Asu: An example of a language on the verge of total extinction in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper identifies the areas of constraints for Asu, one of the minority languages in Niger State, Nigeria, which have lined it up as one of the languages that is likely to go into extinction in no distant future. This study focuses on the key domains of language use like home, education (school), market places and recreation centres. The research instrument used are questionaire, observation and interview while Edwards' (1992) model for determining the status of languages is our theoretical tool. The study observes that domains of use of this language have whittled down immensely. It is therefore recommended that proactive steps should taken to encourage use and development of Asu language. Among this steps are: Enjoining use of the language in the home domain, reducing the language to writting, using the language to teach at basic school level among others.