Etymology as hope for Nigeria: How we can establish unity through anthropology of language, By ‘Tope Fasua

Etymology offers a pathway to unity for Nigeria, suggesting that understanding the origins of words can illuminate the deep historical interactions and mutual respect among the nation's ancestors. Author ‘Tope Fasua posits that this linguistic anthropology could bridge current divides, contrasting past interrelations with a present where communication gadgets abound but understanding falters.

Fasua draws parallels with the study of English, where etymology reveals influences from various European languages, akin to how the British Crown's ancestry connects to multiple nations. He believes a comprehensive, pan-Nigerian study of linguistic relationships, extending beyond localized analyses between specific kingdoms, could be profoundly beneficial, even economically. This approach mirrors how the British have charted their own interrelationships and histories.

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Etymology also tells an eloquent story about the history of a people, where they came from, who they related to, traded with, borrowed from or lent to.

Reflecting on a conversation at the African Economists Conference in Abidjan, Fasua noted a Ghanaian colleague's assertion that Ghana does not experience tribalism to the same extent as Nigeria. While acknowledging this might not be entirely accurate, he observed a lesser obsession with tribal exceptionalism in Ghana. He cited the example of President John Mahama, whose family includes both Christian and Muslim members, suggesting a greater degree of assimilation among Ghanaians compared to Nigerians.

The author first encountered etymology as a child playing Scrabble, a game he notes Nigeria excelled at internationally in 2025. He emphasizes that tracing word origins reveals not just linguistic history but also the story of a people, where they came from, their trade partners, and cultural exchanges. This deep dive into shared roots, he argues, is crucial for Nigeria's future.

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In Ghana they don’t believe in tribalism the way we do in Nigeria.