As the international community marks today as European Day of Languages, stakeholders have called on Ndi Igbo to revere and hold their language in high esteem, as language is the major identity of any tribe.
The European Day of Languages, which is celebrated across Europe and beyond on the twenty-sixth of September every year, aims at promoting the benefits of language learning, the linguistic diversity of Europe, and to encourage language learning among people of all ages.
Correspondent, Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that
according to the Webster dictionary, language is a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.
Language is a critical part of culture and tradition of any tribe or society.
Speaking on the essence of the day, Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene frowned at parents and teachers of the Igbo extraction, who punish their children and students for speaking Igbo language, describing the act as abomination.
Ichie Okeke-Ogene, who stated that Ndi Igbo should be proud of their language like other ethnic groups in the country, commended Governor Willie Obiano for introducing traditional wears in schools across the state on Wednesdays as well making speaking of Igbo language compulsory in schools same day.
On his part, the Special Adviser to Governor Obiano on Disability Matters, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie while emphasizing on the importance of language in human existence, suggested that people should learn other languages other than their lingual franca or native language, as according to him it aids communication and promotes human relation.
Barrister Ezewuzie harped on the need for people to also learn sign language in order to give the deaf community a sense of belonging.
Contributing, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Liaison, Comrade Obi Ochije-Muodilim described Igbo language as the best and as such should be valued and encouraged by Ndi Igbo especially parents, calling on House of Assemblies in Igbo land to pass a bill that Igbo language be used always whenever the House is on session for inclusiveness and promotion of the language.
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