H-Factor

The DNA of Ancestors on Our Lips

Photo by Tope. A Asokere on Unsplash

It’s a subtle twist of the tongue, a barely noticeable flourish, and yet it carries centuries of heritage and identity. The "H-Factor," as it’s lovingly (and sometimes teasingly) called, is a phenomenon that Nigerians, particularly Yorubas, are all too familiar with. Whether you're born in Lagos or London, schooled in Ibadan or Iowa, the H-Factor has a way of creeping into your speech, like an ancestral echo reminding you of your roots.

You could be reciting Shakespeare or ordering at a café, but every now and then, you’ll catch yourself saying, “Happle” instead of “Apple,” or “Hand” instead of “And.” It’s not just a slip of the tongue—it’s the voice of history, culture, and ancestry subtly breaking through your carefully polished accent.

The Lingering Influence of Language

Language is fascinating, not just as a tool for communication but as a carrier of culture. The Yoruba language, like many others, has its own rhythm, tone, and rules. Unlike English, Yoruba doesn’t distinguish between aspirated and non-aspirated consonants (essentially, the presence or absence of a puff of air when pronouncing letters like "p," "k," or "t"). This is why, for many Yoruba speakers, adding an "H" to words in English can feel almost instinctive. It’s muscle memory built over generations of speaking a tonal, phonetically rich language.

But it’s deeper than that. The H-Factor isn’t just about phonetics—it’s about identity. It’s a reminder that even if you’ve never set foot in the village where your grandparents were born, even if you’ve lived abroad your entire life, your tongue carries the DNA of your ancestors. Their way of speaking, their worldview, and their essence have shaped you in ways you may not even realise.

The Comedy and the Critique

Of course, the H-Factor has become a source of humour and sometimes ridicule. Nigerian comedy is rife with skits where characters say things like “Hegg” instead of “Egg” or “Horange” instead of “Orange.” It’s light-hearted banter that many can relate to, but it also highlights a deeper issue: the way we view accents and language as markers of intelligence or sophistication.

Why is it that we find the H-Factor funny or even embarrassing? Is it because it deviates from the "Queen's English"? Is it because we’ve internalised the idea that fluency in English—and not just fluency but a certain type of English—equates to prestige? The H-Factor reminds us that language, in all its imperfections and quirks, is deeply personal and political. It challenges us to embrace our unique accents and linguistic fingerprints as badges of honour, not shame.

A Linguistic Heritage

The H-Factor isn’t something to “fix.” It’s a linguistic heritage, a subtle nod to where you come from, even if you’re continents away. It’s a reminder that language is fluid, alive, and deeply tied to who we are. For some, it’s a connection to the Yoruba mother tongue they no longer speak fluently. For others, it’s simply part of their Nigerian-ness, a cultural quirk they carry with them wherever they go.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s a sign that we’re not as far removed from our ancestors as we think. Despite the globalised world we live in, where accents are sanded down by YouTube tutorials and international schools, the H-Factor slips through, quietly asserting: “You are still one of us.”

Embrace the H

So, the next time someone teases you for saying “Hapartment” instead of “Apartment,” or “Hold” instead of “Old,” wear it with pride. The H-Factor is a piece of cultural art, a linguistic signature. It’s a nod to history, to identity, and to the beautiful complexity of being Nigerian.

Because, truly, what’s more remarkable than knowing that even in your voice—your very breath—you carry the echo of generations past?