Greetings! Welcome to North of Lagos–a blog about living, studying and pursuing journalism in Nigeria. My name is Cara Harshman, but in Nigeria I go by Títílayò, my Yorùbá name. I am a 22-year-old senior at
University of Wisconsin-Madison and will be living in Ibadan, Nigeria–a city a couple hours north of metropolitan Lagos and 7 degrees north of the equator. I am leaving for Ibadan on September 8th, for a year to study the Yorùbá language, which I have been learning at UW for the past three years.People always ask me why I chose to study Yorùbá out of all the languages. Why not Chinese or Arabic? The answer is multifaceted. Junior year of high school I traveled to Angola with a non-for-profit organization called RISE International, whose mission is to build schools and provide teacher training to rural villages. Traveling around Angola for a month with a group of 20 adults and a few students doing teacher training workshops twisted my world view and implanted me with a desire to return to Africa one day. I also realized I naturally picked up on Umbundu, the local language, pretty well. When I found myself signing up for classes at UW I was perplexed at what I wanted to study. An adviser told me about a program for first semester freshman that pre-schedules three interrelated classes with one small group of students–the idea is to make the transition from high school to college easier. They offered one called “The African Cultural Expedition” that really got my attention. I decided to forgo the intro psychology, political science and literature courses to take a Yoruba language class and a Yoruba culture class, knowing I would do something with the skills in the future.
Three short years later I find myself living in Yorubaland (aka southwest Nigeria) perfecting my language skills in its native country, working as a freelance journalist with this blog to establish a career as a reporter.
At UW, I am a journalism major with a certificate in African studies. I wrote for The Badger Herald for two years as a state reporter, city editor and dabbled in video production as the online content editor. I also worked as a software trainer, teaching the Adobe Creative Suite and video production softwares to UW students and staff.
I love taking pictures, cooking and baking delicious food, reading, meeting new people and seeing live music.
In ten years, I hope to be living in Africa as a reporter, writing articles and creating multimedia for an international news organization somewhere.
Sweetheart Cara, People like you “makes the world goes round “
People like you, made me make AMERICA my home.( away from home)
Your appreciation, passion for our people & Culture “ NIGERIAN & AFRICA” will make our aboriginal cultures strive for EVER-ever.
Sure thing you doing your part, as a life achievement, we, the people have to do our part.
Stay Blessed & it shall be well w/you. “Ise”
One more time, Dynamite & Plenty.
Thanks./Gracias
Chief Uloko Owegbe.
It’s really so interesting seeing an American speaking yoruba, l like that so much
Bawo ni o, Titilayo,
I just recently became aware of your expedition in Nigeria and I was beyond impressed. I am Yoruba and I can’t speak the kind of Yoruba you speak which is a big shame. What you did is more than an academic exercise. It goes to show the kind of human being you are. I know you will make a huge (positive) impact in this world and I hope to live long to witness it. Please don’t lose the language.
Take care my sister.
Odigba o.
jas dobiv ideja za vise energija od coveka dase upotebi za zdravje
CARA HARSHMAN IS WORLD CLASS ACT
God bless this beautiful girl, who is equally a beautiful link between cultures, lands, and climes. I’m truly impressed. More of Cara would make the world a better and more interesting planet – where people share traditions and understand one another more. Many of us are proud of you, Cara.
SO obviously you have given up on this blog and the undergrad dreams didn’t pan out. Grad school dreams?
This is really interesting, pls where in Ibadan did you get a formal training in Yoruba Language
am a yoruba guy i plan to study yoruba for many reason which ll be explain below
firstly we av lost our language nd culture to the westerners we speak yoruba no more an adage say odo ti o ba gbagbe orisun o ṣẹ́tan ti o fẹ parun ni
secondly if u understand yoruba or ur langùage well other langùages ll b easier 4 u, many african country has been speaking yoruba, d third most speaking language in africa is yoruba
can any one get me connected to a girl who speaks Spanish, i want to get a stuff with her….07053089170.
thanks.
ken
Hi Cara or anyone….I need your help. I was typed this during a conversation. Can you tell me what it says?? Honey, mo fe je san owo me digba to ba to sun emi.
Titilayo te mi nikan. Ba wo ni o ore. O ku ise o, O’odua a gbe e o. Mo si ni fe lati di ore re. Inu mi a dun ti a ba le je ore, mo ya lori facebook/omo.yoba, twitter handle mi ni: @yobamoodua
Lovely seeing a white skinned woman do this.
I have enjoyed watching your performance on youtube. Especially your time spent in Ibadan – where I grew up. Might I enquire as to whether you found it easy living in nigeria, given the various challenges that one has to contend with? More importantly perhaps, were it not for your work related activities (in journalism) would you really wanrt to live there – on a long term basis?
..wow you really blow me off, i use to live in Ibadan and i also shop at the market you visited, it was amazing you went there..success and God bless.
Hi Titilayo, i just watch your video on youtube now and i was really impressed and motivated… Am a Yoruba guy but presently in Vietnam and with your video am really motivated to learn Vietnamese no matter how hard and complex it is… Thanks a lot
I expect to see a black but you in my people’s attire: iro and buba, really surprised me. Let me In my mother tongue say ‘Mo feran oun ti o nse.’ I hope I got it right. You’ve really challenged me.
Kingsley
Hi Cara stumbled onto your clip on youtube, i’m absolutely dumbstruck hearing a white lady speak a African language so well. you have put me to shame. I’m Nigerian myself but of Igbo origin, i understand Igbo but cannot speak the language, your my inspiration.
Good luck with your ambitions btw if your looking for husband get back to me lol
I’m really impressed that someone can learn my language and even understand it more deep ling. You are so fantastic and I wish you best of luck in all your ways.
Wow is all I can say! I am from the US(Maryland) but have been living in Edo State since 2009 with my husband & daughter. He was born & raised here & we both believed we should move here. I have been harassing my husband since we met to be teaching me his native language (Edo) as well as our daughter, who is now 6. He has been LAZY about it 🙂 But we can greet people & count to 10 at least, LOL. That seems to be pretty impressive to most of them. I would personally like to be able to carry on a decent conversation w/ some of my older in-laws though.
I actually found you because I was also wanting to learn one of the more common languages here & thought I could find something online & I saw you on youtube. I called my husband to watch & his mouth was hanging open.
Do you ever get tired of people being astounded over this??? It really was inspiring for me. A good friend of ours here speaks Yoruba very well & I’m going to insist she helps me learn it.
Thanks for sharing your life with all of us!
Well done Titi
Hi Titi where do you live now? When will we see you in chicago again?
Hi Titi. I think you’re great. I recently referenced you in an article I’m writing for the Global Press Institute (about the phenomena of many Yoruba parents not passing on the language).I’ve already interviewed your Yoruba prof at Wisconsin . She was very helpful in providing prospective. I’d love to interview you for a profile story that will be a continuation to my first article. Please let me know if you’re interested as soon as you’re able. Thanks so much.
I am super embarrassed. You speak my language better than me. Well done girl. Yoruba is a hard won language- how will you keep hold of it?
Hi Cara! I’m impressed! I’m a Nigerian though not a yoruba, am ishan as you might already know Nigeria is of muti-ethnicity. That you left your country to come and learn this beautiful language (yoruba is a beautiful language i must confess) is a bold step. Are you still in Nigeria? Enjoy your time here! I’ll be following you!
This is not by accident. It is what you have chosen to be from ‘Heavens’ for a purpose, which can never be altered .
titi can you please help us to cover a story on a yoruba community in north carolina, it will be highly appreciated to get across the only african royal family lifestyle ruling the only yoruba sttlement outside africa with yoruba as a lingua franca.thanks
hi titi,
i have to start by just saying wow. you are completely a very impressive person. i wish u the best in your ambitions in life. im Cameroonian though. found your youtube videos n i must say they are very interesting , i just keep watching them.
