LOMBARDY:

And who told you they'll be interested in speaking Igbo as much as they're not interested in fulfude?

every tribe in the north understand and speaks hausa, without been forced its natural if you dont join the line you will be relegated.

Orjioorji:
every tribe in the north understand and speaks hausa, without been forced its natural if you dont join the line you will be relegated.

You are indirectly saying you'll replicate the same in Biafra? Who told you Igbo is natural to the SS tribes??

Do you know what they did before Hausa language became imposed in the North??

Blue3k:


It does help but the goal should be common cultural values based around civic nationalism. The ethno state model is works when it can occur natural. The Kurds are exhibit A about why you dont create it by force.

It's still the same point

Wrong premises.

You're confusing official language with monolingualism.

Nigeria should also be considered monolingual then.

LOMBARDY:

You are indirectly saying you'll replicate the same in Biafra? Who told you Igbo is natural to the SS tribes??

Do you know what they did before Hausa language became imposed in the North??

It seems an anti Igbo disorder has replaced the logic on which the thread is built. There's a difference between official language (lingual fanca) and a dominant first language. Lingual franca is imposed but a first language gradually spreads over a long period of time through interactions, especially among related groups who share similar values.
Members of smaller ethnic groups who share similar culture and values with a dominant one don't find it a big deal, dealing with, learning the language of the dominant group and sometimes ultimately getting assimilated by them, especially if inter marriage is heavy. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact many nations pray for it and even the minorities in some cases like it but won't admit. This is happening with Igbo's and neighbouring smaller ethnic groups like ijaw, Idoma etc. Also so among northern minority groups who speak Hausa.
However it is less possible between Hausa/fulani and Igbo or both with Yoruba simply because they are culturally distinct. This is Nigeria's key problem and this is also why the idea of national integration will remain elusive. National integration will be easier in say, Biafra.

This is how a thread should look like. Mature discussion, not shouting "afonja, IPOB" etc. Please you guys should keep it up.

I agree with op completely. unifying factor is needed for a nation to develop. corruption is only factor unifying us and it is bane of national development. language is a major cultural factor that can bring about national development.
To underscore important of language in unifying people, God scattered language of Earth and there was confusion. Gen 11. Also, in unifying his empire Alexander the great enforced Greek language in all the conquered territories.
I have not seen any developed nation with multiple national languages which are actually different from official language.

Noneroone:
It seems an anti Igbo disorder has replaced the logic on which the thread is built. There's a difference between official language (lingual fanca) and a dominant first language. Lingual franca is imposed but a first language gradually spreads over a long period of time through interactions, especially among related groups who share similar values.
Members of smaller ethnic groups who share similar culture and values with a dominant one don't find it a big deal, dealing with, learning the language of the dominant group and sometimes ultimately getting assimilated by them, especially if inter marriage is heavy. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact many nations pray for it and even the minorities in some cases like it but won't admit. This is happening with Igbo's and neighbouring smaller ethnic groups like ijaw, Idoma etc. Also so among northern minority groups who speak Hausa.
However it is less possible between Hausa/fulani and Igbo or both with Yoruba simply because they are culturally distinct. This is Nigeria's key problem and this is also why the idea of national integration will remain elusive. National integration will be easier in say, Biafra.

Nigerian tribes in the south are culturally and lingually independent, they won't have to learn your language in other to communicate with you, if you can't speak English

myright:
This is how a thread should look like. Mature discussion, not shouting "afonja, IPOB" etc. Please you guys should keep it up.

Lol na nairaland spirit cause am

capitalzero:
I agree with op completely. unifying factor is needed for a nation to develop. corruption is only factor unifying us and it is bane of national development. language is a major cultural factor that can bring about national development.
To underscore important of language in unifying people, God scattered language of Earth and there was confusion. Gen 11. Also, in unifying his empire Alexander the great enforced Greek language in all the conquered territories.
I have not seen any developed nation with multiple national languages which are actually different from official language.

That's exactly what am saying..a magical constituent is needed to make multilingual countries successful. If the Brits didn't realize this(which I can doubt they didn't), what stops us from correcting the mistake?

nairalandposter:
Wrong premises.

You're confusing official language with monolingualism.

Nigeria should also be considered monolingual then.

Pls can you elaborate?

LOMBARDY:

Nigerian tribes in the south are culturally and lingually independent, they won't have to learn your language in other to communicate with you, if you can't speak English

you're missing the point. The idea is not only having a single ethnic group. well, If it happens that way, its good. But having a big ethnic group with other smaller RELATED groups can also work well. Most advanced European nations we often thought of as homogeneous actually have a dominant culture serving as a rallying point for other related minority groups. Nigeria's problem is essentially the absence of a dominant culture and value system. The north is culturally middle east (Muslim and Arabic) while the East is strongly Judeo-Christian. As you can see, the Igbo's and so called Eastern minorities are bound by Christianity, basic traditions, food etc while on the other hand the Igbo and Hausa/Fulani are two parallels yet, we want to administer the country as though it is homogeneous. Nigeria won't achieve basic human development that requires national cohesion. In fact we'll have hard time determining which development goals to pursue.

