Word for the Travel Wise (02/20/06)

The folks who have so kindly allowed me to bounce back and forth from their homes here in Trinidad are any and everything, but ‘Trini to deh bone.’ In addition to the large East Indian and well, West Indian population here on the island there is a rather large community of Nigerians residing in Trinidad. Strangely enough I’m staying with a handful of them as opposed to my long time pen pal who is Trinidadian. That’s a story I’ll save for another time. Anyhow they have extended themselves so much as to make sure I have unlimited internet access to blog my heart and travel tales to the dear Gadling readers and have even contributed in making today’s word possible.

Today’s word is a Yoruba word used in Nigeria:

feran – like or love depending on use

English is the official language of Nigeria, which means any traveler should be able to converse and navigate their way from Lagos to Jigawa with ease. (Unless you don’t speak English.) The country’s three main languages include: Yoruba, Ibo (Igbo), and Hausa. Each of the three main languages are named after the people they belong to and carry several dialects within themselves. Motherland Nigeria has an incredible intro to the three languages, Nigerian slang and even a few examples of common Pidgin English spoken. Some audio samples are available as well.

Past Yoruba words: ikun