A TRANSLATION OF SELECT ENGLISH NURSERY RHYMES IN IDOMA LANGUAGE

This study explores the translation of select English nursery rhymes in Idoma language, a Nigerian language spoken primarily in Benue State. nursery rhymes play a crucial role in early childhood education, language development, and cultural transmission. However, most traditional English nursery rhymes are not readily available in indigenous Nigerian languages, limiting their accessibility to children who speak these languages as their first language. This research aims to bridge this gap by providing accurate and culturally relevant translations of popular English nursery rhymes into Idoma while maintaining their rhythm, rhyme scheme, and overall meaning. Using a functional and communicative translation approach, this study ensures that the translated nursery rhymes retain their educational and entertainment value while being culturally appropriate for Idoma-speaking children. Challenges in the translation process, such as linguistic differences, cultural adaptation, and phonological variations, are analyzed, and strategies for overcoming then are discussed. The study highlights the importance of translation in language preservation and early childhood literary in minority. The findings demonstrate that translating nursery rhymes into Idoma enhance linguistic and cultural identify, promotes bilingualism among young learners, and supports the revitalization of indigenous languages. This research contributes to the growing body of work on language preservation and childhood education by showcasing how traditional English rhymes can be adapted to reflect African linguistic and cultural realities.