Hi Titi,
I am very excited to see this! More grace to you and I wish you the very best, Yoruba is a fantastic language and the culture is very interesting. I mean very very interesting. Thanks for making us proud.
Gbemi.
Well I can only say I am totally overwhelmed! Ni akoko mo fe so wipe emi je eniyan kan to ni igbagbo wipe ede ati asa ile yoruba wa ni ara awon to dara ju. Amo awon ara wa ko gba be! Pupo ninu won o tile gbo ede naa mo. Iyalenu ni o jee wipe iwo wa ko ede wa osi tun ti di ojogbon ninu re. Eledumare a gbe e. initially when I saw ur twitter page a few days back I couldn’t be too bothered in fact was a little cynical. But goin through your blog and the responses just won me over. You are a natural maybe a yoruba girl who was actually born in the white man’s skin.(You should be familiar with our superstitons by now) pls keep up the good work. Cheers
Hey Cara,
I am currently working as an Editorial Researcher at the Financial Times and I would love to talk to you about your experiences in Nigeria. I work for a publication called ‘This Is Africa’ and we will be covering Nigeria in our next issue. Your blog is fantastic and it inspired me to start my own blog too (according2moi.wordpress.com). Contact me whenever you can as I would love to get your perspective on the political aspects of Nigeria.
Barbra
Hi Cara,
You are such an inspiration. I am not Yoruba, but I vividly understand the message that you are presenting with your videos, your blog, and your attitude. You portray yourself beautifully, and I pray and hope that God will bless you in many ways with your gifts. I feel like I know you so well even though I have not ever met you before in person…to such an extent that I have a feeling of what you would say in Yoruba after my comment before. Here it is: “Amin, Amin, Aminnn”. lol! Thank you for casting a bright light on our country and instilling hope in all Nigerians.
btw, I saw on your Twitter account that you really would like to learn igbo. It wouldn’t hurt. Though it is a very hard language to grasp and (though it is sad to say)-the language is dying. Parents don’t want to teach their children igbo anymore in foreign places (speaking from experience). Unlike Yoruba, igbo is not a uniform due to many dialects among different towns/states/villages. It would be a brave move, but then again, it would be awesome to one day see a video of you speaking igbo..it would inspire me to learn my own language better and would start a movement for 1st-generation igbos like myself all throughout the diaspora. Whatever your choice is: stick with it!
Thanks,
Ify
I also stumbled into your video on youtube, I was like… Amazing.. Your Yoruba is better than mine like you said in the video, majority do not speak the proper Yoruba; I’m one of them, lol. Just keep it up, may the lord be with you.
Hello Titi.
When I stumble on you in You tube, My joy knew no bounds. You are indeed a genius, original! I am not yoruba but I understand the language…can speak and read a liitle. I was born and bred in lagos, originally from Edo state in Nigeria.
I currently reside in the U.K.
I will do anything to meet you and get to know you, inshort. I am already in love with you. Please do me the favour of sending me a text and say hi….You would have made my year….My contact +447536335284.
Love you dearly,
Richard.
Hello Titi,
How are you doing, I learnt u lost your phone, sorry to hear that. So are you still interested in coming to Ife, if you are, you can reach me on 07034315331, or my email, lekanville@yahoo.co.uk. Take catre of you
Lekan
I am very impressed. I am yoruba, i understand it but do not speak well. i grew up in lagos, ivory coast and tunisa. now i am in st louis, missouri doing my MBA. my parents never saw the need to teach yoruba. i feel sad about that. my french is better than my yoruba. i believe africa has alot to offer the world but its being covered and lost due to heavy dose of western culture and language we Nigerians take. i admit that we live in a global world but i do believe we can be like the Chinese and Japanese who are global but still have very strong cultural identity intact. i would like to go back to Nigeria and Africa to promote our culture.
i am a self though graphic designer and would like to start a workshop for graphic design in Nigeria upon arrival. seeing you have a background in that, i hope one day we work together.
enjoy titi
Titi, “O ti po juuuuuuuuuuuuuuu”……….honestly you are just too much……keep up the good work, i wish you well in all your endeavours………………. “Olorun a maa wa pelu e oooooooo, gbogbo idawole e a maa yori si rere ooooooo”
hi Titi,
i’m so impressed by ur story, i mean, a white chic that speaks my native tongue so well is just phenomenal, beyond words. I stumbled on ur video via youtube after my friend told me about u and it was being luv @ first. Sometimes we nigerians dont appreciate our heritage so seeing people like u reminds one why we have no excuse. I’m ashamed to say i cant even speak yoruba without ‘fixing’ english u know. oh lest i forget i sent u a request via f/book hope u confirm cos i’m really blow away by ur enthusiasm. Over here in abuja u’re a CELEBRITY, everyone is talking about u.
Wishing u a safe trip home and looking forward to ur coming back.
P.S. U should visit abuja just in case.
Lloyd or Tunde
I actually just stumbled on one of your videos on youtube. That was all it took. I sat here and watched them all. As my name indicates I am a yoruba boy , and I have been living in Baltimore since my teenage years.
I must say though, I like the passion you have for learning Yoruba and taking in all Ibadan and Lagos have to offer. oops, I guess you’d prefer me to write in Yoruba, but be warned most Nigerians only know conversational yoruba ( including me) . Written yoruba is more hit and miss.
Anyway, e mi hope pe iwo ma le di journalist in Africa ni odun mewa la ti isi yin, bi o se so ni blog introduction . Fun gbo gbo negativity ti naija ma get stigmatized with, eyan bi iwo fi i no ti o bright gaan si awa naija ni gbo gbo agbaye. Mo dupe ni owo re.
We are a friendly and welcoming people. Someone posted that you should be given a honorary Nigerian citizenship. Well, I beg to differ. I feel you should fiest get a nigerian greencard, then after 5 yrs apply for citrzenship, just like it’s done in America lol. J/k
In all seriousness though, keep up the goodwork. Alafiya ati emi gi gun fun e…Amin.
Titilayo,
Inu mi dun gidigidi fun ise takuntakun ti o nse lati gbe asa yoruba laruge. Ibanuje okan ni o je fun mi nigba ti mo de ilu Amerika ni odun mewa seyin lati ri wipe opolopo awon obi ni won ko fe ko omo won ni ede yoruba nitori won ko mo anfaani to wa nibe. E yi ti o buru ju ni awon to je wipe won dagba si orile-ede Nigeria sugbon nigba ti won de ilu America, won so asa at ise yoruba nu, won si paaro oruko won si oruko geesi nitori ki o le rorun fun oyinbo lati pe oruko won daadaa. Ni temi, mo feran ede yoruba, itumo oruko mi si se pataki simi, mo si maa npa owe daradara. Awon eniyan paapa ti gba mi niyanju lati je oluko ede yoruba ni ilu ti mo ngbe tele ni MN, sugbon aaye ni ko si. Mo ki e, o si ku ise opolo, o si ku afarada nitoripe mo mo pe eniti o ba ni ipinu nikan ni o le gbe ilu Nigeria paapa, ilu ibadan nitoripe ibe ni mo ti lo si secondary school (St. Anne’s). You always remind me of an American/British student that came to Mayflower School about twenty something years ago to study Yoruba language and her name is Koseeko, I’m sure that must have been her yoruba name as well. I was in the cultural group then and i remembered doing a cultural dance with her at the time.
The song goes thus:
Sese ni numi dun, ayo kun ‘nu okan mi
‘Tori mo gbo Yoruba, ayo kun ‘nu okan mi
‘Tori mo ti gbede Yoruba, ayo kun ‘nu okan mi
Just wanted to commend you on a job well done, and thank you for the shoes, you will never know how much those kids are grateful. More grease to your elbow.
