But first, Tea!
If you are from Arewa (Northern Nigeria) then chances that you might have been a victim are high. See we northerners have a common language that we all speak.The average northerner speaks fluent hausa language.
Whenever two northerners meet, they automatically start speaking hausa. Its just something we have in common. Its our cultural heritage. Personally, I think it makes us stand out.
However I recently noticed that some other people have a misconception that we have poor command of English that is why we desist from speaking it. If it was just an assumption, I probably wouldn't mind, I could even take the trouble of straightening it out for them. But it has gotten to the extent where you hear scornful voices yell "Speak English!" That is them rudely jumping into someone else's conversation- with no sense of courtesy or decorum- and barking orders that no one assigned them to do.
They claim to be sympathizing with our parents who have been paying our school fees since nursery school and we still can't speak English. This is where they are wrong! Being able to speak English and choosing not to speak it is just a preference. It doesn't mean that our command of English language is poor. I am a lover of culture but it has in no way affected my western education. Infact it has made a much better educated lady.
People should learn to mind their business, what is your business with somebody's fathers money? Ha'an!
Now not only are we percieved as poor in English, there is this general assumption that we are so dumb! This one is even more annoying. We are viewied as being good only at getting dressed and putting on makeup. How demeaning! I mean if we are so dumb how did we make progress academically to get to our varius stations in life?
Today my post is dedicated to defending my culture! We in the north are groomed traditionally and brought up to be respectful and kind hearted. There are always a few bad apples ofcourse- let's save that gist for another day- but generally we are modest people. We put this modesty in our daily endeavours which is why you will rarely see a northern girl pick a fight when she is underestimated. We are just that modest and patient because time will proove your demeaning beliefs wrong!
I would love to know your thoughts so please do comment below! Have a blessed day and stay beautiful!
No comments:
Post a Comment