A TRILINGUAL GLOSSARY OF DIET AND NUTRITION TERMS IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, AND IGBO
Authors: Nkechinyere O. Chidi-Mbah
Publication Details
Published: July 28, 2026
Reference: Volume 9, Issue 2
Abstract
Diet and nutrition, which affect the human body's growth and survival and the risk of chronic
illness, are central to human well-being. Yet, words used to describe nutrition concepts are shaped
by linguistic and cultural norms, making health communication challenging across different
languages. This study constructed a trilingual glossary in English, French, and Igbo on diet and
nutrition concepts and aimed to improve cross-linguistic comprehension, promote mutual
understanding, and encourage the use of indigenous knowledge systems within the health sector.
It used a qualitative, comparative descriptive design. Data was collected from textbooks on
nutrition; Codex Alimentarius; reports of WHO; and a number of bilingual specialized
dictionaries; Igbo dictionaries; and other related linguistic sources, such as native speakers, among
other sources. The selection criteria were the frequency of use in nutrition studies, their importance
for nutrition and public health, and cultural relevance. The methods of translation were equivalence
of terms; translation by description; semantic broadening, and borrowing. English and French
nutrition vocabulary is well developed and well codified but this is not the case with Igbo, where
the concepts are mostly referred to by descriptions such as nri anụ ahụ (protein), or loan words
such as vitamini (vitamin). Significant variations were identified in the semantics of the concepts
across the three languages, reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity of food classifications. A
structured trilingual English, French, and Igbo glossary of more than ninety nutrition terms that
covers nutrients, food groups, dietary practices, anthropometry, and clinical nutrition were
developed and the equivalents and descriptions of the concepts were provided. These multilingual
glossaries will advance effective nutrition education and communication and contribute to the
development of the Igbo nutritional terminology. It is recommended that more studies be carried
out on nutritional concepts in African languages in order to improve health literacy through the
development of health terminology in African languages.
Full Text (PDF)
Preview:
How to Cite
Nkechinyere O. Chidi-Mbah. (2026). A TRILINGUAL GLOSSARY OF DIET AND NUTRITION TERMS IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, AND IGBO. ABIA JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES , Volume 9 (2) .