ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL ENDANGERMENT: EXAMPLE FROM YORUBA

Abstract

This work chronicles some aspects of Yoruba language and culture that are near extinction. We look at the decadent use of Yoruba by young native speakers. The near loss of some cultural aspects like oriki (lineage praises), Eklill iyaw6 (nuptial art), ijala (hunters' chant), iremoje (hunters' dirge), among others, is examined. The relevance of these cultural practices and the implication of their loss are also discussed. Interview and observation were used to collect data for the study while Edwards' model of language endangerment is employed for analysis. The study concludes that traces of language endangerment could be found in the disappearance or disuse of some parts of the culture and lexical items. The study, therefore, recommends that since language is a vehicle of culture, rejuvenation of these cultural aspects would enhance language use, thereby sustaining the language therefrom.