Veteran Nigerian actress Shaffy Bello has recently shared her views on the relationship between indigenous languages and fluency in English.
Known for her elegance and commanding presence in film and television, Shaffy Bello recently spoke about the importance of speaking Yoruba and how it can influence one’s command of English.
The actress while speaking in a podcast, “Off The Top” stated that people who speak Yoruba well often find it easier to speak English.
She explained that whenever she realises someone is fluent in Yoruba, she immediately switches from English to Yoruba during conversations. According to her, this preference reflects her appreciation for indigenous languages and her belief in preserving cultural identity.
In her words: “If you speak Yoruba well, English will be easier to speak. When I realize you can speak Yoruba, I’d stop speaking English immediately”
Many users agreed with her perspective, praising her for promoting the value of native languages and encouraging younger generations to remain connected to their roots.
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Others, however, viewed her comment as a broader commentary on language and identity in a multicultural society. They noted that Nigeria’s linguistic diversity makes conversations about language both sensitive and significant.