Professor Tayo Ajayi, a linguist from Lagos State University (LASU), has called for closer cooperation between Brazilian and African scholars in linguistics and anthropology to advance the study of African heritage in Brazil. This is reported by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a partner of TV BRICS.

Delivering LASU’s 109th Inaugural Lecture, Ajayi highlighted the deep cultural and linguistic connections between Brazil and Africa, particularly through the Yoruba language, which holds a prominent place in Brazil’s Afro-religious and cultural traditions.

He suggested initiatives such as encouraging Afro-Brazilian practitioners and scholars to visit Nigeria to engage more directly with Yoruba language and culture. 

Ajayi proposed mutual academic exchange schemes, including Nigerian scholarships for Brazilian students and the deployment of Nigerian language teachers to Brazil. He noted that such collaboration would help preserve the authenticity of Yoruba as used in chants, songs, and oral traditions.

While Yoruba is not a primary language in Brazil, Ajayi stressed its specialised use in Afro-Brazilian religious practices. He pointed out that it remains the most visible and widely spoken African language in the country. 

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS