INTRODUCTION 

Language is one of the many aspects that define one’s culture and identity. It is a vital and integral tool for communication and information sharing. Many populations in different parts of the world use different languages daily. Migration patterns and various historical events play a key role in shaping the languages used by different people. The languages we often use in our daily activities are either acquired inherently or through learning in the case of foreign ones.

THE NEED TO EMBRACE LOCAL LANGUAGES

Africa is a vast continent home to several different ethnic groups with diverse cultures. This makes Africa a culturally and linguistically rich continent. However, based on the history characterized by foreign invasions and the wave of colonialism that swept much of the continent in the 19th century, today, Africa is divided into three major lingua francas with foreign origins. These languages have become synonymous with the identity in describing the regions where their use is prevalent. We have the Arab-speaking north, the francophone west, and the Anglo-phone leaning southern and eastern regions of Africa.

Foreign languages are prioritized in use more than local languages. This is evident in their wide use in various disciplines, like governance, as the preferred language of instruction in academia and commerce, among many others. As a result, high standards are pinned on them in speaking and their acquisition. For many years, in a typical African society, proficiency in their use was perceived as a sign of being well-educated and, at times, as a measure of civilization. 

However, because of the changing times, which necessitates a change in one’s mindset and perception, we need to shift our thinking and thoughts away from disempowering belief systems that stem from those past experiences, which were modelled to project and promote a master-slave kind of relationship. There is a need to promote local languages in the wider society. When it comes to matters connected to the preservation of customs and cultural heritage, ethnic languages play a vital role. They play a significant part in ensuring the continuity and transmission of cultural norms that protect one’s identity and cultural dignity. 

Their significance cannot be undervalued under any circumstances. Citing an example from the many African proverbs and wise sayings, their use shows how important they were in the education of society in the past. To continue tapping this rich traditional knowledge, we must consider our mother tongue education. This, in turn, will help in preserving the beauty and art in these local languages.

Over the years, many cited using different languages as one of the many polarizing factors that fuel and breed tribalism. However, this notion no longer holds ground, as we know that greedy and band-minded people exploit ethnicity only to further their interests and pursue other hidden agendas. On the contrary, multilingual and cultural exchange programs can bring about unprecedented cohesion among the people, leading to peaceful coexistence.

CONCLUSION

Abandoning and despising your language while at the same time claiming proficiency in the use of other languages is a small achievement. It can strongly indicate that someone is still haunted by esteem issues associated with mental slavery. However, learning other languages is fine, as this helps one explore diverse cultures from different countries worldwide.