SEC15 WK2: The Language In My Country

According to the book of Genesis in the Holy Bible, in ancient times, people were known to speak just one language and so they began to build a city and tower to reach the heavens. But GOD was displeased with this act, and he brought down confusion on the by causing them to speak different languages. The result was a tower that was unfinished and that was because the people could no longer understand each other. What a very interesting history of language!

From that time, language has been a system of communication that allows us to express our thoughts, emotions and experience. Despite it universality, language is incredibly diverse around the countries of the earth with Nigeria not an exception. Amazingly, Nigeria has been blessed with so many languages which makes us unique.

So join me as we delve into and explore this interesting theme for the week - "The Language In My Country"

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The name of my country is Nigeria. Nigeria is a country located in the western part of Africa with a population of over 250 million+ people. As a Nigerian, I am very proud of the linguistic diversity of my dear country. While each countries, have their official language, the official language of Nigeria is English Language. Nigeria is the home to over 250 different Languages. It is incredible to think that there are over 250 languages spoken across the length and breadth of the country.

In the year 2023, there was an analysis that said that there were almost 300 languages in Nigeria from over 250 ethnic groups. There are three major languages in Nigeria, which are; Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Other minor prominent languages includes the Tiv, Ebira, Ijaw, Kanuri, ibibio, Fulani, Efik and the rest of them.

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Among the listed languages in my country, I'm very familiar with the Hausa and Yoruba language. I learnt how to speak the Hausa language from my parents. They always use it communicate with me when they don't want to use the official language (English language) or our local dialect (Eggon from Nasarawa state, Nigeria).

I am also familiar with the Yoruba language. Although I'm not fluent in speaking it, but can hear and speak the minor ones. I learnt when I was working with a Yoruba woman who was a fashion designer. The people who came to buy things from her at that time were mostly Yorubas, so she uses it to communicate with them and I had to pick up and use it when she wasn't around.

Speaking this language has helped me in so many ways, including my life and workplace. First, it has helped me to appreciate the culture and traditions of other people in that ethnic group. Second, it has helped me to be open-minded and accept the perspectives of other people in all dealings.

Lastly and most importantly, it has helped me to be able to communicate with different people from different backgrounds. There are some people who only speaks the Hausa or Yoruba language, my knowledge of this language has increased my communication skills. Also it has helped to gain favours. Funnily, when I go to the market, the place is full of of Hausa men and women, so speaking this language will help me to connect with them and buy things at a cheaper rate.

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Yes, I am willing to teach my children the various Languages that I speak and here is why. Firstly, I believe that if my children should learn the various Languages I speak or even more, they will be able to adapt, and communicate with a wider range of people. Second, it will help them to appreciate the cultural and historical richness of our Nigeria. Lastly, it will open them to more opportunities in many ways and also attracts favours.

In conclusion, I think that my country is linguistically diversified which is a beautiful aspect of our rich culture and history. The different languages in Nigeria has made us different from others. It is also good to understand or learn to speak one language or more apart from the official language and your local dialect. Just like me, I can speak Hausa fluently and a little of Yoruba.

Teaching our kids how to speak the various Languages we can speak is a good way to open them to the world of appreciation and continuous opportunities. I am very willing to teach my children the various Languages I speak. What about you?

Thanks for reading!

I invite @kidi40, @emmyjnr and @bossj23.