Story Notes

Whether you're a student, professional, teacher, entrepreneur, public speaker, or simply someone who loves language, this book will help you communicate with greater confidence while celebrating the uniqueness of your own voice.

Because the goal isn't to sound like someone else.

The goal is to be understood.

Speak well. Be understood. Be unforgettable.

Summary

Reverse Back Lo Seyin The English You Speak Deserves Better. Have you ever said "reverse back," "dash me," "go-slow," or "borrow me your pen" without realising those expressions sound unusual to many English speakers around the world? You're not alone. Across Nigeria and many parts of Africa, we have developed a rich, colourful way of speaking English that reflects our cultures, languages, and history. While these expressions are perfectly understood at home, some can cause confusion in international classrooms, workplaces, interviews, and conversations. Reverse Back Lo Seyin is not about abandoning your identity or pretending to sound British or American. It is about speaking English that is clear, confident, and understood wherever life takes you. With humour, memorable illustrations, real-life examples, pronunciation guides, and practical explanations, Feyisayo Odejide gently explores the expressions, pronunciations, and everyday language habits that many of us have never questioned. Inside you'll discover: • Common Nigerian expressions that surprise the rest of the English-speaking world. • Words almost everyone has been pronouncing incorrectly. • Why English behaves so strangely. • How words from French, Greek, and other languages found their way into English. • Simple techniques to improve pronunciation without changing your accent. • Fun language challenges, illustrations, and Speakwell Language Vaults that make learning unforgettable.

Genre: Humor

Author: FeyisayoOdejide

Status: Complete

Chapters: 49

Rating: 5.0 (1 review)

Age Rating: 13+

Copyright

Copyright

Reverse Back Lo Seyin

The English Language Through Nigerian Eyes... and Why the Whole World Should Care

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for brief quotations used in reviews, scholarly works, or other uses permitted under applicable copyright law.

This book is a work of non-fiction. It explores language, culture, communication, and pronunciation using examples drawn from everyday life. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, language is constantly evolving. Pronunciation, spelling, and usage may vary across countries, regions, dialects, and accepted varieties of English.

The views expressed in this book are those of the author and are intended for educational and informational purposes. The inclusion of examples from Nigerian English and other world Englishes is intended to celebrate linguistic diversity while promoting effective global communication.

First Edition

2026

Published by

Speakwell NG

Lagos, Nigeria

www.speakwell.com.ng

Author

Feyisayo Odejide

Cover Design

Hesed Ahava Creative Studio

Interior Design

Hesed Ahava Creative Studio

Editing

Feyisayo Odejide

Disclaimer

Although this book discusses language, pronunciation, and communication, it is not intended to prescribe a single “correct” accent. English is a global language with many recognised varieties. The objective of this book is to promote clarity, confidence, and effective communication while respecting the linguistic identity of every speaker.

Permissions

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www.speakwell.com.ng

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