Oxford University begins Igbo language lectures.
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Igbo language is now an international language studied in one of the most famous universities in the world. From what Umuaka Times gathered recently, a British based Nigerian man identified as Emmanuel Ikechukwu Umeonyirioha has been appointed by the authorities of Oxford University to be teaching Igbo language in the famous university which was established in 1096.
According to what Umuaka Times correspondent in the UK gathered, the deal was brokered and sealed between the representatives of Oxford University and James Currey Society, an NGO founded and named after the famous British writer and publisher, James Currey by Onyeka Nwelue another illustrious Igbo son. The induction for the new course which was conducted by Marion Sadoux has since taken place and Umeonyirioha had his first lecture last week.
Back home in Nigeria, many people have expressed mixed feelings over this development. Some described it as a welcome development aimed at the systematic internationalization of the Igbo language and culture while others saw it as a form of cultural imperialism. A Nigerian man who did not want his name mentioned because of his business in the United Kingdom, wondered why it is always the British that will “promote” Igbo language and culture. “First it was BBC Igbo and now Oxford has “bought” the language. It appears that there is a scramble for the possession of the Igboland by the British or even the Chinese. We recently watched a video on social media where some Chinese children were in a class studying Igbo language in China. There is a deep likelihood that this move will certainly adulterate Igbo language by the British.”
Another fellow who spoke about the development told Umuaka Times that he felt that the move was an atonement by the British over its role in the Nigerian Biafran War. Hear him: “Have you forgotten what the British did to Ndi Igbo during the war or have you also forgotten that the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu read at Oxford University? I see that move as an atonement.”
The Times Higher Education (THE) in 2021named Oxford University as the World’s Best University for six years uninterruptedly.
Meanwhile several Igbo men and women in Diaspora have expressed their joy over the introduction of Igbo language at Oxford University. Many of them have wished that other universities in the UK, Canada, America and other countries should emulate the Oxford example.
