Preservation and Strengthening of Igbo Language through Nigerian Video Films: Case Study of Zeb Ejiro’s Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Sunday Nnajiude’s Ode Eshi

Abstract

Production of video films in Nigeria have risen fast to become a vital and dynamic medium of entertainment and education. Evident is its palpable capacity to enhance the preservation and strengthening of Nigeria’s advantages in her socio-cultural diversity. Hence, the view that the boom in Nigeria film industry, popularly referred to as Nollywood has provided a robust platform to encourage the propagation of Nigerian indigenous language appeal. In line with this thinking, this study illuminates on the factors capable of hindering or enhancing the strengthening as well as the preservation of Igbo language through Nigerian video films. To this end, this study adopts case reference analytical method, which involves interpretive and descriptive approach to selected case study. To situate this study within unambiguous theoretical perspective, this study adopts Albert Bandura’s ‘Social Learning Theory’. Hence, our hypothesis is that a properly structured and sustained conscious application of Nigerian video films as a medium of strengthening of the appeal in Nigerian indigenous languages such as Igbo would significantly enhance the preservation.

Keywords:  Igbo Language, Nigerian Video Films, Nollywood, Preservation, Strengthening