Google Nigeria Now Offers Search for Hausa and Yoruba
By now, it’s almost clear to everyone that the world’s largest search engine, Google plans to rule the world. If you are not yet aware of that, perhaps Google’s newest search pages in Nigerian languages, Hausa and Yoruba should be a testimony.
Today, I just noticed something strange about the Google Nigeria page, and I was curious. That’s when I saw this phrase:
Google.com.ng offered in: Hausa, Yorùbá
At first, I thought it was a fluke, not because Google lacks translation skills, but because I was wondering what Google has to do with Hausa or Yoruba language. Not that I didn’t know that Google also offers search pages in Afrikaans, Sesotho, IsiZulu and IsiXhosa all South African languages.
I quickly ran a search for a Yoruba word (since that’s what I understand better), and was amazed at the results the new Google search page provided. You’ll also find that the term ‘Nigeria’ is Naìjírìà for Yoruba and Nijeriya for Hausa.
Nigeria has over 500 languages, and based on population, the Yoruba language records 18.8 million users, and Hausa records 18.5 million users, while Igbo language records 18 million, according to Wikipedia.
It would be interesting to see Google offering an Igbo language search page in the nearest future. Until then, we are happy that Google has recognised two local Nigerian languages for its search interests.
[...] Google Nigeria Now Offers Search for Hausa and Yoruba [...]
Now I can make it possible for Google to be offered in Igbo language. How can i reach google… This slight is becoming unbearable. To conduct as if Igbo is not a major language in Nigeria is bothering on sabotage.
Hi Jeff,
AFAIK, these 2 languages were done by volunteers. If you’re interested in contributing to Igbo, it’s simple - Google has a volunteer program known as “Google in Your Language”. http://www.google.com/transconsole
If you have any trouble, feel free to email me at denis.gikunda (at) gmail (dot) com
You write Hausa has only 18.5million while morethan 31.4% in Nigeria are Hausas also those that speak the language as a second language have reach 38.2% in Nigeria. even kano 98% Hausa state has a population over13million according estimate in 2008, then where are the rest of 8 hausa state gone? Anyway this isnt important but try your best always and find the Right figure, Wikipedia just edited by any one who have Account, even myself can edit and write my own wish it. i am not discouraging but encouraging you guys.
if you need help i can provide it for you based on what the ppl and the government has approved.
Is your 31.4 percent for Hausa or for Hausa and Fulani! Not to talk of the millions of northerners of smaller tribes who have lost their ethnic identities? Àbí what are you saying Hausa man? Àbí Kíni o n so?
If anybody can visit wikipedia as you have said,why can’t an Hausa person visit the site and make the correct editory work? Eh? Abi don’t Hausa people browse the net? Áàh?
And a third note: Hausa people and their language are only influential in northern Nigeria,not on the international scene.so if anybody tells me Yorùbá speakers are more i wouldn’t object…….or would anybody either? Yorùbá is a more prominent international force.
All i am saying is this, pls make it possible that IGDO language will be offered
as one of the major language in Nigeria.thanks.
this is calling on igbo scholars to see that igbo languadge is includede in gooolg just like hausa and yoruba ,because it is a major languadge in Nigeria. thanks.