The ‘English is my first language’ episode

03/04/2025 44 min

Listen "The ‘English is my first language’ episode"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, we explore a common yet frustrating experience for Nigerians abroad—the constant need to prove that we speak English fluently. Despite English being Nigeria’s official language, many of us still face surprise, skepticism, and even backhanded compliments like, “Wow, you’re so articulate!” We discuss accent discrimination, the awkward encounters at immigration, and the pressure to sound “more Western” in professional settings.Why do people assume all Africans speak “African”? Why is fluency in English still tied to race or geography? Through personal stories and laughter, we unpack these biases and what they reveal about global perceptions of Africa.Have you ever been told, “You speak so well,” as if it were unexpected? Share your experiences in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow us for more conversations on the Nigerian experience abroad.