Cultivating Cross Cultural Values: The Igbo and Yoruba in the Diaspora

Language is very important and essential for term to be regarded as cross culture. There are some languages that are going into extinction due to globalization and the teaching of English and other European language as the lingua franca of African. Since colonial period, the colonizers language has been regarded as the language for trade and also for communication. Making this foreign languages the lingua franca in Africa, has affected the linguistical components of their native languages.

An Igbo Family
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Yoruba Traditional Marriage
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There are two major ethnic groups in Nigeria that are good in cultivating their languages in their children and transferring them from one generation to the other, they are: the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. The Igbos occupy the Southeastern part, While the Yorubas are located at the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Cultivating their languages in their children doesn't exist alone in Nigeria, but it is also applicable to those in the diaspora. Whether the both parents are from Nigeria or not, the Igbos and the Yorubas often taught their children in diaspora their native languages.

Name is another aspects of culture that leads to identification. As well known, the name of a person indicates where the person is from. It is very difficult for a Yoruba person to be named Frederick Wilson. You'll hear names like Ademola Alatunji, Yemisi Akinlolu, Omolara Morenike Obasanjo. When you see these names and the interpretation of the names you'll appreciate the uniqueness of the Yoruba culture.

Igbo in Diaspora
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Igbos in Diaspora during their Festival
For you to appreciate the uniqueness of the Igbo ethnic group, even when they leave in diaspora they don't forget their cultural festival. Festivals such as the New Yam Festival is usually observed to commemorate the harvesting of the new yam every year. During the ceremony of the New Yam Festival, the Igbo language is used as the means of communication. Even they are in the United States or the United Kingdom, they honor their language and reverence their ancestors.

Igbos During the New Yam Festival in Diaspora
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Continuing the Yoruba Festivals in Diaspora

The Yorubas are not left out in exhibiting their cultures any where they're around the world. Several festivals are performed by the Yorubas both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

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Finally, cultures and cultural values are supposed to be upheld both at home and any part of the world. The Igbo and the Yoruba ethnic groups are good examples of people that cultivate their cultural values anywhere and anytime.