Broadcasting in Indigenous Nigerian Languages: The Situation of the Igbo Language

Abstract: This paper looks at the challenges and prospects of broadcasting in
African Languages. It also considers the problems of gradual erosion of
communication strategies in the African language, due to the influence of modern
communication systems and Western values. There is a need to generate media that
will encourage Indigenous languages and Indigenous communications systems
instead of throwing our rich local communication values in the name of embracing
civilization, thereby losing our African identity. The survey research method is
adopted in this paper. Data are collected from different sections of the southeast
regional residents, students, broadcasting industries, etc., for the ultimate purpose of
giving a critical and constructive analysis of the scope of this paper, which is
promoting and educating the Igbo on the different ways through which the Igbo
language and culture should be promoted, especially in the broadcasting industry.
The paper also highlights the challenges of African languages in a fast-growing
industry like broadcasting. It looks at hindrances to the effective use of Igbo
language and other indigenous language in the broadcasting industry. The paper
identifies the lack of enabling broadcasting policies as a major barrier to
broadcasting in indigenous African languages. The challenges of dialectal
differences, problems of translators and translating in African languages, technical
terms and meta-language, and inferiority complex in studying African languages,
were also identified. The paper recommends Africans should study their languages
to enable the broadcasting stations to have trained and qualified translators who will
prepare news directly in the local languages. The government and mass media,
especially the broadcasting industry have a great role to play in this regard.