Language as medium of communication allows people to share ideas, thoughts, emotions and feelings with others.
Language provides a sense of belonging and unity within a community, fostering social cohesion and cooperation.
Language is the backbone of cultural identity and shapes people’s perception of themselves and others as well as forms an integral part of their heritage which allows them to articulate their identity, share their stories, and celebrate whom they are.
That is why the present trend of cultivating the speaking of English language as status symbol and mark of achievement has become worrisome.
No language is superior to another and the best language for an individual or group at any particular point in time or circumstance is one that allows the source and receiver to share ideas and understand themselves better. So speaking English language or any foreign language in a place where mother tongue will serve better is not only a demonstration of psychological and mental slavery but also a manifest low self esteem. Similarly, encouraging children to shun and deride their mother tongue will not only disrupt balance learning process but also build a mind set of seeing and evaluating everything about themselves including their parents and teachers as inferior to white man or woman with far reaching implications of not taking pride in their heritage.
Mastering and speaking English Language and other languages are good, necessary and should be encouraged but speaking them should not be at expense of mother tongue.
It is necessary here to stress that speaking of English language or other foreign languages is not credible parameter for measuring or evaluating intelligence, brilliance or outstanding academic performance. It is also not basis for determining how good or otherwise a particular school is in nurturing and molding pupils and students.
There should be sustained campaign to make the study of Igbo Language compulsory at all levels of education for pupils and students of Igbo origin. Ohaneze Ndigbo should work with government of the South east states to make it a pre-condition for occupying any leadership or public position in any part of Igbo land.
Most importantly the use of other languages at the gathering of Ndigbo should be banned out rightly with heavy penalties for offenders.
Preserving and promoting Igbo language requires the collective efforts of the government, communities, and individuals.
The preservation of cultural heritage is not just for self fulfillment; it is an investment in the future of Ndigbo
Let us remember that when a language is lost, wealth of knowledge, unique cultural practices, traditions, and stories about a race or nation are lost.
Written by PAUL EZEOKE
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