INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES: NEGLECTED TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper x-rayed how indigenous languages can be used as a tool for sustainable development in Nigeria. The materials used for this study were sourced from textbooks and scholarly articles in journals. These materials were analysed through descriptive linguistic approach to arrive at its conclusion and recommendations. From the study, it was noted that there is a strong synergy between indigenous languages and sustainable development strategy. The paper concluded that indigenous languages foster self discovery, pride and cultural developments which are key to sustainable development and that lack of usage of indigenous languages stunts human creativity for development. The study then recommends amongst other things that, indigenous technologists should be resource persons to teach practicals to students in indigenous languages and that the alienation of learners from their communities should be strongly discouraged since they are the bedrock of our sustainable development.