Nigeria as a language polygamous country

Hello my people, happy weekend to you guys, I had to wait on this one when everyone might be chanced to be online before I drop this content because I took my time to write this one, I wanted something different but on course.

When I think about Nigeria, one of the first things that always comes to my mind is the beauty in our diversity. Nigeria is one of those countries that is blessed with so much culture, so much tradition and even more languages. We are known to have over 200 different languages spoken across different regions and villages, and even though that number sound overwhelming, it shows how much of a language polygamous country Nigeria is.

Every part of the country has their own way of communicating, their own dialects, and sometimes even two communities that are just a few kilometers apart will still have differences in how they speak. This is what makes Nigeria unique and colorful. In one country, you can find languages that you will never hear again anywhere else in the world.

Even though there are so many languages and ethnic groups, three tribes has always stood out and they are

These three groups are the largest and most recognized when it comes to culture, population, food, dressing, music and even politics in Nigeria.

source

As for me, I am Yoruba by tribe and it is something I hold with pride. Yoruba people are found mostly in the South Western part of Nigeria. Our language is rich and expressive, with proverbs and idioms that carries wisdom from the past. We are also known for our respect culture, especially in how younger ones greet elders by kneeling or prostrating. Our food is another identity, meals like Amala, Efo riro, Gbegiri and Ofada rice are not just meals, they are cultural signatures.

The Hausa tribe on the other hand are mostly in the Northern part of Nigeria. They are one of the biggest tribes, not just in Nigeria but across West Africa. Hausa language is widely spoken, sometimes even outside Nigeria. Their culture is deeply rooted in religion, their dressing is easy to recognize with the men mostly wearing kaftans and big flowing gowns called Babban Riga, while women are mostly seen with beautiful wrappers and hijabs. Hausa food like Tuwo shinkafa and Miyan kuka are special to them.

source

Then we have the Igbo tribe who are mostly in the Eastern part of the country. Igbo people are very industrious and business minded. Their culture is strong, their language is unique and their dressing is colorful. Igbo traditional marriage for example is always a big event, full of music, kola nut presentation and dancing. Food like Fufu, Ofe nsala, Abacha and Ukwa speaks volume of their rich culture.

source

Now even though these three tribes stands out, we should not forget the other beautiful ethnic groups spread all across Nigeria. From Efik to Tiv, from Ijaw to Nupe, Ibibio, Kanuri, Urhobo and many more, each with their own food, dance, festivals and dressing. That is why I say Nigeria is a language polygamous country, because no matter how much we look at it, one tribe or one language cannot tell the story of all Nigerians.

What makes Nigeria strong is not just our population but the fact that we can have so many differences yet still come together as one nation. Of course, sometimes it brings challenges, especially in communication, but at the same time, it has given us an advantage in diversity. From music to Nollywood, to our local markets, to politics, Nigeria’s multicultural nature is always present.

For me personally, sharing this part of my African culture and history on Hive is a promise I made to myself. I believe that culture should not be lost, it should be shared and passed down. Our children and even the world should know that Africa is not just one language or one story. Nigeria alone is already a basket of many stories.

So as a Yoruba lady, while I celebrate my own tribe, I also respect and appreciate the others. Together we all make Nigeria what it is, a country of many tongues, many dances and many colors. And to me, that is something worth talking about and celebrating every time.

@revolwritings

https://vote.hive.uno/@thebbhproject
https://vote.hive.uno/@hivecuba
Support the witness and vote for TheBbhProject carried out by @bradleyarrow