PREVIEW OF THE APPROVED LANGUAGES PREVIEW OF THE APPROVED LANGUAGES ORTHOGRAPHIES & PROGRESS ON THE ORTHOGRAPHIES & PROGRESS ON THE

CURRICULA DEVELOPMENTCURRICULA DEVELOPMENT

BYBY

TONY ENYIATONY ENYIA; PhD, MNIM; PhD, MNIM

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY / CEOEXECUTIVE SECRETARY / CEORIVERS STATE READERS PROJECTRIVERS STATE READERS PROJECT

PROLOGUE (1)PROLOGUE (1)

““If you know all the languages If you know all the languages of the world, and you donof the world, and you don’’t t know your language, that is know your language, that is enslavement.enslavement.””

““If you know your language and If you know your language and add all the other languages, that add all the other languages, that is empowerment.is empowerment.””

--- Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong--- Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’’O O Guardian, Tuesday 24 July 2012Guardian, Tuesday 24 July 2012

PROLOGUE (2)PROLOGUE (2)One of the contributing factors One of the contributing factors why Romney lost big among Latino why Romney lost big among Latino (Hispanics) voters was that the (Hispanics) voters was that the Obama campaign outspent the Obama campaign outspent the Romney camp on Romney camp on Spanish-Spanish-language TVlanguage TV by nearly 2-to-1. by nearly 2-to-1. Obama carried a whopping 71% Obama carried a whopping 71% of Latinos (to win his re-election).of Latinos (to win his re-election).

NBC's Mark Murray, NBCNEWS.com, 5/12/12NBC's Mark Murray, NBCNEWS.com, 5/12/12

ContentsContents ► ► ObjectivesObjectives ► ► Brief HistoryBrief History

► ► The UNESCO Position The UNESCO Position ► Advocacies for Mother-Tongue► Advocacies for Mother-Tongue

► ► Fall-out of the 2009 Literary FestivalFall-out of the 2009 Literary Festival ► ► Extant RS Local Language Law Extant RS Local Language Law ► ► Legal ImperativesLegal Imperatives ► ► Activities & AchievementsActivities & Achievements

► Commendation by Federal Government ► Commendation by Federal Government ► ► Constraints & ChallengesConstraints & Challenges

► Suggested Way Forward► Suggested Way Forward ► ► Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts

ObjectivesObjectives

The three founding objectives of the Rivers State Readers The three founding objectives of the Rivers State Readers Project were: (1) To make available a series of “readers” Project were: (1) To make available a series of “readers” for use in the primary and secondary schools in all for use in the primary and secondary schools in all locallocal languages of Rivers State, languages of Rivers State, (2) Complement this with the (2) Complement this with the provision of “English Language readers” for provision of “English Language readers” for globalglobal content, content, and (3) So that the children can learn in their own and (3) So that the children can learn in their own mother-tongue for cultural sustainability as enjoined by mother-tongue for cultural sustainability as enjoined by the Federal Republic of Nigeria National Policy on the Federal Republic of Nigeria National Policy on Education (2004:11-12) which states that:Education (2004:11-12) which states that:

““To achieve the above objectives Government shall ensure To achieve the above objectives Government shall ensure the medium the medium

of instruction will be principally the mother-tongue or the of instruction will be principally the mother-tongue or the language of language of

the immediate community; and to this end will:the immediate community; and to this end will: (a) Develop the orthography for many more Nigerian (a) Develop the orthography for many more Nigerian

languages, andlanguages, and (b) Produce textbooks in Nigerian languages.” (b) Produce textbooks in Nigerian languages.”

RSRP has a 5-Phased Work Plan of RSRP has a 5-Phased Work Plan of Orthographies Orthographies DevelopmentDevelopment, , Curricula Curricula

Development,Development, Language Books ProductionLanguage Books Production, , Language Language Teachers TrainingTeachers Training, and , and

Language Teachers Deployment Language Teachers Deployment to use the books to to use the books to teach in the RS Schools .teach in the RS Schools .

Brief HistoryBrief History

◙ ◙ First Planned in 1967 on creation of (Old) Rivers State as “Rivers Readers Project.”First Planned in 1967 on creation of (Old) Rivers State as “Rivers Readers Project.”◙ ◙ Commenced work in 1970 with initial grant from UNESCO and Ford Foundation.Commenced work in 1970 with initial grant from UNESCO and Ford Foundation.◙ ◙ Identified 21 languages in Old Rivers State by end of research in 1970 as follows:Identified 21 languages in Old Rivers State by end of research in 1970 as follows:

◊ ◊ 17 Languages in present-day Rivers State, viz:17 Languages in present-day Rivers State, viz: Abuan, Degema, Egbema, Ekpeye, Abuan, Degema, Egbema, Ekpeye, Egene, Echie, Eleme, Gokana, Ikwere, Ibani, Kana, Kalabari, Ndoni, Egene, Echie, Eleme, Gokana, Ikwere, Ibani, Kana, Kalabari, Ndoni,

Odual, Odual, Ogba, Obolo, and Okrika.Ogba, Obolo, and Okrika.

◊ ◊ 4 Languages in present-day Bayelsa State, viz: Epie, Izon, Nembe, and Ogbia.4 Languages in present-day Bayelsa State, viz: Epie, Izon, Nembe, and Ogbia.◙ ◙ Project became a “Committee” of the Rivers State Ministry of Education by the 1980s.Project became a “Committee” of the Rivers State Ministry of Education by the 1980s.

