In Nigeria, the phrase “the late Mr. Adewale” is so familiar that many assume it is a standard rule of English. Linguists and cultural historians, however, say the practice is cultural rather than grammatical — a convention that endures because it carries emotional and social significance.
A Courtesy Marker in a Sensitive Space: Language experts describe late as an honorific adjective, used to acknowledge a person’s passing in a polite and indirect way. It allows speakers to address death without sounding abrupt. Dr Tola Adebiyi, a sociolinguist at the University of Lagos, says the term functions as a “softener.”
“In many Nigerian communities, death is a delicate subject,” she notes. “Using ‘late’ helps people approach the topic with gentleness. It signals respect and emotional awareness.”
The phrasing offers a buffer that many speakers find more comfortable than blunt statements such as “He is dead.”
A Practical Tool for Clarity: The term also serves a practical purpose: it removes ambiguity in communities where names recur across generations. Retired civil servant Musa Ibrahim recalls how the term helped avoid confusion in his hometown.
“In my village, three men were named Alhaji Sani,” he says. “If you didn’t say ‘the late Alhaji Sani,’ people wouldn’t know which one you meant.”
In such contexts, late becomes a quick identifier, sparing speakers from lengthy explanations.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations: Although the usage appears in several English‑speaking regions, it is particularly entrenched in African and South Asian societies. In Nigeria, it has been reinforced by cultural norms, religious practices, and communal expectations.
Cultural historian Dr. Nnenna Okonkwo traces its evolution.
“Colonial‑era English education introduced the term, but local cultures gave it emotional meaning,” she explains. “Over time, it became woven into everyday speech.”
For many Nigerians, the phrasing feels natural simply because it is what they grew up hearing. In some communities, omitting it may even be interpreted as disrespectful.
Not a Requirement of English Grammar: Despite its widespread use, late is not a grammatical requirement. Many Western style guides advise against it, describing the phrasing as old‑fashioned or overly solemn.
British‑trained editor Samuel Hart notes that the construction is rare in mainstream Western media.
“In newspapers in the UK or US, you’ll almost never see ‘the late’ used this way,” he says. “Writers prefer clearer constructions like ‘who died in 2019.’ It’s more direct and avoids ambiguity.”
Legal and academic writing also tends to avoid the term, prioritizing precision over tradition.
When the Term Can Feel Out of Place: Experts caution that the phrasing may not always be appropriate. When a death is very recent, late can feel abrupt or emotionally distancing.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Grace Ekanem explains:
“For grieving families, hearing ‘the late’ too soon can feel jarring. It creates emotional distance at a time when people are still processing the loss.”
The term can also sound redundant in settings where the audience already knows the person is deceased, such as memorial services or obituaries.
A Cultural Honorific, Not a Rule: From a linguistic standpoint, late is an honorific — a marker of respect rather than a grammatical necessity. Its influence comes from shared cultural meaning, not from English rules.
As Dr. Adebiyi puts it: “It’s not about rules. It’s about relationships, respect, and shared understanding.”
The Bottom line: The Nigerian use of late reflects a blend of tradition, courtesy, and practical communication. But it remains optional. Speakers may use it when it adds clarity or conveys respect, and omit it without violating any rule of English.
Ultimately, the choice depends on context and audience. In settings where the term feels natural and culturally appropriate, it fits. In others, simpler phrasing may serve just as well.
