Effects of Modernity on African Languages: A Review of Naija and Urhobo Languages in Nigeria
Abstract
Studies over the years have shown that there is a swift change in the language situation in post colonial Africa especially in the urban centers where some new forms of linguistic codes are being introduced over existing ones thus initiating a new nomenclature which could alter the linguistic pattern of Africa. To a large extent, this change is ascribed to the growing effect of modernization and the dynamics of language (which is normal and unstoppable). This paper has two objectives. First, a modest attempt to present the language shift in Africa by looking at some countries with particular reference to the Nigerian situation where Naijá (hitherto called the Nigerian Pidgin) is highly influential and serves as lingua franca for the majority of the population of Nigeria. Secondly, to look at one of the Edoid languages (Urhobo) in the Southern part of Nigeria, with reference to the effect of modernity on culture to ascertain if Naijá is a killer language. The general findings show that Naijá will continue to subdue Urhobo language and other languages in Nigeria if appropriate steps are not taken.
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