◙ ◙ Project was killed and became moribund under the past Civilian Administration. Project was killed and became moribund under the past Civilian Administration. ◙ ◙ Rivers State Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages) Law was enacted in 2003.Rivers State Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages) Law was enacted in 2003.◙ ◙ Project was resuscitated, renamed Project was resuscitated, renamed Rivers State Readers Project Rivers State Readers Project and made a “Parastatal” and made a “Parastatal”

on 31 July 2008 by His Excellency Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. on 31 July 2008 by His Excellency Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

◙ ◙ Project Governing Board of six (6) persons set up, viz: Professor Emeritus Tekena Project Governing Board of six (6) persons set up, viz: Professor Emeritus Tekena Tamuno (Chairman), Professor Otonti Nduka, Dr (Mrs) Blessing Ahiauzu, Chief Tamuno (Chairman), Professor Otonti Nduka, Dr (Mrs) Blessing Ahiauzu, Chief Sampson Agbaru, Dr Sonpie Kpone-Tonwe, and Dr Tony Enyia.Sampson Agbaru, Dr Sonpie Kpone-Tonwe, and Dr Tony Enyia.

◙ ◙ Dr Tony Enyia was confirmed Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of Project on 25/9/08Dr Tony Enyia was confirmed Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of Project on 25/9/08◙ ◙ Federal Government formally Approved the 14 Orthographies of Federal Government formally Approved the 14 Orthographies of Abuan, Degema, Abuan, Degema,

Egbema, Ekpeye, Egene, Echie, Eleme, Gokana, Ibani, Kana, Ndoni, Odual, Ogba, and Egbema, Ekpeye, Egene, Echie, Eleme, Gokana, Ibani, Kana, Ndoni, Odual, Ogba, and OkrikaOkrika in 2010 as Nigerian Languages Spoken in Rivers State. in 2010 as Nigerian Languages Spoken in Rivers State. Ikwere, Kalabari and Ikwere, Kalabari and Obolo Obolo were approved earlier, making the total no of accredited RS Languages 17.were approved earlier, making the total no of accredited RS Languages 17.

◙ ◙ The Approved 14 Orthographies were published by the Federal Government in 2011.The Approved 14 Orthographies were published by the Federal Government in 2011.

Bad Prediction for NigeriaBad Prediction for Nigeria““If bold steps are not taken, I If bold steps are not taken, I assure you many (Nigerian) assure you many (Nigerian) indigenous languages will die. indigenous languages will die.

UNESCO has even reported UNESCO has even reported that about ten (10) Nigerian that about ten (10) Nigerian languages could die before languages could die before the next decade. the next decade.

The report, to me, is correct The report, to me, is correct because many of our children because many of our children these days don’t know how these days don’t know how to speak their mother- to speak their mother- tongues.”tongues.”

-- Ibrahaim Ishak Bala-- Ibrahaim Ishak BalaBlueprint Newspaper, 17/2/2012Blueprint Newspaper, 17/2/2012

The UNESCO PositionThe UNESCO Position

““We must… understand the term ‘language’ We must… understand the term ‘language’ in its fullest sense.” Citing a renowned in its fullest sense.” Citing a renowned anthropologist, Davis, UNESCO notes that:anthropologist, Davis, UNESCO notes that:

“ “A language isn’t just a body of vocabulary or a A language isn’t just a body of vocabulary or a set of grammatical rules. It is a flash of the human set of grammatical rules. It is a flash of the human spirit, a vehicle through which the soul of a spirit, a vehicle through which the soul of a particular culture comes into the material world.” particular culture comes into the material world.”

Continuing, Davis said: “When we loose a Continuing, Davis said: “When we loose a language we loose a vital part of the human language we loose a vital part of the human spirit.”spirit.” (Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})(Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})

The UNESCO PositionThe UNESCO Position (Contd.)(Contd.)

English … enjoys considerable support English … enjoys considerable support from parents and teachers in the belief from parents and teachers in the belief that it is an important door to modernism that it is an important door to modernism and success. That the ability to speak and success. That the ability to speak English in our globalized world constitutes English in our globalized world constitutes an advantage is not in doubt nor being an advantage is not in doubt nor being challenged. challenged.

What is certainly not true is that What is certainly not true is that knowledge and use of one or even two knowledge and use of one or even two indigenous languages militates against indigenous languages militates against one being able to master English or one being able to master English or French.French.

In fact, the view espoused by UNESCO holds that In fact, the view espoused by UNESCO holds that mastery of these Western languages is more often mastery of these Western languages is more often than not facilitated by mastery of one’s than not facilitated by mastery of one’s indigenous language. indigenous language. (Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})(Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})

The UNESCO PositionThe UNESCO Position (Contd.)(Contd.)

Educators, particularly at the Educators, particularly at the pre- and primary school levels, pre- and primary school levels, will need to be careful that they will need to be careful that they are not seen as having lost the are not seen as having lost the argument that:argument that:

““the use and mastery of the the use and mastery of the mother-tongue actually assists mother-tongue actually assists in the acquisition of English, in the acquisition of English, French and other Western French and other Western languages.”languages.”

(Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})(Hubert J. Charles, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria {2006})

International Advocacy from AsiaInternational Advocacy from AsiaLearning in Native Tongue Can Learning in Native Tongue Can

Boost Independent ThoughtBoost Independent Thought““Learning in one’s native tongue should not be Learning in one’s native tongue should not be seen as a weakness, but can lead to higher seen as a weakness, but can lead to higher independent thought … many of the team behind independent thought … many of the team behind India’s first and successful moon mission had India’s first and successful moon mission had done a large part of their academic learning in done a large part of their academic learning in their native tongues.”their native tongues.”

““I have lost nothing because I was educated in my I have lost nothing because I was educated in my mother tongue. Eleven years of my schooling was mother tongue. Eleven years of my schooling was in Tamil (language) medium. English is the link in Tamil (language) medium. English is the link language of modern science. It is necessary to language of modern science. It is necessary to learn it. But learning in one’s language can do learn it. But learning in one’s language can do wonders for independent and original thinking.”wonders for independent and original thinking.”

(Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director , Indian {Space} Moon Mission, (Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director , Indian {Space} Moon Mission, The New Indian Express, Chennai, IndiaThe New Indian Express, Chennai, India. 21/2/2012). 21/2/2012)

International Media Advocacy International Media Advocacy for Mother-Tongue for Mother-Tongue by “TIME Magazine” July 1977 by “TIME Magazine” July 1977

““Half the world’s languages are Half the world’s languages are faced with extinction … unless we faced with extinction … unless we wake up to the problem, we stand wake up to the problem, we stand to lose up to 95% of our languages to lose up to 95% of our languages in the coming century.in the coming century.

Indigenous peoples are not waiting Indigenous peoples are not waiting for the slow death of linguistic for the slow death of linguistic extinction. They are speaking out to extinction. They are speaking out to try to save their endangered try to save their endangered tongues.”tongues.”

Presidential AdvocacyPresidential AdvocacyPresident Umaru Musa Yar’Adua launched President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua launched the Microsoft Language Localization the Microsoft Language Localization Programme in Abuja and described Programme in Abuja and described language as strategic to national language as strategic to national development.development.

He called on Nigerians to take advantage He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities provided by of the opportunities provided by Microsoft's local language programme to Microsoft's local language programme to preserve and promote the country's preserve and promote the country's mother languages, “while benefiting from mother languages, “while benefiting from continuing IT advancements."continuing IT advancements."

Microsoft Nigeria … had proved that Microsoft Nigeria … had proved that language couldn't be a barrier to language couldn't be a barrier to technology access.technology access.

(Guardian Newspaper, 2/6/09)(Guardian Newspaper, 2/6/09)

Advocacy By Forum of ExpertsAdvocacy By Forum of Experts““Chairman board of directors of the publishing Chairman board of directors of the publishing house, house, Dr Lekan Are, said the failures being recorded Dr Lekan Are, said the failures being recorded now in the various examinations (WAEC, NECO, now in the various examinations (WAEC, NECO, JAMB, etc) were unheard of way back when JAMB, etc) were unheard of way back when children only came in contact with the foreign children only came in contact with the foreign language when they were six years old and above. language when they were six years old and above. Dr Are, therefore, canvassed that children be Dr Are, therefore, canvassed that children be taught their mother-tongue to a certain age taught their mother-tongue to a certain age before they became exposed to a foreign before they became exposed to a foreign language as the only panacea to the children's language as the only panacea to the children's learning problems. learning problems.

He, also blamed children's inability to speak their He, also blamed children's inability to speak their mother-tongue on parents, who think it elitist for mother-tongue on parents, who think it elitist for their children to speak only in English rather their their children to speak only in English rather their mother-tongue. Children coming in contact with a mother-tongue. Children coming in contact with a foreign language from age six and above would foreign language from age six and above would enhance rather than hinder their cognitive enhance rather than hinder their cognitive abilities, and even hasten their understanding of abilities, and even hasten their understanding of the foreign language.”the foreign language.” (Guardian Newspaper, 29/6/09)(Guardian Newspaper, 29/6/09)

Advocacy By Forum of Experts Advocacy By Forum of Experts (Contd.)(Contd.)

““Foremost linguist and Yoruba author, Foremost linguist and Yoruba author, Professor Akinwunmi Isola, stated that Professor Akinwunmi Isola, stated that unless a child was competent in the unless a child was competent in the mother-tongue he might not be able mother-tongue he might not be able acquire a foreign language. He noted that acquire a foreign language. He noted that Nigerian children who presumed to speak Nigerian children who presumed to speak only foreign language were the worse only foreign language were the worse users of the English language.users of the English language.

He also tied mother-tongue to the He also tied mother-tongue to the acquisition of culture and values because acquisition of culture and values because language is the vehicle through which language is the vehicle through which these two are conveyed or transmitted. these two are conveyed or transmitted. He said we have abandoned our mother-He said we have abandoned our mother-tongue, albeit it is through the mother-tongue, albeit it is through the mother-tongue that you can acquire culture and tongue that you can acquire culture and values. Culture comes first through our values. Culture comes first through our language."language." (Guardian Newspaper, 29/6/09)(Guardian Newspaper, 29/6/09)

Fall-out of the 2009 Garden City Literary Fall-out of the 2009 Garden City Literary Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-

TongueTongue??♦ ♦ Ngugi Wa Thiong’o (international literary icon), renewed Ngugi Wa Thiong’o (international literary icon), renewed his earlier prescription for creative writers in Africa to his earlier prescription for creative writers in Africa to write in their mother-tongue as he has chosen to do in his write in their mother-tongue as he has chosen to do in his native Gikuyu language (of Kenya).native Gikuyu language (of Kenya).

♦♦ He lamented the adverse effect the English Language He lamented the adverse effect the English Language has had on many writers who are unable to write in their has had on many writers who are unable to write in their mother-tongue as demonstrated by a writing test he mother-tongue as demonstrated by a writing test he conducted at the Port Harcourt event.conducted at the Port Harcourt event.

♦♦ He holds the view that perception between languages He holds the view that perception between languages has nothing to do with the inherent powers of languages has nothing to do with the inherent powers of languages but that such thinking has been brought about by a but that such thinking has been brought about by a historical process.historical process.

Daily Sun, 30/10/2009Daily Sun, 30/10/2009

Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-

TongueTongue? ? (Contd.)(Contd.)♦ ♦ Ngugi Wa Thiong’o shares the same concerns with Ngugi Wa Thiong’o shares the same concerns with UNESCO about the low utilization of out indigenous UNESCO about the low utilization of out indigenous languages in our national life.languages in our national life.

