A Port Harcourt-based linguist and Indigenous Language advocate, Mr. Josiah Egbilika, has called on the United Nations (UN) and other world bodies to enact policies that will enforce the inclusion of African Language Study in the educational curriculum of Western countries.
The linguist, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on the occasion of the international day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said such policies when implemented will not only bring the people of African Descent closer to the culture of their place of origin, but also enable them to acquire, learn and speak their indigenous languages and as well expose the western world to the different languages in Africa.
According to Egbilika, if schools in Western countries include African Language Study in their educational curriculum, it would create a better bond between the people of African Descent and the Western world, cause a better appreciation of Africa and enhance unity through cultural diplomacy.
Commending the UN for the launch of a decade of ‘Recognition, Justice and Development: Implementation of the international Decade for the People of African Descent to Recognize the Efforts of the People of Africa in the Development of the Globe,’ the linguist suggested that African languages should also be taught in western schools just as foreign languages are taught in African schools.
He added that the universities or colleges could call it department of African Language Study, while in primary and secondary schools, it could be called “Introduction to world languages or Introduction to African Languages”.
Noting its significance, Mr. Egbilika said if world bodies enact such policies, it will increase employment population rate, improve the economy and forex, enhance cultural integration, improve multi-lingual teachings, and also reduce illegal migration.
