SEC WK2 : The language in my country

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Have you ever wondered why animals understand each other? have you also wondered why a mother understands her suckling child? Language is a medium of communication. During communication one must have to understand for effective interpretation.

Language can be spoken verbally (speech)also manually (body gestures). I want to sight an example from the Bible, using speaking in tongues . The disciples of Jesus spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost and people understood. You don't speak in tongues or language and a single person wouldn't understand. There is no language for just an individual, because the purpose of communication is for effective interpretation and understanding.

What is the name of your country? How many languages can be found in your country?

I am privileged to be a citizen of one of the most popular and successful countries in the world. Nigeria!!! The giant of Africa indeed.
Firstly, there are three ethnic groups in Nigeria such as

• Igbo
• Hausa
• Youruba

This three ethnic groups are made up of so many tribes and cultures with more than 500 languages spoken daily. Nigeria has it's official language to be English. It is the generally spoken language understood by every ethnic,tribes who are privileged to learn or acquire it.

Among the listed languages in your country, how many are you familiar with?

This is really an interesting question. I have been privileged to formally acquire the official language (English) spoken by every tribe in Nigeria.

I speak Igbo spoken by the Igbo tribe, Ibibio spoken by the Ibibio tribe, Yoruba spoken by the Yoruba tribe. I also speak Pidgin English. Pidgin is also spoken by everybody. These are the languages I speak and understand. I am also familiar with other languages like Urhobo, Ijaw, Idoma and Yoruba .

How has this language improved/helped your life and business?

Speaking these languages has helped me in all facet of life. I've made wonderful friends all over the country. Language brings people together.
People developed interest in my business by hearing me speak their language. Surprising right!? But that is the interesting truth.

Speaking my native language has helped me escape troubles. I can remember one fateful evening on my way back from I program, I was approached by a bad gang, I was so scared that I didn't know when I screamed out in my native language (Efuokwalam taa oooo!!!). On hearing that , the guys paused and their leader told them to stay away from me that I was his brother from same tribe. Ohh how I ran that day is something that makes me laugh each time I remember. Language saved me.

One who speaks different languages is blessed. I am happy to interact with different people from different tribes, having them treat me like family.

Speaking about my business, going to the market to buy goods from a Yoruba seller and I communicate with him in Yoruba language it has always been a great advantage to me because the seller ends up selling to me more than I expected. Speaking in His language has made it easier for us to communicate effectively and of course by the end of the business, a new friend has been made and everybody goes home happy.

Are you willing to teach your children these languages? Yes/No. State your reason?

I am willing to teach my children these languages because it is crucial at every stage of their lives.

Learning these languages will help them interact with people from different tribes in Nigeria.

Every child needs to speak and understand it's mother tongue language. Many children only know how to speak English. It is a big error for a child to grow from infant to adulthood without speaking his or her native language. Our native language ( mother tongue is our pride) and our children should boldly embrace it as they journey through this life.

In conclusion, language is a means of communication by every tribe, tongue and nation. Despite all the diversities in languages we all are the same with one purpose to love, cherish and care for one another for this is the whole duty of mam.

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