By Obike Ukoh
The gradual extinction of many indigenous languages is a global challenge. It is to check this that Feb. 21 of every year is designated as International Mother Language Day, approved in 1999 UNESCO General Conference.
Worst hit, are former colonies, as the languages of the colonial powers are used as lingua franca.
The world body is particularly worried, that globally, about 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand.
UNESCO, wants the international community as a whole to “promote multilingualism, making the richness and diversity of linguistic heritage an instrument of lasting peace.”
The Mother Language Day,serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on achievements, renew commitments, and emphasize the critical role of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education outcomes and creating more peaceful, sustainable societies.’’
Also, UNICEF India, in a presentation titled:Why Mother Tongue Education holds the key to unlocking every child’s potential,’’ stressed the need to teach children in indigenous languages.
Imagine a world where the first words you learn aren't just sounds, but keys unlocking understanding, confidence, and a boundless love for learning. This is the promise of mother tongue education, often met with skepticism due to the misconception that it’s not “inspirational” enough.
But is this truly the case? Let's delve deeper and discover why embracing a child's mother tongue in education holds immense potential, weaving together threads of cultural pride, cognitive development, and a future brimming with possibilities.
For many children, especially in tribal areas, classrooms and language of instruction feel foreign, creating an invisible wall between them and knowledge.
Studies reveal the emotional toll, with children struggling, losing confidence, and their inherent curiosity fading.
This is where the power of mother tongue education shines. When a child learns in their familiar language, the world opens up.
Concepts transform from abstract notions into relatable experiences, igniting a spark of understanding and a sense of “I can do this!”
UNICEF India, disagrees with the “belief that mother tongue education lacks ambition, it stems from equating global success with a single dominant language. This overlooks the power and beauty of multilingualism, and the profound impact on a child’s cognitive and emotional development.’’
It also emphasized that when children learn in mother tongue, they navigate knowledge with confidence and ease.
Concepts become clearer, ideas flow freely, and the joy of discovery amplifies. Imagine a tribal child understanding math through their own language, promoting a sense of belonging and active participation.
“Beyond academic benefits, mother tongue education fosters a sense of self-worth and cultural identity. When children express themselves confidently in their native language, they radiate self-assurance and deep connection to their heritage. This intrinsic motivation fuels their desire to learn, propelling them forward on their educational journey.’’
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, was therefore on course, when he announced that his administration will soon reintroduce the teaching of some Edo languages into the state’s school curriculum.
Okpebholo spoke recently in Benin City, when the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative, led by Mr Mathew Egbadon, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and the promotion of indigenous knowledge.
“We must start (the teaching of our language to our children) from home, because charity begins at home.
“We will reintroduce vernacular into our school system. Let every ethnic group begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction.’’
The governor stressed that the surest way to allow any language to go into extinction is not speaking the language to your children at home. The governor said that it is imperative that parents imbibe that culture.
Earlier, President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, Egbadon, commended the governor’s achievements and underscored the urgent need to protect and advance Esan language and culture.
“Protecting and advancing Esan language, culture, and values is critical. Your Excellency, you now need to reintroduce the teaching of Esan language in schools.
“Esan language is far disappearing because many people of Esan extractions are not speaking it, and the language is not taught in schools. It should be reintroduced into the school curriculum,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Esan Okpa Initiative remains a non-partisan socio-cultural and intellectual movement dedicated to unity, progress, and the well-being of Esan land.
By the planned action, Okpebholo was indeed following the path of former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who in 2012 promised to introduce teaching of Bini language into the state’s school curriculum.
He made the announcement during his investiture as the Patron of the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre.
Oshiomhole said inter alia: “The objectives of the Centre is in line with my conviction that if our heritage must be preserved, our children must be able to read and write in Bini language.
“Given the geographical entity of Nigeria, we need to unite our people and speak with one voice, under a paramount ruler, the Oba of Benin, who is highly respected across the country and even outside the country.
“I think you have set for yourselves a very challenging goal, with the support of every well-meaning Edo person and every well meaning Bini person, you will achieve.I had the opportunity to meet you in the past and we have rubbed minds on a number of issues, and I am convinced that you have started doing the right thing by not continuously lamenting what we have lost, but rather organising to reposition and reclaim what we have lost and the starting point is to start the teaching of the Bini language.”
The Governor said there are a lot of vacancies in the teaching service, adding that the necessary machinery would be set in motion for the employment of Bini teachers that were trained at the College of Education, Ekiadolor.
“I am going to direct the Commissioner for Education, from the next session to see if we have enough teachers to be deployed to a number of schools, not only in the old Benin Kingdom, but also across the three senatorial districts to begin to teach the Bini language.
“We will make it a compulsory subject for our young ones. I believe that way, we would be uniting our people for a greater tomorrow. If we assemble anywhere and can relate in one dialect, without an outsider being able to understand, that would remind us that we have a common ancestry.
“I want to assure you that we shall include the Bini language in our curriculum.”
According to the governor, “the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, raised the issue that we should have a common language for every Edo person and since Bini is spoken by more than 50 per cent of the population, it is a lot easier to encourage the other areas to key in, particularly when there are a number of areas in which the language is the same”.
By his recent pronouncement, Okpebholo has re-opened the chapter. Whatever hiccups that prevented the earlier implementation promised by Oshiomhole, should be fine-tuned.
Expansion of the languages to be included should not hamper commencement of teaching of indigenous languages in Edo State schools. As globally accepted, speaking and learning in mother language, holds the key in unlocking the potential in children.
