- +91-7060201093
- +91-7060200390
- info@translationsindia.com
- Home
- About Us
- Services
- Industries
- Languages
Top Indian Languages
- Rare Languages
- Blog
- Contact Us
Nigeria is a country that is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and tribes. In Nigeria, there are over 250 different languages spoken, with the three most widely spoken being Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. These languages are spoken in various states across the country and are used as a primary language by many of the different tribes.
Each tribe has its own unique customs, traditions, and beliefs, and these can often be seen in the languages they speak. For example, the Yoruba language is spoken in the southwest region of Nigeria and is heavily influenced by their Yoruba culture. Similarly, the Hausa language is spoken in the north and has been heavily influenced by the Hausa culture. The Igbo language is spoken in the east and is heavily influenced by the Igbo culture.
History of Nigeria
The history of Nigeria is a long and complex one and its tribes and languages are diverse and unique. The country is home to over 250 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, and beliefs. There is also a sizable population of ethnic minorities, including the Kanuri, Nupe, and Tiv.
Each state in Nigeria has its own unique cultural traditions and languages, with some states having multiple dialects of the same language. For example, Edo is the most widely spoken language in Edo State, but there are also multiple dialects of the language spoken in the state, including Esan, Akoko, and Owan. Similarly, there are multiple dialects of the Hausa language spoken in northern Nigeria, including Bole, Fulfulde, and Hadejiya.
Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
The Hausa-Fulani are the largest ethnic group in northern Nigeria and are concentrated in the states of Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, and Borno. They speak various dialects of the Hausa language and their culture is heavily influenced by Islam. The Igbo are the largest ethnic group in south-eastern Nigeria and are primarily concentrated in the states of Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi.
The Igbo language is the most widely spoken language in south-eastern Nigeria and is closely related to the languages of Cameroon. The Yoruba are the largest ethnic group in southwestern Nigeria and are concentrated in the states of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos. The Yoruba language is closely related to the languages of Benin and Togo.
Modernity and Independence in Nigeria
The fight for Nigerian independence began when Anthony Enahoro, a supporter of democracy and a rejection of colonialism, argued for self-governance in the Nigerian parliament when that country was still under British rule. Abu bakar Tafawa Balewa was named prime minister on October 1, 1960, the same day that Nigeria gained its independence. In 1963, Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe was elected as the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s first president. However, stability would not last for very long.
The three-year Biafran War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, began as a result of escalating tensions and dissatisfaction with the results of an election. A coalition of Igbo military personnel, who accused the administration of corruption and aimed to elevate the northern portion of Nigeria over the rest of the nation, overthrew Nigeria’s democratically elected government on January 15, 1966.
Tribes of Nigeria
Hausa Tribe
The Hausa are Nigeria’s largest tribe and make up over 25% of the population. The group includes the northern Nigerian states of Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, and Sokoto. Between the River Niger and Lake Chad, in northern Nigeria, is where the majority of Hausaland is located.
The Hausa, who adhere to a highly homogenous community, continue to practice their customs and way of life despite colonialism. Islam is the most common religion among the Hausas, who quickly embraced it after being exposed to it by traders from Mali and Guinea while conducting business with them. Aside from English, they primarily speak the Hausa language.
Dialects in Hausa Tribe
Yoruba Tribe
The second-largest tribe is the Yoruba, who make up about 21% of the total population. The Yoruba states are located in the southwest and north central regions of Nigeria. Some regions of neighbouring countries like Togo and the Benin Republic also have Yoruba speakers.
Yoruba language is widely spoken in Kogi state, Edo state, Ekiti state, Kwara state, Lagos state, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in South Western Nigeria. Although they have various dialects that are different to each Yoruba speaking state.
Although the majority of Yoruba people accept Christianity and Islam, a small percentage still holds to their ancestral traditional beliefs.
Dialects in Yoruba Tribe
Igbo Tribe
The Igbo are descendants from the Nri, the first kingdom in Nigeria. They comprise about 18% of southeast Nigeria’s population and practice a diverse variety of traditions and customs. Unlike the other tribes, this one does not have a hierarchical structure of government. The equality of all citizens is instead guaranteed by a traditional republican framework with a consultative assembly of people.
The majority of the Igbo people (more than 90%) converted to Christianity after colonization, with a sizeable fraction becoming Catholic, even though they still held on to parts of their ancient beliefs.
The Igbo people also play a key part in the Nigerian oil trade because the majority of this natural resource is found on Igbo territory.
Dialects in Igbo Tribe
Ijaw Tribe
Around 10% of all Nigerians are Ijaw, who are residents of the Niger River delta. In their neighbourhood, there are 50 kinship clans, the majority of whom are farmers and fishermen. About 70% of Ijaws practice Christianity.
The Ijaw people have had to engage in extensive oil drilling since the earth is so rich in oil, which has caused ecological instability. Additionally, there have been confrontations between the community, the government, and oil companies due to poor prior management of oil income. There is a suggestion that the money made from this natural resource has not provided the locals with very much in the way of benefits.
Dialect in Ijaw Tribe
Idomo Tribe
Idomo is another tribe in Nigeria, and they are found in Cross River, Enugu and Nasarawa States in Nigeria. The Idomo language is among the Akweya which is the subgroup of the Idomoid language.
Dialects in Idomo Tribe
Ibibio Tribe
Ibibios make up about 3.5% of Nigeria’s population. They make up a minority in the country, mostly in the southeast.
The centuries-long transmission of a rich oral history has been preserved. Prior to Nigeria’s independence, the tribe made attempts to create its own independent country within the country and even engaged in talks with the British Crown.
The Ibibio people, who are mostly Christians, are well known for their artistic skill, especially in the creation of exquisite wooden carvings and masks.
Dialect in Ibibio Tribe
Bini Tribe
The southern Nigerian state of Edo is home to the majority of the Bini people, sometimes referred to as the Edo tribe and descended from the Benin people. However, they are also dispersed throughout the states of Delta, Ondo, and Rivers. They are descendants of the Benin Empire who speak various Edo dialects.
The name Benin was derived from the term “Ubinu,” which was used to the capital of the kingdom. However, the Portuguese mispronounced it as “Bini,” and they altered it to “Benin” in 1485 when they began doing business with Oba Ewuare, the time’s traditional monarch. Muslim or Christian identity is common among Binis.
Dialects in Bini