MAINTENANCE AND PRESERVATION OF THE  NIGERIAN LANGUAGES IN NIGERIA SCHOOLS  THROUGH TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE  21ST CENTURY: THE IGBO EXAMPLE

Dr. Dom-Anyanwu, ngozi L; Mrs. Ikwuegbu, Rosemary Nkem; Mrs. Isi Deborah U.

Dr. Dom-Anyanwu, ngozi L
Mrs. Ikwuegbu, Rosemary Nkem
Mrs. Isi Deborah U.

Keywords: Igbo Language, Maintenance, Nigerian Languages, Preservation, Promotion. Introduction

Abstract

The aim of this study is to maintain, preserve and promote the use of Nigerian Languages in Nigerian Schools through teaching and learning. Igbo Language is one of the three major Nigerian Languages taught in Nigerian Schools. It has been observed that our students are no longer interested in learning the Nigerian languages due to the obsolete method used by the teachers in teaching this Language. They regard our Language as vernacular. This study is to re-orientate our students to cherish and embrace our Language for a better identification rather than adulterated identity. The method employed in this study is survey method, whereby teachers were observed on how they were carrying out their teaching activities in the classroom. The study adopted the Stufflebeam’s CIPPP Evaluation Theory of 1971 as it concerns the teacher input. The theory further illustrated that when the content, input and process are good, the product will be perfect. Related literature were reviewed on Language, Maintenance and Teaching. The study therefore recommended that teachers should make their Teaching and Learning very interesting by employing different Teaching methods and appropriate instructional materials for better understanding of the students, promotion, maintenance and preservation of the Languages. Finally the paper concluded, teachers that should use appropriate Teaching method in Teaching Nigerian Languages, to entice the learners as well as to arouse their interest in using the languages.