Connect with the Richness of Yoruba

Learning Yorùbá opens doors to a rich culture and connects you to people around the world. Yorùbá is not only spoken in Nigeria. Many countries have communities that use the language in daily life. The spread of Yorùbá across continents makes it a valuable skill.

Below are some places where Yorùbá is spoken and why learning it is important.

BRAZIL: Yorùbá arrived in Brazil during the slave trade. Many Yorùbá people were taken to Bahia, a state in Brazil. They stayed in a place called the Pelourinho, where their culture and language survived. In 2018, Brazil made Yorùbá an official language. This shows how important it is in Brazilian society today.

UNITED KINGDOM: Many Yorùbá people live in the United Kingdom due to Nigeria’s history as a British colony. Speaking Yorùbá is seen as an advantage in the UK. For example, people who can speak Yorùbá may have better chances when applying for jobs, including roles in the British Police.

CARIBBEAN ISLAND: In the Caribbean, Yorùbá culture is still strong. Yorùbá communities keep their traditions alive through songs, festivals, and other cultural activities. Learning Yorùbá helps you connect with this heritage.

LIBERIA: A group called the Aku settled in Liberia as far back as 600 AD. Today, about 24,000 people in Liberia still speak Yorùbá. This shows how far the language has traveled through history.

EL-SALVADOR: During the slave trade, Yorùbá people were brought to El Salvador. Many cultural practices from Yorùbá tradition are still present there. Knowing Yorùbá helps you appreciate and understand these traditions better.

SIERRA-LEONE: Sierra Leone shares borders with Nigeria. Yorùbá traders moved to Sierra Leone and settled there over time. Today, Yorùbá communities are part of the country’s cultural mix.

CUBA: Cuba, despite her small size, has Yorùbá indigenes within her boarder.

BENIN REPUBLIC: Benin Republic is very close to Nigeria, both in distance and culture. Four years ago, the government of Benin Republic recognized Yorùbá as an official language. This decision shows how valuable the language is in the region.

TOGO: In Togo, about 90,000 people speak Yorùbá. The city of Atakpamé is known for its large Yorùbá-speaking population.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: In the United States, Oyotunji Village is a unique place. It is a small community where Yorùbá is the main language spoken. This village keeps Yorùbá traditions alive far from Africa.

EUROPE: More people in Europe are learning Yorùbá today. Economic migration from Nigeria has helped the language spread. Learning Yorùbá can help you connect with Nigerian communities across Europe.

When you learn Yorùbá, you gain more than language skills. You connect to a history of resilience and rich traditions. You also open opportunities to work and build relationships in many parts of the world.