As I think about life and where we are heading as a people, I often wonder about the future of asụsụ Igbo.
Will it thrive, or will it fade away, remembered only in songs and literature?
The Igbo language is a complex communication pattern—it is a vessel for our history, way of thought, and level of understanding.
Yet, with every passing generation, fewer young people speak it’s dialect less fluently, threatening the survival of an essential part of our culture.
What Happens When We Lose Our Language?
Language is the heartbeat of any culture. For the Igbo people, it carries our collective memory—our evolutionary experience, proverbs, folktales, and philosophies.
To lose our language is to lose access to these treasures. Without it, the stories that taught our ancestors resilience and unity risk being forgotten.
Take for instance our proverbs, or ilu. In Igbo culture, proverbs are said to be the palm oil with which words are eaten. They hold layers of wisdom, offering insights that guide decision-making and relationships.
How can we fully grasp their meaning if we don’t understand the language they’re spoken in?
Losing our language also impacts our identity.
Asụsụ Igbo connects us to our roots and gives us a sense of belonging. Without it, we risk feeling unmoored, struggling to fully understand who we are or where we come from.
The Role of Language in Preserving History and Wisdom
The Igbo language is a time capsule, preserving the values and experiences of our ancestors.
Our oral traditions—stories, songs, and chants—have been passed down for centuries in Igbo, teaching us about our heritage and the principles that sustained our communities.
For example, the phrase onye kwe, chi ya ekwe (“he who believes, his spirit will agree”) encapsulates a worldview of self-determination and faith.
Such expressions lose their depth when translated into other languages. Igbo words and phrases carry cultural nuances that can’t be replaced or replicated.
Furthermore, the language is a key to unlocking our indigenous knowledge systems, from traditional medicine to agricultural practices. By preserving our language, we preserve the wisdom encoded within it.
Why Igbo Youth Must Reclaim the Language
The decline in Igbo language proficiency among young people is alarming. Many parents prioritize teaching their children English, associating it with upward mobility and success.
While English is undeniably important in a globalized world, it shouldn’t come at the cost of Igbo.
Here’s why every Igbo youth should speak their language:
1. Cultural Identity: Speaking Igbo fosters a sense of pride and connection to our roots. It reminds us that we belong to a rich and resilient culture.
2. Family and Community Bonding: Many elders express themselves best in Igbo. Speaking the language strengthens our relationships with them, allowing us to learn directly from their wisdom.
3. Preservation of Heritage: When we speak Igbo, we become custodians of our culture, ensuring its survival for future generations.
4. Bilingual Advantage: Research shows that being bilingual improves cognitive skills. Speaking Igbo alongside English is not a hindrance—it’s an advantage.
Reversing the Decline
The good news is that it’s not too late to revive the Igbo language.
Here are a few ways we can ensure its survival:
1. Education: Schools in Igbo-speaking regions should prioritize teaching the language. Igbo should not just be an optional subject but an integral part of the curriculum.
2. Technology: We can use apps, online courses, and social media to make learning Igbo accessible and fun. Platforms like YouTube are already home to many Igbo language tutorials.
3. Parental Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children Igbo. Speaking the language at home ensures that children learn it naturally.
4. Cultural Activities: Festivals, storytelling sessions, and community events can encourage young people to embrace the language.
5. Igbo Proverbs: Reading and practicing Igbo Proverbs can spark your interest into finding out personal meaning to certain proverbial expression.
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A Call to Action
As Igbo youth, the responsibility to preserve our language lies with us. Every time we choose to speak Igbo—whether at home, in schools, or online—we take a step toward keeping our culture alive.
The Igbo language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a lifeline to our history, our wisdom, and our identity.
Let us cherish it, nurture it, and ensure that it remains vibrant for generations to come. After all, asụsụ ka e ji ama onye Igbo—“it is through language that one recognizes an Igbo person.” Let us never lose sight of who we are.