Publishing and Literacy Development in Africa’s Indigenous Languages: The Igbo Example in Nigeria

Abstract

Language is not just a vehicle of cultural expression, but an important symbol of social and political identity of any group. Without doubt, publishing provides a dominant signifier of such language. Publishing in Africa has been dominated by the colonial languages—notably English and French. Thus, colonial enterprise and legacies have resulted in the subjugation of publishing in Africa’s indigenous languages. Yet, there is a consensus among scholars that literacy and associated publication in first languages not only influences the nature of education but also promotes cultural identity. This paper examines the historical dynamism of literacy and publishing in Igbo language—one of the three major languages and cultural groups of Nigeria, in the context of the social and political developments in 20^th century Nigeria. It argues that the fragility and problems of publishing in Igbo language was responsible to the dwindling interest in reading, writing and speaking of the language.

Keywords: African Publishing, Colonialism, indigenous languages, Literacy Development