Emi ni ti e nitooto,
Apeke edu
Showing you lots of love from Zurich, Switzerland. As a 20 year Wisconsin native and a born Nigerian i salute you. Well done, o se dara my dear! Mi o ti so Yoruba la ti 1986, and i am rusty, but i am seriously impressed with your language skills. Should you ever be in Zurich, Switzerland, look me up i’d love to take you to lunch/dinner and chat. My name is Aderonke Akiwowo, related to Olatunji of Drums of Passion (RIP). Take care and God Bless.
Hi, so I contacted you yesterday about ase paro ilosi ero ayelujara. Did you get it? And what do you think? My website is business-travel-nigeria.com. If you search for the keyword “nigeria culture” on Google my website comes up on the first page..the TED video. I would be happy to link to you from that page. Do let me know what you think.
Hello Titi!
Can I just start by telling you a HUGE well done…! This is really great… and Thank you!
Thank you because I am Italian, but born and brought up here in Lagos…I speak pidgin fluently but my Yoruba is awful! I am language inclined, as I speak Spanish and Italian fluently, but my Yoruba is a disaster! I tried picking it up more than once by buying books, getting teachers, but gave up quickly and started to believe it was an impossible language to learn!
Well, you have made me pull out those books again, and I’ve signed up to your blog, so hopefully that will keep me going!
Keep writing! 🙂
Jenny
Titi, Mi o ri leta konako re ni oju iwe ero ayelujara re yi lati le fi lo e boya o fe se atunpo lo oju iwe ero ayelujara.
Okay, so I am going to wait until you reply to see if the meaning comes across here as I intended. Won’t it be nice to have a Yoruba keyboard though?
Charis Onabowale (mama cass) is my big aunt!!!!
Hi! I am going to be doing this same program starting in September! I would love to hear any advice, etc. that you have! Maybe we can exchange emails?
titi! i am completely overcome by your interests and drive. so often we hear about all of the atrocities being committed in africa on a daily basis. rapes. murders. election rigging. government corruption. hiv/aids. starving people. poor/non-existent infrastructure.
but that is NOT all that nigeria and africa as a whole has to offer. for the average american, africa is of little interest. and with the picture painted by the media, how can really blame them?
still what you’ve done is created a path. watching you is such an inspiration. you’ve done what few americans, let alone young, white, females do. thank you for bringing my culture to the world as something beautiful and to be cherished. it make me feel honored. continue with your studies, i know that you will make a name for yourself.
your yoruba is better than my own and most of my friends/family. keep it up! you’re going places my dear.
Dear Titi,
What an inspiration and ray of light you are! I have been reading your blogs, checking all your videos on YouTube (one of which I posted on my facebook, I find your Yoruba amaxzing and fascinating). See I am originally Yoruba from Oyo state (not that far from Ibadan, a small village called Ejigbo), my parents were born in Ivory Coast and then moved to France where I was born and raised and now am living in the UK. I always had a “strained” relationship with Nigeria as the time I spent there was not my best, but rediscovering it through your eyes (articles, pictures and even comments from your followers) made my heart swell. You made me think more deeply about this country that is mine without being really mine, so thank you. And..I love languages and discovering new cultures!!! you also inspire me in spending more time on learning more languages (well, my interests are not as exotic as yours since I am trying hard to improve my spanish!), you also give me food for though when I see how socially involved you are over there. Some of us won;t even do anything for their country, on the other side, some people like you have a genuine interest and heart for the country and act on it. Amazing. Your work is tickling my curiosity about my own country and thats a nice feeling!! Congratulations on what you have achieved, what you are about to achieve, the way you are doing now, you will surely reach places (I hope that for you). You inspire me and I will most certainly follow you in your endeavours! Thank you, merci, Ose, gracias!
Bawo ni?
I am a freshman at the University of Texas and I am wrapping up my first year of Yoruba! It’s pretty challenging and a bit slow when you’re not immersed, so I can’t wait to study abroad at OAU in Ife in Summer 2012. I have no idea where I am going in life but I think whatever I do I should do in Africa; my brother and a few of my friends have been to a few African countries and have all told me that Africans are the happiest people and do not take things for granted. Next year I will be taking Portuguese too. Any advice on learning this awesome language?
just heard about your site from another blog i follow called naijadaydreamer. i think you are AWESOME for this. much kudos.
This video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hTZ_mS7TsI&feature=player_embedded) just blew me away.
I really really really want to learn Yoruba now. You’re simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Try to c an egungun/masquerade while u r in nigeria.
They r usually in the summer so if u r still there in june…
titi inu i dun si o. emi naa je akekoo jade ninu ede yoruba ni ile iwe giga ondo. mo si fe ki a mora jubayii lo
Dear Cara,
Certainly an interesting way to spend 9 months. Though I am London based -I have certainly enjoyed reading your blogg (having been through a simular process) and would love to put you intouch with some contacts/friends who would certainly help to enrich your experience further.
Nigeria (like most places) has her issues and frustrating elements but, it is a place you do full in love with.
Kind regards,
A.
Remarkable…I have been inspired to learn yoruba.
My dear Daughter, Today I adopt you as my daughter, I grew up in Ibadan. Omo Ibadan kini show re? Show suoo.e.i( show sure). I am really impressed with you. I pray your stay in Nigeria will comtinue to be safe and pleasant. I am a pharmacist living in Texas. I grew up in Ibadan and Uni. Ibadan is my alma matta. I hope you will keep in contact with me. My cell phone # 713-392-0183. Send me your cell # in Nigeria and I will do my best to stay in contact with you. Bye for now. -Kike Sadiku
Well done Titi! You are doing great work. To have to move abroad and deal with cultural differences can be hellish or fun depending on how you make it.
I know this firsthand because I grew up in Nigeria, but moved to Wisconsin years ago and had to deal with very brutal culture shock. I attended both the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University and I have since made ice-cold Milwaukee my home.
The world is truly a global village because while a mid-westerner like you enjoys living in my home country of Nigeria, here you have a Naija boy who has braved the chill in the mid-west and grown to be a cheese-loving Packer fan 🙂
I do hope you make the best of your experience.
Titilayo, mo je omo yoruba ti o n gbe ni United Kingdom. I nu mi dun pe omo oyinbo bi ti iwo ati awon ore re ni ife si ede ati asa yoruba.
Mo le ro wipe gbogbo yin n gbadun Ibadan, mo si mo daju wipe wa ti je iyan ati obe egusi, ti o ba ti je, bere fun ki o si to wo, ounje awa yoruba ni yen.
Ise rere lo n se, ki o si ma se lo, oduduwa a gbe e o, Jesu a si da bo bo e
O di gba kan na
Tayewo “JayTee” Ojo
Hello Cara…EKaason…
Do u remember me? Iam the Oyinbo that came with a nigerian prof there and ate alligator meat with all of you..I am trying to get books to learn yoruba nd prof. Antonia Schley…asked me to look at your blog…i did not know u have a great blog…
Keep up the good work!!!!
Odaabo for now…till i learn a bit more…
Titi,
I went to Uni Wisconsin’s site and saw the skits you guys made 2 years ago; they were funny as hell. Your traveling to 9ja has really improved your Yoruba skills — good job!
Ben.
Hello:
I am very happy to contact you. You have shown that the world is truly a village. I am a Yoruba and I schooled at Iowa State University and I teach presently at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota. I was a GA in a Yoruba class while at Iowa State University and seeing your video, you made me feel very proud.
I will be bringing some students to Nigeria this summer and will appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and your fellow Wisconsinites. We will be staying in Abeokuta and we have plans to visit the Uiversity of Ibadan. I will appreciate if you can e-mail me back at osgazal@stcloudstate.edu. E ku ise.
Sincerely,
Dele Gazal
Nje O mo oruko to mo so iwo pelu awon iyoku re OMOBOWALE KAAABO
First of all, you can totally speak Yoruba better than I can, and better than like 90% of the Yoruba people I know. It’s shameful to think that it is possible that Yoruba is taught better outside Nigeria. I saw your video and I re-watched it an embarrassing number of times.
Secondly, I am very impressed by your language skills not to talk of your sheer determination as you follow your passion. Many people woulda just let it die. Good for you.
