LEVERAGING NIGERIA'S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
This paper explores the potentials of Nigerian indigenous
languages for national development. It is on the need to
leverage on the use of indigenous languages for national
growth. This stems from the fact that most Nigerian
languages are not developed and utilized for this purpose.
Language is at the centre of all human activities, thus
making the development of a language is paramount in the
development of any nation. Several nations have progressed
through the proper utilization of their language resources.
Language is not only a cultural heritage, but an intellectual
heritage, since it is used to convey knowledge and technical
know-how or skills which are needed for national
development. National development is tied to language in all
aspects. Indigenous languages are great resources of cultural
practices which are responsible for human communication.
Individuals can develop educationally, socially, politically,
economically and culturally by interacting with government
agencies or establishments, which in turn convey their
policies and programmes to the general populace through
their indigenous languages. Indigenous languages play a
vital role in development in the areas of democracy,
technology and other aspects of life. This is because when
people are informed and educated in their own language,
they get more involved. Data for the paper was obtained
mainly through library research. Findings reveal that most
Nigerian indigenous languages have not been fully utilized
for national development. It concludes that even with the
potentials observed, the nation is yet to harness these
resources for growth and progress. The paper therefore
suggests that for any meaningful development to take place,
the people must be carried along; and they will have a
greater sense of belonging when they are informed and
instructed in their own languages. To this end, efforts must
be made to maintain Nigerian indigenous languages for
optimal utilization and for greater developmental strides.
Keywords
Development
indigenous
language
leverage
national
References
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How to Cite
FODANG, A. A. (2024). LEVERAGING NIGERIA'S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Humanity - Jos Journal Of General Studies, 15(1), 74-79. https://doi.org/10.67862/hjjgs.2024.zmfclz7j
A. A. FODANG, "LEVERAGING NIGERIA'S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT," Humanity - Jos Journal Of General Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 74-79, January 2024. doi: 10.67862/hjjgs.2024.zmfclz7j
