“You Should Be Ashamed If You Can’t Speak Your Native Language” – Charles Onyeabor

Nigerian musician and cultural advocate Charles Onyeabor has criticized Africans for prioritizing English fluency over their native languages.

According to reports, Charles Onyeabor challenged the common belief that speaking flawless English equates to being intelligent, arguing that intelligence is not defined by one’s ability to speak English.

He emphasized that linguistic ability and intelligence are not the same, urging Africans to take pride in their indigenous languages instead of favoring a foreign tongue.

“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” Onyeabor stated.

He went further to criticize those who neglect their native languages, saying, “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.”

While acknowledging the benefits of learning multiple languages, Onyeabor stressed that one’s native tongue should never be devalued.

He pointed to countries like France and Italy, where people take great pride in their languages, prioritizing them over English.

“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,” he said.

Charles Onyeabor also highlighted the irony of how Africans are often mocked for not speaking English perfectly, whereas foreigners are praised for making even small attempts to speak African languages.

“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,” he added.

KanyiDaily had reported how American rapper Rick Ross spoke Yoruba language, saying; “Mo ni fe Nigeria” which translates to “I love Nigeria.”