As an individual, I am convinced that it is a matter of time before the Igbo language goes extinct. The factors that would lead to this are not farfetched; we live and act it daily.

Igbo has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 30th century BC when Neolithic man’s existence was in Igbo land. Around the ninth century, bronzes found at the town of Igbo-Ukwu were used to make items like iron swords, bronze and copper vases and ornament.

In 1043, the kingdom of Nri began with Eze Nri Ifikuanim festival. The Portuguese explorers made contact with Igbo in 1434, long before the Atlantic slave trade exports that took millions of Igbo people, alongside other Africans, to America.

Although historians of Igbo culture have not agreed on their exact origin, some however, believe that they have been located around the Niger-Benue confluence. Hence, due to population pressure, they migrated through the Niger. But generally, history tells us that many of these tribes supposedly came from different parts of Africa many centuries ago.

Several history books claim that these tribes originated from Sudan, Egypt, North Africa and other territories. Nevertheless Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba were among the early settlers in Nigeria. There is strong evidence to suggest that the Igbo civilisation was distinctive, having evolved into forms significantly distinct from those of the Nok, Ife and Benin civilisations. And it is part of our history that the Igbo have manifested their zest for adventure and industry in their roles as public servants, educators, captains of industry and commerce and philanthropists.

They have contributed in no small measure both to the emancipation of Nigeria from colonial rule and the development of this country.

The colonial contact brought many changes in the traditions of Igbo people. With the arrival of a new culture, the Igbo traditional beliefs, religion, family structure and functions — including social stratification — were all affected. The gradual substitution of new values for the old in the areas most exposed to the foreign rule was infectious in its impact.

For instance, the modern Igbo with his Christian education and western orientation has the belief that the good will be rewarded in heaven, while the bad will end up in hell after the Judgment Day; whereas in Igbo cosmology the spirit goes neither to heaven nor hell, but returns to the earth to join his lineage.

Another thing is our adventurous nature. The Igbo people are increasingly mobile, they were found in all parts of the country before the civil war broke out. They are also presently found in many African countries, particularly Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Dakar. Unfortunately, not much is done by the Igbo outside Nigeria to preserve their culture and language, especially among the young generation.

Because they are traders and industrialists, they tend to blend with their immediate environment in all ramifications. Their dressing, language and tradition gradually fade. The most unfortunate and a major contributor is the fact that many Igbo do not visit home often, they stay many years without a single visit. Some have never been to their hometowns because of some misguided beliefs. Some others are scared they might be poisoned once their kinsmen discovered how successful or wealthy they have become.

Igbo accept changes so easily and adapt to them. They readily embrace the western type of education through Christian philosophy of evangelism. This is what is depicted in our home videos today. There has been no effort by the Nollywood directors and writers to educate us a little about our history — one that will make people see and understand that the region is not primitive. It is sad that there is no attempt to paint a beautiful picture of the culture and tradition of the Igbo; no attempt to depict the Igbo history based on past events.

Another thing is to learn to give honour to whom it is due. Prof. Chinua Achebe, author of the famous novel, Things Fall Apart, has taken a bold step by regaining the pride we once had for our language with a new Igbo dictionary/encyclopedia. This is very important, as Igbo is the only tribe among the three major tribes in the country without a television station on DSTV. The others have Africa Magic in Hausa and Yoruba. Yet, most of the English-speaking Nollywood films are done by Igbo actors and directors.

Further steps should be taken to ensure that the language is heard on renowned radio network services such as the BBC, Voice of America, German Radio, France and Chinese radio if possible, just as the Hausa tribe has achieved success with the Hausa BBC station.

Until we take these issues seriously, we will be working towards the prediction that the Igbo language will go extinct by 2025.
http://www.punchng.com/opinion/igbo-language-and-culture-fast-eroding/