Minority language maintenance: A case of inter-generational transfer of <i>Okpe</i> in Lagos

Abstract

Non-maintenance of a minority language usually results in language shift to the dominant language in the environment. This study examines the maintenance of Okpe, a minority language in Lagos where Yoruba, English and Nigerian Pidgin are dominant. This is with a view to delineating the languages used in different settings, exposure to homeland, traditions, and attitudes. The Purposive and Snowball sampling were used to sample 35 endogamous Okpe families in Orile and Ajegunle areas of Lagos. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data and frequency count was used for data analysis. The result reveals that a minority of old generation Okpe used the languages mainly in interactions with their spouses, but minimally in interaction with their children, with whom they used mainly English and Nigerian Pidgin. Furthermore, the old generation of Okpe used the language minimally with Okpe speaking friends and kinfolk as well as in the expression of their traditions. A significant majority of the young generation were not proficient in the language. They used mainly English, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba in interaction across settings. Incidentally, attitude to Okpe by the old generation, and a minority of the young generation were positive, as the language is positively related to identity projection and ethnicity. However, most of the respondents signified negative attitude to Okpe with respect to social image and value of Okpe. Minority groups in metropolitan settings should take proactive steps to transmit their native tongues to the next generation otherwise having shifted to other languages, the children would also lose their ethnic identity in multi-ethnic Lagos.