Yoruba: A Personal Experience Where Language and Culture Shaped Me
At first, I didn’t fully understand why she took it so seriously. But she made me walk back, kneel before every elder, and greet each one by name.
As I did so, each elder smiled warmly, placed their hands on my head, and blessed me — wishing me success in school and in life.
That morning, I realized that greetings in Yorùbá culture are not mere formalities — they are blessings wrapped in words.
The Power of Yorùbá Greetings
From that experience, I learned that our language carries deep power. When we say:
Ẹ kú àárọ̀ (Good morning)
Ẹ se, ma (Thank you, ma)
…we are not just being polite. We are actively keeping love, peace, respect, and connection alive in our community.
The rhythm of our words, the proverbs, and the respectful tone all reflect the heartbeat of who we are as Yorùbá people.
How It Changed Me
That simple but powerful lesson from my grandmother transformed me. Even today:
Whenever I greet someone properly, I feel connected to my roots.
Using proverbs and respectful language fills me with pride.
It constantly reminds me to remain humble, respectful, and kind.
Final Reflection
Being Yorùbá is not just about where I come from — it is about how I live, speak, and honor others every single day.