I would like to meet you. I live in Lagos and I go to the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa. I think you should visit so that you can show the students your perspective on Nigeria. I know they will be very interested.
Send me some contact information if you will. My e-mail is obode@hotmail.com.
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
You are such a doll,such a bright and lovely individual!I smiled so much from watching your video. 🙂 You are a genuine and down to earth,intelligent person,and you will be blessed,I pray so.
Enjoy the rest of your time there,have you been to Lagos?
Best wishes from New York,
Ilya 🙂
You are an inspiration! It is incredible what you are doing – keep up the good work. I am, literally, blown away by what you have achieved. Well done and bravo!
From one Yoruba sister to another 🙂
Bawo ni Titilayo?
Se alaafia ni o wa gege bi emi na se wa.
Owu mi lori pupo nigba ti mo wo fidio re ti o ti’n so yoruba ju elede lo, erin si tun pa mi nigba mo wo awon fidio re yoku pa’apa julo eyin ti o ti n rinlo si flagship centre.
its really a pleasure having your group around with us here in nigeria, i almost freaked out when i saw ur first “fidio” sorry i mean video its only the accent that requires polishing up but in terms of grammar you were marvellous.
My name is Adekunle an indigine of Ibadan and i enjoy speaking my mother tongue- Yoruba.Omo to be serious i would like to meet you sometime when i drop in Ibadan.
Inu mi dun gan ni lati ba o pade.
Inu mi dun pupo lati ka ‘bilogi’ (blog) re. Nigba ti mo wo ‘video’ ti o ti so nipa iri-ri re nipa kiko ede yoruba, ori mi wu lopo-lopo. Mo ki o ku ori ire fun aseyege re. Awon yoruba ma n so wipe, ‘aseye ni alakn n se epo’ wa se aseye o.
Mo fe ki o te siwaju ninu siso and kiko ede yoruba ki o tun le dan moran si. Olorun a wa pelu re, amin.
Hi Titi,
I have a radio show that airs on Splash 105.5 FM in Nigeria. I’d love to interview you. How can I contact you? Or you can email me at:
cultureshocknigerians@gmail.com
Hi cara, this is one of the most inspiring things i have ever seen in my entire life. I really i’m thrilled. I love and admire ur aspiration. U are really a blessing to Africa, and the world in general. U are in my prayers. I pray u will succeed in all u do, as u help join in impacting our world positively. Good job.
I am amazed. Keep it up!
I just want to say congratulations and good luck! I’m Nigerian born, American raised and as I get older, I hate the fact that I don’t speak Yoruba as well as I should. You’re an inspiration for me 🙂
Hello Cara!
I am so glad I stumbled across your blog! Fantastic work! I’ll be traveling to Nigeria this October. I would love for you to become an Ambassador with the Dawa Project. You exemplify the traits of a mentor and would be a great addition.
Shoot me back an email and I would love to get some dialogue started. Have a great upcoming week and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Kariba
Dawa Project- http://www.dawaproject.org
You are indeed a motivation to us Yorubas. I am thinking since we both reside in the US, can i invite you to speak at a youth event in NY?
Regards
Hi Cara
Indeed am fascnated by your goas or perhaps, quest. i will keep it short and simple, after featuring your video on my blog, i got loads of mails from my readers who would like to get to know you more, beyond your blog…so, i would like a profile interview of you on my blog.
my blog currently hits 6’000 in daily hits…
http://www.santiagopad.blogspot.com
could not find any perrsonal email to reach you on hence, this means.
regards
http://www.santiagopad.blogspot.com
Titilayo…Grace and peace to you. I dont know what to say…I am blown away, truly at the same I am also fascinated with you. It is purely amazing what you have decided to do as a person and I admire your zeal and courage. I must say you are fearless and bold+driven…to be able to set out and accomplish this…. o gbiyanju gan ooo… mo yin e gan…tu bo ma se ise re lo ati eko re. Olorun a tubo ma ran e lowo ninu gbogbo ohun ti o ba da wole…
You are wonderful. Keep it up. How long do plan to stay at U.I?
Shina
Thank you! You are wonderful for commenting! I will be living in U.I. until the end of May.
Hi Cara,
I believe your study in Nigeria is coming to and end sometimes this month, ‘You are a true hero’, and we can’t wait to have you back in the US. Hope the journey and experience will fulfil your knowledge quest.
Wishing you all the best as you complete your education.
Love from Texas
Olabode Samuel
Hi Cara,
I was really impressed with your career path, and just like I said on facebook you can even write Yoruba better than I do. I am very intrigue and wish you all the best
Olabode
Oluwa o! I have never heard a non-Yoruba born individual to have learned the language the way Titilayo has learnt it before, more especially as a pure white lady from far away US of A. I definitely raise my hat for you. You’re great, and I wish you more feathers to your cap in this adventure of yours in the most populated cosmopolitan city (Lagos) of the black most populous nation in the world – Nigeria.
Hello Titilayo,
Inu mi dun nigba ti mo ri e to o nso ede abinibi mi. Ti o ba je wipe mi o ti ni Iyawo ni,nba gbiyanju pupo lati fe o nisu loka.
O kare,ku ise,Oluwa yio wa pelu re.Amin. I do hope you enjoy yourself in Nigeria,Nigeria is a lovely place despite the negative press and I am sure you would have realise Nigerians probably complained more than any other group of Nationals.
O Digba
Adewale
Arabinrin Titilayo,
Ayo ati idunnu lo je fun mi bi o se nso yoruba ponbele… Titilayo, lai denaapenu o ti gbiyaju gidigidi. Ore ofe Olorun a too fun e ni irin ajo re sii orile ede Naijiria.
Ma kegbe kegbe beeni ko maa rin looru.
O digba a kan na.
fasipe
Titilayo bawoni. I am definitely impressed with your Yoruba. I’m very proud of you. Not sure if you will be back in the United States by July 2011. I would like to invite you to the “Nigerian Arts, Culture and Music Festival” that will be taking place during the July 4th weekend in Orlando FL. Please check out our website for more information: http://www.nigerianreuniononline.com
Please can you contact me or send me your email address.
Hello Titi,
How are you? A friend brought your blog to my notice. Your mastery of Yoruba is edifying (and that’s an understatement).
Please let me know if you’d be interested in an interview or an article for The Africa Report.
Best wishes,
Tayo
E kaaro o. Bawo ni Titilayo. E ti je ki ori mi wu banba nipa ilu mi ati eya mi. Oruko mi ni Temitope Aderoyeje. Mo wa lati ilu Odigbo ni Ipinle Ondo. Odigbo je ilu kekere nitosi ilu Ore. Mo n gde ni Ibadan pelu ebi mi. Mo si n se ise isegun oyinbo ni UCH. Ori mi wu jojo bi ede Yoruba yin se danmoran to. Olorun a mun ife okan yin jo bi e ti peero re ni oruko Jesu Kristi
One word to describe this, ‘amazing’. I am so proud of you and wish you all the best,
Take care
Wow God bless your heart for doing this! You are truly inspirational. Your skills put me to shame hands down. I too just like many others came across your video on facebook and i just couldn’t stop smiling watching you speak my native language so brilliantly. I applaud your efforts and have been sharing your youtube link all over twitter to all of my friends. Your blog is wonderfully put together as it brings back childhood memories of growing up in Nigeria. Just the type of escape I need while surviving this Michigan weather. Keep the blogs coming and take care. Olorun ma wa pelu E.
Hello Cara,
I have to admit that you were born to change this entire world positively. I am a yoruba speaking man presently living in Sydney, Australia. I also graduated from University of Ibadan. You are such a very intelligent woman. May God guide you and grant your heart desire. Thumbs up and keep it up.
