In commemoration of the 2024 International Mother Tongue Day, a Professor of Linguistics at the Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University (LASU), Adeniyi Harrison, has emphasized the critical need for Nigerians to embrace and preserve their indigenous languages.
While acknowledging the global significance of languages such as English, French, and Spanish, Professor Harrison highlighted the vital role that indigenous languages play in shaping national identity and fostering development.
He lamented the historical neglect of indigenous languages in favor of European languages, noting that this imbalance has hindered the full potential of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity.
“Language and identity are synonymous, once you lose your language, you lose your identity because you can’t claim that because you cannot speak Yoruba but speak English, you belong to the English people. You cannot claim that you are an American or British simply because you speak English.
“Only those nations that prioritize the use of their mother tongues have achieved true development,” Professor Harrison asserted. He underscored the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering cultural richness and urged Nigerians to recognize the intrinsic link between language and identity.
Commending LASU for its pioneering initiative in integrating the teaching and use of Yoruba language into its curriculum, Professor Harrison emphasized the significance of such measures in preserving indigenous languages.
He emphasized that language revitalization efforts are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage and ensuring the continuity of diverse cultural expressions.
According to Professor Harrison, Nigeria boasts approximately 526 indigenous languages, but alarmingly, over three-quarters of these languages are currently facing extinction.
He warned that the loss of indigenous languages threatens to erode the unique identities of ethnic communities and diminishes the nation’s cultural tapestry.
In light of these challenges, Professor Harrison urged Nigerians to actively promote the teaching and speaking of indigenous languages in homes, schools, and communities while he called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to revitalize and preserve Nigeria’s linguistic diversity for the benefit of present and future generations.
International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on February 21, to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity as well as promote the preservation and protection of all languages
