RESPECT AND HIERARCHY IN YORUBA CULTURE

Yoruba Language

Yoruba is a language spoken by people of southwestern Nigeria. It is a culture that is also rich in traditional religions. Yoruba traditional religions comprise the literal worship of Òrìsà (gods) like Esu, Sango, Ogun, Obatala, Osun, and so on. Yoruba is known as one of the languages with honorific pronouns.

In Yorubaland it is expected of the younger ones to respect the elderly. Apart from the elderly, the Yorubas also respect dignitaries like kings, chiefs, owners, and so on. In an extended family setting, it is the duty of the wives to respect the in-laws, both the younger and older. 

Yoruba makes use of honorific pronouns for elderly ones and dignitaries as an emblem of honor. The translation of the honorific pronoun to the English language is the pronoun ‘they.’ In the English language, it connotes more than one person; it is a pronoun used for two or more people. These linguistic practices reinforce social order, transmit cultural values, and sustain intergenerational relationships. Although modern influences continue to reshape language use, respect remains a core principle of Yoruba family life, preserved and expressed through speech.

This is how respect and hierarchy work in the Yoruba language:

Use of Titles and Kinship Terms

Among the Yorubas, use of titles and kingship terms is usually highly regarded; calling people by their name without much respect is not tolerated, and it is usually regarded as being rude or disrespectful, unless those using it are within the same age range. For example, if someone who is like an aunt to you even though you are not related by blood gives birth, such a fellow hence addresses her by her child’s name—ìyà Àdùfé, ìyà ìbejì, and so on.

In the family settings as well, the younger ones are not allowed to call their older siblings by their name without adding ‘bòòdá’ (brother) or ‘àntí’ (aunt).
Also, when it comes to dignitaries like a chief, king, community head, etc., Yorubas address them strictly by their titles, which symbolize authority, honor, and social responsibility, whether they are younger or older. 

Greeting as a Form of Respect

Greetings are central to Yoruba culture and serve as daily reaffirmations of respect and hierarchy. Greetings vary depending on: Time of the day, social status of the addressee, events, etc. Greetings are part of Yoruba culture, and of course, language and culture are intertwined. It is expedient for the younger ones to greet the elderly one, not just with casual greetings but with actions put to greetings. What do I mean? Females are meant to kneel while the males are meant to prostrate while greeting; this sign actually is one of the typical ways of differentiating between Yoruba and other tribes. There was a day I greeted one of my mom’s friends, and I did not kneel down; despite the fact that I used honorific pronouns, it did not count, and she was mad at me. The greeting was flagged, and the main target was the action I did not include. 

The use of proverbs

Proverbs are commonly used in Yoruba family communication as a polite and indirect way of expressing correction or advice. Instead of direct confrontation, elders often use proverbs to guide younger ones, thereby preserving respect and avoiding conflict.

Proverbs are mostly used in adult settings. The adult believes that proverbs are the language of the elders. Once a child wants to use proverbs in a setting and an adult is there, it is the duty of such child to take permission from the elders before saying the proverbs. 

The family setting

In a Yoruba family setting, the father is the head of the home; all respect and accolades are to be given to him, and honorific words are to be given to him as well. If the father is not around, the mother will take over as the head of the home, and all respect and honor are to be ascribed to her. If the parents are not around, the firstborn will take over as the leader of the house; in such a context, the other younger siblings are to give maximum respect to the older siblings.

Cultural Significance of Respectful Language
Respectful language in the Yoruba culture is not merely about etiquette; a child who speaks respectfully in the society is seen as a reflection of the family’s moral standard and proper upbringing. Despite modern influences and language shifts, the continued emphasis on respectful language underscores its enduring role in preserving Yoruba identity, cultural continuity, and harmonious intergenerational relationships.

Conclusion
In conclusion, respect and hierarchy are deeply embedded in various aspects of the Yoruba culture, and are expressed through everyday speech, greetings, titles, gestures, and communicative norms. Language is not merely a tool for interaction but a powerful cultural mechanism for teaching values, maintaining order, and reinforcing social relationships. From the use of honorific pronouns and kinship terms to greeting rituals, proverbs, and clearly defined family roles, respectful language serves as a marker of good upbringing and moral discipline.