In the quest to prevent the decline of Igbo language, some secondary school students have lent their voices to the call on Igbo parents who use English language as first language to bring up their children instead of Igbo language to reconsider this practice.
Speaking with journalist, a final year Secondary School Student from Mater Christi Secondary School, Awada Miss Chioma Mamah explained that bringing up Igbo children with their mother tongue is very important as it is their identity, citing how other nations of the world like India, China and even those that colonized Nigeria and African countries are treasure their languages, saying that Ndigbo should also be proud of their own language by teaching their children how to speak it.
Miss Mamah, though noted that the colonial masters who brought civilization to Nigeria did very well, said that it is not enough reason for Igbo parents to use English language as first language for their children instead of Igbo language, adding that English can be a second language to the children.
For Master Kosisochukwu Ojukwu who said he is proud of Igbo language as an Igbo boy, Igbo parents should help their children by inculcating in them the habit of speaking Igbo language and as well as teaching them the importance of the language.
In their separate remarks,vother students, Miss Chinecherem Nwole and Master Chigozie Onyebaluchi said Igbo parents who use English language as first language for their children are killing the Igbo language and culture and should desist from such.
Echezona Okafor.
