Digital Media and the Promotion of Indigenous Languages in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Indigenous languages are an integral part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, but many of these languages are at risk of extinction due to the dominance of global languages like English and Hausa. In Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, efforts to preserve and promote indigenous languages have been supported by the rise of digital media, which offers new opportunities for language learning, documentation, and dissemination. Social media platforms, websites, and mobile applications are increasingly being used to promote local languages, offering a platform for speakers to connect, share stories, and create content in their native tongues. According to Olanrewaju et al. (2024), digital media can play a critical role in the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages by providing access to resources such as language tutorials, podcasts, and video content. This study investigates how digital media is being used to promote indigenous languages in Dutse, focusing on the extent of its adoption and the impact it has on language preservation.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The promotion and preservation of indigenous languages in Dutse Local Government Area face several challenges, including limited access to educational resources, lack of infrastructure for language development, and the dominance of other major languages. Although digital media presents an opportunity to overcome some of these barriers, there is limited research on how it is being utilized to promote indigenous languages in this region. This study aims to examine how digital media is being used for language promotion and to identify the challenges and opportunities it presents in Dutse.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To examine the role of digital media in promoting indigenous languages in Dutse Local Government Area.
- To assess the effectiveness of digital media in preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages in Dutse.
- To explore the challenges and opportunities for using digital media to promote indigenous languages in Dutse.
1.4 Research Questions
- How is digital media used to promote indigenous languages in Dutse Local Government Area?
- How effective is digital media in preserving indigenous languages in Dutse?
- What challenges and opportunities exist in using digital media for the promotion of indigenous languages in Dutse?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
- Digital media significantly contributes to the promotion of indigenous languages in Dutse Local Government Area.
- Digital media is an effective tool for preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages in Dutse.
- There are challenges and opportunities in using digital media to promote indigenous languages in Dutse.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study will provide insights into the role of digital media in preserving indigenous languages, which can help inform policies aimed at protecting linguistic diversity in Nigeria. It will also contribute to the development of strategies for language promotion through digital platforms.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the promotion of indigenous languages through digital media in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State. It does not extend to other regions or to other forms of language preservation outside digital media.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
- Digital Media: Online platforms, including social media, websites, and mobile applications, used for communication and content dissemination.
- Indigenous Languages: Native languages spoken by the indigenous people of a region, often at risk of being overshadowed by more widely spoken languages.
- Language Preservation: Efforts aimed at maintaining and revitalizing indigenous languages through education, documentation, and media.
