Translation of specialized texts as a tool for the development and usage of indigenous languages: The Igbo language example

Abstract

The importance of mother tongue as the best medium of instruction cannot be over emphasized. The problematic situation here is that not all the indigenous languages in a multilingual society like Nigeria have standard written forms. Even languages with standard codification such as Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba are not developed to the level of having enough lexicons and terminologies in special areas. Though so many efforts have been made by the government and scholars, they are not yet enough for the work ahead. Thus, this paper aims at studying the role of translation of texts in specialized domain into indigenous languages for the development and the provision of the much needed terminology, reference materials such as books and other texts that make learning and teaching in indigenous languages more interesting.

Keywords: Translation, specialized texts, terminology, development, indigenous languages.