Nigerian actress and philanthropist, Tonto Dikeh, has sparked a conversation among her followers after urging Yoruba speakers to communicate in English during exchanges on Instagram. In a post that has since garnered widespread attention, Tonto called for a shift in how people engage in online conversations, especially in the comment sections of her posts.
The actress, who is known for her candid personality and engagement with fans, explained that while she appreciates the richness of the Yoruba language, using English in interactions would help reach a broader audience. She pointed out that social media platforms like Instagram have diverse users from different parts of the world, many of whom may not understand Yoruba, making it essential to use a common language for more inclusive and engaging conversations.
Tonto’s appeal, however, has sparked mixed reactions from her followers. Some of her fans supported her stance, agreeing that English would help bridge communication gaps and make interactions more accessible, especially for those not familiar with the Yoruba language. Others, however, felt that Tonto was undermining the cultural significance of Yoruba, a language spoken by millions in Nigeria and across the globe.
In her Instagram post, Tonto expressed her desire to foster a more inclusive and global community on her platform. She emphasized that her appeal was not to dismiss the importance of the Yoruba language but to create a space where people from different backgrounds could participate in conversations without language barriers.
While Tonto’s comments have raised questions about language and identity in the age of social media, they also highlight the growing debate over cultural preservation versus global accessibility in online spaces. As influencers like Tonto continue to expand their reach beyond Nigeria, the challenge of balancing local languages with global communication becomes increasingly important.
Tonto’s appeal to Yoruba speakers to switch to English in Instagram conversations has sparked a broader conversation about how social media platforms can foster inclusivity while still celebrating the diverse cultures and languages that make up their global user base.