CHALLENGES OF PROMOTING THE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN NIGERIA: THE IGBO LANGUAGE TEACHER’S EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The indigenous language is one of the most basic and important tools of communication. It is a vehicle that drives culture of the people. The indigenous language and culture of the people are inseparable, this is because; it explains their world view, norms and values, it helps in the social, economic and technological advancement of a given society. It also serves as the binding force to the people, bringing them together in unity and leading to the sustainable growth and development of the people and the society generally. The indigenous language is a veritable tool for the promotion of unity, cultural identity, and national pride in the people. It can impact positive values in the people and facilitate national development and sustainability, hence the need to promote it. Unfortunately, the indigenous language has played a second fiddle role in Nigeria, thereby placing it at the position of total negligent which in turn has jeopardized all these roles it supposed to have played in the life of individuals and the society at large. Thus, there is need for the promotion of the indigenous languages in Nigeria. This paper focuses on challenges associated with promoting the indigenous language by the indigenous language teachers in Nigeria. The qualitative research approach involving extensive review of literatures on indigenous language was adopted. It outlines the challenges the indigenous language teacher encounters in the course of discharging his/her duties and suggests ways forward for sustainable promotion of the indigenous language.