The Hannoying Struggle with Inferiority: Nigeria’s Accent Dilemma
A TikToker known as "BlackEnglishman," with a bio that reads a "connoisseur of English pronunciation," is both a subject of ridicule and admiration online. His niche involves providing elocution lessons to Nigerian children, guiding them in the nuances of British English pronunciation. However, his efforts often transform into a spectacle due to his own lack of ability at capturing the correct tone of British English, which makes sense considering his non British background. But, in an attempt to showcase the elocution of "British" English, both he and his students inadvertently project what should only come out of a comedy show.
Nigeria's wide linguistic landscape comprises a wealth of over 500 languages. As a legacy of British colonialism, English has become the official state language, integral to education, government affairs, and daily social interactions, currently spoken by around 20% of the population. This linguistic framework coexists with three main indigenous languages—Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. In 2023, Hausa led as the most spoken local language, spoken by over 48 million individuals, followed by, Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin and Igbo. Nigerian Pidgin is a form of colloquial English and is a common variety amongst Nigerians, it serves as a lingua franca, bridging communication gaps among Nigeria’s many ethnic groups. Despite this linguistic plurality, attitudes toward indigenous languages and English remain complex. While English is often viewed as a marker of upward mobility, its local adaptations reflect the realities of Nigeria’s multilingual society, where speech patterns and accents continue to shape perceptions of class, intellect, and belonging.
Historically, proficiency in English has been a marker of social status and educational attainment, positioning individuals as well-educated and globally exposed. While this notion remains intact, it has evolved. Indigenous accents are increasingly perceived as unsophisticated, driving a shift toward the adoption of Western accents as a sign of refinement. TThis shift is particularly evident in the critique of what is colloquially known as the “H-factor”—the exaggerated pronunciation of the letter “H” in certain words, a trait commonly associated with Yoruba speakers. As societal attitudes progress the dynamics of language usage and accents continue to exert influence in shaping perceptions of social status.
Globally, the standard British English taught in British schools is widely preferred and regarded as the correct form. Nevertheless, many English-speaking countries diverge from this standard due to the sway of regional dialects and indigenous languages, which largely shape their linguistic expressions and communication styles. This tendency is particularly pronounced in former British colonies, such as Nigeria, India and Singapore. Although there is no inherent connection between having a regional Nigerian accent and one's educational level or refinement, society often stigmatises individuals who do. This tendency reinforces the notion that westernisation and proximity to whiteness are superior, inadvertently fuelling Afrophobic narratives.
Popular Culture
It’s frequently observed on TV or radio, that hosts tend to embrace what is perceived as more "international" accents, (or colloquially known, “foneh”) whether authentic or not. The motivation is clear. In a society where language is often a proxy for class and sophistication, speaking with a foreign leaning accent serves as a form of social distinction, setting individuals apart from the average Nigerian. This bias has real consequences. In industries where public perception is paramount, particularly broadcasting, the ability to project a Westernised accent can influence hiring decisions and career trajectories. Aspiring broadcasters claim to have encountered linguistic discrimination. This was also discussed by Peter Okwoche, a Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC World Service, in an interview, he observed that station proprietors actively seek out broadcasters with foreign accents, adding, “Good English doesn’t have an accent, it is just good English… There is so much inexperience on Nigerian airwaves these days, and that’s scary. Once you have a pretentious accent, stations want to snap you up.”
Ambiguous accents are not confined solely to the broadcasting industry; they also extend to some of the countries biggest celebrities. Take Wizkid for example, despite his upbringing in Nigeria and absence of international exposure prior to fame, he has garnered attention for adopting a noticeably foreign sounding accent at times. This phenomenon gains traction in a viral comedic video that circulates amongst the diaspora annually on the 24th of June. Linguistic research suggests that accents tend to solidify around the age of 12, becoming relatively stable in adulthood. Although exposure to new environments can influence speech patterns, the extent to which an accent shifts will vary widely among individuals, nonetheless, scientists largely agree that while accents can subtly evolve, eliminating them entirely is notoriously difficult.
The controversial figure, Bobrisky, is another example drawing attention and ridicule for the caricature like adoption of a westernised accent. In an unending effort to convey a sense of prestige and elevation, Bobrisky's cartoonish endorsement of this accent becomes a subject of scrutiny and amusement in popular culture. When viewed alongside Bobrisky’s well-documented colourist views, it shows a serious struggle with identity— one where individuals seek to project a more refined sense of self through the assimilation and adoption of Western characteristics.
Education, Colonialisation and Afrophobia
Writing In "Black Skin, White Masks, Franz Fonan states, "Every colonized people – in other words, every people in whose soul an inferiority complex has been created by the death and burial of its local cultural originality – finds itself face to face with the language of the civilizing nation; that is, with the culture of the mother country. The colonized is elevated above his jungle status in proportion to his adoption of the mother country’s cultural standards. He becomes whiter as he renounces his blackness, his jungle. Here lie the seeds of self-hate, the most destructive of the effects of colonialism." This commentary lays bare the insidious nature of self hatred, which is a byproduct of colonialism and one we still witness showing up today in the psyches of many.
Fanons commentary encapsulates one of the many global challenges faced by the black community and that is the disconcerting correlation between perceived sophistication and proximity to whiteness. This complex has given rise to an inferiority mindset, contributing to various social and cultural issues, that have fostered negative stereotypes within African communities. This point becomes even more apparent when comparing the reception towards non British Europeans speaking English to that of Africans. The former is often perceived as more desirable and attractive while the latter is generally not. Such disparities are reminders of the legacy of colonialism which continues to shape perceptions of identity and worth.
It’s not uncommon to hear that Nigerian parents may refrain from reinforcing the use of their native language within their homes. This is rooted in the desire for their children to primarily communicate in English. Some may even express concern about avoiding native accents, fearing that their children might inadvertently adopt a Nigerian accent. This tendency, though often unacknowledged, is subconsciously rooted in a colonial mentality that places proximity to whiteness on a pedestal, deeming anything native as inferior. Unfortunately, this approach has led to a generation that has, to some extent, lost connection with its cultural heritage. This detachment can be attributed to the adoption of neo-colonialist and socially prejudiced Afrophobic attitudes, where being native is erroneously equated with a lack of exposure and sophistication.
The notion that unaccented English is synonymous with sophistication and that native languages redundant has inadvertently contributed to the erosion of linguistic and cultural ties within Nigerian households. The ramifications of this trend extend far beyond mere language use; it impacts the transmission of traditions, values, and connection with one's culture. The aftermath is that a generation, particularly in the diaspora, are now grappling with the challenge of reconciling their identity. This highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to language and culture preservation, creating an environment where native languages are celebrated and heritage is regarded as an asset rather than a hindrance to progress.
Interestingly, despite the unintended comedic flair of the elocution lessons offered by the "BlackEnglishman" he continues to thrive in his business still drawing support. This paradox arises because even though his rendition of British English may sound like a mishmash of various accents under the sun, it holds a particular allure for those aspiring to assimilate into Western culture as it is perceived to be a marker of social refinement. It’s important to note, however, that one should strive to speak any acquired languages fluently and cultivate accurate pronunciation.
Denying the existence of accent privilege or the advantages afforded to those who speak with Westernised accents would be disingenuous. Yet, there is power in recognising that such biases persist only as long as they are collectively upheld. The ongoing association with Westernisation and elevation reinforces the perception of “Africanness” as inferior, an epidemic that has subtly infiltrated collective consciousness. Only through the rejection of this can the afrophobic narratives start to weaken. By actively challenging and denouncing these concepts we can forge a space where being authentically African is genuinely celebrated.
