Limits of Language in Nigeria

📖 The Scoop

Limits of Language in Nigeria: Hatred based on Igbo

Language, attempts to delve deeply into different socio

linguistic issues faced by the Igbo language within Nigerian

context. In doing so, the study has used a mixed-methods

approach wherein demographic data, public attitudes and socio

economic factors that have brought about the status quote of this

language are thoroughly assessed. The research establishes

some historical and current reasons why there is increased

resentment towards Igbo language among Nigerians. This

includes last impact caused by colonialism and traumatic

experiences during Biafran Civil War which greatly redefined

Nigerian social-political life. Political disinterest and economic

inequities worsen marginalization of Igbo spoken by majority,

but freely bypassed in spheres where English, Hausa or Yoruba

languages dominate Nigeria. Also, the article highlights huge

educational and institutional barriers that stand in the way of

developing and maintaining Igbo language. The barriers are

insufficient support for teaching Igbo language and few African

Studies courses which do not encourage students to learn

African languages such as Igbo. Henceforth, many students

prefer not to learn Igbo considering it less useful for their future

professions because it is rarely used in professional circles after

study completion. Moreover, the research reveals language bias

affects how one relates to their culture and society as an Igbo.

So much more is lost in not speaking the Igbo language other

than communication, including cultural heritage and moral

imperatives. This exclusion weakens the social glue that holds

the community together and hence fuels feelings of being left

out in some way or another. To combat these challenges, this

research demands immediate actions to enhance diversity in

language as well as safeguard cultural heritage. It therefore

proposes for more assistance on the issue of Igbo language

education, Igbo language being taught in schools and embracing

linguistic pluralism in Nigeria. Hence, this research seeks to

create conditions that foster national unity and inclusiveness

where the Igbo language and culture in Nigeria is valued and

preserved. The study thus aims at finding sustainable solutions

to overcome the linguistic and cultural problems facing Igbo

speakers as it seeks to understand what could be done to stop the

decline of its population among native speakers. 

Genre: Art / African (fancy, right?)