SLC-S29/W3-“Thinking and Ideas!| Simple Solutions to Big Problems!”

Hello Steemians!
It’s another beautiful week to share my thoughts with you. This week, I want to participate in the "Thinking and Ideas" challenge by looking at a problem close to my heart: The issue of language death.

My Story

_{Passing down wisdom through generations}

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My cousin, who is now twelve, started nursery school nine years ago. From that moment, I observed that her primary mode of communication shifted entirely toward English. Before nursery school, she spoke Ibibio (my language) and Annang (her father's language). In fact, her mom had ensured that she understood the basics of the Ibibio language.

However, school changed everything. Now, she only speaks English, even at home. Last Christmas, when she visited, I asked her to bring "akpasa" (a basket). The kid turned back to ask me, "What's that?" All efforts made to help her accept the local language has been greeted with, "My teacher (read it in phonetics as tichair) said we shouldn't speak vernacular in school."

Gosh, this child just dismissed my foreparents' language right before my very eyes. Who does that?

_{The wicket basket we call akpasa}

The Problem

In our society today, especially within "minority" ethnic groups, we often prioritise speaking English in public spaces that we neglect the one thing that binds us together — our collective identity through language. I have experienced instance where I speak my native language to an indigene and they either reply in English or feign ignorance.

This raises concern.

When a child begins to look down on their mother tongue, over time, they don't just lose the words, but also lose the thing that binds them together — our cultural identity.

To solve this problem, we need more than just conversation; we need to consciously change our attitude towards language.

My Simple Solutions:

• First, I'd encourage parents to speak their first language (L1) extensively to kids at home. Those conscious efforts at the dinning table will help dispel this view many urban kids adopt.
• Second, I'd propose a campaign encouraging teachers to teach with the child's or region's native language. It's not enough for kids to learn it as a subject, they should be encouraged to use it as their primary mode of communication, not just at home, but at school and during formal business.
• I'd create more videos where I communicate using my language. Little acts like using our native languages to create short-form content like reels, nursery rhymes, and TikTok videos can make our local tongues trend, making it accessible and cool for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
  
  _{Using modern tools to reach the younger generation}

Why does this problem still exist despite being noticed?

The problem persists because of the existing colonial mindset which somehow equates being successful, professional, or "modern," with a person's ability to speak fluent English. So, people try to emulate the Western culture in all aspects. Which it not bad but needs a balance.

I've met parents who are worried that if their child speaks their native language, they might develop an accent or struggle to fit into the global market. Because of this fear, they sacrifice their heritage on the altar of building a better and brighter future for themselves and their kids.

What is the most misunderstood part of this problem?

There is a common myth that teaching kids multiply languages at once will confuse them or slow down their learning. However, the human brain is designed to be multilingual. According to linguists like Noam Chomsky, a child can easily learn up to 9 languages between 0-13 years.

For instance, Ibibio at home, English at school, German, Spanish or French with Duolingo and Akan at Grandma's place. Speaking our native language does not suddenly limit our ability to learn impeccable English. In fact, being multilingual helps the brain get sharper and more flexible.

_{The human brain is capable of much more than we can imagine}

Hence, learning a native language never interferes with a child's cognitive ability to speak proper English.

If you could change one mindset, what would it be?

I would change the mindset that looks down on our native languages or places one language above the other. I want people to stop seeing our indigenous languages as a sign of being "uneducated." I want us to view our language as a luxury, elite skill. If a Frenchman speaks French, my cousin and anyone else would call it "cultured." If an African speaks Ibibio, I believe that it should be viewed with the same level of prestige and pride.

Final Thoughts

Our identity is wrapped in the sounds handed down by our ancestors. Let’s not let these sounds die.

_{I’m inviting @eglis, @ayijufridar, and @ruthjoe to join this challenge and share their big ideas. || Images from Unsplash || 26-01-2026}