Preserving The Igbo Indigenous Knowledge Systems Within Folksongs: The Functionality of Nigerian English Pidgin (NEP)

Abstract

This study investigates the suitability of Nigerian English Pidgin for preserving indigenous Igbo knowledge systems. It sets to verify the (in)adequacy of Igbo language as a linguistic tool for coding, sustaining and mainstreaming Igbo cultural values in an ever-changing Nigerian social linguistic environment. This study is anchored on symbolic interactionism. A random sample of 40 NCE students at the School of Languages, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Owerri who are of Igbo origin were studied to decipher how well they can render folksongs documented in Igbo language. Structured and unstructured questions were posed to elicit information on their language choices and the underlying reasons for such preferences. The study reveals that about 60% of respondents cannot read the folksongs coded in Igbo Language fluently. This study, therefore, argues that the transliteration of Igbo folksongs into NEP, the language a significant number of respondents accept they conveniently and consistently use in everyday communication, a language that can verbalize socio-cultural distinctions, will reduce to the barest minimum the loss of cultural values of the Igbo people. The study therefore recommends that policies be enacted to facilitate the standardization of NEP for use in codifying Igbo folksongs.