Managing Director of CEOAfrica, Prince Cletus Illobanafor has called on institutions and language bodies to promote the use of the mother language in all works of life.
He made the call on Wednesday in commemoration of the International Mother Language day celebrated annually on February 21 across the globe.
According to him, language is not only instrumental for communication, identity and social integration but also key for any form of sustainable development to take place. He therefore urged Africans especially the various language bodies to embrace the use of the mother languages spoken across Africa.
He noted that the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) have done a lot over the years to promote the use of mother languages spoken across Africa, but language bodies in the continent can do more at national levels to advocate policies that will push for use of mother languages in formal settings.
International Mother Language day is observed to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Indigenous languages matter for development, peace building and reconciliation”.