GRIOTS REPUBLIC - AN URBAN BLACK TRAVEL MAG - OCTOBER 2016

(Wind goddess) etc. These characters
are stored in the user’s Gallery section
where they can read about them
and even share with their families and
friends at the touch of a button.
Yoruba is one of the major languages in
Africa. Its biggest speakers reside in Nigeria,
the most populous black nation
on earth. Outside the continent, Yoruba
is also popular in countries like Brazil
where its traditions have lived through
generations of ancestors taken at the
height of the transatlantic slave trade.
The evidence of Yoruba’s richness and
influence can be seen in the Candomblé,
Santeria and Umbanda religions with
over 2 million worshippers worldwide.
Yoruba language is also closely related
to Lucumí, a dialect of Yoruba spoken
in Cuba.
Thus, the Yoruba101 app has gone beyond
appealing to just my niece and
Yoruba speakers in Africa. Rather, it’s
an interesting way to get started on the
language and culture for people who
are interested in learning about Africa’s
major cultures beyond the stereotypes.
Yoruba101 makes Yoruba language
learning fun and engaging for everyone.
Given the diversity of the language, the
app is available in English, Portuguese
and Spanish to cater to its wealth of
interested speakers across the world.
One of the highpoints of the app is how
well it’s helping to shape my mission
of promoting the beauty of Africa’s languages
amidst the threat of our preference
for colonial languages.
The connection it brings is one I’d love
to explore as it finds itself in the hands
of people worldwide. One of such experiences
was Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s
recent visit where he used the
app to learn a bit of Yoruba.
The app can be downloaded for free on
Google Play and Apple Store. Follow the
links below to download Yoruba101 for
free
• Yoruba101 for iPhone
• Yoruba101 for Android
• Yoruba101 for iPad