By ltam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSH) has taken bold steps to prevent the extinction of indigenous languages in the state.
Consequently, the Assembly has asked the state government, through the Ministry of Education, to make Efik a compulsory complementary language in all primary and secondary schools across the State.
The House also wants the state government to introduce a dominant indigenous language as a compulsory subject in each Local Government Area of the State.
To facilitate the production of the needed man power, the House recommended the establishment of Departments of Indigenous Languages in the State University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa and other State-owned tertiary institutions.
The House on Wednesday, July 16, adopted these resolutions after deliberating on a motion presented by the Member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency, Hon Bassey Bassey Effiong.
Leading debate on his motion, Hon Bassey decried the continuous deterioration of the rich cultural heritage of the State in areas like dialects, attires, cuisine and dances.
“The worst hit is the near extinction of many of our dialects across the State among the present generation. Most of our children do not understand or communicate in their mother tongue..among those who can speak the language, very few can read or write in their dialects.” Bassey stated.
The Lawmaker lamented that, although most schools offer Efik Language in their school curriculum, most students rather choose other languages like Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa.
He also emphasised the need to revive the use of the three major languages, Efik, Bekwara and Ejagham for Radio and Television News and other programmes.
To determine the dominant indigenous language in each LGA, the Legislator recommended that the Legislature in each LGA should choose the dominant language by a simple majority.
Contributing to the debate, Members frowned at the current situation were most youths and children do not understand nor speak their indigenous languages noting that if the trend continues these languages will eventually become extinct.
The Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion and agreed that it should be included in a proposed bill for the establishment of a Centre for Indigenous Languages, Culture and Heritage.The Lawmakers noted that the proposal is in line with the National Policy on Education.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem applauded Hon Bassey for Sponsoring the motion and thanked the Lawmakers for giving it their overwhelming support.
He expressed hope that the implementation of the resolution will prevent the extinction of indigenous languages as well as encourage the upcoming generations to speak their indigenous languages.
