Nkechy Ezeh: Slang and Cultural Expressions

/
Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:11 From Southern Nigeria to Michigan How the weather is different
2:09 wrap your head around to comprehend something that one considers challenging, confusing, or a foreign concept
2:31 in your face directly at or against one: as one approaches
3:58 pop in to go, come, or appear suddenly
5:30 Does racism exist in Nigeria? Nkechy explains the different stereotypes around her culture
7:08 accorded respect give or grant someone (respect, power, staus, or recognition)
7:30 intermediary a person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement or reconciliation; a mediator
9:35 Nkechy's parental recognition The honor of her parents and what she has learned from them
11:04 nudging prod (someone) gently, typically with one's elbow, in order to draw their attention to something. Coax or gently encourage (someone) to do something.
11:24 not afforded to not provide or supply (an opportunity or facility)
11:37 Inspiration for starting the ELNC ELNC (Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative) and why she wanted to start it
12:43 blustering in blowing in violent and abrupt bursts affected or characterized by storms or communication
14:10 challening the status quo challenging or changing existing social structure and values
14:50 gets on your nerve to be irritated; annoyed by something
14:57 fidgeting to make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience
15:03 gets in timeout time for rest or recreation away from one's usual work or time studies
15:13 not yourself not feel well
15:30 Children's brain development Children's brain development happens 90% before kindergarten
15:42 behind the 8-ball at a disadvantage
16:34 What she would like viewers to know Preschool does matter. Early childhood education does matter.
17:38 owe it to ourselves need to do something to protect one's own interests
/ /

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.