If you move from place to place in certain parts of the world, like Nigeria, you would hear people speak different languages.
Apart from the generally recognized languages: English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. There are several other languages that people speak.
One thing I love so much about this language thing is that anybody can learn any language, whether it is their native language or not, provided they are ready to learn and have a good teacher to put them through.
Some people say certain languages are more difficult to learn than others, but for me, I think that depends on the individual learner.
But the fact that it is difficult for one person to learn doesn't mean it will be difficult for another.
Many people say my native language, Eggon, is difficult to understand and speak, but my mother proved them wrong; she got married to my father understanding nothing about my culture and language, but after spending some time, she became so good at it that she doesn't only speaks better than my father; she understands the culture better than almost everyone in our extended family.
I believe something, if you put your heart into learning, you will learn, it may take some time but you will hit mastery with time if you stick long enough.
Personally, I don't know how to speak my language, but I can understand certain things when someone speaks it with me.
If you ask me why I don't know how to speak, I will honestly tell you: nothing. I grew up in an environment where the majority of the inhabitants are my tribe; however, in my house, my father prefers to speak English and more Hausa.
Nevertheless, I won't place blame on him for my inability to master the language; it was my responsibility and not his.
Asking how easy it is for me to learn my language, I'll say it depends on how willing the person is. If you put your heart to it, you will learn; depending on how ready you are, it can be fast or slow.
For me to learn my language afresh is definitely going to take some time; it won't be easy. It will be like learning how to read and write afresh.
I know the struggles and the time it took me to learn how to read and write English. It was not child's play. To date, I don't understand certain Hausa words and how to read them.
Is it my own tribe that I am not too good at, that I will be able to master easily?
I bet not. I know if I put my heart into learning, I'll learn, but it will take time- maybe short, maybe long, but it will definitely take some time.
This prompt is a personal challenge for me to learn my language. I think I will give it time from now on; maybe it's going to be part of my next year's goal.
It's a shame for someone not to be good with his culture; no matter one's schedule or distance, even if they won't understand anything at all, at least understanding their language should not be something to negotiate.
N.b: All Images Were Generated Using ChatGPT