Language is more than a tool for communication; it is the vessel of culture, identity, and history. In South Africa, the struggle to preserve indigenous languages highlights the fragility of cultural heritage in an era dominated by globalization and technology. Despite constitutional recognition of 11 official languages, many indigenous tongues are endangered due to the overwhelming preference for English in education, media, and governance.

This serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to reflect on the state of its own linguistic and cultural heritage.

South Africa’s experience shows that neglecting native languages leads to their gradual extinction. For example, languages like N|uu have only one fluent speaker left. Efforts are being made to preserve these languages through technology, including digitization, online dictionaries, and translation tools.

However, these initiatives face challenges such as limited funding and lack of widespread implementation. Nigeria must learn from this by taking proactive steps to safeguard its over 500 indigenous languages before they face a similar fate.

In Nigeria, the erosion of native languages is often tied to societal attitudes that prioritize English over traditional tongues. Parents increasingly raise children who cannot speak their mother tongues, believing this gives them an advantage in education and career opportunities.

While English is important, it should not come at the cost of losing our linguistic heritage. Nigerians should embrace bilingualism by teaching their children both English and their native languages. This ensures cultural continuity while equipping them for global competitiveness.

One powerful way to preserve culture is by giving children traditional names that reflect their heritage. Names carry deep meanings and connect individuals to their roots. By choosing indigenous names for our children, we make a statement about the value of our identity and ensure that future generations remain tied to their ancestry. This simple yet profound act can inspire pride in our culture and encourage others to do the same.

Nigeria has a unique opportunity to prevent the mistakes seen in South Africa by prioritizing language preservation now. Governments should invest in mother-tongue education policies, while communities must actively promote the use of indigenous languages at home and in public spaces.

Let us embrace our linguistic diversity as a strength rather than a burden, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage thrives for generations to come.