Don makes case for indigenous languages (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Oct 26, 2011 at 4:48 PM WAT

Don makes case for indigenous languages

By Musa Odoshimokhe
AFRICA

A teacher at the Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso,
has expressed concerned over the sorry state of indigenous languages,
which are facing serious threat from foreign languages. He blamed the
gradual disappearance of indigenous languages on British role as the
sole controller of political and socio-economic machinery of Nigeria.

He spoke at the recent annual conference of the Yoruba Studies
Association of Nigeria (YSAN) organised at the university to
reposition indigenous language. In his paper, entitled: The Tyranny of
English Language and westernisation in Nigeria: The imperatives of
indigenous Language and Cultural Promotion for Development, Oyeweso
noted that colonial administration deliberately pursued a policy that
discouraged the promotion of indigenous languages through the West
African Education Ordinance, which was used to checkmate the Christian
Missionaries who were seeking converts through the indigenous
languages.

Access full article below:
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/arts/life-midweek-magazine/24062-don-makes-case-for-indigenous-languages.html