LEVERAGING NIGERIA'S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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.