Concerns are growing over the gradual erosion of Nigerian indigenous languages as many children born and raised in the diaspora struggle to speak their parents’ mother tongue, relying almost entirely on English for communication.
The trend is evident across major Nigerian ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, despite Nigeria having over 500 indigenous languages.
For many diaspora children, their only remaining link to their roots appears to be their surnames, as fluency in native languages continues to decline.
Speaking on the issue, Olaniyi, a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, attributed the problem to the demands of life abroad, noting that busy work schedules limit opportunities for parents to speak their language around their children.
Although he and his wife communicate in Yoruba, he said their children are rarely present to absorb the language naturally.
Another UK-based Nigerian, Ikenna, said he deliberately wants his children to speak Igbo fluently, stressing that they would eventually need the language when the family returns to Nigeria to manage businesses.
He warned that losing touch with language and culture could pose serious challenges in the future.
Cultural advocate and Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, described the trend as dangerous, urging Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate communities such as Indians and Chinese, who consistently preserve their languages abroad.
He stressed that parents must take responsibility for teaching their children their mother tongue from an early age.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Solomon Ogbonna, lamented that the decline in language use is no longer limited to the diaspora but is also common among children in southeastern Nigeria.
He warned that neglecting indigenous languages could weaken cultural identity and social cohesion.
Recent political developments have further highlighted the importance of language in Nigeria’s socio-political space.
During the 2023 Lagos governorship election, the inability of Labour Party candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, to speak Yoruba fluently was widely used by opponents to question his ethnic identity and suitability for office.
Ogbonna has called for constitutional reforms to address the issue, proposing that proficiency in at least one major indigenous language should be mandatory for those seeking political office, as a way to encourage language preservation.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians in the diaspora are turning to technology and media to reconnect their children with their roots.
Deolu, based in Canada, said his children are learning Yoruba through Nollywood films, old television shows and language-learning mobile applications.
Michael, a Nigerian married to a Canadian, said his interest in teaching his child about Nigerian culture grew after hearing his son sing Afrobeat songs word-for-word.
He expressed hope that structured online classes would soon emerge to help diaspora children learn their mother tongue, as conversations around cultural identity and eventual return home continue to gain momentum.
Credit: Guardian
