Nigerian musician and cultural advocate Charles Onyeabor has ignited a powerful conversation about the value of indigenous languages in Africa, challenging the widespread belief that fluency in English equates to intelligence.

Onyeabor passionately argues that Africans should embrace their native languages as a vital part of their identity rather than prioritizing English proficiency. He criticizes the societal mindset that places English above cultural heritage, urging Africans to take pride in their linguistic roots.

"Fluent English Doesn’t Mean Intelligence" – Onyeabor

In a bold statement, Onyeabor stated:

“Perfect English is not a mark of intelligence; it’s a mark of linguistic ability. We Africans were programmed to believe that speaking better English automatically means you are intelligent.

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 from any other tribe, and you can’t speak your native language fluently but would rather prioritize another country’s language.”

Indigenous Languages Are Our Identity

Onyeabor further emphasized that while learning foreign languages is beneficial, it should never come at the expense of one’s mother tongue.

“Don’t get me wrong; it’s good to speak other languages, but don’t make it seem like your native language is worthless. It’s your identity. Go to France—they don’t care about English or any other language. Even Italians prioritize their own language above all.”

The Irony of Language Perception in Africa

He also pointed out the irony in how Africans treat language proficiency. While foreigners are often praised for attempting to speak African languages, locals are ridiculed for not speaking English perfectly.

“In Nigeria, you’ll hear people say things like, ‘He/she can’t even speak good English,’ as an insult. It should be the other way around. People should start saying, ‘You can’t even speak your language,’ rather than shaming those who aren’t fluent in another person’s language.”

Onyeabor’s thought-provoking statements have sparked widespread debate, pushing Africans to rethink their attitudes toward language and cultural preservation. Do you agree with his stance? Let’s continue the conversation!