Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Deconstructing Native Language in Communication: Igbo Language in Perspective

Cajetan O Iheanacho, PhD, Eweama, Kennedy Obinna

Abstract

Communication is an indispensable part of human existence with language as one of its veritable tools. Language in this paper is categorized under native language and official language. This paper seeks to deconstruct the invaluable roles native language in human communication, especially among people of homogenous linguistic affinity or milieu. For reliability and thoroughness of examination, Igbo language was adopted as a micro yardstick for the deconstruction. This paper is anchored on the ‘Hierarchy of Needs, and Yo-He-Ho’ theories drawn from the fields of communication and language. Content analysis method was adopted in gathering the data mainly from already existing studies or written literatures by other scholars or researchers in related areas, while the purposive sampling technique was used to systematically evaluate them. The paper recommends amongst others, that native languages be accorded important attention in Nigeria’s educational curriculum in order to enhance their development and also keep them extant.

Keywords

DeconstructingCommunicationNative LanguageIgbo LanguagePerspective.

References

Achebe, C. (1958). Things fall apart. United Kingdom: William Heinemann Ltd. Akwarandu, A. (2016). “The power of language,” being a paper presented at the 10th anniversary of international conference of students of English and literary studies, University of Abuja. May 30. Amaechi, M. (2018). Oral Interview via telephone with doctoral degree student in Germany. March 30. Anagbogu, P., Mbah, B. & Eme, C. (2001). Introduction to linguistics. Awka: J.E.C. Limited. Anyanwu, B.J.C. & Etumnu, E.W. (2018). Rethinking the role of the mass media in sustaining the Igbo language: A study of Owerri residents. Unicorn International Journal of Contemporary Studies, 3(2), 151-164. Bloomfield, L. (1933) “Native language (L1)” Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/native-language-11-term- 169133. July 17, 2018 Cheshire, J. & Stein, D. (1997). Taming the vernacular: form, dialect to written standard language. London: Dieter Publications. Chimezie, E. (1982). Official Igbo translation of Nigerian national anthem. Owerri: Emeka Wiseman Publishers. Crystal, A. & Davy, D. (1983). Advanced conversational English. London: Longman. Crystal, D. (1997b). The cambridge encyclopedia of language, 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Davies, A. (2018). The native speaker: myth and reality. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org. July 17, 2018. Deutsch, K. (1953). Nationalism and social communication. Cambridge: M.I.T. Press. Emenanjo, N. (1978) Elements of modern Igbo grammar: A descriptive Approach. Ibadan: Oxford University Press. Etumnu, E.W., Okpongkpong, G.I. & Ukpong, E.N. (2021). Metacommunicative elements and functional peculiarities of messages in the new media. In E.S.Asemah & P.O.Ubukoadata (Eds.), Communication and metacommunication: A discourse on media and society (pp.116-140). Jos University Press LTD. Equiano, O. (1989). “The interesting narrative of life of Olaudah Equiano”. Retrieved from http://www. Igbo language and communication. August 20, 2016. Ferguson, C. (1962). The language factor in national evelopment: anthropological linguistics. Cambridge: M.I.T. Press. Field, F. (2011). “Bilingualism in the USA: The case of the Chicano-Latino Community” Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/ native-language-11-term-1691336. July 17, Globe, F. (1971). The psychology of Abraham Maslow. Richmond, Ca: Maurice Basett Publishing. Hornby, A. (2000). Oxford advanced learners dictionary, 6th Edition, Webmeier, S (ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hybels, S. & Weaver, R. (1989). Communicating effectively. 2nd Edition, New York: Random House. Joseph, l. (2018). “The native speaker: An achievable model” In: Asian EFL Journal. Retrieved from http://en.wikipeia.org. July 17, 2018. Kirkpatrick, A. (2007). World Englishes: implications for international communication and English language teaching: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Maslow, A. (1943). “A theory of human motivation psychological review”. (50 (4) 370-96. Mba-Nwigoh, E., Ikiriko, S. & Amannah, P. (2017). “Broadcast media campaigns on ebola virus disease in Nigeria: A study of residents in south-south and south-east zones of Nigeria” In Schramm International Journal of Mass Media and Tele-Communications, 1 (1) P.71. Owerri: Crown Cross Nigeria Ltd. Miller,C. & Swift, K. (2000). The handbook of nonsexist writing, 2ndedition. In: Universe 2000 https://www.thoughtco.com/native-language-11-term-1691336. July 17, 2018. Ndimele, O. (2007). Semantics and the frontiers of communication. 2nd Edition. Port Harcourt: University of Port Harcourt Press Ltd. Nordquist, R.(2017.) “Native language (L1)” Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/native- language-11-term- 1691336. July 17, 2018. Ofomata, C. E. (2004). Ndezu u?to?asu?su? Igbo nke ndi? sinio? seko?di?ri?. Enugu: Format Publishers (Nig.) Ltd. Okeke, O. (2010). “The Igbos and Igboland: An Overview”, In Themes on Igbo Culture, History and Development. Anyanwu, U. (ed). Isolo: Ubaond & Associates. Ogunkoya, K. (2000). “Forward” In a handbook of language study for corps members (Igbo). Abuja: National Youth Services Corps. Oraka, L. (1983). the foundations of Igbo studies. Nsukka: University Publishing Company. Osuafor C. (2003). Principles of discourse analysis. Owerri: Global Press Ltd. Unamba, U., Obioma, M. & Ukoha, M. (2000). Effective communication in English (Part one). Owerri: Neoman Series. Wilson, D., Esiri,M., & Onwubere, C.(2008). Communications research. Lagos: National Open University of Nigeria. Shukla, S. & Connor – Linton, J. (2006). Language change: An introduction to language and linguistics. Fasold, R. & Connor – Linton (eds). Cambridge: University Press. Surbhi, S. (2016). “Difference between language and communication.” Retrieved from http://keydifferences.com.