[CHAPTER ONE
1.0 – Introduction
The objective of this study is to discuss Language, Art and Culture in Nigeria with a view to showing their relevance in the political and social lives in our communities and the nation in general. In order to achieve this desired objective, one has to first understand the meanings of the key words in the topic. This will help to delve into the matter very comprehensibly.
1.1 – Definition of Terms
1.1.1 – Language: Language is a means of communication. It comes from a Latin word “Lingua” which means “tongue.” Without language, human beings and human civilization would be a pale shadow of what they are (Corballis: 2004). It is defined as an index of human intelligence which is therefore used as a symbolic system of communication (Egonwa: 2010).
According to Kingfisher Children’s Encyclopedia, Language is “how humans communicate with one another; either through speech, writing or sign language.” Lahey (2012: 277) defined language as “a symbolic code used in communication.” According to the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary (6th Edition), Language is “the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country.” Therefore, in my own perspective, language is the systematic means of communication in which skills, attitudes, cultures, beliefs, knowledge and information can be transmitted from one person to another or to a group of people which can be done via speech, sign language and writing.
1.1.2 – Art: Art lacks any single generally accepted definition. Nyah (2006: 109) sees art as “any man-made beauty, which shows that it is artificially made, arranged, ordered and re-ordered by men to evoke beauty for our visual satisfaction.” According to the Kingfisher Children’s Encyclopedia, art is “any creative work used to portray images and to express feelings – from drawing, painting and sculpture to architecture and computer graphic.” Art, as I see it, is the various innovations, skills and culture-related dance, music, etc. used as an identity of a group of people.
1.1.3 – Culture: The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary (6th edition), defined culture as the arts, custom and institutions of a nation, people or group. Kluckholm (1951) has seen culture as representing the distinctive way of life of a group of people, their complete design for living. Culture as Lahey (2012: 99) sees it as the patterns of behavior, beliefs and values that are shared by a group of people. Jha (2001: 56) cited Taylor (1871) to describe culture as the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man a member of a society. In anthropological sense advanced by Edward Taylor (1871), Culture was meant as the complex totality of values, attributes, skills and other capabilities acquired by man as a member of the society. Culture according to Felix Ughamadu (for TIMES International 1986) refers to the totality of people’s way of life.”
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 – Brief History of Terms in Nigeria
2.1.1 – Language: The documentation of languages started already in the 17th century. The first Nigerian language as far as is known to be recorded by Europeans was the Kalabari variety of ijo (Jenewari, 1989). The Hausa Language is the oldest known written language in West Africa, dating back to before 1000 C.E. In northern Nigeria, many people who are not ethnic Hausas speak both Hausa and their own tribal language.
There are 521 individual tribal languages spoken in Nigeria, with English as the official language, this is the only language common to most people aside the pidgin. Hausa is unofficially regarded as Nigerians’ second language.
The dominant indigenous languages of the South are Yoruba and Igbo prior to colonization, these languages were the unifying languages of the south-west and the south-east respectively, regardless of ethnicity. However, since the coming of the British and the introduction of mission schools in Southern Nigeria, English has become the language common to most people in the area. Today, those who are not ethnic Yorubas or Ibos rarely speak Yoruba or Igbo. Pidgin, a mix of African languages and English, also is common throughout southern Nigeria. It basically uses English words mixed into Yoruba or Igbo grammar structure. Pidgin originally evolved from the need for British sailors to find a way to communicate with local merchants. Today, it is often used in ethnically-mixed urban areas as a common form of communication among people who have not had formal education in English.
2.1.2 - Art: Nigeria’s art dates back a long time over 2000 years by some archeological beliefs. The Nok terracotta and the Igbo-Ukwu art are examples of some excavations that have been discovered by archeologists to indicate a highly developed artistic and technologically-based civilization. Some of the really old arts found shows very much detail and very distinctive features suggesting technological skills way back when the Nok art for instance, has many images and copper utensils as well as sacred objects. The Ife Bronze heads are said to represent some of the past Oonis of Ife. The Bini people have a lot of ancient artwork that has become famous over different parts of the world. Today, art in Nigeria include a wide range of exhibits, including but not limited to sculptures, masks and paintings. Of course, when you talk about ‘art,’ there are also other cultural activities such as festivals, dances, drama, etc.
