Etymology as hope for Nigeria: How we can establish unity using language anthropology
The author explores how the study of etymology and language anthropology could help foster national unity in Nigeria. By tracing the shared linguistic roots and histories of various ethnic groups, the author argues that Nigerians can better understand their interrelationships.
Why it matters
Promoting a deeper understanding of shared cultural and linguistic history may help mitigate ethnic tensions and build a more cohesive national identity in Nigeria.
I first came across the word as a Scrabble-loving kid. I could have been around 12 or 13 years old. In those days, we would ‘challenge’ and search for words using the Chambers Dictionary. We also sort of built our vocabulary, and I would play Scrabble in competitions at the University. I still do today, even if I have to play with myself, just forming words and romancing the board. Nigeria actually emerged as the world’s best Scrabbling nation in 2025, and that is no mean feat. We have some of the craziest players in the Delta/Edo axis, but in the south-west and south-south the game is also popular with very good players, even though it looks like the GenZs are not keen on it.
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