In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we embark on a fascinating journey through the linguistic and cultural tapestry of Nigeria with Raphael, a multilingual storyteller and podcaster. Raphael shares his unique experiences growing up in Jos, Nigeria, navigating the complexities of language and identity amidst a rich backdrop of diverse cultures.
In this episode we discuss:
🇳🇬 Raphael's first language journey, starting with English and Ijaw, and his experiences learning Yoruba, Hausa, Pidgin English, and a bit of German and French.
🇳🇬 The impact of growing up in a multilingual environment and how different languages shaped his interactions and sense of identity.
🇳🇬 The significance of water in Ijaw culture, including its connection to mythology and the community's historical ties to river life.
🇳🇬 Raphael's reflections on the importance of community gatherings and how they foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity among the Ijaw diaspora.
🇳🇬 The challenges and beauty of navigating multiple languages and cultures, and how these experiences have enriched his life and storytelling.
🇳🇬AFCON 2025 predictions and who Raphael would like to see bring home the big trophy!Â
A huge thank you to Raphael for sharing your story and insights with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!
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