No Vernacular: Yorùbá Conversation Mixer

‘No Vernacular’ is essentially a Yorùbá conversation mixer designed by Yorùbáizm to bring together Yorùbá speakers of all levels! Those who are beginners, fluent, Yorùbá , non-Yorùbá, Nigerian or non-Nigerian are all welcome! It is one of the best ways to improve speaking and listening ability in Yorùbá in a relaxed, informal, judgement free setting.

Each session a different topic of conversation is chosen with activities and games planned by the Yorùbáizm coordinators. We will have facilitators/conversation leaders available during sessions to facilitate conversations and help guide and support conversations. The space is also intended to be somewhere to learn about Yorùbá culture, engage in meaningful discussion and meet new people at the same time.

The dictionary definition of ‘vernacular’ is the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region; usually one spoken as one's mother tongue; not learned or imposed as a second language. In the colonial era, languages like Yorùbá would be considered vernacular and there would be negative repercussions for speaking your mother tongue. In this space, English will be considered the ‘vernacular’ and we will be encouraging you to speak as much Yorùbá as possible… of course, within reason!

“Language is more than spoken words. It is the bedrock of any cultural and traditional society. Take away the language, and the core spirit of heritage and history is lost.” (Adebowale) The term ‘No Vernacular’ is reclaiming this, restoring confidence and pride in the Yorùbá language.

Come and join us for conversation, food, music and community <3