NIGERIA: Lagos: Pidgin 101 - The many usage of Eh Hen / Aheh / Eheh / Eh eh

I kid you not, the short phrase consist of 5 or 4 alphabet is very much noticeable in Nigeria. You immediately feel intrigue about the unassuming phrase which is very much common in daily life.

So common that, I took it as part of the name of my blog. 

It's nothing unusual actually. My dad comes from the state of Johore in Malaysia, and yes, they have a short phrase which they add to almost every end of a sentence. The phrase 'ekk' (sounds like the -ack in black) is so synonymous that immediately Johore comes to mind, the origin of the speaker.

With aheh, eh-hen, eh eh, eheh...is very widely used here regardless where you come from. It transcends state, tribe hood and any label you have here....It solidly say 'Nigeria'. Out and loud. 

It was Madam, obviously forwarded this video from her friends in office... The comedian @JIDENSKY which you can follow in Fb clearly boils down to the multiple usage of the simple daily phrase.... enjoy!

Ahehhhhhh....

NIGERIA: FC WAMCO @RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island (09022016)

Once awhile, I got invited to some function organised by Madam's dept. I look forward to these sort of events...be it with or without food. In terms of food, I can handle the heat to certain level with unlimited supply of Chapman (a specialty drink famous in Nigeria, non-alcoholic). I love Nkwobi (cow legs in thick, bloody spicy sauce....it's an appetiser), jolly rice with efo riro ... Soya? Bring it on....Kilishi (dried meat cut thin with spices, chilies and laxative...hahahaha...no laxative, just kidding) from Abuja is great too! I am amazed at the amount of heat these Naijas can digest. A friend of mine, Maurice said.."diabetes? No...but stomach ulcer?...just waiting to happen.."

Enough food...but the main reason I enjoy because at least I can take pictures of friends and practise at the same time. For a newbie like me (I am)...taking pictures of my friends here is a challenge. You just don't snap on a speed light (flash light) and start to take pictures. I remembered an advice from a friend back in Malaysia..he said "once speed light comes to play, setting is VERY much different"... Anyway, with the guess arriving....and after I said Hi to the official photographer for the event, I began taking pictures of the event.

J.P (2nd from right) and Franklin (left)
with friends

Ugo on the right...

Aheh!?

This will be a short one...

Aheh? What is it?

It is something we noticed when we arrived here in Nigeria or rather Lagos.

Talking to the locals, we will be greeted with 'Aheh', 'Eheh' or one long 'Ehhh' (The 'e' sounds like 'air') at every end of the sentence we speak to them.

e.g: "At the supermarket, we need to buy some eggs" said Madam

and Aminat replies "Aheh.."

Like that, ok....aaaaand, you say.. Aheh

It seems like a confirmation, statement of understanding or it simply means.. OK or I hear you.

Not sure, it is just here in Lagos or in other states like Osun, Ondo, Oyo etc... or is it something only the Yorubas' said. Need to ask some friends about it.

 Anyway, I've decided to name the blog thus...Aheh. That's how we roll bebeh..

So now you know...