Language Endangerment in South-South Geo-Political Zone: A Focus on Ukwuani, Urhobo and Ijaw Languages

Abstract

The study examines language endangerment of Ukwuani, Urhobo and Ijaw languages of the South- South Geo- political zone of Nigeria. The aim of the study is to find out whether these three languages and to examine the factors responsible for such endangerment and based on that make a statement on the general health condition of the languages in south- South Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. The sample for the study is three hundred comprising 100 speakers from each of the language groups under study. The random sampling method is used to select the sample for the study. The study adopts both quantitative and qualitative research design for data collection. Findings from the study show that the three languages: Ukwuani, Urhobo and Ijaw are endangered. Also, the endangerment of the Ukwani, Urhobo and Ijaw languages is attributes to the negative attitude of the people towards their language and parents' inability to inculcate their language to the generation after them. The study recommends that the Ukwani, Ijaw and Urhobo parents should create in their children the interest for their local languages and make sure their children learn their respective languages at childhood.