Noneroone:
you're missing the point. The idea is not only having a single ethnic group. well, If it happens that way, its good. But having a big ethnic group with other smaller RELATED groups can also work well. Most advanced European nations we often thought of as homogeneous actually have a dominant culture serving as a rallying point for other related minority groups. Nigeria's problem is essentially the absence of a dominant culture and value system. The north is culturally middle east (Muslim and Arabic) while the East is strongly Judeo-Christian. As you can see, the Igbo's and so called Eastern minorities are bound by Christianity, basic traditions, food etc while on the other hand the Igbo and Hausa/Fulani are two parallels yet, we want to administer the country as though it is homogeneous. Nigeria won't achieve basic human development that requires national cohesion. In fact we'll have hard time determining which development goals to pursue.

So you're saying the Igbo will serve as a cultural adhesive factor in the case of an independent southern country??
Take note that a joint southern culture is just available with a few connected southern ethnic group. What makes you think the rest won't desire self rule??

LOMBARDY:

So you're saying the Igbo will serve as a cultural adhesive factor in the case of an independent southern country??
Take note that a joint southern culture is just available with a few connected southern ethnic group. What makes you think the rest won't desire self rule??

This is how people fail examinations. Can you point to one place in my comment where the word "south" is mentioned? or is it a case of an anti-Igbo disorder?

Noneroone:
This is how people fail examinations. Can you point to one place in comment where the word "south" is mentioned? or is it a case of anti-Igbo disorder?

You suddenly assume am anti-igbo??
You said a big ethnic group with similar culturally inclination and most importantly same religious beliefs with some minorities in most developed countries, are mostly considered an homogeneous entity.

I was putting Biafra in the context as you suggested earlier...
My advice, don't be quick to surmise someone hates you because your ideas may not correlate at the moment

LOMBARDY:

You suddenly assume am anti-igbo??
You said a big ethnic group with similar culturally inclination and most importantly same religious beliefs with some minorities in most developed countries, are mostly considered an homogeneous entity.

I was putting Biafra in the context as you suggested earlier...
My advice, don't be quick to surmise someone hates you because your ideas may not correlate at the moment

You didn't respond to my question. How does the word "south" enter the discourse? when you make up your mind on whether you're putting Biafra or the entire south in the context then quote me.

Noneroone:
You didn't respond to my question. How does the word "south" enter the discourse? when you make up your mind on whether you're putting Biafra or the entire south in the context then quote me.

Where is the Biafra located??

Development is beyond language. The culture of the people matters a lot. Most developed countries have almost same culture. Once the way of life is similar, development or recession moves faster.


Being monolingual has a role to play, but not as influential as the culture of the people. Same culture, same goals, same values are more important for development.

If the culture is good then development comes faster. Japan is a good example. The advancement in the Japanese society is beyond language, but the way of life(Culture) of the people.


In Africa especially. Until we change our way of life and do away with some archaic belief, we shall remain underdeveloped.
If we like let the whole naija or Africa speak one language, as long as we still have our beliefs and way of life we shall remain the way we are.

Kinematics:
Development is beyond language. The culture of the people matters a lot. Most developed countries have almost same culture. Once the way of life is similar, development or recession moves faster.


Being monolingual has a role to play, but not as influential as the culture of the people. Same culture, same goals, same values.

If the culture is good then development comes faster. Japan is a good example. The advancement in the Japanese society is beyond language, but the way of life(Culture) of the people.


In Africa especially. Until we change our way of life and do away with some archaic believes, we shall remain underdeveloped.
If we like let the whole naija or Africa speak one language, as long as we still have our believes and way of life we shall remain the way we are.

Yes culture is the key, many people take pride in culture. To solve this the big ethnic group should be willing to adopt one tradition each from the smaller minorities

This will make the minorities not to fill that there are being swallowed or that their culture will die off. It will get a bond of trust.

meccuno:
until we end up like Somalia before our eyes get clear? Nigeria is going down every day dude. It's now or never.

But Somalia is almost a monoethnic country (over 85% are Somalis) and they are permanently at war. The irony is the war is between different Somali factions.

I don't believe culture, religion or language has much to do with growth and development.

Look at organizations that cut across the globe like FIFA or the UN or the International Space Station or even multi national companies, the day their goals differ is the day it all starts to crumble.

I think the most important thing is having a common goal, or having any type of goal at all.
Nigerian politicians are notorious for having no plans or ideology, likewise their party, they have zero coherent policies, they cross carpet when their political fortunes are dwindling.

If all it took to develop was a common language and culture then states and regions should show a higher level of development,

For any country to develop, the citizens have to understand local politics, it's even more important to development than national politics,
Parties have to be ideological and for that to happen, THE PEOPLE need to wake up vote for ideology. Except a good leader can be prayed into existence.

No matter how small an entity is, it can still be split even smaller, that said, our goals in Nigeria seems to be VERY different, especially if you compare the north and south.

