SEC WK2 : The language in my country
The language in my country
Greetings to all steemians, especially to you reading my post. I am happy to participate in this contest organized by our Steem for Nigeria community. SEC Week-2 : The language in my Country.
What is the name of your country? How many languages can be found in your country?
My country is Nigeria, it is African, located in the west Africa. The total number of Nigerians is 213.4 million in the year 2021 If datacommons.org is correct about it because Worldometers thinks we are 226,787,325 in 2024.
We speak English as our lingua franca here in Nigeria but Hausa, Yoruba and the Igbo language are the most recognizable local languages spoken in Nigeria this three language makes up what is locally known as Wazobia. We have many other languages that total 525 native languages like the famous Nigerian Pidgin with it's many slangs, , Efik-Ibibio, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Nupe, Edo, Igala, Idoma, Izon and more.
Among the listed languages in your country, how many are you familiar with?
I can speak my native Efik - Ibibio which can count as two. This is the language of my tribe and it is my first language. My work at Kaduna added the Hausa language to my list which makes it three. I needed the language to help me communicate at work and if we are to include English which I learn in school and Nigerian Pidgin I got growing up in the neighborhood, that will make it up to a total of Five local languages.
- Efik
- Ibibio
- English
- Nigerian Pidgin
- Hausa
How has this language improved/helped your life and business?
Nigerian Pidgin is the language of the streets
In Nigeria we need English to communicate officially. When i enter an office, i speak in English. Documents are written in the English language, so business transactions are carried out in English.
The local people do not use English in their communication, they use Nigerian Pidgin. So at home, on the road or motto park, when getting into a bus, the language is Nigerian Pidgin. you suppose graps the gist!
Blowing English in the Bus is a no! no! And can make the journey expensive and stressful.
Going down to the local woman way dey for market, in that case I use the Ibibio language or the Efik language. When I am in Kaduna working with Peugeot Automobile I use Hausa with the local people.
Using the right language make interactions easy with people around and leads to successful business.
Are you willing to teach your children these languages? Yes/No. State your reason.
Yes I will teach my children this languages and will hope that they learn any additional language depending on where they work, school or live.
Speaking the right language for any situation makes life easy. We kind of know what language to use at different occasions.
The people in the North of Nigeria love it when you speak their language and it can make life very easy for you.
Conclusion
Language in Nigeria brings people together and makes transactions easy. U have to identify with the people by using their language to communicate.
I will love to put this invitation across to the following Steemians to participate in this language contest @alexanderpeace @genomil and @lanegra2804.
Here is the Contest link
Algo que respeto de tu país su esencia de no perder su idioma en cada localidad, admiro como puedes dominar y respetar cada momento que deseas comunicarte con alguien oye me imagino que a veces se sale otro idioma sin querer jeee.
Un placer leerte .
Saludos
Nigeria, a country with diverse culture and language is a country with rich history and origin. Nigeriab English also known as Pidgin language has a bonding effects on Nigerians. Teaching your children your mother tongue will ensure that the language doesn't go into extinct. Good luck on your post.
It is not easy because many School have made it an offense to speak this languages and students shame those who speak vernacular.
https://x.com/Gentle78280/status/1759522975466885231?s=20