THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE IN TEACHING &LEARNING: AN APPRAISAL OF IGBO LANGUAGE

Resumen

The use of language in the transmission of culture and cultural values of a people cannot be over emphasized. Language is a major means of identity. In a situation where a people face the threat of extinction of their language calls for immediate action. An appraisal of the state of the Igbo language, one of the major Nigerian languages is in focus here and the efforts of “Otu sxwakwa Igbo” (a society for the promotion of the speaking of the Igbo language) are reviewed. Language acquisition starts form birth and where this is neglected, the child loses focus; the problem of the Igbo child of today. A review of related literature was made and a survey method was used to collect data. Here structured questionnaires were constructed for those who are literate in Igbo language while oral interviews using the same questionnaires were used for illiterate ones. Responses were tape recorded and analyzed. It was found out that this group is one of the numerous groups in the business of promoting Igbo language and culture. Despite their efforts, the Igbo language still faces numerous problem and suggested solutions to these problems form the last part of this paper. If nothing is done to salvage this language, all the rich cultural heritage of a people will be lost.