The Nigerian Language and Culture - GPI Translation Blog

Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country in the Western part of Africa situated between the Benin Republic and the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Chad, Cameroon, and the Niger. Nigeria covers an area of 356,669 square miles with the largest population in Africa of 206,438,279. Abuja is the capital of Nigeria which lies in the central part of the country, and Lagos is its business hub making it the most populous city. Nigeria is comprised of over 370 ethnic groups with Hausa (29% -dominant in the north), Yoruba (21% -dominant in the south-west), and Igbo (18%-dominant in the south-east) as the major tribes. Other tribes are the Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, Edo, Urhobo, and many others. Nigeria is also divided based on ethnicity, religion, politics, and economy. The most widely practiced religions in the country are Christianity, Islam, and African traditional religion with a percentage of 49.3%, 48.8%, and 2% respectively.

Coat of Arms of Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria was named after the Niger River in the year 1897. Nigeria has a distinctive bearing that is used to establish its identity in battle, known as the Nigerian Coat of Arms. The coat of arms consists of a black shield that represents Nigeria’s fertile soil, two supporting Horses representing dignity, and an eagle which signifies strength. Beneath the coat of arms is written, “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”. Aside from the coat of arms, Nigeria has another means of identification which is the Nigerian flag. It’s a three-line flag that consists of two colors; green which stands for wealth and white for peace and unity.

National and Local Languages of Nigeria

Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world with over 520 languages. English is their official and most widely spoken language, which is a result of the colonial rule by Britain. The English language is spoken mostly in official settings like schools, offices, and meetings but lesser in rural areas. Aside from English, the other major languages in which are used mostly by the people in tropical areas are Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The languages in Nigeria are classified into three linguistic groups: Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo.

The Afro-Asiatic language is found in Asia and Africa. The Hausa language is the major Afro Asiatic in Nigeria.
The Nilo-Saharan language is the least significant among the three groups. However, Kanuri is the most prominent Nilo-Saharan language in Nigeria.
The Niger-Congo language is by far the group with the largest language family in Nigeria,represented by languages like the Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Jukun, Gwari, Efik, Ibibio, Igala, Anang, Waja, Edo, Nupe Ijaw, Itsekiri, Idoma, and many more.

Nigerian Culture and Values

The Nigerian culture depends on the multiple ethnic groups it consists of. This means that different ethnic groups may have their unique meals, different eating patterns, greeting, language, fashion, marriage, music, customs and beliefs, and many more others. Examples of the diverse cuisine, the Igbos are best known for ofe onugbu and fufu, the Yorubas are known for amala and ewedu, and the Hausas are known for Tuwo shinkafa.

In Nigeria, the constitution guarantees religious freedom. The Christians dominate the southern, eastern, and partially the western region while the Muslims dominate the northern region and part of the west.

Nigerians attach much value to age, good manners and position. Most Nigerians believe the older one gets, the wiser he becomes; therefore, he is respected and is allowed to make most decisions.

Greeting is a very important act Nigerians take very seriously. Inability to greet can cost one a lifetime opportunity because of the level of relevance attached. The most common way to greet in Nigeria is through a handshake, warm smiles, hugs, and in most cultures, such as the Yoruba’s one is expected to prostrate before an elder while greeting.

Common Nigerian Expressions and their Translations

Listed below is the Nigerian translation of common phrases used in day-to-day activities of Nigerians. Some of the translations below are location specific e.g. Igbo phrases are common in the Igbo speaking zones.

How u dey (pidgin): how are you? One can respond by saying “I dey fine”
Biko: meaning “please”
Ekaaro: A common way of greeting in Yoruba
Ka chi foo: Goodnight in Igbo
Nwoke: refers to a man in Igbo
Na gode: a way of saying thank you in Hausa
Ek’abo: means welcome in Yoruba
Wahala: problem or trouble
Abeg: this term simply means, please.
Comot: means get out in pidgin. i.e., abeg comot from here
Nawa o: a term used for describing shock or surprise
Lepa/Agbani: a term used to refer to a very slim person
Ajebutter: this refers to someone who is born into wealth i.e., born with a silver spoon
Ewoo: an exclamation to show how surprised one is!
Oya: this is used to make someone hurry up or start a process. i.e., Oya oya, make we dey go.
Wa/zo/bia: these terms simply mean “come” in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.
Chop: this word simply means eat.
Wetin: this simply meant “what”, used for asking questions in pidgin. Wetin happen?
Ehen: this depends on the context used. It could mean “and so”, “continue”, “really?” that reminds me”.
Abi/ba: both words mean the same thing and could be used in the same context. It is used as confirmation “right?”
Kolo: this simply means crazy. e.g. you don dey kolo abi?
Breakfast: this is normally known as a meal eaten in the morning, but it means otherwise in Nigeria. It’s a term used to refer to heartbreak from one‘s partner. e.g. dem don serve you breakfast?
Oyibo: this is used to describe a Non-Nigerian or African. Usually a white person.

Conclusion

Language is an integral part of human connection; it is what binds two or more people together. It has the power to build and break relationships. Language has made it possible for our ideas, feelings, and thoughts to be shared. Nigerian languages can be quite easy to speak and understand using the right approach such as Nigerian translation services, communicating more with Nigerians, or watching more Nigerian movies. One must be enthusiastic and determined to be able to learn perfectly. Being fluent in any of the Nigerian languages, especially Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba can help foster good business relationships and mutual understanding between business partners.

For the localization of business ideas or content, it is recommended that you partner with an experienced language services provider such as GPI. Our professional translation services and network of qualified and experienced language professionals can help make your launch into the Nigerian market successful.

References:

Definition of terms:

Ofe onugbu – Bitter leaf soup, mostly eaten the people of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria.
Fufu – dough made from cassava, boiled yam or plantain flour.
Amala – An indigenous Yoruba food made from cassava flour or unripe plantain.
Ewedu – An indigenous Yoruba soup made from jute leaf.
Tuwo shinkafa – A thich rice pudding to be eaten with soup.