♦♦ (Current) UNESCO Director-General, Koichiro Matsuura (Current) UNESCO Director-General, Koichiro Matsuura pointed out that the death of a language leads to the pointed out that the death of a language leads to the disappearance of many forms of intangible cultural disappearance of many forms of intangible cultural heritage, especially the invaluable heritage of traditions heritage, especially the invaluable heritage of traditions and oral expressions of the community that spoke it – and oral expressions of the community that spoke it – from poems and legends to proverbs and jokes.from poems and legends to proverbs and jokes.

♦♦ He holds the view that perception between languages He holds the view that perception between languages has nothing to do with the inherent powers of languages has nothing to do with the inherent powers of languages but that such thinking has been brought about by a but that such thinking has been brought about by a historical process.historical process.

♦ ♦ Koichiro said the loss of languages is also detrimental Koichiro said the loss of languages is also detrimental to humanity’s grasp of biodiversity, as they transmit to humanity’s grasp of biodiversity, as they transmit much knowledge about nature and the universe.much knowledge about nature and the universe.

Daily Sun, 30/10/2009Daily Sun, 30/10/2009

Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-

TongueTongue? ? (Contd.)(Contd.)♦ ♦ The situation in Nigeria is that we have a generation The situation in Nigeria is that we have a generation that is neither proficient in their mother-tongue nor the that is neither proficient in their mother-tongue nor the English language, which is akin to moving towards a English language, which is akin to moving towards a zero language option (pidgin?).zero language option (pidgin?).

♦♦ We are scandalized by the practice in primary schools We are scandalized by the practice in primary schools which punishes one for speaking in mother-tongue, and which punishes one for speaking in mother-tongue, and extols the other for speaking in English. The humiliation extols the other for speaking in English. The humiliation and negativity attached to native languages in the and negativity attached to native languages in the teaching/learning process should be done away with.teaching/learning process should be done away with.

♦♦ The positive affirmation of English language as a The positive affirmation of English language as a means of intellectual productivity and the (pervasive) means of intellectual productivity and the (pervasive) criminalization of mother-tongue for the same process criminalization of mother-tongue for the same process has, for long, been the bane of development of these has, for long, been the bane of development of these languages.languages.

♦ ♦ This is colonial hangover. There is the urgent need to This is colonial hangover. There is the urgent need to change the status quo so that our indigenous languages change the status quo so that our indigenous languages will be the language of commerce, administration, will be the language of commerce, administration, politics, education and international communication. politics, education and international communication. This is the lesson of Ngugi’s postulations. It is a call for This is the lesson of Ngugi’s postulations. It is a call for linguistic pride and nationalism.linguistic pride and nationalism.

Daily Sun, 30/10/2009Daily Sun, 30/10/2009

Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Fall-out of 2009 Garden City Literary Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-Festival: An Advocacy for Mother-

TongueTongue? ? (Contd.)(Contd.)♦ ♦ The way out of this linguistic suicide is to start using our The way out of this linguistic suicide is to start using our own languages as the medium of instruction in our nursery own languages as the medium of instruction in our nursery and primary schools.and primary schools.

♦♦ The The Ife experimentIfe experiment conducted by Prof Aliyu Babatunde conducted by Prof Aliyu Babatunde Fafunwa, using his Yoruba mother-tongue to teach Fafunwa, using his Yoruba mother-tongue to teach children from primary one to six showed that the pupils children from primary one to six showed that the pupils did quite well. Since then, Prof Fafunwa had argued on the did quite well. Since then, Prof Fafunwa had argued on the possibility of teaching mathematics and science subjects in possibility of teaching mathematics and science subjects in our indigenous languages since his experience at the “our indigenous languages since his experience at the “Ife-Ife-six-year primary projectsix-year primary project” showed clearly that children will ” showed clearly that children will cope better with mathematics if they are taught in their cope better with mathematics if they are taught in their mother-tongue.mother-tongue.

♦♦ (In summary, the Festival outcome says) t(In summary, the Festival outcome says) there is nothing here is nothing wrong in using our local languages to teach from nursery wrong in using our local languages to teach from nursery to university level. Such languages can be further enriched to university level. Such languages can be further enriched through extensive borrowing as done by English to make through extensive borrowing as done by English to make up for their inadequacies.up for their inadequacies.

♦ ♦ Let all our classic creative works, especially Chinua Let all our classic creative works, especially Chinua Achebe’s Achebe’s Things Fall ApartThings Fall Apart, Soyinka’s , Soyinka’s Death and the Kings Death and the Kings HorsemanHorseman, and others, be translated into these languages , and others, be translated into these languages to boost them.to boost them.

Daily Sun, 30/10/2009Daily Sun, 30/10/2009

Extant RS Education (Teaching Extant RS Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages)of Indigenous Languages) Law Law

Extant RS Education (Teaching of Extant RS Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages) LawIndigenous Languages) Law (Contd.)(Contd.)

Extant RS Education (Teaching of Extant RS Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages) LawIndigenous Languages) Law (Contd.)(Contd.)

Legal ImperativesLegal Imperatives Enforcement of -Enforcement of -

““The Rivers State Education (Teaching of Indigenous The Rivers State Education (Teaching of Indigenous Languages) Law 2003” Languages) Law 2003” which provides that:which provides that:

♦ ♦ ““The teaching of indigenous languages is made compulsory in all The teaching of indigenous languages is made compulsory in all pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools in Rivers State.”pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools in Rivers State.”

♦♦ ““The Ministry of Education shall ensure that the teaching of these The Ministry of Education shall ensure that the teaching of these indigenous languages forms part of the academic curricula of all the indigenous languages forms part of the academic curricula of all the affected schools.”affected schools.”

♦♦ “ “The Ministry shall cause the local languages to be one of the The Ministry shall cause the local languages to be one of the subjects examined at the end of each term or year in the First subjects examined at the end of each term or year in the First SchoolSchool Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and the Junior Secondary Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and the Junior Secondary School Certificate (JSSC) examinationsSchool Certificate (JSSC) examinations.”.”

