The concept and functions of the Igbo language
The term language is a very broad process. It has such a wide range of applications that it is difficult to come up with a single comprehensive definition of the language, and for this reason linguists have tried to define the language in various ways.
Tragar sees language as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which members of a society interact in terms of their total culture. In his own way, David Kristle defined it as a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings through the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures or marks with understood meanings. I agreed with these definitions because they both agree on the non-instinctive nature of language. This tells us that language came out of natural ability; therefore, no human being is required to speak, under normal circumstances.
Igbo Language is one of the languages that perform certain basic functions with which a language is known. It is informative, which means that it informs us and tells us what we know and what we don’t know. This function helps in the spread of knowledge. Without the informative role of the Igbo language, it will be difficult for someone to participate or receive information or instructions from another person in the same language of expression. The Igbo language is also used to appeal to people’s feelings or emotions, with the ability to arouse emotions such as pity, joy, sadness, anger, etc. With the Igbo language as a means of expression, people can be sensitized to make peace or fight.
Igbo Language has a directive function. Apart from its expressive or emotional function, Igbo Language directs people’s actions. It can make people do something or not do it. Because language is important in conveying information, an effort is made for the communicator to use a standard medium or language to reach their audience.
However, the political climate in Nigeria has not been favorable for the Igbo language, as it is one of the main languages in the country. Most Igbo have been misled into believing that people in their area are highly educated and as such will not have much to do with their local language (Igbo), so information intended for general consumption of people are like that. brought and transmitted in foreign languages, while the other local languages in Nigeria will have theirs communicated in their own languages. This will cause the Igbo people to stop speaking the Igbo language, which has a high risk of disassociating them from their culture.
The Igbo are not people without culture. And for us to maintain our control over our cultural heritage, the Igbo language must remain our means of communication. We must start today to have a good command of the Igbo language to enable us to enjoy the blessings of Almighty God as Igbo people. This knowledge will help us communicate with one another, whether we choose to do so orally, in writing, or through the use of signs and symbols. Patriotism demands that every Igbo son and daughter ensure that they have a good understanding of the Igbo language as a means of communication so that they can communicate effectively.
However, we must change the attitude of dissuading our youngest from using the Igbo language; rather we must show confidence in the use of language to convey messages. We are the people who possess the ability to correct the mistakes of the past. We can start now, and there is no better time to start than NOW!
