Hello everyone,

I'm a Nigerian based in the UK. I am Igbo, but for the sake of the question I will specify; Delta state - Kwale specifically.

To my great shame I cannot speak the language. And I want to change that, I would ask my parents but, I want to surprise them which unfortunately means I cannot ask questions

So here I am. I would be really grateful if anyone can answer the following:

1) I understand that you have the overall Igbo 'tribe' and then smaller subgroups such as kwale. Do they have their own languages? I.e kwale has the kwale language or is it all just igbo?

Note: if this incorrect I apologise, please enlighten me as to the wider tribe make up. Thank you

Reasoning: finding resources for kwale will be hard (I'll still find a way )

2) assuming there are languages for each group, are these languages distinct or more so dialects? By this I don't mean small differences in words, but rather if two subgroups spoke with each other could they understand one another without issue?

3) assuming it's all igbo, does anyone have any resources they would recommend? And any tips for pronunciation please!

Thank you in advance and God bless you all.

You are in the UK! Some of us here in Nigeria don't even know how to speak our local language and have never visited out home towns

Most ethnic nationalities have sociocultural groups both at home and abroad that help promote the use of their language, culture and traditions in modern times. You can seek them out and they will organise lessons for you.

It is usually difficult to learn your local dialect in Old age. But it can be done.