2.1.3 - Culture: There are more than 250 ethnic tribes in the present day Nigeria, with the three most dominant ethnic groups as Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Other smaller groups are the Fulani, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, Edo, etc. Nigeria is made up of 50% Muslims (mainly in the North and West of the country), 40% Christians (mostly in the South), and 10% traditional beliefs.
Prior to their conquest by the Europeans, these ethnic groups had separate and independent histories. Their grouping today into a single entity known as Nigeria was a construct of their British colonizers. These various ethnic groups never considered themselves part of the same culture. There are ethnic varieties because there is diversity of art, dance forms, languages, music, customs and craft. Nigerians have a strong sense of ethnic allegiance.
2.1.4 – The Contributions of Language, Art and Culture to National Development.
Many developing nations of Africa including Nigeria is now focused on how to activate and improve the ability of people to utilize resources available to them in order to better their lives towards achieving sustainable development. Okereke (2002:2), defined development as “the maximization of the growth of the (G.N.P), through capital accumulation and industrialization.”
There are various cultural events that depict Nigeria’s cultural life; most popular of them are festival, music and dance exhibitions. This can be illustrated by citing the actions planned to be implemented in corporation with UNESCO: National exhibition of craftsmanship of the Nigerian people; or developing educational activities and the Youth in Nigerian Museum, etc.
Art like culture is man-made. It can be used to shape different vocational careers such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Architecture and others. It can also be used for socialization, and also as a form of communication between artists and community or audiences.
Since art and culture are people-centered and involves socialization which would involve general commitment, solidarity and social integration will in no doubt achieve sustainable development. The government has a role to play by emphasizing more on art and culture because of its inherent creativity instead only science and technology, which they seem to take as the only route to development.
Language is a gift which helps people to form an enduring society by creating and transmitting a distinctive culture. Without an efficient means of communication, it would not be possible to co-ordinate the efforts of many people in a division of labor, to regulate their behavior for the common good through laws or to amass the wisdom learned through experience by previous generations and pass it on through education. There will be no textbooks on stories, culture, etc. Human beings with their superior mental equipment, have great advantage over other creatures. Language is the vehicle through which societies internalize their cultural values and belief system. Nigerian languages have contributed immensely to the nation’s development. We all cannot deny the importance of language such as its role in enhancing productivity, international relations, skill acquisition, information dissemination, etc. Language has an integrative, socializing power by the force of its inducing solidarity. This perhaps, accounts for its being a key to national development. The force of language is so determinate that whatever socio-economic technological and humanistic condition any group of people see themselves in, is largely a function of languages.
In summary of this Chapter, Whorf Benjamin in Carrol, 1967, observes that language is the best show man put on. We need to master the complex force at play in languages as a means of cultural integration and catalyst of socio-economic and technological progress of the nation.
Nigeria, being blessed with numerous cultures whose backgrounds are colorful, is characterized by ethnic differences which even make it more beautiful. The presence of Language, art and culture brings together these ethnic differences in such a way that each ethnic group tries to get themselves acquainted with another’s language, art and culture. Consequentially, this aids sustainable development because the barriers of language and culture are broken.
CHAPTER THREE
3.1– Language, Art and Culture in the Nigerian Society.
Language is the oldest human institution and the most sophisticated medium of expression. Language as means of communication and expression is an element of culture which in many ways defines, determines and unarguably dimensions a nation’s identity in less organized society. Culture relies on an appropriate language of transmission to make the desired impact overtime. In multi-linguistic setting such as Nigeria, the development of about 400 languages to the level they can assist in modern civilization is herculean. The answer might be a powered national language project in which pidgin will be enlarged with reasonable extracts from the three major languages. This is possible as the various purpose of South-Central Nigeria such as the Yoruba, Benin, Isoko, Igbo and Ijo are linguistically of the same language stock (Armstrong, 1964).
