Silencing the mother tongue is killing the culture. Language is a means through which people express their state.
There are about 5000 languages spoken in the world today. In Nigeria there are about 521 languages which is one of the reasons it is impossible to have our own native language as the official language.
Some of our native languages have gone into extinction, some are on their way and if care is not taken, a lot will go into extiction as well. The reason being that some people either do not want to be associated with or attach more importance to language. A good number of people feel that languages are archaic and rustic.
The aim of this article is to encourage the speaking learning and writing of our native languages. People take pride in learning and practicing in foreign cultures relegating their own background. Not speaking our native language is endagering our culture.
Some feel that speaking their native language indicate that one is not academically sound. Students are the worst hit because either they are not exposed to their language or are not encouragrd to speak.
Hence, some children will gladly tell you that they cannot make simple sentences in their native languages but put great effort in polishing the foreign ones. It is very important we learn and master our official language but the native ones should not be relegated to the background. I am of the opinion that as long as a child goes to school, he \ she must learn to speak and write the native language.
Therefore children should be encouraged to to speak their native language because that is their cultural identity and their precious treasure which helps in framing their thinking and emotions.
To master their native language, students should be encouraged to : read and write until they become proficient in it, listen to radio and watch television programmes on the native language. Tell stories and discuss interesting topics, motivate students to speak their native language by, providing a rewarding system and make learning of native language competitive amongst students, above all, visit their States of origin regularly.
Finally, parents and teachers should be the custodian of our native languages. In as much as we align ourselves with foreign cultures which is essential, we should not forget who we are. There is need to blend the western and African culture to have a balance growth and development.
LONG LIVE AFRICAN LANGUAGES
LONG LIVE NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
I am proud to be a Yoruba woman
What about you?