Yoruba Proverbs as a Useful Resource in Heritage Language Acquisition

Abstract

Acquisition of Yoruba language and culture by heritage speakers is complicated and often requires multiple frameworks beyond instruction provided by trained teachers or planned classes in academic institutions. Such frameworks can utilize the existing motivation of parents of heritage Yoruba speakers to facilitate the Yoruba language and culture acquisition of their children. This paper examines literature on the importance of Yoruba proverbs and its capability to facilitate the teaching of Yoruba language and culture to heritage learners. In addition, as evident in the Ile-Ife study, proverbs instruction when situated within a strict pro-Yoruba family language policy and facilitated by parents tends to increase the competence of heritage learners and their excitement at continuing to learn Yoruba language. The paper further suggests steps for parents to take in using proverbs as a tool for the Yoruba heritage instruction of their children. The study concludes that Yoruba proverbs as tools for heritage language acquisition is part of the indigenous knowledge systems that are required for an optimal afrocentric education of heritage Yoruba language and culture learners.