Rescuing Igbo Language From Endangerment: The Role of Library and Information Technologies

Abstract

Igbo as an endangered language can be rescued from language death. Language documentation is the answer to its endangerment since it helps in preserving and stabilizing the lexicon, grammar and oral tradition of a language and a people. The purpose of this research is to x-ray the importance of Library and Information (and Communication) Technologies in documentation, revitalization and promotion of Igbo language in order to overcome all forms of endangerment. This paper reviewed and examined the role of library as an information storehouse and the significant role of ICT infrastructures in documentation, development and management of Igbo language resources. The study revealed that Igbo language can be documented through libraries and ICT supports. The library functions as a language repository and through the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), access to Igbo language materials and other library resources in print and electronic forms would be easier and faster for a greater number of people. This makes the Igbo language materials readily available for everyone notwithstanding their geographical locations; hence the materials for Igbo language acquisition and learning will be easier and affordable. The study postulates that though UNESCO stated that Igbo language would be in extinction in no distant time, that through Igbo language documentation, library contributions and the use of ICTs by individuals and cooperate organizations as well as establishment of Igbo language documentation centres for print and virtual/digital resources and availability of such materials for public use, such prediction of extinction and its consequences would die naturally.

Myiri usoro okwu Igbo na bekee: ngosi sitere na mmafenye na ngwakọ asụsụ

“…Ayeomoni (2006) n'aka nke ya kwuru na mmafenye asụsụ na ngwakọ asụsụ bụ nka ndị na-apụta ihe n'ọnụ onye ọ bụla bi n'obodo asụmabụọ n'ụwa gbaa gburu gburu. Nwaoke (2019) dere na obodo anyị bụ Naijiria dịka obodo asụmigwe nwere asụsụ Bekee na asụsụ ndị ọzọ nke asụsụ Igbo bụ otu n'ime ha dịka ngwa bara oke uru nye mmekọrịta mmadụ na ibe ya n'ihi na a gaghị enwe ọganihu ma e wepụ asụsụ dịka ụzọ nzikọrịta ozi. Nke a na-egosi na obodo asụmabụọ ma ọ bụ asụmigwe gaenweriri otu a ga-esi ahụta mmafenye na/ma ọ bụ ngwakọ asụsụ na ya.…”