Renowned Kenyan scholar, P. L. O. Lumumba, has criticized the growing tendency in many African societies to judge intelligence based on fluency in foreign languages.
He spoke as the 8th Combined Convocation Lecturer at Nasarawa State University Keffi, where he stressed that language should not define intellectual ability.
Lumumba said many people wrongly underestimate those who express themselves in indigenous languages like Fulfulde and Hausa.
“In many African societies, people judge intelligence by how well someone speaks a foreign language,” he said. “Even when individuals share deep and logical ideas in Fulfulde or Hausa, others may still label them as illiterate.”
He described this mindset as a lasting effect of colonial influence.
Lumumba urged Africans to respect their native languages. He said these languages carry knowledge, culture, and identity.
He added that intelligence should reflect clear thinking, strong reasoning, and problem-solving skills—not just fluency in English, French, or other foreign languages.
The scholar called on schools and policymakers to promote indigenous languages. He said Africa’s growth depends on embracing its cultural and linguistic heritage.
