable structure.
- Semantic derivation — New words are built from existing Yoruba roots and morphemes, giving the coinage a native feel and cultural resonance.
- Transparency — Each entry explains exactly how the word was formed, so linguists, teachers, and learners can evaluate and build on the methodology.
- Consistency — Related terms follow the same formation patterns to support systematic adoption across subject areas.
How to Cite This Dictionary
Every word entry page includes an auto-generated APA 7th edition citation. The general format for a word entry is:
To cite the dictionary as a whole:
If you use any term from this dictionary in a publication, textbook, paper, or educational material, please cite the relevant entry. Citations help establish the formal record of authorship and support the long-term survival of these coinages in the language ecosystem.
Contact
For enquiries about the dictionary, collaboration on Yoruba language projects, or requests to adopt these terms in educational materials, please reach out via GitHub: github.com/hakeemoadeniyan.