THE NOTION OF IGBO LANGUAGE AMONG THE IGBO PEOPLE OF TWENTY FIRST CENTURY: GREAT TREASURE IN EARTHENWARE POT

Abstract

This paper is about the notion of Igbo language among the Igbo people: Treasure in earthenware pot. Treasures are preserved in secured places because of how important they are in the eyes and minds of their owners. Earthenware pot is so fragile that no normal human being can put and preserve an important thing in it. Here the researchers call to mind and draw the attention of the Igbo people on the role of Igbo language among the Igbo people and how to preserve the wonderful heritage. Igbo language stands as the pillar of Igbo unity, identity and security. Unfortunately, the twenty-first century Igbo people are losing this consciousness and are losing interest in Igbo language. This paper will be guided by ethnolinguistic identity theory. The researchers show the evidence of Igbo language as the possible factor for unity, identity and security of Igbo people, Igbo language as treasure in earthenware pot, the fear of Igbo language going into extinction, the place of the Igbo language among the Igbo people in diaspora, call for parental responsibility in Igbo language acquisition and the need to promote the Igbo language in the face of globalization.