Nigeria’s indigenous languages to face extinction within 70 years – Linguists

Linguists warn that many of Nigeria's over 500 indigenous languages could face severe endangerment or extinction within 50 to 70 years if current trends of non-transmission continue. Urban lifestyles have reduced children's exposure to indigenous languages and weakened intergenerational transmission. Examples include a 12-year-old in Kubwa who understands Nupe but cannot speak it because her parents communicate mainly in English, and a mother who does not speak Ebira with her children to give them educational and social advantages. The article highlights the urgent need to address the decline in indigenous language use.

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