Using Indigenous Language as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: An Imperative of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO)

Abstract

Language as a major aspect of culture is a foundation of human identification and cultural movement and also one of the platforms that the Institute has been using over the years to reach out to the public through the teaching of indigenous languages. It is the conviction of the Institute that the indigenous language could be used as a tool to prevent conflict and enhance peacebuilding in the nation. It is based on this background that this chapter justified the using of indigenous language as a tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding through the use of the descriptive-historical method of analysis. The chapter addresses the importance of language, conceptualizes culture, indigenous language, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. It further emphasizes the position of NICO on indigenous language, discusses the imperatives of using indigenous language for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This chapter concludes by justifying the teaching of Nigerian indigenous languages by NICO as an instrument for conflict prevention and peacebuilding and recommends ways forward.