Modupe Olagunju, a UK-based Nigerian, is on a mission to preserve and promote the Yoruba language. She founded Àṣàlẹwà, a center dedicated to teaching Yoruba through distance learning. In an interview, she shares her insights and strategies for teaching Yoruba to students worldwide, including in Nigeria, the UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, and Switzerland.
The idea for Àṣàlẹwà came from Olagunju’s passion for preserving the Yoruba language and culture. She noticed that many younger people were losing touch with their heritage and that there was a lack of quality resources for learning Yoruba, especially online. This gap inspired her to create a platform where people could learn Yoruba from anywhere in the world in an engaging way.
Àṣàlẹwà was founded by Olagunju, who is supported by a team of passionate individuals. Each team member brings unique skills, including expertise in the Yoruba language, digital marketing, and cultural education.
Àṣàlẹwà offers a mix of online classes and interactive content to create an immersive learning experience. The lessons cover everything from basic vocabulary to advanced grammar, and they include cultural elements like Yoruba proverbs, songs, and traditions. Olagunju’s team works together to ensure the curriculum is engaging and effective. They also use social media and digital marketing to reach potential students and build a community around their mission.
Olagunju studied Literature in English at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and earned a Master’s in Education in the UK. Her background in literature helps her communicate effectively through storytelling, which brings the Yoruba language and culture to life for her students. Her education degree provides her with the tools to create lessons that are easy to understand and cater to different learning styles.
Àṣàlẹwà’s students are a diverse group. They include Yoruba people in the diaspora who want to reconnect with their roots, as well as non-Yoruba individuals interested in African languages and cultures. The center attracts students through targeted social media ads, word of mouth, and partnerships with cultural organizations.
Àṣàlẹwà offers more than just language lessons. Their classes provide a full cultural experience with live sessions from native speakers and access to a supportive community. They also offer e-books, quizzes, and practice sessions to help students learn outside of class. The approach combines language and culture, making learning Yoruba both educational and enriching.
Olagunju has been in the UK for some time, but Àṣàlẹwà is currently based in both the United States and Nigeria. Her experience in the UK has given her insights into the needs of the Yoruba diaspora, which helps her tailor her services to support Yoruba learners worldwide.
One challenge is the perception that Yoruba, like other indigenous languages, isn’t as important as more widely spoken languages. Àṣàlẹwà addresses this by highlighting how learning Yoruba can help people connect with their roots and appreciate African history. They also use social media to reach a wider audience and demonstrate the language’s beauty and relevance.
Àṣàlẹwà offers different levels of classes to match each learner’s ability. Beginners start with basic vocabulary and grammar, while advanced learners focus on more complex topics. The center also provides personalized feedback and extra resources for those who want to improve faster or focus on specific areas.
Olagunju advises new learners to start small and be patient. She acknowledges that learning a new language can be challenging but also very rewarding. Àṣàlẹwà’s platform is designed to make learning Yoruba fun and less intimidating, helping students feel supported every step of the way.
