boko
14
9.9
Western-style schooling that is different from traditional Islamic learning in Nigeria
- noun
- UK
:
educación occidental
- Hey, boko, you don't have -like-a pre-moistened towelette on you by chance, do you?
- Boko Haram
Examples
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The debate between boko and traditional Islamic education often centers around different teaching methods.
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In Nigeria, many families prefer to send their children to boko schools for a more modern education.
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- Did you say something, boko?
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My name is boko.
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Bye, boko!
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He chose boko over the traditional madrasa because he wanted to learn subjects like science and mathematics.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Boko comes from the Hausa language and means 'Western-style schooling', different from traditional Islamic teaching. A helpful way to remember it is to think of the English word 'book', because Western schools brought printed books and new subjects, so boko now refers to modern, non-religious education.