Repositioning The Nigerian Indigenous Languages For Functional Utility
Ugochi Happiness Ikonne (Ph.D)
National Institute For Nigerian Languages, (NINLAN) P.M.B 7078, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Reposition, Repositioning, Indigenous Languages, Functional Utility
Abstract
Nigeria is a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural nation. In the recent years, efforts have been made by the government of Nigeria to recognize and preserve the indigenous languages and cultures of Nigeria. According to Ethnologue, some of the Nigerian indigenous languages are endangered while about seven out of the over 500 indigenous languages are extinct. Most common reasons for the endangerment and possible extinction of Nigerian indigenous languages include globalization (where many Nigerians strive to learn and communicate in English), urbanization and mobility (where the rural dweller relocate to the urban cities for want of economic opportunities), emigration (where Nigerian peoples leave the country to settle in other countries). Other factors include indigenous peoples’ attitude towards their languages leading to many indigenous people willingly dropping their indigenous languages and refusing to speak and pass on their native languages to the next generation. What is prevalent among the Nigerian indigenous people is the adoption of the English and Nigerian pidgin as part of their acculturation into the majority culture. These and many other factors have increased the vulnerability of Nigerian indigenous languages, leading in some cases, to linguicide. In this paper, Nigerian indigenous languages were projected as the nation’s natural products. The functional utility of the languages were highlighted. Justifications for repositioning the Nigerian native languages were made raised. The paper concluded with measures that can facilitate the repositioning of the languages including attitudinal change from the native speakers, development and modernization of the indigenous language, review or formulation of realistic language policy on education, finalizing, approval and implementation of the just concluded national language policy and revitalization of acculturation programme for Nigerian second indigenous languages learners in Colleges of Education and Federal Government colleges all over the country.