The identity, survival, and promotion of minority languages in Nigeria

Abstract

The article begins by citing various definitions of minority languages, particularly those relating to majority versus minority languages in terms of socio-economic Status andpoliticalpower. It then observes the consequences of the Nigerian juridical and constitutional definition, whereby Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are designated major languages, implying to many Nigerians that the other languages, numbering over 400, are minor and therefore less important. As an Illustration of the neglect the so-called minor languages suffer, the Situation ofthe 33 languages ofthe Rivers State is discussed, indicating that most of these languages have very few or no school readers, inspite of the Rivers Readers Project. They also feature very little, if at all, in media coverage. The Situation is supposed to be worse for small languages in other Nigerian States where there are no promotion projects. It is argued that the present policy does not encourage the development of minority languages, resulting in gradual shifts to lingua francas, especially in areas that lack deliberate Community effort to ensure survival and development oftheir languages. Lack offunds and thepressing need to direct the scarce resources to areas of national development with a higher priority are often advanced as arguments for neglecting minority languages, some ofwhich are already on the point of extinction. The paper follows with convincing arguments for the promotion of minority languages as a crucial factor in national development, while gradual lingo-cultural genocide could result in apathy, loss oflinguistic and cultural heritage, and outright rebellion. The paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations concerning the promotion of minority languages, including positive policies, coordination at the national level, and the commitment and effort of the communities themselves.

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