For many in the diaspora with Nigerian roots, the Yoruba language represents a powerful link to their heritage. While food, music, and cultural nuances may offer indirect connections, learning Yoruba provides a deeper, more tangible understanding of this rich culture. This article explores the experiences of those learning Yoruba, highlighting how language classes, poetry, and music are breaking down barriers and fostering a stronger sense of identity.
Growing up in diverse environments, individuals with Nigerian heritage often navigate a complex relationship with their ancestral culture. While aspects of Nigerian culture might be present in their upbringing, the language itself can feel distant. For many, like the author of the original article, being Yoruba was a label, not a lived experience. Exposure to peers more fluent in Yoruba songs, customs, and language can trigger feelings of inadequacy and a desire to bridge this gap. This yearning for connection often sparks the journey to Learn Yoruba.
University initiatives, like the Yoruba classes at Warwick University, exemplify the growing movement to reclaim and celebrate heritage languages. These classes provide a vital space for students to embark on their Yoruba learning journey. As Zoe Ogunode, the Vice President of the Nigerian Society and the Yoruba language teacher at Warwick explains, the aim isn’t fluency in a few lessons, but to plant a seed of cultural confidence and inspire continued learning. Many British Nigerian students, Zoe observed, felt ashamed about their lack of Yoruba knowledge. Her classes aim to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where learners can feel comfortable exploring their heritage language without embarrassment.
The feeling of shame and inadequacy is a recurring theme in the Yoruba learning experience, even for those raised in Yoruba-speaking regions. Zoe herself, despite growing up in Lagos, a Yoruba majority state, only recently began actively learning the language. This reluctance is often linked to the complex issue of the “H factor,” where Yoruba speakers might unintentionally add or drop “h” sounds in English words. This phenomenon, though linguistically nuanced, has been a source of anxiety for parents concerned about their children developing a perceived “undesirable” accent in English.
The fear of linguistic interference between Yoruba and English, rooted in post-colonial anxieties about linguistic and cultural hierarchy, has led some parents to prioritize English language acquisition for their children, sometimes at the expense of Yoruba. As Zoe points out, the legacy of colonialism has unfortunately shaped perceptions of what constitutes “correct” language and accent. Ironically, a British accent can be perceived as a marker of intelligence and opportunity in Nigeria, highlighting the deeply ingrained colonial mindset.
However, for many in the diaspora, learning Yoruba is an act of reclaiming their identity and connecting with a heritage that feels both present and distant. Unlike other aspects of their identity, like Jamaican heritage for the original article’s author, Nigerian heritage, specifically Yoruba culture, feels directly accessible through family and a vibrant global community. This accessibility fuels the desire to learn Yoruba and deepen that connection.
Tomike Olukanni, a law student at Warwick University, embodies this sentiment. Her poem, Ile aye akamora (Secret Place), poignantly captures the feeling of being excluded from a vital part of her heritage due to language barriers. Like Zoe, Tomike grew up in a home where Yoruba was primarily spoken between parents, excluding her from fluent participation. Despite being immersed in Yoruba culture through food and music, the language remained a missing piece. While she could understand Yoruba, responding in English became the default, leaving her feeling disconnected from the “secret place” of full cultural immersion.
Tomike’s experience highlights another challenge in learning Yoruba: pronunciation and tonal nuances. Yoruba is a tonal language where tone marks drastically alter word meaning. Attempts to speak Yoruba at home were met with amusement from family members, hindering her confidence and oral skills. The tones, represented by dò, re, mí, are crucial and mastering them is essential for accurate communication. The playful ridicule, while perhaps unintentional, can be a significant barrier for learners.
This highlights a common dilemma: older generations, while native speakers, may inadvertently discourage learners through their reactions to pronunciation errors. This can leave learners hesitant to practice with family, yet reliant on spoken interaction for language acquisition. Fortunately, contemporary Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, offers a vibrant and accessible alternative learning environment.
Afrobeats, the globally popular music genre from West Africa, heavily features Yoruba, alongside English and pidgin. Artists like Asake predominantly sing in Yoruba, while others like Burna Boy and Tems blend languages, creating a rich linguistic tapestry. This musical landscape provides a fun and engaging way to learn Yoruba, particularly for younger generations.
Tomike found that listening to and singing Afrobeats songs significantly improved her intonation and vocabulary. The call-and-response nature of many songs aids in language acquisition, and the readily available lyrics provide a valuable learning resource. Afrobeats has not only made Yoruba more accessible but has also fostered a renewed sense of pride in Nigerian culture and language globally.
Zoe agrees, noting that Afrobeats has fueled a desire to “claim their country more” and increased the motivation to learn Yoruba. Her own journey to fluency was driven by a desire to understand conversations around her and, more importantly, to ensure she could pass the language on to future generations. This intergenerational motivation is powerful, with young people recognizing that learning Yoruba now is crucial for its survival and continued vitality. Learning Yoruba is not just about language acquisition; it’s about cultural preservation, identity affirmation, and building a bridge to heritage for oneself and future generations. Embrace the journey, explore resources online, join a class, or immerse yourself in Afrobeats – start your Yoruba language adventure today and reconnect with your roots.
