7 Tips to help you speak your native language better (Even if you grew up in the city)

Growing up in a big city in Nigeria, you might not have had many chances to speak your mother tongue. In many urban homes, English has taken over, and lots of children never learn to speak their parents’ languages well. If this is your story, you are not alone; many Nigerians raised in cities face the same challenge. The good news is that it’s never too late to reconnect with your native language. Here are seven warm and practical tips to help you speak it better and feel closer to your roots:

1. Start with simple greetings and phrases

Don’t worry about big words at first. Begin with basic greetings and common phrases in your language. For example, a Yoruba person can say “Ẹ káaro” in the morning instead of “Good morning.” Learn how to say hello, thank you, and other everyday words. Use them when you talk to family members or elders. Starting with these simple words builds your confidence. It also gives you a small vocabulary base you can use every day. Little by little, you’ll feel more comfortable forming sentences.

2. Practice with family and friends

Call or talk in person with people who speak your native language. Ask your parents, uncles, or aunties to speak to you in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa (or whichever is your language) during casual chats. At first, you might reply in English or mix both, and that’s okay. The key is to get used to hearing and speaking your language in real conversations. If you don’t have family nearby, you can phone a grandparent or a cousin in the village and greet them in your language. Many older relatives will be happy and patient when you try. Having a friend who is also learning can help too, you can motivate each other. The more you practice with real people, the faster you will improve. In fact, one writer only became fluent in Igbo when her university friends insisted she speak it with them. A supportive community makes a big difference.

3. Surround yourself with music and movies

One fun way to learn is to watch and listen to local media in your native tongue. Tune in to radio stations or TV programs that use your language. For example, you can watch Nollywood films in Yoruba or Igbo, or listen to Hausa music and podcasts. Don’t worry if the production isn’t perfect, the goal is to hear the language often. As you relax and enjoy a movie or song, you’ll pick up new words and the correct way people pronounce them. Try humming along to popular songs in your language, even if you only know a few words. Over time, your ears and tongue will get used to the sounds. It’s like surrounding yourself with the language every day, even if you live in an English-speaking city.

4. Use your language in daily life, even in small ways

Make your mother tongue a natural part of your day, bit by bit. You can do this by mixing it into everyday activities. For example, greet your family in the morning using your language, or say a short prayer in it if you pray. When you buy something at the market and the seller is from your ethnic group, try bargaining in your language. If you’re at home, point at objects and recall their names in your native tongue. You might even label a few household items with sticky notes of their names (like the word for “chair” or “water”) to remind you. Another idea is to talk to yourself when you’re alone, describe what you’re doing in your language (“I am cooking rice” or “I am cleaning the room”), even if it feels funny. These little moments of use add up. The more you speak a few words here and there, the more natural it will become to use your language regularly. It’s okay to mix with English at first. Over time, you can try to increase the amount of your native language you speak each day. Consistency is key, using it daily, even in small doses, helps keep it fresh in your mind.

5. Don’t be afraid of mistakes or laughter

It’s normal to feel shy or worried about messing up. You might have an accent or use the wrong word at times. Remember that everyone makes mistakes when learning a language. Children get words wrong all the time and still learn, and you will too. Some people might laugh when you slip up, especially with tonal languages like Yoruba or Igbo, saying a word in a wrong tone can sound funny. In fact, one Nigerian author recalled how her classmates giggled at her in Igbo class because she used the wrong tones on syllables.

Try not to let this discourage you. Those who laugh have probably made mistakes as well. Keep your goal in mind and stay confident. Ask for corrections and learn from them instead of feeling bad. If one person mocks you too much, remember that the problem is with them, not you. Focus on the kind people who encourage your progress. Every mistake is just another step toward getting better. With time, as you keep speaking, you will mix up words less and gain the respect of even the doubters.

6. Make learning fun with songs and stories

Learning your native language doesn’t have to feel like homework. Turn it into a fun activity. One great way is through music. Find a catchy song in your language, maybe a folk song or a modern Afro-pop song, and sing along to it. You’ll learn new words without even realizing it, because music makes memorizing easy. Parents often teach kids simple songs in their language for this reason, and it works for adults too. You could also ask your parents or grandparents to teach you a short poem, a riddle, or a proverb in the language. Nigerian languages are rich with wise sayings and folk tales. For example, ask an elder to tell you a story or joke in your language. Even if you only understand a part of it, try to respond or ask questions in that language. This makes the process lively and enjoyable. You can watch comedians or skits in your mother tongue as well, laughing while learning helps you relax. The more fun you have with the language, the more you’ll want to use it. It won’t feel like a chore; it will feel like exploring a cool part of your culture.

7. Stay connected to your culture and be proud

Your native language is a key part of who you are. Embracing it will help you feel closer to your family and heritage. One way to stay motivated is to remember why it matters: speaking your language lets you chat with grandparents and relatives who might not speak English well. Try calling an elder family member and talking in your language, even if you mix in English, they will appreciate the effort. If you can, visit your hometown or village during holidays and practice speaking with people there. Being in an environment where everyone speaks the language, even for a few days, can boost your skills quickly. It also shows you the rich culture behind the words, from traditional greetings to local jokes and mannerisms. You’ll likely feel a proud connection knowing you can understand and speak like your people.

At the same time, remember that keeping your language alive is important. Already, about ten Nigerian languages have gone extinct, and others are fast losing speakers. By learning to speak yours, you are helping preserve it for the next generation. And it’s not just about culture, it can be useful in practical ways too. Nigeria has many ethnic groups, so being able to switch languages can be an advantage. In fact, one Nigerian even got a bank job simply because he could speak Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and English fluently. So be proud of adding your mother tongue to your skill set. It is something to celebrate.

In conclusion, take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself. Speaking your native language better is a journey, and every little effort counts. With these tips, you can gradually become more fluent and confident. Soon you’ll be cracking jokes or sharing stories in your mother tongue, and feeling happy you didn’t give up. Good luck, and enjoy the process of reconnecting with your roots!

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