♦ ♦ ““The Ministry of Education shall ensure that teachers are trained to The Ministry of Education shall ensure that teachers are trained to cater for all the schools through workshops and compressed cater for all the schools through workshops and compressed certificate courses on local languages spoken in the State in certificate courses on local languages spoken in the State in universities or other institutions approved by the Ministry.”universities or other institutions approved by the Ministry.”

Legal ImperativesLegal Imperatives (Contd.)(Contd.)

Enforcement of -Enforcement of -The National Policy on Education (2004) The National Policy on Education (2004)

which provides that:which provides that:♦♦ For Early Childhood & Pre-primary EducationFor Early Childhood & Pre-primary Education““Government shall … Government shall … ensure the medium of instruction (ensure the medium of instruction (in pre-in pre-primary and primary school)primary and primary school) will be principally the mother-tongue will be principally the mother-tongue or the language of the immediate communityor the language of the immediate community; and to this end will:; and to this end will:(a) develop the orthography for many more Nigerian languages, and(a) develop the orthography for many more Nigerian languages, and(b) produce textbooks in Nigerian languages.”(b) produce textbooks in Nigerian languages.”

♦♦ For Primary EducationFor Primary Education““The medium of instruction in the primary school shall be the The medium of instruction in the primary school shall be the language of the environment for the language of the environment for the first three yearsfirst three years. . During this During this period, English shall be taught as a subject.”period, English shall be taught as a subject.”

♦ ♦ For Junior Secondary SchoolFor Junior Secondary School““The language of the environment shall be taught … where it has The language of the environment shall be taught … where it has orthography and literature. Where it does not have, it shall be taught orthography and literature. Where it does not have, it shall be taught with emphasis on oralcy.”with emphasis on oralcy.”

Catching Them Young via Catching Them Young via EducationEducation

◙ ◙ Pre-Civil War Education System had a Measure of Pre-Civil War Education System had a Measure of Observation of Youth Character: Integrity, Rectitude, Observation of Youth Character: Integrity, Rectitude, Good Initiative, Discipline, Respect for Constituted Good Initiative, Discipline, Respect for Constituted Authority, etc.Authority, etc.

◙ ◙ After the War, with the Advent of the Military, these Values After the War, with the Advent of the Military, these Values Disappeared Leading up to Examinations Fraud, Very Disappeared Leading up to Examinations Fraud, Very Poor Standard of Education, Cultism, Armed Violence, Poor Standard of Education, Cultism, Armed Violence, Kidnapping, Restiveness, and Pervasive Corruption, etc.Kidnapping, Restiveness, and Pervasive Corruption, etc.

◙ ◙ Bad character traits like stealing, lying, truancy, immorality, Bad character traits like stealing, lying, truancy, immorality, dishonesty, etc needs to be tackled by the re-introduction dishonesty, etc needs to be tackled by the re-introduction of traditional values via early mother-tongue education.of traditional values via early mother-tongue education.

◙ ◙ The Rivers State Readers Project agrees with the Forum of The Rivers State Readers Project agrees with the Forum of Linguistic Experts and other Advocates that:Linguistic Experts and other Advocates that:““through the mother-tongue you can acquire culture and through the mother-tongue you can acquire culture and values. Culture comes first through our language."values. Culture comes first through our language."

Catching Them Young via EducationCatching Them Young via Education (Contd.)(Contd.)

◙ ◙ The Primary Qualification for Leadership in Society and the The Primary Qualification for Leadership in Society and the Oil Industry is Character: Intelligence, Integrity and Oil Industry is Character: Intelligence, Integrity and Ability.Ability.

◙ ◙ If the Next Generation of Youths Possesses these, Both If the Next Generation of Youths Possesses these, Both Society and the Government will Secure their Future.Society and the Government will Secure their Future.

◙ ◙ Truly, what Chinua Achebe Meant when he Talked about a Truly, what Chinua Achebe Meant when he Talked about a Youth called Youth called OkonkwoOkonkwo in in Things Fall ApartThings Fall Apart is that the is that the Youth we Envisage is “a Leader of no Mean Character.”Youth we Envisage is “a Leader of no Mean Character.”

◙ ◙ ““The next cardinal principle which ought to govern our The next cardinal principle which ought to govern our education is character-training about which much has education is character-training about which much has been said by so many in recent times and especially in been said by so many in recent times and especially in these days when it has become fashionable for many a these days when it has become fashionable for many a school child to be violent, irresponsible and disrespectful. school child to be violent, irresponsible and disrespectful. Character-training (through the mother-tongue should at Character-training (through the mother-tongue should at home and school include) moral and civic values.”home and school include) moral and civic values.”

--- Chief A.Y. Eke, Federal Commissioner of Education, 1971--- Chief A.Y. Eke, Federal Commissioner of Education, 1971

Bayelsa State Leads the Way

Bayelsa State Leads the Way (Contd.)

In 2008, the Bayelsa State government advertised the in-In 2008, the Bayelsa State government advertised the in-take take

of students to study Diploma in Izon language at the Niger of students to study Diploma in Izon language at the Niger Delta University (NDU).Delta University (NDU).

The 3-yr Diploma programme is based on developing the The 3-yr Diploma programme is based on developing the Izon language, culture and history – a policy commitment Izon language, culture and history – a policy commitment to the development and preservation of Izon cultural to the development and preservation of Izon cultural heritage.heritage.

This is a rebirth of Izon national consciousness taking This is a rebirth of Izon national consciousness taking place in schools in Bayelsa State aimed at the place in schools in Bayelsa State aimed at the development of Izon language for codification and development of Izon language for codification and documentation. Izon is taught from Basic 1 to 4 as a bold documentation. Izon is taught from Basic 1 to 4 as a bold initiative to include it in the curriculum from nursery to initiative to include it in the curriculum from nursery to secondary levels. secondary levels.

