…Urges Preservation of Cultural Identity Amid AI Threat
By Abraham Ovuoba
The Department of Languages and Linguistics, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, has called for increased investment in indigenous language development to prevent Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural heritage from being eroded by the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
The call was made at the 4th EBSULING International Conference 2026, with the theme, “Language, Communication and Society in an Era of Disruptive Technologies.”
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Ugota Awoke, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, described language as fundamental to human existence, identity and societal development.
He urged scholars and students to appreciate the role of language in shaping knowledge, preserving cultural identity and promoting effective communication.
Earlier, the Head of Department, Dr Goodluck Nwode, said the conference was aimed at exploring ways of sustaining indigenous languages amid the growing adoption of AI-powered translation tools.
While acknowledging the benefits of emerging technologies, Nwode warned that inaccurate translations and poor digital representation could endanger indigenous languages.
He decried inadequate funding for language research, documentation and translation, calling on governments, philanthropists, corporate organisations and parents to support indigenous language development, particularly Igbo.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Orgbu Igwe Nweze, described indigenous languages as repositories of history, cultural values and identity, urging stakeholders to ensure their effective representation on digital platforms.
He stressed that promoting local languages should complement, rather than undermine, the learning of international languages.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Jerry Anene Nwankwegu, and the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, commended the department for promoting research and innovation, while urging parents to teach their children indigenous languages.
The conference featured postgraduate scholarships awarded to three scholars to study Igbo culture and linguistics, with their research works to be written in Igbo. The scholarships were sponsored by Professors Ogba and Nweze, and Barrister Dr Ebeh Jideofor.
Other highlights included award presentations and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals by HRH Eze Dominic Aloh.
However, this development further highlights the growing role of tertiary institutions in Ebonyi State in preserving indigenous languages and cultural identity, with Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), recently making history through its innovative approach to localising research, addressing societal challenges and promoting indigenous scholarship by encouraging academic writing in both English and local languages.