Art is the most advanced form of human expression. It involves the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments or experiences that can be shared with others. “Nollywood, has come to stay and her presence in the entertainment industry cannot be doubted. Its audience is large and it has become a way of life for millions. Besides, the language of Nigerian home video particularly its features replicates the societal values, cultures and aspirations of Nigerians” (Amadi, 2009). In the same way, the African art which is centered on functionality rather than aesthetic is religious-driven. Art in Nigeria may be created, performed or displayed indoors or outdoors in the public, such as theatre, concert hall or museum, landscape beautification, horticulture, city centers, African festivals, Nigerian festival and rites of passage feature special music, dance, songs, bodily adornments and other expressive manifestations of culture which shows religious admix. Art which is a product of creativity, imagination, intuition and skills helped the caveman to fashion tools for hunting. This depicts art as being as old as man. And for Nigerian art which the famous Benin art, the beautiful Yoruba dance and the wonderful Calabar costume and so on, depicts the richest blend of culture and art in Nigeria.
As previously defined in Chapter One, culture is seen as man-made activity which is shared and transmitted from one generation to another. Generally, culture is divided into two broad categories, namely: the Material and Non-material cultures. Ikwuegbu (2008: 130) noted that, material culture deals with those tangible and visual elements in the cultural environment which includes tools, technology, utensils, machinery, as well as equipments. It could further be broken down to include shelter, transportation and communication. The Non-material culture consists of beliefs, music, dance and child-raising practices. It also includes folkway, norms, laws and values of a people. The Non-material culture dwells richly in our nation Nigeria. The material culture artifacts helped man’s survival in the different cultural environment he found himself. As stated clearly in the previous chapter, the diversity of art, language and culture in the Nigerian society, the historical background of Nigeria proves that it has abundant vast cultural endowment.
3.2– Language, Art and Culture as a Badge of Identity
A badge according to the oxford advanced learners’ dictionary means something that a particular quality is present.
Identity, or what can be referred to as ethnic identity according to Lahey(2012: 99) means each person’s sense of belonging to a particular group or ethnic group.
Ethnic group is composed of the descendant of a common group of ancestors usually from a particular country or area (Lahey, 2012: 99). This can be seen in our country Nigeria which has a rich blend of culture, art and various languages in her thick population.
Culture is the characteristic of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Culture is influenced by the many groups that now make up Nigeria. It varies from society to society. Various cultures in Nigeria have been at one point in time or the other, influenced by other culture. From the foregoing, it is very apparent and clear that culture is a very crucial part of any group of people and language is an intrinsic part of culture.
Language is been cited in the previous chapter, is a communication tool that makes exchange of ideas, beliefs, religion, social habit, possible. Language represents a particular group of people and there are many languages In Nigeria: Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, Ijaw, Igala, Edo, Tiv, Fulani, Akwa-Ibom, etc. This very languages help to identify the different groups in the society which an individual belongs. And people are supposed to be proud of their own indigenous languages which are referred to as mother tongue and every child, as a matter of importance, suppose to know how to speak his own. However, in Nigeria, the most popular languages are the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa whereas we have more than 250 ethnic groups in the country. Sadly, English language has the highest esteem among Nigerian. Nowadays, anyone that speaks the indigenous language is seen as belated, uncivilized and archaic. Let me cite an example, Beatrice Ejogu, a 400-level University student who had her primary and secondary education in South Africa before coming back to Nigeria for her University Education. Her parents are Igbo but Beatrice is unable to speak to speak the language. It was always a problem for her to interact with her grandparents each time she visits her home town. This problem is as a result of her parents’ adoption of English as the language of communication for her and her siblings. Her return to Nigeria did not help matters, as her interaction with her peers is in English.
