As the world observes World Book and Copyright Day, Parents have been urged to ensure Indigenous languages are used for daily interactions to stem the erosion of native languages.
Speaking at a Book Fair organized to showcase books written in Ikwerre language as part of activities to mark the World Book Day, President of Ikwerre Development Association, Dr. C. D Chuku stated that the need to showcase books written in Ikwerre language which is one of the endangered languages in the country prompted the Book Fair.
Dr. Chuku explained that efforts are being put in place to improve access to books written in Ikwerre language.
On his part the Director of Rivers Language Centre Dr. Ovuchi Agwnu and the Special Guest of Honour Mr. Joseph Amadi who encouraged the moves said in line with this year’s theme ‘read a book’, Authors should be encouraged to write their own story in their own language and make children learn their language through books.
A Professor of Literature at Ignatius Ajuru University, Prof. Anthony Orlu encouraged historians to write their story themselves and no tribe should subsume another tribe to themselves as everyone’s history remains unique.
Also speaking at the event, The Paramount Ruler of Rumuevorlu community, Eze Chris Akani said that Africa needs to focus more developing indigenous languages in order to preserve it’s belief, culture and traditions. He urged parents to teach their children indigenous language at home
Highlight of the book fair after the official declaration of Dr Esezi Rukani who reeled out the import of the event after Port Harcourt won the World Book Capital City in 2014 included panel discussions on steps needed to improve literature in indigenous languages, traditional dances and sharing of excerpts for books written in Ikwerre language.
