Some Cultural and Language Issues in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Campaign in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on the continent of Africa. However, while the continent has approximately 1000 distinct languages, Nigeria has approximately 25-50% of these languages. This situation portrays Nigeria as a culturally diverse and complex society. While some groups may be considered as one ethnic group because they speak the same language and engage in same economic activities, in the real sense of the matter, they may not be united because of differences in religions, political, settlement pattern and educational preferences. The influence of ethno cultural and language differences on sexually transmitted disease campaign cannot be underestimated. It is on the basis of this that attempt is made to examine some implications of cultural and language issues on the campaign against STD in Nigeria. This paper was able to establish the place of some cultural practices and linguistic differences in shaping STDs campaign in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the best way to address effectively the issue of STDs is for some Nigerians to do away with some cultural practices inhibiting effective STDs campaign and communicate STDs messages in local languages.

Keywords: Issues, Languages, Ethno Cultural, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)