Kind Regards
Olalekan
Olalekan,
You have touched my heart, truly. When I entered University almost 4 years ago now and people asked me what I wanted to do, my only reply was something that would make a positive mark on the world. Even though that is a gargantuan task, I feel like I have the passion, inspiration, determination, support and connections (we are in Nigeria after all) to do it. Thank you for taking the time to recognize my work and help move me a little closer to my goal.
Teyin nitoto,
Titi
Titi,
I have just watched your video on YouTube and ended up on your blog.
I must really commend you for it takes passion and dedication to do what you are doing.
I am not sure if you are on facebook but there is a small ongoing group of freinds that tries to communicate on it by using “ijinle Yoruba” to disucss a variety of issues. It would be nice to have you onboard.
Nevertheless, I will enquire after you when next I am in Nigeria and I stop in Ibadan on my way to Gbongan to see my father.
My very best wishes and keep it up.
Kunle
Hello Titi,
I admire you. Wow I wish I would have the language talent as you have in yoruba. I have been with a Yoruba man for nearly 6 years, tried studying the language but it´s difficult here in Finland with just some books and cd´s. We cannot study the language at the University. Perhaps one day I could learn it when actually being in Nigeria, so people say. Though I am around Nigerians a lot so I have learnt their cultures and ways, really like it, therefore would also want to master the language.
Any advice for me?
I will surely be reading your blog. This really inspired me..I´m thinking if you can so can I, I hope!
Hello Titilayo,
Inu mi dun pupo lati gbo bi o se nso yoruba daradara, i came across your video through a friend on facebook and i decided to check your blog. I must tell you that I was stunned in hearing how fluent you are in my native language and I now promised to continue teaching my kids how to speak yoruba language. I spent my youthful days in Nigeria and now living with my family in United Kingdom but you couldn’t believe that my kids cann’t even say a sentence in Yoruba. Thank you for the insight and courage you have given me.
Olorun a wo e fun wa oo. U are so precious darling!
Hello Cara ( Titilayo)..:),
I am a Nigerian currently studying and living in Finland. Quite wonderful seeing you doing this thing. You spoke quite well..impeccable in terms of grammar and vocabularies..I am ashamed of myself..can’t speak that much. I try to learn Finnish and I bet it damn too difficult. Yoruba can be relatively easier and logical in structure..you took this to the next level. I have a good idea, I couldn’t get your personal contact. How about featuring in some yoruba, home videos?..I bet you, you gonna have more fans, wealth and fame doing this. I guess you have my email id on your form..I don’t wanna drop it here. It will be appreciated to here from you and we can figure this out…are u on fb? Care to add you also, you are “omo Iya mi”. You have not read yoruba for fun…a great deal of good tidings comes with it believe me…cheers;)…Ade
This is simply amazing!!!
http://www.YorubaForKidsAbroad.com
O ka re lai!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omo daadaa.
Congrates!!I think!!. i can’t even use the tone marks..i never learnt it.just found it too difficult. but u r doing amazingly well. Am in South Africa & i try to speak yoruba as much as possible, though pple still say my yoruba is bad. but i guess that shows u how if we are not carefull our language will slowly wane.
I love to hear news from nigeria from a different perspective.pls keep it going.
Hi Titilayo, I hv watched some of your video on Youtube and Facebook. I find it strange and at the same time amusing that you studing Yoruba, and your vocabularies are just too deep, that most of us born and bred in Yoruba land can’t even speak that much without mixing it with English.
I see it has a path to destiny and I pray that your dreams with come through, I see you becoming a sort-after journalist and a celebrity one also (if you don’t mind) because you will be able to relate better and report on grass-root issues.
Keep it up and God bless
Titi,
I saw you video this morning and i am impressed with you.
I am proud of Ibadan as my fatherland and will always like to associate my self with it. I am sure you are son of d soil
ka bo, titilayo titi ni dunu mi.
Olugabs
Titilayo,
Inu mi dun gidigidi wipe iwo ati awon egbe re lati ile eko giga ti UW mu ohun otun wa si aarin awa Yoruba. Ti eniyan ba gun esin ni inu mi, ko le kose rara.
O dun mi wipe ilu London ni wo wa lowo bayi, nko ba wa ki iwo ati awon yoku ni ilu Ibadan.
Inu mi dun fun ise nla ti iwo ati awon elegbe re nse. E ku ise takuntakun na, Oluwa yoo fun yin ni okun ati agbara lati ma tesiwaju ninu eko yin ni Ile eko giga ti Ilu Ibadan.
Niyin ni mo duro na, ire o.
WOW!!! At first I saw the video on facebook and couldn’t believe what I was seeing!! I watched it on my phone and was amazed at the fact that someone had adapted my culture to the point where they speak Yoruba better than ME!! I then got on the computer and watched it on Youtube in astonishment! You have def taught people like myself that they should be proud of their roots, and learn more about the origins so they too can speak the dialect as well as you do. Keep up the good work and I would love to feature you on my blog soon!!! Check it out when you get a chance!! http://www.thecraveonline.com
From one Yoruba sista to another…
Ok, I know everyone is trying to get a piece of you, but I refuse to join them. I am currently in Connecticut USA but I grew up in Ibadan and i know a great deal of people out there. Let me know if you need ANYTHING out there. And good luck to you, I’m amazed!!!!
Talk about taking a road less travelled. The good thing about taking a road less travelled is that you are first at picking wealth/success. I can see how enriched your life has been made by taking this less travelled road. Africa is a frontier full of many enriching and fascinating experiences ….largely ignored for decades (unless for exploitable means). I’m humbled and proud to see people from western culture embrace African culture with a nobler purpose such as yours (I think…unless you are CIA or Mossad…LOL). Anyway, more grease to your elbow. YOU ROCK!
Honestly, I am dumb founded, in awe, and totally speechless. I’m very proud of you to embrace an African culture and the fact that you chose my culture, Yoruba makes you even more AMAZING and an Inspiration to anyone around the world. What I learned from you YouTube video and blog posts is that any and absolute everything is possible with DETERMINATION. I have been sharing your video and blog with almost everyone. 🙂 Btw, I requested you on Facebook. If you are ever in California, we need to chill. Love to hear your experience in Nigeria…(gosh, I miss that place)…and yes, of course I follow your blog.
Titilayo,
Mo gba fun e,omo ni e,o yaa yi,o gba mu se!!Wahala ti a ko ra wa si ni Nigeria lo ri yen o,nu ilu oyinbo ti a ngbe gan an,awon dudu o fe ki omo won so yoruba,ki won le ni ”Accent”,ti eyan ba gbiyanju lati so yoruba si omo elo miran ni ilu oyinbo,won a so fun e pe ah,won kin so yoruba s’omo ni lu yi jare!! Oruko ti mo maa npe won ni a de ilu oyinbo dere,omo ale,won ti gbagbe ibi ti won ti san wa,inu mi si maa ndun ni pa wipe awon oyinbo mo raa won,o so accent ju bee lo,won da ara won mo. Sio!!osi o daa nle pako,Olorun a yi gbogbo wa l’okan pada.
O seun o jare,mo fe lo wa oorun sun wa yi…..
like the other people on here , i saw your video on facebook and it took me here. learning a different language isnt anything special but learning the Yoruba language is one of the most difficult things to do and most of us Yorubas can even speak it the way its supposed to be soken. you have done fantastically well and it makes people like us even strive harder to be better at our crafts and learn other languages. more power to you and your friends and i will surely be back here to catch up on your progress.
regards
Adesope
I’m so jealous!!! Please teach me!
Titilayo,
You are such a wonder! I stumbled on your video on facebook and could hardly believe what I saw or heard.I had to invite my colleagues to see ‘this miracle’ …. and guess what? the entire department stood still watching you with great astonishment .
I’m amazed at your passion,your determination and even the excitement you display about learning Yoruba language.
I wish you the very best in your career.keep up the good work!
I am very impressed.. Even though i am a Nigerian, i have not had the opportunity to explore and learn about it as much as you have..I really love your posts and i accessed this blog via face book. Keep up the good work and i guess i m going to learn a lot from you. Ku igbiyanju.. Olorun a fun e se o.
