As an individual, I am convinced that it is a matter
of time before the Igbo language goes extinct. The factors that would
lead to this are not farfetched; we live and act it daily.
Igbo has a
rich cultural heritage that dates back to
the 30th century BC when Neolithic man’s existence was in Igbo land.
Around the ninth century, bronzes found at the town of Igbo-Ukwu were
used to make items like iron swords, bronze and copper vases and
ornament.
In 1043, the kingdom of Nri began with Eze Nri
Ifikuanim festival. The Portuguese explorers made contact with Igbo in
1434, long before the Atlantic slave trade exports that took millions of
Igbo people, alongside other Africans, to America.
Although historians of Igbo culture have not agreed
on their exact origin, some however, believe that they have been located
around the Niger-Benue confluence. Hence, due to population pressure,
they migrated through the Niger. But generally, history tells us that
many of these tribes supposedly came from different parts of Africa many
centuries ago.
Several history books claim that these tribes
originated from Sudan, Egypt, North Africa and other territories.
Nevertheless Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba were among the early settlers in
Nigeria. There is strong evidence to suggest that the Igbo civilisation
was distinctive, having evolved into forms significantly distinct from
those of the Nok, Ife and Benin civilisations. And it is part of our
history that the Igbo have manifested their zest for adventure and
industry in their roles as public servants, educators, captains of
industry and commerce and philanthropists.
They have contributed in no small measure both to the
emancipation of Nigeria from colonial rule and the development of this
country.
The colonial contact brought many changes in the
traditions of Igbo people. With the arrival of a new culture, the Igbo
traditional beliefs, religion, family structure and functions —
including social stratification — were all affected. The gradual
substitution of new values for the old in the areas most exposed to the
foreign rule was infectious in its impact.
For instance, the modern Igbo with his Christian
education and western orientation has the belief that the good will be
rewarded in heaven, while the bad will end up in hell after the Judgment
Day; whereas in Igbo cosmology the spirit goes neither to heaven nor
hell, but returns to the earth to join his lineage.
Another thing is our adventurous nature. The Igbo
people are increasingly mobile, they were found in all parts of the
country before the civil war broke out. They are also presently found in
many African countries, particularly Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea,
Liberia and Dakar. Unfortunately, not much is done by the Igbo outside
Nigeria to preserve their culture and language, especially among the
young generation.
Because they are traders and industrialists, they
tend to blend with their immediate environment in all ramifications.
Their dressing, language and tradition gradually fade. The most
unfortunate and a major contributor is the fact that many Igbo do not
visit home often, they stay many years without a single visit. Some have
never been to their hometowns because of some misguided beliefs. Some
others are scared they might be poisoned once their kinsmen discovered
how successful or wealthy they have become.
Igbo accept changes so easily and adapt to them. They
readily embrace the western type of education through Christian
philosophy of evangelism. This is what is depicted in our home videos
today. There has been no effort by the Nollywood directors and writers
to educate us a little about our history — one that will make people see
and understand that the region is not primitive. It is sad that there
is no attempt to paint a beautiful picture of the culture and tradition
of the Igbo; no attempt to depict the Igbo history based on past events.
Another thing is to learn to give honour to whom it is due. Prof. Chinua Achebe, author of the famous novel, Things Fall Apart,
has taken a bold step by regaining the pride we once had for our
language with a new Igbo dictionary/encyclopedia. This is very
important, as Igbo is the only tribe among the three major tribes in the
country without a television station on DSTV. The others have Africa
Magic in Hausa and Yoruba. Yet, most of the English-speaking Nollywood
films are done by Igbo actors and directors.
Further steps should be taken to ensure that the
language is heard on renowned radio network services such as the BBC,
Voice of America, German Radio, France and Chinese radio if possible,
just as the Hausa tribe has achieved success with the Hausa BBC station.
Until we take these issues seriously, we will be working towards the prediction that the Igbo language will go extinct by 2025.
-Obinka, Director, Planning & Research, Ndigbo Unity Forum, wrote from 2c, Sokoto Rd., Odoakpu, Onitsha, Anambra State.
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