Governments at all levels have been urged to integrate indigenous and minority languages into formal and informal education systems to ensure their survival and continued use.
Professor Bolanle Arokoyo made the call while delivering the 282 inaugural lecture of the Department of Logistics and Nigeria Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Themed “From the Mouths of Babes To the Wisdom of Elders: A Voyage of Language of Exploration”, held at the auditorium of the institution in Ilorin, Kwara state.
She said lack of engagement of students in local languages in the educational Institutions has affected the standard of education in the country.
According to her, students who are taught using their indigenous language do better in terms of understanding and comprehension of the lessons taught.
Professor Arokoyo called for determination and more commitment to ensure indigenous languages strive.
She urged universities and research institutions, government agencies and international organisations to prioritise documenting endangered languages to preserve their grammatical structures, vocabulary, cultural narratives through increase funding.
Professor Arokoyo also advised government, technology companies and cultural organisations and the media to adopt digital tools to revitalise and promote endangered languages.
She appealed to the policymakers to recognise linguistics rights of indigenous language speakers and enforce policies that protect and promote language diversity.
The University don, enjoined linguists to collaborate with professionals in technology, anthropology, education and policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of language preservation and revitalisation efforts.
She admonished universities and training institutions to incorporate business, digital marketing and entrepreneurship courses into linguistics programme to equip the 21st century linguists with the skills needed to start language businesses such as translation and artificial intelligence development among others.
