- Backs learning with mother-tongue in schools
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has intensified campaign for general use of indigenous languages in teaching and learning in schools, particularly at the basic education facilities.
NLN said that evidences have shown that children learn better and effective is they are taught in their indigenous language (mother-tongue) which is they understand better and easily, hence the push for basic education schools to adopt indigenous languages for teaching and learning.
National Librarian Prof Chinwe Anunobi, amplified the campaign at an event in Abuja, on Wednesday, to commemorate 2024 International Mother-Tongue Day with the theme “Multilingual Education is A Pillar of Learning and Intergenerational Learning”.
She explained that the essence of the day was to raise awareness on the need to protect mother-tongues as an identity, means of easy communication, preservation of culture and intangible heritage. “There’s a growing concern that, at least, one indigenous language dies every two weeks as highlighted by UNESCO.
“It’s a testimony of hope that over 600 indigenous languages in Nigeria shouldn’t go into extinction, but rather be preserved like the other aspects of our cultures. The theme for this year’s event is a call for all stakeholders, and practically everyone, to appreciate the fact that multilingual education enhances learning when the language of instruction is the learner’s first language.
“The use of learners’ own languages for literacy and learning provides a solid pillar for education, and for transfer of skills and knowledge to additional languages. Learning in one’s first language facilitates understanding and interaction, and further develops critical thinking. It strengthens self-confidence and self-esteem and stimulates active participation.
“In addition to boosting learning, multilingual education contributes to opening the doors to intergenerational learning, the preservation of culture and intangible heritage, and the revitalisation of languages.”
She said that National Library is unrelenting in ensuring the realisation of the decade’s focus. “Therefore, today’s celebration provides another window to demonstrate our commitment. Hence we have engaged communities in all the states of the federation to collate and create what we refer to as, the Nigerian Language Map. This is not just the map of Nigeria, but much more as it contains the languages spoken in each state.”
Dr Zakama Kabura of the Kairos Tablets and Scroll, stressed the need for families and organizations to promote indigenous as means of, not only communication, but for teaching and learning, particularly among young adults.
He commended NLN for pushing for the adoption of mother-tongue for teaching in basic education system, for improved learning and understanding by the children.
Meanwhile, Children from different public schools within Garki, Abuja, used different forms for art performances to amplify the message of the day.