By Azeez Elijah Olawale
Introduction
Every year on February 21, the world unites to observe International Mother Language Day (IMLD), a UNESCO-proclaimed day dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of endangered languages. For Nigeria—a nation brimming with over 500 indigenous languages—this day holds profound significance. In this blog post, we explore the history of IMLD, the challenges facing linguistic preservation, and the pivotal role played by the National Library of Nigeria in safeguarding the country’s rich linguistic tapestry.
The Origins and Significance of International Mother Language Day
IMLD traces its roots to the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), where students protested for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. This movement, marked by sacrifices, inspired UNESCO to establish February 21 as a day to honor linguistic rights globally in 1999. The United Nations later endorsed it in 2002, reinforcing its mission to foster inclusive societies through multilingualism.
Today, IMLD underscores the urgency of language preservation: UNESCO estimates that 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are endangered, with one disappearing every two weeks. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, over 100 languages are at risk of extinction, threatened by globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of major languages like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
The National Library of Nigeria: Guardian of Linguistic Heritage
Established in 1964, the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) operates under a mandate to collect, preserve, and provide access to the nation’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Its role in language preservation is critical, as Nigeria’s linguistic diversity forms a cornerstone of its identity.
Key Initiatives:
1. Documentation and Digitization:
The NLN has embarked on projects to archive literature, oral histories, and academic works in indigenous languages. Collaborating with local communities and linguists, the library digitizes rare manuscripts and recordings. For instance, the national library of Nigeria has developed the Language Map in Nigeria
2. Educational Outreach:
Aligning with UNESCO’s advocacy for mother tongue-based education, the NLN partners with schools to develop multilingual learning materials. In 2023, it distributed 15,000 indigenous language books to primary schools, supporting Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, which emphasizes instruction in local languages early in schooling.
3. Cultural Programs:
During IMLD, the NLN hosts workshops, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions. The 2024 event featured debates in 20 Nigerian languages and a symposium on digital tools for language revitalization, drawing over 2,000 participants.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite its efforts, the NLN faces hurdles:
- Funding Gaps: Limited financial resources hinder large-scale digitization and community outreach.
- Technological Barriers: Many endangered languages lack standardized orthographies, complicating digital preservation.
- Awareness: Rural communities often prioritize dominant languages for economic reasons, overlooking local tongues.
Call to Action
Protecting Nigeria’s linguistic heritage demands collective action. Governments, NGOs, and citizens can contribute by:
- Advocating for increased funding for the NLN.
- Supporting community-led language documentation.
- Encouraging children to learn their mother tongues.
Conclusion
International Mother Language Day is more than a celebration—it’s a rallying cry to preserve humanity’s cultural wealth. The National Library of Nigeria stands as a beacon in this effort, bridging the past and future through its work. As we honor the 2024 theme, “Multilingual Education: A Cornerstone of Learning,” let us commit to ensuring that every Nigerian language thrives for generations to come.