Learn all 19 consonants of the Tiv language with IPA symbols, pronunciation guides, and example Tiv words.
Covers: B C D F G H J K L M N P R S T V W Y Z
Each consonant includes:
✅ IPA phonetic symbol
✅ English sound comparison
✅ Tiv example word and meaning
✅ Native pronunciation audio
📚 Full archive: https://tiv.teamodigitalsolutions.com
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Most Tiv consonants will feel familiar to English speakers, which makes them a good place to build confidence. This short lesson goes through each one with its sound and an example word, and the table below repeats them for reference.
Sounds to watch
A few consonants differ from English and are worth extra attention. C is always said like the "ch" in church, never like "k" or "s". J is soft, like the "g" in gem. R is lightly rolled. Beyond the single consonants, Tiv also uses consonant combinations, such as gb, kp, mb, nd, ny and ts, that are said as one sound. These are listed with the full alphabet in Episode 1 and on the alphabet page.
How to practise
Say each consonant in the table with its example word, slowly at first and then at normal speed. Record yourself and compare it with the video. Pay most attention to the consonants that differ from English, because those are the ones listeners notice first. When the consonants feel comfortable, practise them with the five vowels: pair each consonant with each vowel to make simple syllables, as children do when they learn to read.
The consonants
| Letter | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|
| B b | /b/ like b in boy | bam — Bank |
| C c | /tʃ/ like ch in church — Tiv C always has the "ch" sound | cia — fear |
| D d | /d/ like d in dog | ada — bow |
| F f | /f/ like f in fish | fa — know |
| G g | /ɡ/ like g in go | gar — city / town |
| H h | /h/ like h in hat | har — hang |
| J j | /dʒ/ like g in gem — soft j sound | ijen — hunger |
| K k | /k/ like k in key | koti — court |
| L l | /l/ like l in love | lam — speak |
| M m | /m/ like m in man | ma — drink |
| N n | /n/ like n in now | na — give |
| P p | /p/ like p in pen | per — cross |
| R r | /r/ a rounded r — roll it slightly as in Irish English | ruam — fufu / pounded yam |
| S s | /s/ like s in sun | sar — spread |
| T t | /t/ like t in top | ter — father |
| V v | /v/ like v in van | ivo — goat |
| W w | /w/ like w in water | wase — help |
| Y y | /j/ like y in yes | ya — eat |
| Z z | /z/ like z in zebra — used for a polite request to go | za — go (request) |
These tables are drawn from the archive's own records. If you spot a mistake, please tell us through the contribution form.
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