A REVIEW OF NUPE BIOLOGY WRITTEN BY FOUR ILLEC NUPE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTORS
The book “Kpeyizhe,” translating to “Biology” in English, is structured into four categories, aptly summarized in Nupe language as “Ah de ekpa gunni nya Kpeyizhe.”
It’s noteworthy that this 90-page book was collaboratively authored by four esteemed Nupe scholars and advocates for indigenous languages:
– Zainab Abdullahi
– Zakari Isah Fujeregi
– Adamu Idris Manarakis
– Aisha Hussaina Manarakis
These authors are all integral members of the Indigenous Languages Learning Center (ILLEC) in Minna, Niger State.
What sets “Kpeyizhe” apart is its incorporation of Nupe alongside English translations, presented in a simple and comprehensible manner with accompanying illustrations.
The book covers various branches of biology, including Edzo (Botany), Kpeyizhe Zawangi (Human Biology), Kpeyizhe Gbagbangi (Microbiology), and Abe Kpeyizhe-Nyakungi (Zoology).
What’s particularly engaging is the inclusion of graphics and captivating visuals, enhancing learning for readers of all ages and backgrounds, even those unfamiliar with Nupe or from different cultural backgrounds.
Topics range from body parts to chemical compounds like Nawutsekun (Carbon) and Vunkalagi (Nitrogen), to organism variants such as Korodzo be Nyakunkpa (Flora).
Additionally, using Nupe language with English translations, the book delves into sense organs and systems, physical features, and inherent characteristics of organisms, providing a comprehensive overview suitable for educators, students, and enthusiasts alike.
I commend the collaborative efforts of the authors – Adamu Idris Manarakis, Zainab Abdullahi, Zakari Fujeregi, and Aisha Hussaina Manarakis.
I recommend “Kpeyizhe” to educators, students, school administrators, and governmental bodies at all levels and traditional rulers as well as heads of family.
In conclusion, I advocate for the integration of indigenous languages into the Nigerian education system, following models seen in Asian countries.
To this end, I stress the importance of transforming indigenous language books into audio-visual formats for wider dissemination and accessibility.
I also want to stresses the need for the contents of this book Kpeyizhe and other books written in Nupe language should be transform into audio-visual and transmitted across conventional media and social media.
Just as the ILLEC in collaboration with the RukotoTV is doing now by transforming Nupe learning books/topics into audio-visual and disseminating the contents via effective media to heterogenous audience.
Lastly, translating, transforming and transmitting books written in indigenous languages into audio-visual formats is vital for preserving cultural heritage, increasing accessibility, engaging learning experiences, promoting cultural representation, revitalizing oral traditions, reaching a global audience, aiding language acquisition, and fostering creative expression.
The Book Kpeyizhe unpack a number of the challenges and opportunities around Biology writing and teaching in indigenous language of Nupe.
*Umar Salihu Adamu, also known as Umar S. Adamu (NTA), Co-Founder of RukotoTV, is a Media Pundit, Strategist, Historian, and Diplomat.
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April 17th, 2024.