Wow Titi i’m so impressed with your verse knowledge of nigeria. The most interesting thing is the way you have really tried getting the acsent. If i close my eyes and you speak i know you are a Yoruba woman. I also read about you on this site and wish you well in all your endeavours. Ooku ishe rere naa
I stumbled on to your latest video on facebook and my curiosity tracked you to this blog. After the first page, I just had to subscribe.
I’m a Nigerian currently living in Canada and I have to say that your knowledge of Nigeria is insane. Its impressive how you’ve not only immersed but absorbed so much of the culture. Now all you got to do is learn pidgin (I lived in Warri which has the best pidgin around) and maybe try to tackle igbo as well (just so you know, we have 36 letters).
Anyway, I’m adding this to my list of daily reads and I don’t think its too far fetched if I say this should make a really nice novel one day.
P.S. I beg to differ on your opinion of evaporated milk. I have to drink 2% milk here just to get a little thickness and I might as well just use water instead of skimmed milk cuz I don’t taste the difference loll
Impressive Miss. I’m not from Nigeria, but am really impressed when a non-Bantu can Master the deep intonation of a Bantu language. You were definitely Cameroonian in your previous life…
You have made my day today, and inspired me to speak more and more of my native tongue, so that I could give my Chicago born son a little from the motherland…
Kudos Cara…
Titilayo, I am so impressed with your honesty and your sincerity. I hope this experience turns out to be all you wanted and much more.
O ka re!
saw your video, very impressed. Makes me miss home, but prob won’t b going home n e time soon, & even if I did I’d be in Lagos.
I’m sure you’ve been checking out Naija movies & music (both a must!). If u have n e ?s feel free to inquire, although it seems u r well immersed in the culture & could even teach me a thing or 2
Bawoni?
Just signed up, been previously keeping up with your story by watching your videos on YouTube. Very interesting stuff lol…I think it’s cool that you’re studying at my alma mater the University of Ibadan…I shed a tear everytime I see it on YouTube. U.I. holds a lot of great memories for me.
I wanted to know if you are also on Twitter? Keep on sista.
(Yes…I spelt ‘sista’ with an ‘a’ at the end lol)
Kore.
Ku ise!!!
I guess i should cover my face in shame; i am Yoruba and can speak Yoruba (well Yoruba-English). From your blog and youtube channel I know you know your command of spoken Yoruba is the boom, but I am even more in awe of your writing and reading skills….. I may be able to fake some phrases in Yoruba (thank God things are spelt as the sound) but I can’t read it to save my life!!!!
Ku ise!!!
I guess i should cover my face in shame; i am Yoruba and can speak Yoruba (well Yoruba-English). From your blog and youtube channel I know you know your command of spoken Yoruba is the boom, but I am even more in awe of your writing and reading skills….. I may be able to fake some phrases in Yoruba (thank God things are spelt as the sound) but I can’t read it to save my life!!!! 😦
Hi Cara!
Your video is awesome, as I feel like you’ve been told many times! Congrats on your success with the language! I think that what you’ve done is amazing, and the bravery you had in picking such an uncommon language in the states is awesome.
You’re about to be famous in the Nigerian-American circles!
Hi Cara,
I was passed along your youtube video, and immediately wanted to contact you 🙂 I’m so impressed with your Yoruba vocabulary and accent. I’ve been “teaching” myself Yoruba for about 2 years now, very informally. Additionally, this year I began my doctoral studies in African Studies, and a requirement of my degree is an African language. I will of course be studying Yoruba. A professor of mine recommened Wisconsin’s intensive summer program, but I’ve applied to the UFL in hopes I receive a scholarship to study in Ife. I don’t have undergrad experience like you, but I’m hoping to develop my skills to your level as soon as I can. Any advice? You’re an inspiration lady! I’ll be following your blog!
O se gan,
Alexis
Hi Cara!
Your video is awesome, as I feel like you’ve been told many times! Congrats on your success with the language! I think that what you’ve done is amazing, and the bravery you had in picking such an uncommon language in the states is awesome.
You’re about to be famous in the Nigerian-American circles!
Hello Cara,
I just watched your youtube video and I am very proud of you! I am a Nigerian from the Yoruba tribe and I am based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which is very close to Madison.
I still cannot stand the frigid winters and I am jealous of the weather in Ibadan.
It is very nice to see an American show so much excitement learning the Yoruba language 🙂 So how are you coping with Nepa problems?
Ekun Ishe
Regards,
Wale
Hey again- Was accepted into Intensive Yoruba program. I’ll be in Ife from mid June to mid Aug. Any recommendations on what to bring for an 8 week stay? Books that were helpful for learning Yoruba, etc?
Thanks!
wow that is very interesting!! eku ise omo dada 🙂
Ore
sooo cool! i am excited about your blog!! eku ise omo dada 🙂
Ore
Ba wo ni o! Se dada ni o? I came across your blog because a friend posted a video of you speaking Yoruba. I was so impressed and had to come check out your blog. I’m from Nigeria but moved to the states almost 10 years ago and looking through your pictures, made me so happy and homesick at the same time. I also study Yoruba as a language in university- I thought it’ll be an easy A =) Like you mentioned, most youths mix Yoruba and English, but my professor is so TRADITIONAL! So regardless I’m still learning a lot and loving it so far. I just want to wish you good luck and hope you continue to have fun in Nigeria!
Ayo ni o! Ire o!
Thoroughly impressed in fact God bless you! xx
I love this. Incredible. I can’t even remember when i last speak some words you mentioned in your videos. Ijinle Yoruba. I just speak the yoruba mixed with english even thou i am a pure yoruba. Cheers.
I am particularly impressed with your command of Yoruba language. Every Yoruba-born Nigerian is proud of you. You will be an example of an omoluabi when you return back home. You will also help many who have thrown away their cultural background retrace their footsteps.
You are always welcome in Lagos too yoou know. Would to see you go shopping at Idumota and other popular markets too. lol.
Once again, I wish you a successful career pursuit.
I just stumbled on your blog today, infact am so impressed. I am proud come from Yorubaland and one thing i will always appreciate is that my dad made it compulsory for us while growing to speak the language. Am so proud of you n I pray God will continually support you in all you do. Stay blessed
Bawo ni Titilayo,
Inu mi dun lati ri ara okere to on gbe ede yoruba laruge. ku ise, wa mu ere oko dele.
Im sure many people have already said it but this really amazes me and I’m lost for words.
You are a great example to every single Nigerian person who doesn’t speak their native tongue whether it is Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa etc.
So many questions to ask you! How much Yoruba did you learn in America? How long did it take to you were fluent? I ask because I want to learn myself, but it wont work staying here and trying to learn from my parents. I would just take time from school and live with family who live in the village where no one speaks English. How hard was it to read and write in Yoruba as well?
Your an inspiration to many of us all. This just makes me proud to be Nigerian. God bless you!
Ok im just gonna put it simple… MARRY ME? lol
but really, well done and keep up the good work, nice to see someone do something different for a change. Best of luck.
Iyawo Mi.
P.S my Yoruba writing sucks!!
Bawoni Titilayo,
Inu mi dun fun nkan ti oun se nipa ede Yoruba. O ti gbi yan ju to po daada. Emi gan fun ara mi ti mo je omo ile Yoruba ko le so ijinle Yoruba ti oun so.
Ede Yoruba ko rorun rara, paapa to ba je pe ijinle loun so. Amo sa, o ti yege ninu ede Yoruba ti ti e. Nkan to ma so ni pe o ku ise. To ba ya, wa yege ninu nkan to fe fi eko re se.
O ti di Irawo toun tan mo le.
Speechless! Omo lu a bi! Ku ise…
E se gan an ni 🙂
Titi Bawoni,
Its pleasant coming across your blog cause i cannot forget meeting you in person, you simply blew my mind away.
