The Chinese government is urging increased investment in language preservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of bilingual education to foster a more inclusive society that appreciates linguistic diversity. This call to action was made by Mr. Li Xuda, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, during the celebration of International Chinese Language Day in Abuja, Nigeria.
Mr. Li highlighted the significance of language as not only a means of communication but also a cornerstone of cultural identity and heritage. He pointed out that the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria has been offering Chinese language courses for over a decade, catering to individuals interested in learning the language and enhancing cultural exchange. In acknowledging Nigeria’s rich linguistic landscape, with approximately 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages, Mr. Li emphasized the importance of celebrating and preserving Nigeria’s indigenous languages alongside promoting Chinese language education.
James Sule, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, echoed the call for language preservation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and revitalize indigenous languages to prevent their extinction. Drawing inspiration from China’s proactive measures, Sule advocated for the establishment of language schools, cultural centers, and the integration of indigenous languages into educational curricula as essential steps towards language preservation in Nigeria.
Similarly, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, Director General of the National Gallery of Art, praised China’s efforts in safeguarding its linguistic heritage and suggested that Nigeria should adopt similar measures to prevent indigenous language extinction. He proposed the allocation of specific days to celebrate the diverse languages across Nigeria’s cultures, alongside initiatives to promote language learning within homes and educational institutions.
High Chief Mike Ugwu, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria-China Business Council, highlighted the role of language in fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between nations, emphasizing the importance of learning each other’s languages. The establishment of International Chinese Language Day by the United Nations in 2020 underscores the significance of multilingualism and cultural diversity on a global scale, providing a platform to celebrate linguistic heritage and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
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