Traditional communication media: a critique of the indigenous communication media of Ngwa people of Abia State

Abstract

Every society has developed a communication system that meets its peculiar needs. These forms of communication are regarded as indigenous and have been part of the people's culture. Though these communication systems might undergo some adaptations and changes, they have not been completely eroded, irrespective of technological advancement and modernisation. One such is the indigenous communication system in Ngwa land of the Igbo linguistic group of South Eastern Nigeria. This study, therefore, is a critical evaluation of the indigenous communication media in Ngwa land. The theoretical framework was anchored on Cultural continuity and the Indigenous standpoint theories. The objectives of the study were to identify the various indigenous communication media in Ngwa land and what they communicate, establish the role of indigenous communication media in Ngwa culture, and examine the challenges of using Ngwa indigenous communication media. Findings indicated that Ngwa people have robust indigenous communication platforms that are still relevant and in use today. These media fulfill specific roles in meeting their existential needs for religion, education, politics, entertainment, morals, social life, community development, dispute resolution, etc. It was found that modernity and westernisation have impacted the use of some indigenous media. At the same time, the younger generation is not as enthusiastic as the older generation in embracing indigenous communication channels. It was recommended that the people should adopt a blend of exogenous and indigenous communication while the government incorporates indigenous communication in its development initiatives and policies.