Mother tongue in education and the problems of language loss: The example of Niger state in Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Linguistic Association, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines the problems of language loss with respect to mother tongue in education in Niger state, Nigeria. Using sociological approach as propounded by Edwards to determine the level of language endangerment and loss, the study takes a critical look at the languages in Niger State, Nigeria that are facing extinction and the challenges this is going to pose to mother tongue education in the areas where these languages are expected to be spoken. We used questionnaire and observation methods to ascertain level of use of the languages in question. At the end of the study, it was discovered that some languages in the study area are moribund as no written records or speakers were found on them. Therefore, the prospect of using the languages to teach at the basic school level is practically impossible. This has posed a serious challenge to the survival of the languages as well as effective learning of the students who are supposed to be taught in these languages. The study recommends, among others, collaborative efforts at documenting the dying languages, proactive measures to save the living ones by encouraging their use in vital domains and also designing orthographies for the purpose of education.
Description
N/A
Keywords
mother tongue, education, language loss, Niger State
Citation
N/A