A Study on the Extinction of Indigenous Languages in Nigeria: Causes and Possible Solutions

Language, irrespective of its status, enables people to communicate and express themselves in any given society but surprisingly the issue of extinction of indigenous languages has not received much attention. Therefore, this research sets out to identify and examine the causes of language extinction, evaluate the current situation of language extinction and give possible solutions to the problem. Essential questions, in relation to the decline of the use of Yoruba Language, using Ile-Ife as a case study, are addressed. In this research, it is revealed that Yoruba language is an indispensable part of the Yoruba culture and Yoruba culture is enriched with enviable values, customs, morals and general way of life. Also, the extent of the decline of the language was discovered.

Keywords: Language, Yoruba, extinction, culture.