Good morning my friends,
.
Today, we begin a series of discussions on ethnicity, dubbed "Ethnic Dialogue Submit


The primary objectives for the series are:
1. To provide a platform for nigerians on nairaland to open up on issues of;

(a). Ethnic identity - Origins/history, Pride, Dilution/De-Construction etc

(b). Inter-ethnic relations in Ghana - Fears, Prejudices, Biases etc

(c). Ethnic Politics - Politicization,Positive Mobilization, Misuse/Abuse, etc,

2. To foster inter-ethnic understanding, and hopefully at the end of the series, help build bridges among our many ethnic groups

Understandably,discussions revolving around ethnicity is a very touchy subject in nigeria. I would hope that as we begin the series, each contributor will be mindful of the objectives we have set for ourselves, and shall conduct him/herself according. The series will start with 'easy' topics, after which we'll ease into more difficult areas. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO CAREFULLY READ THE GROUND RULES BELOW, AND THE TOPIC FOR EACH SERIES: STICK BY THE RULES, AND STAY ON TOPIC

TOPIC. THANK YOU. NOW FOR TODAYS TOPIC...
PART I - ETHNIC IDENTITY

1

Which primary ethnic group do you belong to/identify with?


2
What is the primary language/dialect of this group?

3)
Does your ethnic identity matter to you as an individual?

4)How closely 'connected' are you with your ethnic identity? Are you proud of your ancestry

5)

Are you proud of your ancestry?


6) Do you think 'modernization'has 'diluted' your ethnic identity?

7) How do you think your ethnic identity has shaped you an individual e.g. in your attitude to life, family, work, spirituality?

I am sure you get the drift of what we want to focus on today. Now for the ground rules.


1. Please 'stay in your lane'. Today's topic is focusing on your ethnic identity, not that of other groups. You may make references to other groups only to the extent to which they have directly contributed to your identity.


2. You are allowed to respond to comments from any, and everybody. If you disagree on historical facts etc, by all means, argue about it, but decorously.


3. As much as you can, avoid using the word 'tribe'...that is if you can, but its not cast in stone.

4. Do not insult, denigrate, and/or question the intelligence of any participant, nor insult any group of people. Today, talk about YOUR ethnic group, not about others

ETHNIC IDENTITY
1) I primarily and secondarily identify with the Isoko Ethnic Nationality of Delta State Nigeria, In other words, I'm a full-blooded Isoko-

2)ETHNIC LANGUAGE: We speak the Isoko language with tiny tonal dialects variation between the North and South regions constituting the Isoko Nation.

3) It does matter to me a whole lot, but I play down the temptation of going chronically "ethnocentric" about it.


4)How closely 'connected: Very connected, coming from a home where the language is majorly 70% of the time the Lingua franca- still trying to discover more about my ethnicity though.

5)ETHNIC PRIDE: 100% - No Retreat, No Surrender


6) MODERNIZATION DILUTION: I feel strongly that the dynamism of cultures have greatly influenced my ethnic group-- to the extent that the Isoko Language is endangered to say the least. We have few thorough speakers of the language presently. The "Ukani" mentality gravely contributed to the stunt nature of the language influence.

7) SHAPING MY Spirituality- I'm very modern on that so far......