The Language Dilemma: Progress or Preservation?

The other day, I stumbled upon a ferocious argument I have coined ‘Lagos Igbo vs Igbo Igbo’.

I found it interesting.

For those who don’t know, it’s the annual argument about bashing those of the Igbo tribe who do not and/or cannot speak their native language. This could be for any reason, including the fact that your parents just decided not to teach you, or you were adopted by non-Igbo guardians, or you fled (for whatever reason) to a non-Igbo land where no one speaks it, and you lost it in the process.

It doesn’t matter.

What counts in this discussion is that you just can’t speak the language. Those who speak consider themselves the guardians of tradition and upon whom their ancestors constantly look down upon and smile. One of them made the following comment I found curious,

“I hope every tribe is like Hausa in their love for their language. People who can’t speak their native dialects should be ashamed.”

If you have followed me on this page for a while, you might think I would support the stance of those who cannot speak their language to be embarrassed and occasionally wear sack cloths and pour ashes on themselves.

But really, should they? I love the Yoruba language and I wish more people speak it, but on…