COMMENTARY ON INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY: PROMOTING IGBO LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

By Lilian Ezejiegu

Language experts and cultural advocates have called for greater promotion and preservation of the Igbo language, stressing the importance of language in protecting cultural identity, strengthening communication and passing knowledge from one generation to another.

The call comes as the world marks International Translation Day on September 30, an observance that recognises the important contribution of translators, interpreters and other language professionals in promoting communication and understanding across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

For Ndi Anambra, the observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Igbo as a language of identity and heritage, while encouraging its use in homes, schools, communities and public communication.

According to language experts, translating important information into languages people understand can make communication more effective, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, public enlightenment and community development.

They noted that the preservation of Igbo goes beyond speaking the language, stressing the need to encourage the reading and writing of Igbo, as well as the proper documentation of its proverbs, history, traditions, names and cultural expressions.

The experts urged parents and guardians to make the use of Igbo a natural part of family life, encouraging children to speak and understand the language while appreciating its cultural significance.

They also called on schools, traditional institutions, community organisations and relevant government agencies to support initiatives that promote Igbo language learning, documentation and responsible use, particularly among young people.

The observance further highlights the role of translators and interpreters in ensuring that people are not excluded from important information because of language barriers, while promoting mutual understanding among communities and cultures.

For Ndi Anambra, promoting Igbo should therefore be seen as both a cultural responsibility and a communication priority, ensuring that the language remains relevant, understood and passed on to future generations.

International Translation Day is a reminder that every language carries history, identity and knowledge, and that protecting Igbo means protecting an important part of the heritage of Ndi Anambra for generations to come.

Lilian is of the ministry of information and value reformation, Anambra State.

#InternationalTranslationDay #IgboLanguage #NdiAnambra