₦airaland Forum

Do you know that some people associate not being able to speak their native language with classiness or civilization? You'd even notice the shakara in their attitude when they say "I can't speak my language."

If you study the etymology of many English words we speak (e.g. care), you will be shocked, as many are actually spells and enchantments. Could this be part of the reason for our many problems?

Truth is, we are a conquered people and everything we have believed and followed, since we were conquered is determined by our conquerors. Language, religion, culture, dressing, education, politics... everything!

I know many of us had the peculiar challenge of growing up outside our hometowns, but the attitude should be one of desperately trying to learn what we didn't have the opportunity to learn while growing up rather than of pride.

You are absolutely right.
I wish people will also learn the origin of words in their religious books starting from origin of the word “God” which they equate to the main characters in their book.

Maynman:
You are absolutely right.
I wish people will also learn the origin of words in their religious books starting from origin of the word “God” which they equate to the main characters in their book.

CORRECT. The actual name translated as God in the original Hebrew is ELOHIM or EL (shortened). EL is found in our bantu/Niger-Congo languages which is actually the original source of the Hebrew language used to write the scriptures. The name EL means Might, power, warrior, Almighty etc in many Niger-Congo languages.

ELOHIM- Modern Hebrew meaning mighty One.
ELIMO- Kikongo meaning Might, power.
ELEMI- Cross River meaning warrior.
ELEDUMARE- Yoruba meaning Almighty.

Also, EL in scriptures is used for any of the deities (powers) the same way God (which is actually not the name of the Creator but one of the fallen ones) is used.

donnie:
CORRECT. The actual name translated as God in the original Hebrew is ELOHIM or EL (shortened). EL is found in our bantu/Nigeria-Congo languages which is actually the original source of the Hebrew language used to write the scriptures. The name EL means Might, power, warrior, Almighty etc in many Niger-Congo languages.

ELOHIM- Modern Hebrew meaning mighty One.
ELIMO- Kikongo meaning Might, power.
ELEMI- Cross River meaning warrior.
ELEDUMARE- Yoruba meaning Almighty.

Also, EL in scriptures is used for any of the deities (powers) the same way God (which is actually not the name of the Creator but one of the fallen ones) is used.

Gbayi. I feel you.

Is it really a revelation for you? Obviously, all the words in our vocabularies didn’t just appear overnight for us to use as they are now. Language is a living, centuries-old phenomenon, so it’s not surprising that many words have pretty interesting etymologies. I’m learning this now as I try to move away from the usual words in my vocabulary, look for synonyms like “help synonym,” and work on making my speech more varied and vibrant. There are so many great words I didn’t even know existed.

Interesting. I grew up outside my state of origin. I give thanks to my parents for ensuring my siblings and I understood and could speak our natural dialect even if not fluently.

akincosta:
Is it really a revelation for you? Obviously, all the words in our vocabularies didn’t just appear overnight for us to use as they are now. Language is a living, centuries-old phenomenon, so it’s not surprising that many words have pretty interesting etymologies. I’m learning this now as I try to move away from the usual words in my vocabulary, look for synonyms like “help synonym,” and work on making my speech more varied and vibrant. There are so many great words I didn’t even know existed.

Nice 👍🏾

ogyunging:
Interesting. I grew up outside my state of origin. I give thanks to my parents for ensuring my siblings and I understood and could speak our natural dialect even if not fluently.

Great