For the past few weeks, in my attempts to closely follow up with the chaotic Nigerian 2023 election, I find myself unable to understand most TV hosts and broadcasters. I am a Nigerian American who still understands and speaks my Edo language at home with my children after 38 years in the US.
Am I the only person having this issue? One thing for sure is that Nigeria has entered a new era of “fake accents”.
The use of American and British accents by Nigerian TV hosts is no doubt having a negative psychological impact on many individuals, especially those who perceive it as a form of cultural imperialism or a rejection of their own culture and language.
The adoption of foreign accents in media and entertainment can create a perception that the only way to be successful or accepted is by conforming to Western standards of language and culture. This can lead to a sense of inferiority among those who do not speak with a “proper” accent or are not fluent in English, leading to a negative impact on their self-esteem and self-worth.
Furthermore, the use of foreign accents may perpetuate the idea that Nigerian accents are not good enough or not professional enough for mainstream media, reinforcing stereotypes and marginalizing those who speak with a Nigerian accent. It is obvious that the miss guided executives of these media outlets have accepted the racist doctrine of inferiority, thus they tend to hire and place broadcasters who can copy and sound like British or Americans. When people are expected to adopt a particular accent or language to fit into a certain profession or social setting, this can create a systemic disadvantage for those who do not naturally possess the accent or language.
It is important to recognize that accents are a natural part of human diversity and should be celebrated rather than denigrated. Overall, it is important for media professionals to recognize the impact of their language choices and to strive for a diverse representation of accents and cultures in their work. By embracing and celebrating Nigerian accents and cultures, we can promote a more inclusive and empowering media environment.