Kinematics:
Development is beyond language. The culture of the people matters a lot. Most developed countries have almost same culture. Once the way of life is similar, development or recession moves faster.


Being monolingual has a role to play, but not as influential as the culture of the people. Same culture, same goals, same values.

If the culture is good then development comes faster. Japan is a good example. The advancement in the Japanese society is beyond language, but the way of life(Culture) of the people.


In Africa especially. Until we change our way of life and do away with some archaic believes, we shall remain underdeveloped.
If we like let the whole naija or Africa speak one language, as long as we still have our believes and way of life we shall remain the way we are.

Orjioorji:
in Biafra other ethnic groups means nothing because of their size, if every body speaks igbo thats all. The major problem if Nigeria divide will lay i the middle belt.

Why should everybody speak igbo? The Niger delta (assuming they go with biafra) has over 30 different languages. They have some major ethnic groups like Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaws, etc. Will the igbos subsume and dominate them like the way the Fulanis subsume and dominate all northern tribes?

wirinet:

But Somalia is almost a monoethnic country (over 85% are Somalis) and they are permanently at war. The irony is the war is between different Somali factions.

don't forget that they are Muslims too.

LOMBARDY:


Yoruba was a large African ethnic group even before amalgamation

Not exactly correct. There was nothing like Yoruba language pre colonialisation. There was Oyo, ijebu, Ijesha, egun, etc languages. It was Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowder that created the standard Yoruba language in the 1850s, from Oyo and Ibadan dialects, in order to translate the Bible into a universal (yoruba ) language. It would have been impractical to translate the English Bible to the tens of languages in the Oyo kingdom at that time.

Most people known as Yoruba today were ethnic groups contained in the old Oyo empire.

meccuno:
I can bet any amount that Nigeria would never make progress and the indices are there. You know but i guess you just want to be optimistic. I am a realist and a strong pragmatic person. With all the available info about Nigeria it won't work .

I have said so
many have argued
so I let brotherman 'time' prove who/what is right.

learn how to drive

wirinet:

Not exactly correct. There was nothing like Yoruba language pre colonialisation. There was Oyo, ijebu, Ijesha, egun, etc languages. It was Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowder that created the standard Yoruba language in the 1850s, from Oyo and Ibadan dialects, in order to translate the Bible into a universal (yoruba ) language. It would have been impractical to translate the English Bible to the tens of languages in the Oyo kingdom at that time.

Most people known as Yoruba today were ethnic groups contained in the old Oyo empire.

If those languages were not mutually intelligible it wouldn't have been possible

LOMBARDY:

If those languages were not mutually intelligible it wouldn't have been possible

They were not. Up till today an Oyo man would not understand an Ondo dialect, likewise an ijebu man would not understand an egun dialect.

wirinet:

They were not. Up till today an Oyo man would not understand an Ondo dialect, likewise an ijebu man would not understand an egun dialect.

Are you Yoruba?

StaffofOrayan:
I don't believe culture, religion or language has much to do with growth and development.

Look at organizations that cut across the globe like FIFA or the UN or the International Space Station or even multi national companies, the day their goals differ is the day it all starts to crumble.

I think the most important thing is having a common goal, or having any type of goal at all.
Nigerian politicians are notorious for having no plans or ideology, likewise their party, they have zero coherent policies, they cross carpet when their political fortunes are dwindling.

If all it took to develop was a common language and culture then states and regions should show a higher level of development,

For any country to develop, the citizens have to understand local politics, it's even more important to development than national politics,
Parties have to be ideological and for that to happen, THE PEOPLE need to wake up vote for ideology. Except a good leader can be prayed into existence.

No matter how small an entity is, it can still be split even smaller, that said, our goals in Nigeria seems to be VERY different, especially if you compare the north and south.

And why is that common goal working for a monoethnic Europe but not for a multiethnic Africa?

wirinet:

But Somalia is almost a monoethnic country (over 85% are Somalis) and they are permanently at war. The irony is the war is between different Somali factions.

We're at war with ourselves here although it's not yet physical

Kinematics:
Development is beyond language. The culture of the people matters a lot. Most developed countries have almost same culture. Once the way of life is similar, development or recession moves faster.


Being monolingual has a role to play, but not as influential as the culture of the people. Same culture, same goals, same values are more important for development.

If the culture is good then development comes faster. Japan is a good example. The advancement in the Japanese society is beyond language, but the way of life(Culture) of the people.


In Africa especially. Until we change our way of life and do away with some archaic belief, we shall remain underdeveloped.
If we like let the whole naija or Africa speak one language, as long as we still have our beliefs and way of life we shall remain the way we are.

Our beliefs and way of life? Am not understanding that part

Rochas2023:


Yes culture is the key, many people take pride in culture. To solve this the big ethnic group should be willing to adopt one tradition each from the smaller minorities

This will make the minorities not to fill that there are being swallowed or that their culture will die off. It will get a bond of trust.

Someone was also suggesting the minorities copy the culture of the majority to fit in