Sociolinguistic Survey, Advancement of Indigenous Languages in Relationship to the use of English Language in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sociolinguistic information is needed for proper diagnostic survey of indigenous languages in a society where multilingualism strives. The survey discussed here which is cross sectional, is designed to provide information on the parameters in a multilingual community. There are several languages in the Southern  part of Cross River State of Nigeria where the survey is carried out. The English language is the official language spoken in the area of study. The study presents a macro sociolinguistics profile of the languages of the Southern Senatorial District of the State, shows where loss and endangerment are strong and appropriates measures for revitalization and maintenance. As a qualitative research, we use the participant observation and content analysis methods to elicit the survey in order to determine the need to use English language as the official  language of the State and at the same time enhance, maintain and develop the indigenous languages to avoid endangerment. Inter-generational transmission theory of Fishman (1991) is applied in this study as a key  to  revitalizing the indigenous  languages spoken. The study is carried out to find a way of  balancing the use of English and advancing the indigenous languages.

Keywords: indigenous languages, Cross River State, maintenance, intergenerational transmission, multilingualism, revitalization, survey.