- Charles Onyeabor is a Nigerian artist advocating for the importance of native languages in Africa
- He challenges the notion that proficiency in English equates to intelligence
- Onyeabor emphasizes the significance of native languages in preserving cultural identity
Nigerian artist and cultural supporter Charles Onyeabor has started an important conversation about the value of native languages in Africa.
He questions the idea that being good at English shows intelligence and emphasizes that Africans should value their own languages as a key part of their cultural identity.
In his remarks, Onyeabor pointed out the unfairness of valuing English skills over cultural traditions. He called on Africans to embrace and take pride in their native languages.
Onyeabor stated: “Perfect English is not a mark of intelligence; it’s a mark of linguistic ability. We Africans were programmed to believe that the more you speak better English, it then means you are intelligent.
“I know a lot of flawless English-speaking guys and girls who are not as smart as a goat sef. You should be ashamed of yourself if you are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, or any other tribe, and you are unable to speak your native languages fluently but would rather speak another country’s language.”
He further underscored the importance of valuing indigenous languages, stating: “Don’t get me wrong; it’s good to speak other languages, but don’t make it look like your native language isn’t worth anything. It’s your identity. Go to France; they do not give a damn about English or any other language. Even Italians don’t care about any other language but theirs.”
Onyeabor emphasized the irony in African views on language skills. He mentioned that foreigners are celebrated for their efforts to speak local languages, but Africans frequently face ridicule for not mastering English.
“But in Nigeria, you will hear people say things like, ‘He/she can’t even speak good English,’ which is a way to insult people. I think it should be the other way round; people should start saying things like, ‘You can’t even speak your language,’ and not insult or abuse anyone who can’t speak another person’s language.”