The objectives are: (1) To enable the children to read and The objectives are: (1) To enable the children to read and write well in Izon language, (2) To write the history and write well in Izon language, (2) To write the history and culture of the Izon language, (3) To translate the Holy culture of the Izon language, (3) To translate the Holy Bible into Izon language, and support the reading of the Bible into Izon language, and support the reading of the Holy Bible in Izon language, (4) To teach other Holy Bible in Izon language, (4) To teach other language, starting with Ayakpo Comprehensive School, language, starting with Ayakpo Comprehensive School, Biogbolo.Biogbolo.

The Almighty God Approves The Almighty God Approves Multilingualism Multilingualism (Biodiversity)(Biodiversity) !! !!

““The LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one The LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one languagelanguage … let us confound their language ... So the LORD scattered … let us confound their language ... So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earthearth” ” (Genesis(Genesis 11:6-8).11:6-8).

““When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they … were all filled with When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they … were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tonguestongues. And there were . And there were dwelling at dwelling at JerusalemJerusalem … men, out of every nation under heaven … and … men, out of every nation under heaven … and every man heard them speak in his own language. And were amazed every man heard them speak in his own language. And were amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? How hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein speak Galilaeans? How hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? … we do hear them speak in our tongues” (Acts 2:4-11).we were born? … we do hear them speak in our tongues” (Acts 2:4-11).

““I beheld (in I beheld (in heavenheaven), and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could ), and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tonguestongues, stood , stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes” before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes” (Revelation 7:9). (Revelation 7:9).

Strong Biblical Anticidents of Strong Biblical Anticidents of Leveraging Language Power Leveraging Language Power

““Nebuchadnezzar the king, (wrote) unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you” ” (Daniel 4:1).(Daniel 4:1).

““King Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you”””” (Daniel 6:25). (Daniel 6:25).

““Then were the king's scribes called at that time … and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, … and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language” (Esther 8:9). ” (Esther 8:9).

Criticality of Mother-Tongue:Criticality of Mother-Tongue:A Matter of Life & DeathA Matter of Life & Death !! !!

““The fighters who had burst into the The fighters who had burst into the hall shouted warnings in hall shouted warnings in HebrewHebrew to the to the captives to lie on the ground and they captives to lie on the ground and they then wiped out the Palestinian Arab then wiped out the Palestinian Arab terrorists in the hall within a few terrorists in the hall within a few seconds with crackling volleys of seconds with crackling volleys of automatic fire… Those who hugged the automatic fire… Those who hugged the floor were not hit.floor were not hit.

““The (Israeli) covering force succeeded The (Israeli) covering force succeeded in that very moment in silencing the in that very moment in silencing the firing from the tower and the first of firing from the tower and the first of the hostages began to emerge from the hostages began to emerge from the doorway of the terminal to race to the doorway of the terminal to race to the awaiting aircraft.”the awaiting aircraft.”

Yehuda Ofer (1976) Yehuda Ofer (1976) Operation ThunderOperation Thunder: The Entebbe : The Entebbe Raid, Israelis’ Own Story, Penguin Books, pp 121, 124.Raid, Israelis’ Own Story, Penguin Books, pp 121, 124.

Activities & Activities & AchievementsAchievements 1.1. The National Council on Education of the Federal Government The National Council on Education of the Federal Government

approved the orthographies of the 14 Nigerian Languages spoken approved the orthographies of the 14 Nigerian Languages spoken in Rivers State as follows: in Rivers State as follows: Abuan, Degema, Echie, Egbema, Abuan, Degema, Echie, Egbema, Ekpeye, Eleme, Egene, Gokana, Ibani, Kana, Ndoni, Odual, Ogba, Ekpeye, Eleme, Egene, Gokana, Ibani, Kana, Ndoni, Odual, Ogba, and Okrikaand Okrika in 2010. (in 2010. (Ikwere, Kalabari and Obolo Ikwere, Kalabari and Obolo were approved were approved earlier bringing the no of accredited RS languages to 17). The 14 earlier bringing the no of accredited RS languages to 17). The 14 Orthographies Manuals were published by the FGN in 2011.Orthographies Manuals were published by the FGN in 2011.

2.2. Rivers State Readers Project was listed/cited in the 2010 Rivers State Readers Project was listed/cited in the 2010 International Journal on “Evidence- and Practice-based Advocacy International Journal on “Evidence- and Practice-based Advocacy Brief” published by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Brief” published by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Lifelong Learning, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Lifelong Learning, Hamburg, Germany. It ranked 2Hamburg, Germany. It ranked 2ndnd to Prof Aliyu Fafunwa’s “Six-Year to Prof Aliyu Fafunwa’s “Six-Year Primary (Ife Mother-tongue Education Project) carried out at the Primary (Ife Mother-tongue Education Project) carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.” Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.”

None other was chosen out of the scores of language None other was chosen out of the scores of language projects across the country, Nigeria, reported by the Federal projects across the country, Nigeria, reported by the Federal Ministry of Education. This is an international recognition of the Ministry of Education. This is an international recognition of the efforts of the Rivers State Readers Projectefforts of the Rivers State Readers Project

Activities & AchievementsActivities & Achievements (Contd.)

3. Gokana and Eleme Curricula development required for the writing 3. Gokana and Eleme Curricula development required for the writing of books for the Basic-9 School System have already started. The of books for the Basic-9 School System have already started. The Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council (NERDC) Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council (NERDC) Abuja is providing technical support for the Curricula Development.Abuja is providing technical support for the Curricula Development.

