IGBO LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Igbo is the language of the Igbo people of the South Eastern part of Nigeria. The language is Igbo and the people are Igbo. The continuity of Igbo language literature and culture is in a questionable level as a result of the attitude of the Igbo people towards their language and culture among other things. This shaking situation of the Igbo language, literature and culture has moved the UNESCO to predict that the language will go into extinction in fifty years.  This research enumerated things that are rekindling this extinction threat and suggested ways of reviving the language, literature and culture. Observation and interview methods were employed in collecting data for this research. It was discovered that the cause of this weakness of Igbo language and culture is the Igbo people and the solution can only be brought about by the Igbo people.