Ubang: The Community Where Men and Women Speak Different Languages

Ubang: The Community Where Men and Women Speak Different Languages

Deep in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, lies Ubang—a unique community where men and women speak entirely different languages. This linguistic phenomenon makes Ubang the only place in the world where gender determines language. But that’s not all that sets them apart. At the top of their sacred mountain sits a massive, mysterious footprint, believed by the Ubang people to be God’s own mark. Unlike man-made carvings, this footprint has existed for as long as their history remembers, reinforcing their belief that Ubang was divinely chosen.

The people of Ubang have their own explanation for their extraordinary linguistic divide. According to their oral tradition, Ubang was the first place God visited on Earth, leaving His footprint as proof of His presence. When He created languages, He gave Ubang two—one for men and another for women. Another legend ties their uniqueness to the biblical Tower of Babel. They believe an Ubang man led the construction, provoking God’s anger. As punishment, God halted His original plan to give every community two languages, leaving Ubang as the sole exception. To this day, boys learn the male language, while girls adopt the female tongue, yet they understand each other perfectly.

Ubang’s cultural heritage is a living testament to Nigeria’s rich diversity. Their traditions challenge conventional linguistics and offer a fascinating glimpse into how myths shape identity. As the world marvels at their uniqueness, the Ubang people hold firm to their beliefs, preserving a legacy unlike any other. In their words: “When God leaves a mark, it is not just for us—it is for the world to remember.”