WHY YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE AND NOT BABBLE

The art of communicating today has become an important task that everyone should learn. We are usually carried away with the excitement and deceptive feeling we derive when we say things that are not properly heard and understood. We often lose the essence of talking as we try to satisfy our ego. We need to say things clearly and sound right bearing in mind the people we are talking with. Language as a tool of communication has been abused and misused for improper objectives which are driven by social trends.

Most of us grew up thinking our indigenous languages are inferior and took to foreign languages. This opinion is derived from poor orientation and colonial baggage that has made it an essential act which everyone should emulate. Notwithstanding, language in itself is nothing but a means of conversing. In a country where the official language is English or French, it becomes crucial for every parent to impart the communicating skills in their children so that they can be socially and corporately relevant. The major problem is obviously not language, but effective communication and dissemination of information which is key to growth and development. Information heard is knowledge acquired.

Moreover, making our local languages official cannot by itself solve our peculiar problems as citizens. It is like pulling down a structure built over decades. If we can actually do! It is, however, imperative for us to protect our indigenous languages so that they will not become extinct. We should create avenues through which our local languages will gain prominence and relevance in the global stage. Our languages are elements of our identity. Our children should not get lost in the crowd.

Awards and scholarships can be given to outstanding students in the various language subjects. This will stimulate the desire to accept and speak these languages. Also, different media and platforms should be explored to educate and orientate the populace. The National Orientation Agency should not pay a lip service to this great task. It is our collective duty to protect our image. Parents should make it a priority for every child to learn our languages by speaking in our local dialects.

Above all, language teachers should be trained and motivated to dispense their duties efficiently. Books should be made available for the teaching of the subjects. Besides these, we should add sophistication to our languages by incorporating modern and contemporary technologies that can make them effective. Proficiency in our local languages can develop communal participation and give a sense of belonging. The government should make funds available for research and training. We need to put up policies that will promote the indigenous languages.

About the Author: Ojo Oyeyemi J. is a graduate of Creative Arts with outstanding academic pedigree from University of Lagos. He also holds a Master degree in Visual Art History, University of Ibadan. He is a goal getter and passionate teacher who is result driven. He cares for the progress and sustenance of human race.