Awka – Secondary school students have joined the growing movement to preserve the Igbo language, urging parents to prioritize teaching their children their native tongue over English. The call comes amid concerns over the gradual decline of the language, which many fear could lead to the erosion of Igbo cultural identity.
In an interview with ABS, Chioma Mamah, a final-year student at Mater Christi Secondary School in Awada, emphasized the importance of the Igbo language as a cornerstone of cultural identity. She pointed to nations like India and China, which have successfully preserved their native languages despite globalization, as examples for the Igbo community to follow.
“Other countries, including those that colonized Nigeria, take pride in their languages. Why should it be different for Ndigbo? Our language is our identity, and we should be proud of it,” Mamah stated. While acknowledging the positive impact of colonialism, she argued that English should serve as a secondary language rather than replacing Igbo in households.
Kosisochukwu Ojukwu, another student, expressed pride in his Igbo heritage and called on parents to actively teach their children the language. “Igbo parents should help their children by encouraging them to speak Igbo and understand its significance. It’s not just a language; it’s who we are,” he said.
Other students, including Chinecherem Nwole and Chigozie Onyebaluchi, echoed these sentiments, warning that the preference for English over Igbo is detrimental to the preservation of Igbo culture. “Parents who prioritize English are inadvertently killing the Igbo language and culture. This practice needs to stop,” Nwole asserted.
The students’ appeals highlight a broader cultural challenge faced by the Igbo community, as younger generations increasingly adopt English as their primary language. Their voices add to a growing chorus of advocates working to ensure the survival and revitalization of the Igbo language for future generations.