4. The Vice-Chancellor, Rivers State University of Education, 4. The Vice-Chancellor, Rivers State University of Education, Rumuolumeni, has accepted in principle to commence a Certificate Rumuolumeni, has accepted in principle to commence a Certificate Course in Rivers Languages for the training of language teachers for Course in Rivers Languages for the training of language teachers for the Rivers State School System, depending on budget availability.the Rivers State School System, depending on budget availability.

5. The Federal Government says these orthographies were 5. The Federal Government says these orthographies were developed based on approved technical guidelines and extant developed based on approved technical guidelines and extant

procedures guiding such projects. The National Council on procedures guiding such projects. The National Council on Education has approved the use of these orthographies. Therefore, Education has approved the use of these orthographies. Therefore, the orthographies were ratified as standardized systems of writing of the orthographies were ratified as standardized systems of writing of these languages with the ultimate aim of stimulating the production these languages with the ultimate aim of stimulating the production

of materials to be used in schools for reading, writing, literature and of materials to be used in schools for reading, writing, literature and learning starting with thelearning starting with the development of curriculum.development of curriculum.

Activities & AchievementsActivities & Achievements (Contd.)(Contd.)

“When Dr Tony Enyia informed me in 2009, that he had When Dr Tony Enyia informed me in 2009, that he had been appointed the Executive Secretary of Rivers State been appointed the Executive Secretary of Rivers State Readers Project … I simply gave him a cynical smile and Readers Project … I simply gave him a cynical smile and dubiously wished him well. To be frank, I doubted the dubiously wished him well. To be frank, I doubted the possibility of Dr Enyia realising his dream, because I knew possibility of Dr Enyia realising his dream, because I knew that the task before him was not a simple one. that the task before him was not a simple one. First, I know First, I know the controversies involved in growing orthographies for the controversies involved in growing orthographies for languages with diverse dialects; I also know how people languages with diverse dialects; I also know how people passionately treasure their mother tongue, and therefore passionately treasure their mother tongue, and therefore cannot easily reach a compromise regarding the choice of cannot easily reach a compromise regarding the choice of the variety to be used ... Beyond all these difficulties is the the variety to be used ... Beyond all these difficulties is the problem of funding to generate the manuscripts and to problem of funding to generate the manuscripts and to publish them.publish them. ““As you can see, Dr Enyia has proved all of us (men of As you can see, Dr Enyia has proved all of us (men of little faith) totally wrong.” little faith) totally wrong.” Professor Ozo-mekuri NdimeleProfessor Ozo-mekuri Ndimele

Commendation By TheCommendation By The Federal GovernmentFederal Government

““The Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council (NERDC) The Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council (NERDC) … encourages state governments and relevant agencies to take up … encourages state governments and relevant agencies to take up the challenge of developing their indigenous languages to meet the the challenge of developing their indigenous languages to meet the requirements of the National Policy on Education (NPE) for educational requirements of the National Policy on Education (NPE) for educational growth and overall development. growth and overall development.

In these regards, the In these regards, the Rivers State Readers Project is outstandingRivers State Readers Project is outstanding. . It is a continuation of the pioneering giant stride by Late Professor It is a continuation of the pioneering giant stride by Late Professor Kay Williamson of blessed memory. Therefore, it is very delightful that Kay Williamson of blessed memory. Therefore, it is very delightful that Rivers State has more than any other states in Nigeria once again come Rivers State has more than any other states in Nigeria once again come to the realization of how languages are essential for development. to the realization of how languages are essential for development.

Rivers State by this development, has adopted the UNESCO Rivers State by this development, has adopted the UNESCO statements of recognition of languages and multilingualism as essential statements of recognition of languages and multilingualism as essential to eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal basic to eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal basic education, responding to HIV/AIDS/Malaria, environmental sustainability education, responding to HIV/AIDS/Malaria, environmental sustainability and enjoyment of human rights.”and enjoyment of human rights.” --- Garba D Gandu, Chief Research Officer, NERDC, --- Garba D Gandu, Chief Research Officer, NERDC, Abuja Abuja

Constraints & Constraints & ChallengesChallenges

RSRP 5-Phased Work PlanRSRP 5-Phased Work Plan

The RSRP Language Development The RSRP Language Development Project has a 5-Phased Work Plan, viz:Project has a 5-Phased Work Plan, viz:

1. Orthography Development 1. Orthography Development ((donedone))

2. Curriculum Development2. Curriculum Development 3. Language Books Production3. Language Books Production 4. Language Teachers Training 4. Language Teachers Training

& 5. Language Teachers & 5. Language Teachers DeploymentDeployment

to use language the books to to use language the books to teach teach in the State School System. in the State School System.

Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentThe development of the orthographies The development of the orthographies of these indigenous languages will of these indigenous languages will facilitate mother tongue instruction, facilitate mother tongue instruction, language curriculum development, language curriculum development, development of textbooks, readers, development of textbooks, readers, and other instructional materials for and other instructional materials for language provisions of the National language provisions of the National Policy on Education (NPE) and Policy on Education (NPE) and attainment of its objectives. attainment of its objectives. -- NERDC-- NERDC

Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum Development (Contd.)(Contd.)

