A recent article by Darah, et al., (2024) titled “Linguistic Codes for Security and Social Stability in Urhoboland: Implications for the Translator” published in East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences shows that linguistic codes are cognitive instruments that enable members of the Urhobo ethnic group in Nigeria to use their oral and written language to actualize meanings, beliefs, and practices.
This article explores the linguistic codes used by the Urhobo people, an ethnic group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study aims to examine the origin and significance of these codes in the domains of oral tradition, religion, and mythology and highlight the challenges of preserving and transmitting these codes in the face of Western education and globalization. The authors suggest ways of promoting and revitalizing the Urhobo indigenous knowledge and language.
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Urhobo linguistic codes convey meanings, beliefs, and practices, embodying rich indigenous knowledge, but face threats from Western education, globalization, and Christianity, endangering cultural transmission– Darah, et al., 2023
Origin and significance of oral codes in the domains of oral tradition, religion, and mythology.
Oral codes are a form of oral expression that use symbols, signs, gestures, sounds, or words to convey meaning, information, or knowledge. Oral codes can be found in various domains of human culture, such as oral tradition, religion, and mythology. Oral tradition is the transmission of cultural heritage through spoken forms, such as stories, proverbs, songs, chants, prayers, and rituals. Oral tradition preserves the collective memory, values, and wisdom of a community, and often reflects its history, identity, and worldview. Oral tradition can also be a source of creativity and innovation, as oral codes are constantly adapted, improvised, and recreated by performers and audiences. Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. Religion often uses oral codes to communicate sacred truths, doctrines, and commandments, as well as to express devotion, praise, and prayer. Oral codes can also be used to perform rituals, ceremonies, and rites that connect humans with the divine, the natural, and the social realms. Mythology is the collection of myths, legends, and stories that explain the origin, nature, and destiny of the world, the gods, and the humans. Mythology often uses oral codes to create narratives that are rich in symbolism, imagery, and metaphor, and that convey moral lessons, cultural values, and cosmological views. Oral codes can also be used to invoke the power, presence, or protection of the mythical beings, such as gods, heroes, monsters, and spirits.
The Challenges of Preserving and Transmitting Oral Codes in the Face of Western Education and Globalization
Loss of languages and cultures: Many indigenous and minority languages and cultures are endangered or extinct due to the dominance of Western languages and cultures in education, media, and politics. This leads to the loss of oral codes that are embedded in these languages and cultures, and the erosion of the diversity and richness of human knowledge and expression.
Lack of recognition and protection: Many oral codes are not recognized or protected by national and international laws and policies, and are often marginalized or exploited by dominant groups. This leads to the violation of the rights and interests of the oral code holders, and the appropriation or misrepresentation of their knowledge and practices.
Difficulty of documentation and transmission: Many oral codes are difficult to document and transmit using conventional methods and technologies, such as writing, recording, and digitizing. This leads to the loss of the context, meaning, and vitality of the oral codes, and the challenges of ensuring their accuracy, authenticity, and accessibility.
Navigating Challenges: Strategies for Sustaining Oral Codes in a Globalized World Through Dialogue, Advocacy, and Technological AdaptationsNavigating Challenges: Strategies for Sustaining Oral Codes in a Globalized World Through Dialogue, Advocacy, and Technological Adaptations
Promoting intergenerational and intercultural dialogue: Encouraging oral code holders to share their knowledge and practices with younger generations and other cultures, and fostering mutual respect and understanding among different groups. This can help to revitalize and innovate oral codes, and to create new forms of expression and collaboration.
Advocating for legal and policy reforms: Lobbying for the recognition and protection of oral codes and their holders in national and international laws and policies, and ensuring their participation and consultation in decision-making processes. This can help to safeguard and promote oral codes, and to prevent or resolve conflicts and disputes.
Utilizing appropriate methods and technologies: Adapting and developing methods and technologies that are suitable and respectful for documenting and transmitting oral codes, and involving oral code holders in the design and implementation of these tools. This can help to preserve and disseminate oral codes, and to enhance their quality, relevance, and usability.
How the Study was Conducted
The authors employed data from 30 Urhobo native speakers through interviews and questionnaires and secondary sources such as books, journals, and online materials to supplement their data. The authors analyzed the data using descriptive and interpretive methods. They identified and categorized the linguistic codes used by the Urhobo people in various domains of oral tradition, religion, and mythology. They also examined the functions and meanings of these codes in the Urhobo culture and worldview. The data were presented using tables, charts, and examples.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that linguistic codes are cognitive instruments that enable members of the Urhobo ethnic group in Nigeria to use their oral and written language to actualize meanings, beliefs, and practices. The study also posits that Urhobo culture is rich in indigenous knowledge systems that are transmitted through linguistic codes in oral tradition, religion, and mythology. In addition, the authors also found that intergenerational transmission of these linguistic codes is threatened by the influence of Western education, globalization, and Christianity, which may lead to the loss of cultural identity and knowledge.
Why is this Important
Education: The article is important for education, as it provides valuable insights into the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Urhobo people. It also contributes to the academic field of African studies, and raises awareness about the challenges and opportunities of preserving indigenous languages and knowledge systems.
Identity: The article is important for identity, as it helps the Urhobo people to appreciate and celebrate their unique heritage and worldview. It also helps other people to understand and respect the Urhobo culture and values, and to foster intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
Development: The article is important for development, as it shows the potential of the Urhobo linguistic codes to enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It also suggests ways of integrating the Urhobo indigenous knowledge and language into modern education and development initiatives, and to promote social and environmental sustainability.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors suggest that the Urhobo people should continue to harness their rich cultural resources and language from possible extinction.
- The authors propose that the Urhobo people should promote their culture and language through various means, such as literature, media, education, and tourism. The study also advocates for the recognition and respect of the Urhobo culture and language by other ethnic groups and the Nigerian government.
- In addition, the authors suggest that further research is needed to explore other dimensions of Urhobo linguistic codes, such as their functions, meanings, variations, and applications. They also recommend that other researchers should use different methods and sources, such as surveys, observations, documents, and archives.
In conclusion, the exploration of linguistic codes within Urhobo culture sheds light on the intricate tapestry of human expression, heritage, and identity. As globalization and Western education pose challenges to the preservation of indigenous knowledge, this study underscores the importance of safeguarding linguistic diversity and cultural richness. By advocating for recognition, promoting intergenerational dialogue, and embracing innovative approaches, we can ensure that the invaluable legacy of Urhobo linguistic codes continues to thrive, inspiring generations to come and fostering a deeper appreciation for the wealth of human experience.
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