Nowadays, the average Nigerian parent is worried about their child’s ability to speak their native language.
This is especially so, for children who were born and bred outside their states of origin. It is quite common nowadays to see children who cannot even have a simple conversation in their mother tongue. The only language the children understand is English. This is a sad development as our rich culture and history may get eroded when our children can’t converse in their mother tongue. It also means that they are unable to pass on this heritage to their children and grand children.
If like most Nigerian parents you are worried that your child cannot speak your mother tongue, then the following 5 tips might be useful to you:
Tip #1: Charity begins at home
A lot of us parents, complain that our children do not understand our native languages, but we ourselves make no effort to teach them or speak to them in our mother tongue.
We should encourage our children to converse in our native languages, by communicating with them with it. You can ask your children about their day or talk to them at the dinner table in your language. Encourage them to greet in your native tongue and teach them the importance of them knowing their language. When you talk to them in your langauge, let them know that they can only reply you in Igbo or Yoruba for example and not English.
Children love music, you can play music sang by popular artists in your language, in your car or at home. This way you allow them to learn, sing and dance in your native tongue.
Tip #2: Encourage use of the television as a learning aid
Children nowadays are able to learn their native languages by watching movies or programs. On DSTV for example, there are channels that are only in some languages e.g. Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Hausa. You will be surprised at how much your child will learn, by watching television programs and home videos in your native tongue.
Tip #3: Take your children to your village
To help your children understand your native tongue, you should immerse them in your culture. There are many children who have been brought up in the city that don’t even know where their hometown is.
The ultimate language boost for your child is to visit the place where it is spoken. Encourage your children to spend their school holidays with their grandparents or other relatives in your town of origin. Total immersion for a couple of weeks can have an amazing effect.
Tip #4: Teach them how to read in your native language
Books are the most effective tool for teaching language. There are many books that you can buy for children in various Nigerian languages. Start young, by reading to your children in your native tongue.
You can make the reading time personal, by creating a dialogue, encouraging your child’s comments and responses.
Tip #5: Hire a Nanny or Housekeeper that speaks your native language
A lot of Nigerian children, learn their native languages during childhood through househelps or nannies. Because some of these people come straight from villages, they may be unable to converse in English, so your child is forced to communicate in your native tongue.
Encourage your domestic staff or visiting family members to only speak your native language to your child. Over the years, you will be surprised at how much your child has learnt.
Language learning is a continuous process that occurs during childhood. It is every parent’s responsibility to create an environment for their child to learn and speak in their native language. While being able to communicate in English is an essential skill that is needed in today’s modern world, the ability to speak his/her native language is important to a child’s identity.
How do you encourage your child to speak your native language?
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