Preservation and Revitalisation of Nigerian Indigenous Languages Through Digital Media in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores how digital media contributes to the preservation and revitalisation
of indigenous languages in South-West, Nigeria. The theories considered relevant to
the study are Jenkins’s theory of Digital Participation and Cultural Capital Theory and
Fishman’s theory of Reversing Language Shift (RLS). The theories are relevant
because they account for the methods for reviving endangered languages and explain
how online engagement promotes cultural empowerment. A descriptive survey was
adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data to examine attitudes and practices
related to digital media and language use. Thirty (30) purposively sampled participants
from Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states were selected from youths and content creators
engaged in digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp), through semi-
structured interviews (qualitative-thematic analysis). The paper investigates patterns
of language use, motivations, and perceived impacts of digital media on Yoruba, Ìjẹ̀ṣà,
and Ìgbómìnà languages. Results show that digital media has significantly enhanced
language visibility, intergenerational communication, and creative usage, though
challenges such as digital literacy and platform bias remain.