You were at my engagement in Ibadan on the 3rd of January…and when i first say you taking pictures, i was like is the CIA or FBI at my engagement cause i did not hire a photographer from New York…lol, then you walked up to me and said eku ori re and my jaws dropped. I was quite impressed with your Yoruba cause it was deep and while i was responding to your comments in English you stuck to speaking Yoruba!! its good to see how well you have improved cause its fluent now and i can see you are more confident with speaking from your last video.
I am back in New york now and will be glad if you could share some of the pictures you took with me. if you still have them. Enjoy your time in UI. ki e de ba wa ki gbogbo ara ile o. Odabo aburo mi owon
Hello Titi,
I am blown away to read about your experiences at the University of Ibadan. I grew up in Ibadan and attended the University of Ibadan (graduated in 2007). I am most impressed that you were not dissuaded by all the horror stories about Nigeria, but chose to follow your dreams. I am happy that you have thought it a worthwhile experience so far.
Above all, I really just want you to know that have inspired me today!
Hi Titi,
And what a beautiful name that you chose. OK, I am biased because Titilayo is also the name of my one and only sister.
This is really impressive stuff that you are doing in Nigeria. And the way you speak and even write Yoruba is just absolutely amazing!
There are so many Yorubas (especially those living abroad) who wouldn’t be able to speak fluently as you do.
Your journalistic skills are also remarkable.
You can easily become the West African correspondent for BBC, CNN, CBS or Fox News after your studies.
I actually hope that Nigerian Journalists can learn a thing or two from you about how to write reports comprehensively.
You are a star!
Hello Titi!
I am currently a student in second semester Yoruba here at Wisconsin. I love reading your blog posts! They are truly inspiring and very interesting. You seem to have been fluent before you even arrived! It is too bad they have stopped the Yoruba Flagship program as I really want to go in the future! Keep up the good posts!
Odabo,
Devin/Olusegun
PS: Any studying for Yoruba tips?? What did you often do when you studied?
I just stumbled on your blog and it makes interesting reading.
Quite refreshing to read something positive about Nigeria for once.
I’ve popped you on my blog roll so I’ll be checking your future posts.
Titi,
Thank you for this wonderful work. You’ve made me so proud I had to recommend your blog to my foreign friends in Cambridge.
I am a Nigerian who takes pride in my country anywhere and at any time. I have demonstrated this even with the few opportunities I had to speak about Nigeria to people in Cambridge.
I had my Bsc, Msc, and eventually became part of the academic in Ibadan before I left for the University of Cambridge. I am a great lover of my culture, a good yoruba poet and I take pride in this even in the UK. I should be in Nigeria next year for my field work, I hope to meet you then. I believe you have my details, I wouldn’t mind to get yours as well. O Ku ‘gbi’yanju! Layo l’a o rira wa o. Cheers!
Hello Titi,
Not sure you got my last post. Please could you mail me? There’s a Christmas event in Lagos I would like you to attend.
Hi Titi,please could you contact me? I have an event which I would like you to be present at (guess you can see my email?) Thanks.
Hello Titi,
Welcome to our land, our university and our city. Ibadan is a wonderful place to live, as I found out whilst a UI student from 1985 to 1991. It is less cosmopolitan than Lagos but still quite urbanised and you’re far more likely to meet people who speak pure Yoruba.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Ibadan and if you can, do visit the Yoruba hinterland- places like Oyo, Ogbomosho, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Abeokuta and Ijebu-igbo. The Yorubas are quite a heterogenous ethnic group and there are not-so-subtle differences in language and culture between the Oyos, Ijeshas, Ijebus, Remos, Egbas etc.
Best wishes and warm regards.
I am soo impressed, discovered your blog on facebook…..really nice, would love to meet you someday.
Hello Titilayo!!!
I learned about you on this online community: http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-552546.0.html
I am greatly impressed with what you are doing.
I believe we are very similar. I also studied journalism (Northwestern University). I just returned from reporting in Kenya this summer. Check out my blog: http://chikainkenya.wordpress.com I think you may like it.
Let’s keep in touch. My goal is also to live in Africa as a TV news reporter.
Take care!
Hi Titi – Given the many options out there, your interest in learning the language and culture of the yoruba people is quite impressive. I can tell you are so far gone in your studies that nothing I can tell you about this culturally dexterous people will be new.
Wikipedia defines the Yorubas, their peculiarities, culture, language, way of life etc in as much details as could be theoretically established without actually experiencing the culture. You have gone the extra step of leaving the comfort of madison WI for a year of cultural immersion in Western Nigeria – Ibadan.
See this link for some previous work on the yorubas. http://www.jstor.org/pss/1156429
There is something about the city of Ibadan, and by the way, I am envious and wish we can trade places right this moment. Sure you would have noticed that most of the comments here are from people who grew up in that sleepy town. Personally, Ibadan is the only place in the world where a natural calmness descends upon me the minute I drive into challenge. I guess same goes for most of us who grew up there. IB for life as we often said and we prided ourselves as having been raised in one of the few cities where good moral values have been preserved and passed on across generations.
With all our societal and moral values in place, I can also proudly tell you that Ibadan can be a fun city like any other in the world, we are very socially active people when the sun goes down so take a trip to Tin-Tin at Agbowo for a night enjoying the local band usually playing on weekend nights.
We are pleased to offer you free internet service for the rest of your time in Ibadan so that the blog keeps coming and more importantly to facilitate your studies and keep in contact with friends and family back home.
Please email me at dbassir@ofserv.com or call at + 1 832 329 8355. (Rgds) Dime
titilayo
happy to read about you.got to know about you through kola tubosun blog “KTRAVULA” keep the good work on.i presently live in ibadan.hope i ll come around one of these days,if you wont mind.there would be oppurtunities to learn from one another.
e je ki a mon akoko ti e ba ti pada de lati orileede Ghana .ALLAFIA!
bawo ni Titilayo,
inu mi dun pupo lati ri blog re. o ya mi lenu lopolopo nigba ti mo koko rii. sugbon o ti mo mi lara lehin bi iseju melo kan.
ibadan ni mo dagba si, mo si kawe ni ile eko University ilu Ibadan. a ti ri orisirisi Oyinbo to ti wa ko eko nibe.
maa fe ki o fun mi ni adresi re kin le ba e soro. temi wa ninu leta yi. titi di igba ti ma gbo lati odo re, ire o!
nice one nice
Aburo mi,
A da fun e jare! Looking forward to your work in the future as a journalist in Africa! I’m absolutely certain that you would do great!
You re a rarity. I m honoured.
This is so impressive, i stumbled across your video on youtube via facebook and it seems like lots of nigerians i know are talking about it. you are amazing and inspiring. certainly setting some milestones. i’m going to nigeria in about a week to visit, and your videos and blog has got me more excited. keep up the good work, and don’t mind those boys, lol. i’ll continue to follow you..
Hi Titi,
I was blown away by your enthusiasm and desire to learn Yoruba and immerse yourself in the culture!
I am so impressed that i have subscribed to your blog and I intend to keep up with you adventures in Ibadan. Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Ola
Hi Titilayo,
I am so impressed. geez! thats a woman from America speaking my language like its her first when some ladies born into Yoruba families here have even considered it inferior. I will forever bear and hoist the Yoruba flag…much love…xxx
O kare lai omo to yaayi. Olohun o nife e.
PS:
Titilayomi,
Wow…I am not gonna blow grammar here..
Ni to ri wipe O je ki nmo pataki asa ati ede yoruba..
O kare omo dada…
Mo n ngbe ni ilu america..Mo ni MBA and mo nwa bi mo sele di oluko ede yoruba ni ilu america..mo fe se ele yi ni egbe kan ni ekankan.
Je nki mo oun ti mo le se.
