The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. In some areas of Nigeria, ethnic groups speak more than one language. The official language of Nigeria, English, the former colonial language, even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes.
After English the major languages spoken in Nigeria are Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulfulde, Kanuri, and Ibibio.
After this formal first paragraph I would like to share an article with you that I’ve read on http://www.stuffnigerianpeoplelike.com/. I found it quite funny and I’ve learnt”some stuff” Nigerian people like. I’m just wondering what you guys are thinking about it.
Enjoy and please comment!
“Nigerian people love to naija-fy the English language – if a naija speaker does not use a “dey”, a native-tongue word, or does not speak certain words with a Naija accent then he dey Entah-A TRUH-bol [trouble]. Now to the non-Naija listener, these substitutions, extra words, and interesting pronunciation choices may seem like a completely unnecessary misuse/abuse of the English language.
But, eef you do not unda-stand owa talk, SHARRAP that yuah mout and listen well well . . . . ee-djut.
Naija people will double up words in certain phrases to lend emphasis. For example, to describe a good looking girl, a Naija will describe her as “fine fine”, a little child as “small small”, or a person who is easily led as “follow follow”. Bicoz why? Naija people also love to hear themselves talk, and saying something twice allows the speaker more words “for come-out mout.” Na waa ooo…
Naija people have pretty much created a separate language especially for their children. Common phrases like “Cry….TRUH-bol dey call you”, “make am do kwik [quick]”, or “[*hiss/suck teeth*] no dey take….put eye see [*hiss/suck teeth*]” would probably have Noah Webster turning in his grave. Because of this, American-born Nigerian children are forced to re-learn simple English words in school. In fact, most Naija people can think back to their younger days and remember the following exchange.”
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ReplyDeleteAnother solid point is that English doesn't, when in doubt, have manly and female things and there are no changing structures for modifiers to back a student off. For example, in French you should retain various action word endings and match modifiers to things before you can express even the least complex thoughts, however a fledgling doesn't have to read English for well before having the option to develop great fundamental sentences. ESL English as a Second Language
ReplyDelete