oruba is primarily spoken in Nigeria, where it is one of the country’s major languages. Nigeria is a West African country with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. Yoruba is predominantly spoken in the southwestern region of Nigeria, including states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kwara and Kogi states.
In addition to Nigeria, Yoruba is also spoken by smaller communities in neighboring countries such as:
- Benin: Yoruba is spoken by some communities in the central and southeastern parts of Benin.
- Togo: There are Yoruba-speaking communities in the southern part of Togo.
- Sierra Leone: Some descendants of Yoruba people, known as Aku, live in Sierra Leone and speak a form of Yoruba.
- Ghana: There are Yoruba-speaking communities, particularly among the descendants of Yoruba traders and settlers.
Furthermore, due to the diaspora resulting from the transatlantic slave trade, Yoruba has also influenced languages and cultures in the Americas, particularly in Brazil (where it has influenced the Afro-Brazilian religion CandomblĂ©), Cuba (in the practice of SanterĂa), and other parts of the Caribbean.
In these regions, while Yoruba may not be spoken as a daily language, its cultural and religious significance remains strong.
Share the Fun!