Kenyan President William Ruto has sparked widespread backlash on social media after suggesting that Nigerians talking English are obscure and will require translation.
Addressing Kenyans residing in Italy on Monday, Ruto praised Kenya’s training system and contrasted it with what he described as challenges in understanding Nigerian speech.
He stated:
“If you happen to hearken to a Nigerian talking, you don’t know what they’re saying – you want a translator.”
He added that Kenya’s training system produced robust English proficiency, insisting that Kenyans spoke “among the finest English on the earth.”
“Our training is sweet. Our English is sweet. We communicate among the finest English on the earth.”
Ruto made the remarks whereas talking to the Kenyan diaspora in Italy, the place he was highlighting nationwide capability and human capital growth.
He additional stated:
“We now have among the finest human capital wherever on the earth. We simply have to sharpen it with extra coaching.”
The feedback instantly triggered outrage throughout social media platforms, with many customers accusing the Kenyan chief of being dismissive towards Nigerians and reinforcing divisive comparisons between African international locations.
Critics argued that English is formed in another way throughout African nations resulting from indigenous linguistic influences, noting that Nigerian English displays the nation’s huge linguistic range.
Nigeria, with tons of of indigenous languages, has developed a definite type of spoken English that comes with native rhythms, pronunciation patterns, and expressions.
Social media reactions described Ruto’s remarks as insensitive, with customers arguing that language variation shouldn’t be used as a measure of intelligence or nationwide worth.
Others referenced Nigeria’s cultural and literary contributions, pointing to its international recognition in arts and literature as proof of its linguistic depth and affect.
Some commentators urged the Kenyan president to prioritise home {economic} and social points moderately than making comparisons perceived as pointless or provocative.
Defenders of Ruto, nevertheless, stated the remarks have been taken out of context and have been meant in a light-hearted tone throughout his engagement with the diaspora.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Times Nigeria