Intergenerational Perspectives on Language Endangerment in Nigeria: A Case Study of Tarok

Abstract

Language endangerment has constituted a great threat to especially minority languages around the world. With several languages at the verge of extinction, the world is fast losing its rich linguistic and, of course, cultural diversity, leading to increasing resentment and mutual distrust among nations as glaringly displayed at almost all international negotiations. While native speakers of the dominant languages are comfortable with this trend, the speakers of the dominated languages get even more apprehensive because their languages are getting lost. This research investigates the attitudes of the young and old generations of native Tarok towards the endangerment of their Tarok language. It finds out the differences and similarities in the young and old generations’ attitudes of the native Tarok towards the endangerment of the Tarok language and identifies the contributing causes of the Tarok endangerment, proposing potential solutions for its preservation. The study employs the qualitative design with participants purposively selected from both generations through community organizations. Some significant differences between the young and old generations’ attitudes are revealed by the results, basically indicating that the young Tarok speakers focus on the present effects of globalization, urban migration, and education, while old Tarok speakers emphasize the impact of industrialization, technological changes, and cultural erosion on future generations. However, both generations share concerns about the loss of cultural identity and heritage associated with language endangerment, stressing the importance of parental teaching and community-driven efforts to preserve the Tarok language. Apart from the emphasis that findings exact on the urgent need to preserve the Tarok language, the comparison between young and old generations of the native Tarok speakers underscores the importance of inclusive and community-driven preservation initiatives. The findings have also deepened the understanding of the psychosocial factors involved in language endangerment phenomenon and offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, community leaders in their collaborative work of language preservation initiatives. Because of the emphasis made by the both the old and young generations on educational system as a key factor contributing to language endangerment, the need for conscious efforts should be made to incorporate Tarok language into school curricular, particularly at primary and secondary levels. Language lessons should be intensified by not only using Tarok as metalanguage but also as a target language in early education to help younger generations develop proficiency in using the Tarok language. The study highlights the need for multifaceted approaches to language revitalization, balancing tradition with modernization, and leveraging education and technology to foster intergenerational language transmission. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders engaged in efforts to revitalize and preserve the endangered Tarok language for the sustenance of the Tarok cultural heritage.