Giving respect to the departed is an important part of Nigerian culture. When someone passes away, it is customary to express condolences and bid them farewell by saying “Rest in Peace.” In Nigerian society, different ethnic groups and regions have their unique languages and expressions. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “Rest in Peace” in Nigerian, including formal and informal ways. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the widely understood and accepted expressions. Let’s explore:
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
Formal expressions are commonly used in official settings, more traditional environments, or when addressing elders and respected members of society.
a. Yoruba:
“Bí Oòrùn Rẹ́,” meaning “May your soul find rest.” This expression is most commonly used in Yoruba-speaking regions, and it demonstrates a respectful and heartfelt way to bid a final farewell to someone’s departed soul.
b. Igbo:
“Ka Ọnwụ Ezigbo Mgbe,” meaning “May your death be peaceful.” This expression is widely used in Igbo-speaking regions to convey condolences and to wish eternal peace for the departed person’s soul.
c. Hausa:
“Idan Ka Yi Lafiya,” meaning “May you rest well.” This phrase is commonly used in Hausa-speaking regions and represents a formal way to express condolences on the passing of a loved one.
2. Informal Expressions:
Informal expressions are often used among friends, peers, or within contemporary settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.
a. Pidgin English:
“Make You Sidon Well,” meaning “Rest well.” This phrase is frequently used in the informal Nigerian Pidgin English, emphasizing the wish for the deceased person to find eternal peace and rest.
b. Yoruba:
“Ire Lọ́wọ́,” meaning “Goodness in return.” This informal expression in Yoruba language signifies wishing the departed person’s soul a peaceful afterlife and may also imply that they lived a good and impactful life.
c. Igbo:
“Ọdịnma N’ụjọ,” meaning “Rest in peace,” or “Nūnụ nwanne,” meaning “Sleep well, brother/sister.” These informal expressions in Igbo language are frequently used to bid farewell and show affection towards the deceased.
d. Hausa:
“Karyar Gajiya,” meaning “Rest in peace.” This informal expression, commonly used in Hausa language, extends the wish for eternal rest and tranquility to someone who has moved on from this world.
3. Tips and Examples:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:
- Respect: When offering condolences or bidding farewell, it’s essential to be respectful and considerate of cultural traditions and beliefs.
- Tone: Adapt your tone based on the context and the individuals you are addressing. In formal situations, maintain a serious and sympathetic tone, whereas, in informal scenarios, a warmer and more comforting tone may be appropriate.
- Gestures: Accompany the expressions with appropriate traditional gestures such as placing a hand on the heart or hugging someone to offer comfort and support.
Examples:
- Formal: At a funeral gathering, you might say, “Bí Oòrùn Rẹ́” while maintaining a solemn tone and joining others in showing respect for the departed.
- Informal: When offering condolences to a friend, you can use the Nigerian Pidgin English expression “Make You Sidon Well” in a comforting and sympathetic manner.
Remember, the key is to express sincere condolences, empathy, and the wish for eternal peace to the departed soul.