Parents must rise up and take a stand to teach their children how to speak the indigenous language. Also, the government must make it a point of duty to make our indigenous language a must in school curricular. We embrace our local language and not relegate it to the background. All hands must be on deck to ensure we speak our language, in the office, school, home and anywhere, even home and abroad. Surely, it is identity.
Nigeria possesses her own traditional art, forms and style that have been established even though she shares with the rest of Africa an art heritage with identifiable characteristics. The significance of Nigerian traditional art was not revealed to the outside world until after the Second World War. The Benin art as previously mentioned has been part of the history of art in Nigeria, the Nok Terracotta made between 500 B.C and 200 A.D are reputed to be the oldest sculptures in Africa.
In summary, language, art and culture is the badge of identification; it is a means whereby peoples of other countries would recognize us and appreciate our heritage.
3.3- The relevance of language, art and culture.
Almost all Nigerians speak more than one language. The numerous Nigerian languages are central to the cultural unity and harmony of its multi-ethnic society. The tribal languages in Nigeria are mostly used for mass communication and for media like for Television and Radio. These languages are also taught in schools which explain their wide-spread use and adoption. Traditional Nigerian literature also often employs the popular local languages of the country.
In Nigeria, music is an important art. Popular music includes highlife, juju, afro-soul, fuji, afro-beat, apala, sakara, and a lot more. The most important musical instruments are percussions and string instruments. Art in Nigeria includes the Nigerian literature. Visual arts and crafts have remained part of Nigeria’s cultural tradition. All these have gained wide popularity, not only within the country but internationally.
Nigerian culture gives a lot of importance in treating guests with utmost care and warmth. The hospitality of people represents their tradition. That is why people are not supposed to say ‘thank you,’ when they are offered food. Nigerian culture includes variety in types of clothing. What is common in their dressing style is the conservativeness. Nigerian culture is as old as 2000 years and what makes it stand out is its diversity.
3.4- Recent Development in language, art and culture in Nigeria.
A lot of work has been done in research systematization and preservation of cultural heritage. There have been various attempts to develop the culture of the people of Nigeria. There some policies that were carried out to set direction of public policies, they are
Development of cultural infrastructure and introduction of new technologies in cultural activities.
Establishment of links between culture and education, as well as between education and different cultural industries, particularly mass media.
Affirmation of authentic cultural values and cultural heritage.
The national culture policy is generally regarded as an instrument of promotion of national identity and Nigerian unity.
Cultural co-operation of Nigeria is carried on the basis of signed agreement either bi-lateral or multi-lateral. The coordinating of cultural cooperation is the Federal Department of Culture. Nigerian cultures and art are very much in contact with the Western cultural production and mass media. The Nigerian government backs the cultural exchange through exchange artists, exhibitions, information materials, etc on the reciprocal basis. UNESCO, apart from the support of festivals, exhibitions, etc pays particular attention to relevant cultural issues such as collection, analysis and documentation of oral tradition, restoration and conservation of national monuments, creative writing, education, training in cultural development, etc. Some Nigerian languages have grown to be acknowledged and government is taking steps in ensuring its inextinction.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1- Summary:
Language, art and culture work hand in hand. Though different languages are spoken in this multi-cultural nation, there is still one thing that enhances development which is the adoption of Pidgin English as a common language among the educated and non-educated, English among the educated and the bilingual attitude of most Nigerians. Art has helped to shape the Nigerian history and exposed her to the international community.
4.2- Conclusion
A cultural policy which will harmonize Nigerian languages has potentials to converge key cultural practices. It is my considered opinion that one Nigerian is achievable through sound management of our present diversities via one voice.
If development is only meaningful within cultural imperatives of a people, then the implementation of a pragmatic cultural policy for Nigeria must be taken seriously
Therefore, language, art and culture are indispensable in the achievement of national integration which is its major relevance.
4.3- Recommendation
I hereby recommend that indigenous languages should be taught in schools and also be promoted by parents and government so as to avoid its death.
Culture and Art should be promoted in our art centers by the means of festivals and art and cultural displays
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