Yoruba is spoken by 30 million West Africans, in Nigeria as well as in Togo, Benin, and Sierra Leone. It is also spoken by millions in the Diaspora, in Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. Its importance has made it one of the most studied African languages.

Yoruba is the heritage language and culture of many African-Americans whose ancestors came to the Americas as slaves from Yoruba-speaking areas. Traditional Yoruba religion in Nigeria, and related New World religions such as Santeria and Candomble, are vibrant parts of contemporary communities in these regions.

Mr. Samson Adedapo, Yoruba Instructor in the Department of African American and African Studies, brings pride and passion to the teaching of his native Yoruba language. Columbus is home to an estimated 3000 Yoruba speakers who actively celebrate their cultural heritage.

The Owomoyela Yoruba Studies Fund in the Center for African Studies supports lectures, events, and research into Yoruba language and culture.

Two study abroad programs, Afro-Brazilian Culture and History, and Brazil Global May Program, expose students to Yoruba cultural influence in the Salvador region.

A growing number of courses at OSU explore the origins, literature, and other aspects of Yoruba culture, highlighting its significance in Nigeria and in the greater Atlantic World.

Elementary Yoruba Courses (1101, 1102, 1103) are offered through the Department of African American and African Studies.
No prior instruction in Yoruba is needed.

To learn more about Yoruba at OSU, contact: 
Samson Adedapo, Yoruba Instructor
486 University Hall
Seagraves.25@osu.edu
(614) 292-3700

To learn more about Yoruba language and culture, visit the National African Language Resource Center.

Want to see the printed flyer? Download it here: Why Yoruba Flyer [PDF].