Community in Cross River State Forbids Men and Women from Speaking Same Language, Video Goes Viral

Community in Cross River State Forbids Men and Women from Speaking Same Language, Video Goes Viral

  • Ubang is a community in Cross River state, Nigeria, that has distinct languages for men and women
  • The community forbids men and women from speaking the language as everyone is expected to speak the language of his/her gender
  • In a trending video, an elder from the community gave more details about the culture of the Ubang people and why it is so

A viral video shows a community in Nigeria with separate languages for the males and females in the community.

The community identified as Ubang is located in Cross River state, Nigeria.

Men and women speaks different language, Ubang community
Men and women speak different languages. Photo Credit: BBC Africa
Source: Twitter

According to an elder, all children are expected to learn both languages before age 10.

From 10 years upwards, everyone is expected to speak only the language pertaining to his or her gender.

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In an interview by BBC Africa shared by Nigeria stories on Twitter, the elder revealed that any member of the community who speaks the language of another gender would be regarded and treated as 'abnormal' in the community.

Speaking on the reason behind the distinct languages, the elder said:

"Ubang people believe the language is a blessing. Adam and Eve, they were Ubang people.
"As God was creating this Earth as he wanted to, he said he wants to share two languages to each tribe, so he started with Ubang."

Nigerians share their thoughts about Ubang community

Doctor Flowz said:

"Cross River State in general is literally a home to uncountable tribes and languages. Only witness can tell. That place deserves to be nicked Tower of Babel."

Iwuoha Noel stated:

"So it'll be almost impossible for a visitor to learn the language. You have to learn 2 languages and figure out which is M or F."

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Angola Peter reacted:

"Cross river alone suppose to be independent country, because they have more different language more than accumulation of 10 different countries."

Adeniyi Lanre added:

"And some people want Nigeria to break. So in their mind they think doesn't know what is doing abi?"

See the tweet below:

Group reveals why local languages must be cherished

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that government at all levels have been urged to encourage the preservation of the people's local languages, dialects and native cultures by imposing bans on foreign cultural intrusions.

Legit.ng reports that the advice was given on Saturday, November 21, in Lagos during the public presentation of Fulfulde century educational books.

Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and chairman, Association of Fulani chiefs, southwest, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, described language as an important part of any society since it enables people to communicate and express themselves.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ankrah Shalom avatar

Ankrah Shalom (Human-Interest editor) Shalom Ankrah is a journalist and a Human Interest Editor at Legit.ng with over three years of experience. She has a degree in Mass communication from Alex Ekwueme University. Shalom has worked with reputable news organizations including The Tide and GistReel. Email: ankrah.shalom@corp.legit.ng.