Make Yorùbá Part of Your Daily Life

Embrace the Language, Live the Culture.

One of the best ways to learn a language quickly is to surround yourself with it as much as possible. Even if you don’t have a Yoruba-speaking community around you, there are still ways to integrate Yoruba into your everyday routine. Here are some practical ways to do that:

1. Label Objects in Your Home

Start by labeling common objects around your house in Yoruba. For example, you can put labels on items like “table” (tabili), “door” (ilékun), “book” (ìwé), etc. Every time you see these labels, you’ll reinforce your vocabulary without even thinking about it. You can even say the words out loud as you use the objects during the day.

2. Change Your Phone Language Settings

Try switching your phone or a few apps into Yoruba (even if just for a few days). This will expose you to common words and phrases, helping you associate them with everyday tasks. Seeing “Iṣẹ́” (Work) or “Ìpè wọlé” (Incoming call) regularly will make these phrases stick naturally.

3. Narrate Your Actions in Yoruba

While going about your daily activities, try to narrate what you’re doing in Yoruba. For example, while cooking you can say “Mò ń dáná” (I am cooking) or “Mo fẹ́ jeun” (I want to eat). Even if you can’t form full sentences yet, start with simple words or phrases. The more you get used to speaking the language, the more comfortable you’ll become.

4. Listen to Yoruba Content

Immerse yourself by listening to Yoruba music, podcasts, or watching Yoruba TV shows and movies. Even if you don’t understand everything, exposure to the sounds, rhythm, and natural flow of the language will help. You can focus on catching a few words or phrases each time you listen. Over time, this passive listening will build your comprehension. I assure you. 😉

5. Use Yoruba in Social Media

If you’re active on social media, try engaging with Yoruba content. Follow pages that post in Yoruba or even attempt to write a short comment or two in Yoruba. The more you interact with the language in informal settings, the more it will feel natural.

6. Keep a Yoruba Journal

Start a simple journal where you write a few sentences in Yoruba each day. Even if it’s just things like “Today is hot” (“Òní gbóná”) or “I’m tired” (“Mo rẹ̀wẹ̀sì”), writing in the language helps solidify grammar and vocabulary.

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By incorporating Yoruba into small, everyday activities, you’ll find that the language starts to feel less foreign and more natural to you. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper connection to the language and gain confidence in using it.