Language is more than just a tool for communication; it is the lifeline of culture, identity, and history. For the Igbo people, language carries the essence of who we are, encapsulating our traditions, proverbs, and worldview. Yet, with increasing globalization and the dominance of English, the Igbo language faces a quiet but alarming erosion. This decline is not inevitable; it is a call to action for parents, families, and communities to pass our language to the next generation.
The Importance of Speaking Igbo at Home
The home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers. Children learn language through immersion, by hearing and speaking it in their daily lives. When Igbo parents prioritize English over Igbo at home, they unknowingly contribute to the loss of our linguistic heritage. While it’s essential to learn English for global communication, neglecting Igbo creates a gap in a child’s identity and disconnects them from their roots.
Speaking Igbo to our children fosters a strong cultural identity and builds pride in who we are. A child who grows up fluent in Igbo is not just learning a language; they are connecting to the wisdom of their ancestors, the richness of our stories, and the depth of our collective memory.
The Alarming Reality
The Igbo language is listed as an endangered language by UNESCO, meaning it risks becoming extinct if steps are not taken to revive it. This threat is not abstract—it is visible in the number of Igbo children who cannot hold a basic conversation in their native tongue. Schools in urban and diaspora settings rarely teach Igbo, leaving the responsibility squarely on parents and communities.
Yet, other Nigerian ethnic groups have shown remarkable dedication to preserving their languages. The Yoruba, for instance, have made concerted efforts to teach their children Yoruba, regardless of their location. Hausa speakers have also maintained a strong commitment to passing their language on. Why should the Igbo lag behind?
Practical Steps to Revive the Igbo Language
- Speak Igbo Daily: Make Igbo the primary language at home. Even in households where both parents are fluent in English, using Igbo for daily interactions ensures children grow up bilingual.
- Introduce Igbo Early: Children learn languages faster at a young age. Start speaking Igbo to your kids from infancy, even if it means brushing up on your own fluency.
- Use Media: Leverage technology and media to make Igbo fun. There are apps, cartoons, and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Igbo to kids. Use these tools to complement what they learn at home.
- Storytelling and Proverbs: Share folktales, riddles, and proverbs in Igbo. These not only teach the language but also instill moral values and critical thinking.
- Community Support: Create or join Igbo language clubs or classes. Surrounding children with peers who also speak the language reinforces learning and builds a sense of community.
- Celebrate Igbo Culture: Participate in cultural events where Igbo is spoken, such as new yam festivals, traditional weddings, and church services conducted in Igbo.
A Call to Action
We cannot outsource the preservation of the Igbo language to schools or governments. It starts with us—parents, guardians, and community leaders. The Igbo saying, “Ebe onye bi ka o na-awachi” (Where one lives, they must protect), reminds us that we are the custodians of our heritage.
If we do not speak Igbo to our children, who will? If we do not teach them our proverbs, how will they inherit our wisdom? Let us take pride in our language and ensure it thrives for generations to come. The Igbo language is not just a means of communication; it is the soul of our identity. Let us nurture it, protect it, and pass it on.
Ka anyi jiri nwayo wee dobe asusu Igbo. O bu ihe anyi nile kwesịrị ime ka o di ndu. (Let us gently preserve the Igbo language. It is our collective responsibility to keep it alive.)
