Izon Language is primarily spoken where Izon people live, which is in the South-South region of Nigeria, primarily in Delta, Baylesa and Rivers states. Most schools in Nigeria are taught in English, a biproduct of British colonization, which makes it easy for Izon people to lose language fluency as well as the cultural connection to their history that language provides. The prioritization of documenting art forms and languages is crucial, especially with oral traditions, so that we have materials (books, films, recordings) to pass down to future generations and to reference in the present moment. For many indigenous African languages, dictionaries, textbooks and learning materials are sparse or nonexistent. We must create them. Venerable Churchill Akpowaido Enoya‘s work in teaching Izon Language is crucial and necessary at a time many younger generations are unable to speak or understand their native language. Keeping languages alive requires that we speak in them, write in them and create learning materials that can be passes down so that Izon Language can continue to be spoken, preserved and celebrated. Language erasure is loss of culture and history and robs us of the understanding of self on an individual and collective level.
Feedback from an Izon Language Student who participated in an 11-month Izon Language Learning Program: “Working with Venerable Churchill Akpowaido Enoya allowed me to learn about Izon Language, culture and history in ways I had not previously. He provided learning materials and resources I still reference, even after our lessons. What he taught me included grammar and definitions and went deeper to teach the cultural and historical context of Izon Language, how history and culture shape and change language as well as how different Izon Language dialects share similarities and also differ. I prioritize documentation of my art forms and languages, especially with oral traditions, so that we have materials (books, films, voice recordings) to pass down to future generations. For many African languages, dictionaries, textbooks, books and other learning materials do not exist. We have to create them. Through independently studying Izon Language with an Izon Language teacher, I have learned about aspects of our history and language that are not written down. I incorporate this into my artwork, I document it, include Izon Language in my poems, stories and performances. The Izon and Nigerian dances and songs my mother taught me are foundational to the performative work I do today. My work incorporates talk backs and community dialogues. These spaces allow for deepened conversation around cultural conservation. We preserve our cultural and traditional art forms, practices and languages by using them daily, sharing and celebrating them. This is the work I do. Incorporating Izon Language into the stories African-centered histories and art forms allows me to creates spaces for our lived experiences and our undocumented/sparsely documented cultures, languages and experiences.” ~Yvonne Onakeme Etaghene
Yvonne Onakeme Etaghene 