literature

NaijEnglish Names

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Literature Text

There is...
Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Sat...
Yes, all days of the week.
And though all are words that are taken from English
Few sound quite the same in Nigerian-speak

Like Patience and Grace, Gift and Harmony
These names are by turns stretched at length or made swift
And none can ignore, the abject hilarity
When letters are dropped or replaced tongue in cheek

As Feter and Faul, for Peter and Paul
Have made laughter rain for many a decade
No different from 'eren, or 'ahrold, or 'ope
A meddling with "Heich", some invariably make

To call into question, correct pronunciation
Is indeed to make a grievous mistake
For NaijEnglish names, are without exception
Unique in the way they are lacking of grace.
A light commentary on how English words are misused or mispronounced as names in Nigeria.
© 2013 - 2024 Mabogunje
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