Nigerian musician and cultural advocate Charles Onyeabor has ignited a thought-provoking conversation about the importance of indigenous languages in Africa. He challenged the widespread belief that proficiency in English is a measure of intelligence, emphasizing the need for Africans to embrace their native languages as a vital part of their cultural identity.
In a powerful statement, Onyeabor criticized the societal bias that prioritizes English fluency over cultural heritage, urging Africans to take pride in their linguistic roots.
“Perfect English is not a mark of intelligence; it’s a mark of linguistic ability. We Africans were programmed to believe that the more you speak better English, it then means you are intelligent,” Onyeabor stated.
He added, “I know a lot of flawless English-speaking guys and girls who are not as smart as a goat sef. You should be ashamed of yourself if you are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, or any other tribe, and you are unable to speak your native languages fluently but would rather speak another country’s language.”
Onyeabor underscored the importance of valuing indigenous languages, stating, “Don’t get me wrong; it’s good to speak other languages, but don’t make it look like your native language isn’t worth anything. It’s your identity. Go to France; they do not give a damn about English or any other language. Even Italians don’t care about any other language but theirs.”
He also highlighted the irony in how Africans perceive language proficiency, noting that while foreigners are often praised for attempting to speak local languages, Africans are ridiculed for not speaking English perfectly.
“But in Nigeria, you will hear people say things like, ‘He/she can’t even speak good English,’ which is a way to insult people. I think it should be the other way round; people should start saying things like, ‘You can’t even speak your language,’ and not insult or abuse anyone who can’t speak another person’s language,” Onyeabor said.
DAILY MENTOR reports that Onyeabor’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many applauding his advocacy for the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages. His message resonates with growing calls for Africans to reclaim their cultural heritage and challenge colonial-era biases that undermine local languages.
Onyeabor’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to celebrate native languages as a cornerstone of cultural identity. His advocacy encourages Africans to take pride in their heritage and reject the notion that fluency in foreign languages is superior to mastery of their own.
As the conversation continues, Onyeabor’s words inspire a renewed appreciation for indigenous languages and a call to action for Africans to prioritize and preserve their linguistic roots.