We mostly use the Hello in our daily lives but we don’t recognize how powerful this word is when you find yourself in a strange environment or land. When one finds him or herself in a strange land the only go-to word to use in order to be warmly welcomed in that society is “Hello”.
The word “Hello” makes individuals feel accepted and recognized, but of course, everyone does not want to be recognized in a space they find themselves in.
“Hello” serves as the only means of communication which serves as a gateway to many successful friendships, relationships, and businesses across the world, which implies that for every space across the world there exist human beings, and that particular space can not do without the word “Hello”.
Let me guide you through some of the common ways to say hello to a Nigerian person.
1. Kedu
Kedu is an informal greeting or saying hello to people that is mostly used by Igbo’s at any point in time. Kedu is transcribed as “How are you” or “How are things ?”. It is also mainly used to casually ask the well-being of individuals.
2. Bawo ni
If you happen to have found yourself among the Yoruba community “Bawo ni” is the most commonly used means of saying hello to someone or greeting someone. It is basically used from the morning to afternoon and used in both formal and informal situations. It is however not advisable to use Bawo ni to greet the elderly person.
3. Koyo
This type of greeting or saying hello to a Nigerian is used in Benin and the neighboring communities. Koyo which is also transcribed as “How are you” is mainly used in informal situations. And when one is unsure of how to greet or say hello to someone it is always appropriate to use “koyo” to save yourself from the stress of using the appropriate means of greeting.
4. Mesiere
The Efik/Ibibio people use “Mesiere” to say hello all the time. It’s a common, polite greeting exchanged by everyone. Some, nevertheless, believe that “Idem mfo?” and “Abadie” are more accurate translations.
5. Sannu
When you find yourself among the people from the northern part of Nigeria the commonly used greeting is Sannu and it is obviously used by the Hausas.
6. Agba
This is the way people say hello in Kogi state’s Igala language, which is widely spoken. Your reply to someone who says “Agba” is “Awa.”
7. Wáà súnà
This simple means Good morning, and it is used in the language of Kaningkom-Nindem which is spoken in Kaduna state.
8. Abole
“Abole” is translated as “How are you” which is a means of greeting by the Idoma in the Benue State.
9. Me Digwa
This is a standard greeting in the Isoko language, which is spoken in Delta State’s Ndokwa and Isoko local government areas. It sounds like “hello.” Me digwa is what you say, but you say “Re do” in return.
10. Shòù
This is the Izere greeting for “hi.” In the Plateau state, people speak Izere. Or you might say “Dàkàzha.”
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