Mo fe so fun e pe…O kare gan…
O dabo
Yemi,
E se jare. Inu mi dun lati ri awile yìí. Mo nireti pe e n gbadun ilu Amerika. Se otutu ko po ju? Bi e ba fe di oluko ede yoruba ni Amerika, o maa rorun ju lati ye awon Yunifasiti wo to maa ko ede Yoruba. Ile iwe alakobeere to maa n ko ede yoruba kò wopo. E le se iwadii pelu Antonia Schleicher ni University of Wisconsin. Won ni oga ede Yoruba nibe. E ku ise gidi!
Emi ni,
Titi
O.M.G !!! You are BEYOND RANDOM lol. From Wisconsin and it’s saliva-freezing weather all the way to Lagos. Impressed with your accomplishments to date. So many questions to ask lol like how many times did you parents try to have you committed for wanting to learn the language/move to Africa ? How are you able to handle the high pepper content in most of our food ? I mean this is such a wild story. I couldn’t make it up. You should be profiled on CNN or something. Definitely my fav blog. Will recruit more followers when I get back to Florida.
Hi Cara, you video post on You tube led me to your blog. I’m really impressed with you! Reading about your trip to the burial struck chords in me, having left Nigeria for close to two years. You make me feel like going back right away… Anyways, have fun in Ibadan and enjoy the Indomie too whenever you need a fast meal.
Cheers!
Adeyemi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. The funeral struck chords with me too, that’s why I had to post about it. Knowing I inspired you to feel like coming back to Nigeria means a great deal to me. Thanks again for following and I will keep on enjoying the Indomie
Titi
How incredible it is to read through the comments here about your ability to speak Yoruba. It seems you have a natural gift for picking up language. What’s the next language you hope to learn? I wish the the best on your journey and will be following along!
Titi,
O kare ! Oga ni e !! O yayi !!!
Ojogbon re,
Akin
Titilayo I am so so Happy to hear that you speak yoruba … You speak it so well. I am so sorry to hear about the delay… But I know it is all for good. Ibadan is such a nice place to be I love it so much I almost went to school at the University of Ibadan. By the grace of God you would be able to go.. I pray the people in charge of your trip would change their mind… So you can enjoy the Rich culture and heritage of the Yorubas: the people, the food, the dressing, etc.
O ku ise O… O digba kan na
P.S. My mom commented on your video on Youtube using my user name TemiTope727… I introduced you to her. She is so happy to have heard your Yoruba. She would love to be of help to you if you need to know anything about the Yoruba culture.
All i can say is – impressive. Like one of the comments above, so many Nigerians who migrated to the states or born in the states to Nigerian parents can not speak as fluently as you do. My daughters stumbled across your video and you tube and were in awwweee. I forwarded the video to all my facebook friends and everyone is impressed and have nothing but encouraging words for you.
I too was saddened by the turn of events that led to the postponment of your trip. I sure hope the decision is reversed. I look forward to following your blog and learning of your experience in Nigeria.
Good luck and take care.
g.
hmmmmm Cara omo oyinbo,
mo ni igbagbo pe o ma le ka yoruba ti mo ko yi…o ya mi lenu pupo lati ri omo oyinbo ti o ni ife ede yoruba bi ti e,inu mi si dun gan lati gba o ni iyanju ati lati so fun e pe kosi ewu ni naija ati pe ilu ibadan ni ipinlese awon omo yoruba.
Gbo owun ti o ba fe mo ni o le ri ni ilu ibadan….Olorun a fun ni okun ati agbara.
Hi Cara,
i stumbled across your blog and i must say that am more thn impresssed how you have picked up the language,am a yoruba boy that went to the university here in Nigeria and i can confidently tell you that most of us still avoid studying Yoruba as a course because of its vastness,literature,culture..e.t.c….i tell you,that course is not easy and now seeing an ‘onyinbo” doing it just blows my mind..am sure u can read what i wrote above in yoruba and would be very pleased if UW can settle their fears about Nigeria because it’s completely safe here and we have our problems like any other country in the world….i would be very willing to help u out anytime you are in Nigeria,feel free to contact me if the need arises
o dabo o
Gbenga
Wow gbenga thank you for what you wrote to Titilayo (Cara) it is very encouraging. You made me proud to be a Nigerian… Thank You
Gbenga,
E se oo. Mo dupe fun aduroti yin. Emi naa nireti pe UW maa ri pe ko si ewu ni ilu Ibadan. Mo n gbadura pe won maa pinnu pe Yunifasiti ti Ibadan ni alaafia. Inu mi dun gege bi nnkan ti e so wi pe eyin maa yera asa Yoruba ati ede Yoruba kiko nitori pe o soro gan an ni. Emi naa ro pe ede Yoruba kiko soro sugbon o fun mi ni agbara lati gbo oro didun bayii lati enu omo Naijiriya. Eyi je idi pataki ti mo feran blogi yii. Mo le gbo afikun lati eniyan pupo to mo ede Yoruba. Mo maa fi email ranse si yin laipe nigba ti mo ba de si ilu Ibadan.
Emi ni omo Oyinbo teyin,
Titilayo
Arabirin Titilayo,
O ku ise, eyi ma dara pupopupo.
Keep it up. The Lord will strenghten and protect you.
Kayode.
Wow. first of all let me say I’m a Nigerian and I was dumbfounded when I listened to you speak Yoruba. You probably speak it better than I do. Your uniqueness is quite unique to put it lightly. I think you’ll do just fine and I’ll definitely follow your blog to see how you are coming along. Good luck.
E’ Ka’abo (hope i got that right).
Tim,
I have met so many Nigerians in Chicago (where I’m from) who tell me the same thing: “I’m a Yoruba and can’t speak a word of Yoruba!” It’s pretty amazing my University offers it. Im thrilled to be going to Nigeria eventually, since the trip has been put on hold for a while. Thank you so much for your kind words and I hope to see more comments from you in the future.
O dabo,
Titi
I can’t believe how amazing you have gotten at Yoruba! I love everything about your blog except your ten year plan. You can’t leave me and move to Africa!!
Miss you!!
Kristine
I know, it’s pretty crazy to hear me speak it, right?! I’ve come pretty far since last summer when you had to deal with me complaining about all the books I had to read and papers I had to write… thank you for putting up with me. I will never leave you, don’t worry, you should come with me.
I miss you sooo much! Can’t wait to see you pretty soon.
Cara
Hi Cara:
You may remember me as Justin’s buddy, Zak’s, mom. Danny sent me your blog and I am totally impressed! It’s fantastic!! It sounds like you are embarking on an exotic trip unlike anything else you’ve done before. You are bound to change in some interesting and unexpected ways. Enjoy the journey!
xo
Maddy Dychtwald
Maddy,
Are you kidding?! Of course I remember you. It’s been too long since our last Thanksgiving dinner, though. Your words bring a huge smile to my face. I feel so honored that you are so excited and supportive of what I’m doing. I hope you keep reading!
Love,
Cara
Dear Cara,
I am totally impressed with your Yoruba. As I listen to you and look at you on my computer, I feel like the whole thing is a little like a dream. There is my beautiful bright talented granddaughter talking to me in this strange language painting the story of her ensuing life, and it is like one of my theatrical
enterprises or a play that a producer friend is working on…….
except that you are the star, and all this is real !!!
I have learned a lot in one day. Watching your blog makes a huge perceptual difference to me. I have a whole different idea
of your trip, truly an adventure in every way. You gave me great lesson on the computer today. 🙂
Well, the blog is wonderful and I LOVE being able to see you.
Keep writing and so will I.
I love u,
Nonnie
awwwww
Cara,
I am a friend of your mom and Marvin. I am impressed with your
enthusiasm as well as your apparent command of Yoruba. I wish you a wonderful journey and look forward to reading about your experiences
Love Ceil
Ceil,
Thank you so much for the well wishes. It is posts like yours that help me stay motivated and focused on what I am taking on. I can’t wait to get to Nigeria so I can do more posts!
Take Care,
Cara
I got an idea to make a mobile application that can teach basic yoruba. So i wanted to know if you are interested in such a project.. cheers!!