Grapevine

Parents should speak indigenous languages to children – Library boss

She explained that literacy development, particularly in indigenous languages, begins within the family.

Anunobi counselled that parents should nurture this by gifting their children books.

“The promotion and development of literacy, especially in indigenous languages, starts within the family. Parents should speak their native languages to their children from a young age. And when it comes to special occasions like birthdays, instead of just buying a child cake or sweets, why not gift them books? A few simple books can have a lifelong impact.”

Anunobi said although the National Library is primarily a research library for higher institutions, it also has a special mandate to promote reading, which is fundamental to enhancing literacy.

“Literacy is not just about speaking—it involves coding and decoding symbols. Increasing literacy rates requires more than words; it requires tangible actions.