ENDANGERING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: A STUDY OF LANGUAGE USE BY YORUBA-SPEAKING STUDENTS AT SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OYO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of social media on the declining use of indigenous Yoruba language among students of selected secondary schools in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Mixed methods: qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted in this study. Paired-depth interview and survey method were used to investigate the determinants for the decline in the use of Yoruba language and the ways social media has contributed to the decline. Findings show that cultural imperialism is the effect of social media on the declining use of indigenous language among students of secondary schools in Atiba Local Government Area. Findings also show that the official use of the English language as a medium of instruction and teaching in all schools is a major determinant of the declining use of Yoruba language in Atiba Local Government Area. Youths in the southwest geo-political Zone who are regular users of the internet and social media must be made to understand the importance of using the Yoruba language in sharing and exchanging information on social media networks and sites. A policy, as a matter of urgency, should be made to create a Lingua Franca to be used as a language of teaching and instructions in all levels of education in the South-West.