By Osayande Osadolor
In an era where cultural identity is often negotiated through the prism of migration, language, and belonging, a new poetry collection titled Forked Accents boldly interrogates the unspoken struggle many immigrants face: the “accent crisis.”
Nigerian poet and author of the collection, in a deeply reflective interview, shares the emotional, cultural, and psychological terrain that inspired this groundbreaking body of work—and the conversations it hopes to spark.
The Birth of Forked Accents
Speaking candidly about the inspiration behind the collection, the author traces the genesis of Forked Accents to what he terms an “accent crisis”—the subtle, internalized pressure many Nigerians and immigrants experience to westernize their accents.
“Whether it’s mimicking Hollywood actors or adapting to the tones of expatriates, there’s often a quiet urge to distance oneself from the sound of home,” he explains. “It’s a subtly complex form of self-erasure, and one that hasn’t received nearly enough literary attention.”
It was immigration to the UK, however, that sharpened his perspective. Surrounded by fellow immigrants from diverse linguistic backgrounds, he observed the quiet compromises made in the pursuit of social acceptance. “It made me realise how closely linked accent is to cultural confidence,” he says.
The Anatomy of an “Accent Crisis”
The “accent crisis,” as articulated in Forked Accents, is hugely an internal reckoning—often invisible, but deeply impactful. For some, it begins with an inherited assumption: If English was given to us by the West, then surely we must sound like them to be accepted. For others, it’s about survival—minimizing misunderstandings and reducing perceived strangeness abroad.
“But all of it leads to the same place: the erosion of self,” he notes. “Accent is not just about pronunciation—it’s about power, perception, and pride.”
A Literary Mirror for the Diaspora
Forked Accents serves as a mirror held up to the African diaspora, particularly Nigerian immigrants. Through poetry, it captures scenarios of quiet anguish during job interviews where accents are judged, classrooms where voices feel out of place, and parents who rename their children to avoid societal rejection.
Yet, the themes stretch beyond the Nigerian lens. The collection includes stories from Bangladeshi, Jamaican, Polish, and Indian immigrants, offering a universal examination of the psychological toll of linguistic adaptation.
Poetry as Reformation, Identity as Affirmation
What makes Forked Accents compelling is not just its themes, but its literary craftsmanship. The author deliberately draws on African oral traditions—metaphor, repetition, rhetorical questions—not simply as style, but as a cultural affirmation.
“The collection posits that Nigerian English deserves the same legitimacy we give to American or Australian English,” he asserts. “Accent confidence is about embracing our sound without apology or self-censorship.”
But the poet acknowledges the nuance: accent confidence must coexist with clarity. “This isn’t about romanticising poor diction. It’s about asserting that there’s no singular way to sound ‘articulate’ or ‘correct.’”
Anchoring the Personal in the Political
The poems strike a balance between the personal and political. From intimate recollections of accent insecurity to broader cultural critiques, Forked Accents moves gracefully between the self and the collective.
One particularly beloved piece in the collection is Bandages, which tells the story of a boy grappling with accent shame, comforted by a grandfather who points to Nigerian icons like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as proof that authenticity commands respect.
A Global Conversation
Since its release, Forked Accents has sparked resonant responses from readers across continents.
“Indian readers, surprisingly, have sent some of the most heartfelt messages,” the author reveals. “That level of connection affirms my hope that this book speaks to immigrant experiences globally—not just Nigerian ones.”
Critics have praised the collection for giving voice to internalized experiences that are often difficult to articulate. Some readers have even challenged its central thesis—wondering whether accent pressure is truly as serious as portrayed. “I welcome that,” he says. “Debate means the conversation is taking root.”
Reimagining Language in Education and Advocacy
Looking ahead, the author hopes Forked Accents will become a tool for change—used in classrooms, cultural discussions, and immigrant advocacy.
“Imagine if English teachers encouraged students to speak with clarity and pride in their natural accents,” he says. “We must stop framing our speech as flawed and start recognizing it as expressive, rich, and valid.”
He draws comparisons to globally adopted words like “bungalow,” which originated in Hindi but found their way into English because of linguistic pride. “Why shouldn’t Nigerianisms like owambe or jangle-over do the same?”
A Literary Lineage—and a Family Affair
The poet credits much of his literary journey to family. “My dad pushed us to write essays from a young age, while my mum spoke in metaphors that made the world sparkle.” Poetry, it seems, runs in the blood. He also cites influences like J.P. Clark, Rumi, Chinua Achebe, Kukhogho Iruesiri, and his mother, Maria Osayande—whom he describes as his favorite poet of all time.
His previous collection, Thirty Photographs of God, won wide acclaim, and with Forked Accents, he takes a bold step deeper into cultural commentary.
Staying Grounded, Moving Forward
Now based in the UK, the author says living in a multicultural environment has enhanced his appreciation for linguistic identity. “Being around so many languages and accents made me more committed to writing poems that centre African perspectives,” he shares.
Still, he maintains strong ties to Nigeria through community, culture, and language. “Connection requires intention. I make it a priority to stay grounded.”
He also reveals plans to launch the Sande Poetry Prize, an initiative to spotlight emerging Nigerian voices, alongside a meet-and-greet for readers of Forked Accents.
Final Words
At its core, Forked Accents is more than a poetry collection—it’s a conversation starter, a cultural reckoning, and a love letter to the sound of home.
“I hope readers walk away with linguistic confidence,” he says. “I hope they find pride in their accent, and in the histories that shaped it. And I hope they realise—we don’t need to change how we speak to be understood. We just need to speak with clarity, courage, and truth.”
Forked Accents is now available on Amazon Kindle.
Follow Osayande Osadolor on social media for updates, readings, and the upcoming launch of the Sande Poetry Prize.
The post Finding Power in Every Syllable: ‘Forked Accents’ Unpacks the Accent Crisis in the African Diaspora appeared first on Vanguard News.