The development of language curricula is the The development of language curricula is the responsibility of the NERDC through her responsibility of the NERDC through her Language Development Centre with State Language Development Centre with State governments as collaborators and partners. governments as collaborators and partners. All stages of the language curriculum All stages of the language curriculum development process i.e. Planning, Writing, development process i.e. Planning, Writing, Critique, Editorial, presentation to Joint Critique, Editorial, presentation to Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) and the National Council on Education (NCE) and the National Council on Education (NCE) shall be facilitated by NERDC with input from the shall be facilitated by NERDC with input from the Rivers State Government through the Rivers Rivers State Government through the Rivers State Readers Project office.”State Readers Project office.” -- NERDC-- NERDC

3 Stages of Federal Curriculum 3 Stages of Federal Curriculum Development Work PlanDevelopment Work Plan

Curriculum Development Work Plan, Curriculum Development Work Plan, under the Federal Government under the Federal Government technical support, has 3 Workshops in technical support, has 3 Workshops in sequence, viz:sequence, viz:

1. Planning & Writing 1. Planning & Writing WorkshopWorkshop 2. Critique Workshop2. Critique Workshop 3. Editorial & Testing Workshop3. Editorial & Testing Workshop

Suggested Way Suggested Way ForwardForward

◘ ◘ Mount Pressure on Government to Support the Mount Pressure on Government to Support the Language Project along with CARNIRIV and the Language Project along with CARNIRIV and the Garden City Literary Festivals.Garden City Literary Festivals.

◘ ◘ Seek Alternative Sources of Funds to Alleviate Seek Alternative Sources of Funds to Alleviate the Severe Funding Constraint.the Severe Funding Constraint.

◘ ◘ The Ethnic Nationalities Need to Step up Action The Ethnic Nationalities Need to Step up Action to Save their Seriously Endangered Native to Save their Seriously Endangered Native Languages.Languages.

◘ ◘ Reach out to the LGAs for their Assistance in Reach out to the LGAs for their Assistance in Funding the remaining 4 Phases of the Project.Funding the remaining 4 Phases of the Project.

◘ ◘ Seek Sundry Advocacy from the NASS & RSHA.Seek Sundry Advocacy from the NASS & RSHA.

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts Haruna (2006) said: “The Linguist / Specialist is Haruna (2006) said: “The Linguist / Specialist is

to double the endeavour to protect the future of to double the endeavour to protect the future of these languages by seeking the cooperation of these languages by seeking the cooperation of the community / speakers (for as, Williamson the community / speakers (for as, Williamson {1990} has aptly stated, they are the decisive {1990} has aptly stated, they are the decisive stakeholders):stakeholders):

‘‘who alone have the emotional commitment to who alone have the emotional commitment to develop their language.’”develop their language.’”

Emenanjo (1990) echoed this and said, “language Emenanjo (1990) echoed this and said, “language engineering requires cooperation between the engineering requires cooperation between the speakers of the language on the one hand, and speakers of the language on the one hand, and linguists, and educationists on the other hand.”linguists, and educationists on the other hand.”

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts (Contd.)

““When all is said and done, the fate of the When all is said and done, the fate of the endangered language may well lie in the endangered language may well lie in the hands of the owners of the language hands of the owners of the language themselves and in their will to make it themselves and in their will to make it survive.” (Bamgbose, 1993).survive.” (Bamgbose, 1993).

This is more so because in the words of This is more so because in the words of Samuel Johnson, Samuel Johnson, “I am always sorry when “I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages any language is lost, because languages are the pedigree of nations.”are the pedigree of nations.”

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts (Contd.) Thursday, 3/6/11 editorial of Thursday, 3/6/11 editorial of ThisDay Newspaper ThisDay Newspaper applauded Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State applauded Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State for for “canvassing the revival of Igbo language and “canvassing the revival of Igbo language and tradition (and urging) other governors to take a tradition (and urging) other governors to take a cue from Governor Obi’s good example. cue from Governor Obi’s good example.

““Beyond teaching or learning the local language Beyond teaching or learning the local language in schools, (language owners must) make efforts in schools, (language owners must) make efforts

to communicate with their children in their mother to communicate with their children in their mother tongue at home. A local language that is not tongue at home. A local language that is not spoken, sooner or later dies… the native tongue spoken, sooner or later dies… the native tongue of a person expresses his or her essence and of a person expresses his or her essence and (cultural) identity.”(cultural) identity.”

EPILOGUEEPILOGUE““For Nigerian indigenous languages to be For Nigerian indigenous languages to be preserved and saved from total extinction, preserved and saved from total extinction, there is an imperative need for there is an imperative need for governmentgovernment at all levels to encourage production of at all levels to encourage production of indigenous language films.” indigenous language films.”

““We believe that this industry belongs to all We believe that this industry belongs to all of us and, therefore, we must work together of us and, therefore, we must work together to ensure its growth and development in to ensure its growth and development in accordance with international standards.”accordance with international standards.”

Ms Patricia BalaMs Patricia BalaDirector-General, National Film and Video Censorship Board, Director-General, National Film and Video Censorship Board,

Punch, Wednesday 28 November 2012Punch, Wednesday 28 November 2012

EPILOGUE (Contd.)It was obvious that the number of people It was obvious that the number of people speaking indigenous languages across Nigeria speaking indigenous languages across Nigeria was diminishing. A lot of our young children do was diminishing. A lot of our young children do not know their languages; so there is a generation not know their languages; so there is a generation losing their languages and their identity.losing their languages and their identity.

Indigenous language films were very critical to Indigenous language films were very critical to the development of any nation, (but currently) the development of any nation, (but currently) out of 500 languages spoken across the ethnic out of 500 languages spoken across the ethnic groups in Nigeria, only 84 of them are still in groups in Nigeria, only 84 of them are still in existence.existence.

Ms Patricia BalaMs Patricia BalaDirector-General of National Film and Video Censorship BoardDirector-General of National Film and Video Censorship Board

Punch, Wednesday 28 November 2012Punch, Wednesday 28 November 2012

Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

““The native tongue of a person The native tongue of a person expresses his essence and expresses his essence and (cultural) identity.”(cultural) identity.”

ThisDay ThisDay

Newspaper, Newspaper, 3/6/20113/6/2011

““To strip a man of his manhood, To strip a man of his manhood, you strip him of his you strip him of his identity.” identity.”

Dr Martin Luther King, JrDr Martin Luther King, Jr

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