₦airaland Forum

@ Abagworo

i dont believe that you guys actually know a bit about nigerians from the statements you made.nigerians do not believe in place of birth but rather on tribe,blood and dna.an imo man born in anambra does not see himself as citizen of anambra but a settler.it is thesame with an igboman born in europe.same with yoruba and all nigerians.that of speaking igbo is a different issue.i've met some igbos born and bred in their village but cannot speak igbo because of their parents strict adherence to english.

You've kind of proved my point by stating that I don't know ANYTHING about Nigerians because you spotted one, what you considered an error!
Actually, I DO understand Nigerians identify with their tribes, that's one thing my dad did teach me! However, it appears not all Nigerians share that philosophy as some tend to associate others with their birth place.

I am Igbo but I was born and raised in the UK. Unfortunately, my parents spoke to me in English so I don't fully understand the language (I am currently working on rectifying that!) but I did grow up with Igbo culture in my life whilst being a kid living in London.

I understand that Naija born Igbos will see people like me being different because I did not have a full Naija upbringing but it disappointments when some are so quick to assume that you don't belong or care about your culture. Some Naija borns have criticised my inability to speak Igbo fluently or my few visits to my homeland yet they will not offer any advice on how to become more engaged and will sneer at my attempts to practise Igbo with them!

It's also ridiculous at how surprised some people get when I show knowledge of Nigerian current affairs, music and literature.

I may be a Nigerian born in the UK but I am still a Nigerian. Maybe not in the same way Nigerian borns are, I guess you can say i'm somewhat diluted, but there is enough concentrate to make me a Nigerian!

I was born and raised in the UK and my parents spoke to us in English when we were growing up so I only understand and speak a few Igbo words and phrases.

I blame my parents for not teaching me but I am rectifying that gradually learning more by myself.
I have been criticised by others for not speaking Igbo but i'm not learning for them i'm learning for myself. I think that

Igbos need to be more welcoming to those that are a stranger to the language. If someone tells you they cannot speak it, rather than passing judgement, why not offer them help or advice on how to learn? Also, don't assume that just because someone doesn't speak Igbo they don't care about their culture and know absolutely nothing about.