A STUDY ON LANGUAGE SHIFT FROM KANURI TO HAUSA AMONG YOUTHS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN AREA

A STUDY ON LANGUAGE SHIFT FROM KANURI TO HAUSA AMONG YOUTHS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN AREA

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Language shift is a sociolinguistic phenomenon in which a speech community gradually abandons its native language in favor of another, often due to socio-economic, political, or cultural pressures. In multilingual societies like Nigeria, where over 500 languages coexist, language shift is not uncommon, particularly among minority language groups. One such example is the gradual shift from Kanuri, an indigenous language in Borno State, to Hausa, a more dominant lingua franca in northern Nigeria (Blench, 2019). This trend is especially evident among the youth population in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, where linguistic practices are increasingly influenced by urbanization, education, media, and interethnic communication.

Kanuri, once the prestigious language of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire, remains the mother tongue of a significant population in Borno State. However, with increased exposure to Hausa through school, trade, and social interaction, many young people are adopting Hausa as their preferred language of communication (Yakubu, 2021). Hausa enjoys widespread use as a language of instruction, religious discourse, and popular culture across northern Nigeria. As a result, it often overshadows minority languages such as Kanuri, especially in urban areas where linguistic assimilation is more prevalent.

The shift from Kanuri to Hausa among youths is not merely a change in linguistic code; it carries implications for cultural identity, intergenerational communication, and language preservation. When a younger generation adopts a new language, the transmission of traditional values, oral history, and communal memory embedded in the original language is threatened (Fishman, 1991). In the case of Maiduguri, this transition is happening in a context marked by conflict, displacement, and socio-economic realignment, which further complicates the dynamics of language use.

This study seeks to investigate the extent and causes of language shift from Kanuri to Hausa among youths in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area. It will explore the socio-cultural, educational, and economic factors driving this trend, as well as the implications for the survival of the Kanuri language. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for language policy, cultural preservation, and sociolinguistic planning in Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent years, scholars and cultural stakeholders have raised concerns over the declining use of the Kanuri language among the youth in Maiduguri. While previous generations regarded Kanuri as a marker of ethnic identity and heritage, contemporary youths increasingly use Hausa as their primary language for social interaction, education, and media consumption. This shift suggests a weakening of Kanuri’s functional domains and raises questions about its future vitality (Ahmad, 2020).

Despite the documentation of language endangerment in Nigeria, few empirical studies have specifically addressed the mechanisms of language shift from Kanuri to Hausa in urban centers. Existing studies often generalize patterns of language loss without examining localized socio-linguistic contexts. Moreover, there is a lack of updated research focusing on the influence of current urban realities such as digital media, peer networks, and school environments in shaping language preference among the youth.

This lack of focused study creates a significant gap in understanding how and why the Kanuri language is losing ground in Maiduguri. There is a need to investigate the motivations behind the linguistic choices of Kanuri youths, their perceptions of language prestige, and the degree to which Hausa has supplanted Kanuri in various social domains. Addressing this problem is vital for informing language revitalization efforts, educational policy, and cultural preservation strategies.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To identify the sociolinguistic factors contributing to the shift from Kanuri to Hausa among youths in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area.

To examine the domains of language use in which Hausa has replaced Kanuri among the youth.

To assess the implications of this language shift for the cultural identity and intergenerational communication within the Kanuri community.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the major sociolinguistic factors influencing the language shift from Kanuri to Hausa among youths in Maiduguri?

In which communicative domains is Hausa preferred over Kanuri by the youth?

How does the shift affect cultural identity and communication between generations in the Kanuri-speaking community?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between socio-economic factors and the language shift from Kanuri to Hausa among Maiduguri youths.

H₀₂: The preference for Hausa does not significantly impact the intergenerational transmission of Kanuri.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significance for language planners, educators, and cultural institutions concerned with linguistic diversity in Nigeria. It will provide empirical data on the status of Kanuri among urban youths and identify the social pressures influencing language preference. The findings could inform revitalization programs, support bilingual education initiatives, and aid in developing strategies to preserve Nigeria’s minority languages. Additionally, it contributes to the broader discourse on language maintenance and shift in multilingual African societies.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focuses on youths aged 15 to 30 in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area, encompassing students, workers, and unemployed individuals. It is limited to urban residents, thereby excluding rural Kanuri-speaking populations who may have different linguistic behaviors. Limitations may include difficulty in measuring language proficiency and the subjective nature of self-reported language use.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Language Shift: The process by which a community gradually abandons its native language in favor of another.

Kanuri: A native language spoken predominantly in Borno State and parts of the Lake Chad region.

Hausa: A major Nigerian language widely used in northern Nigeria for communication, trade, and media.

Sociolinguistic Factors: Social elements such as education, peer influence, and media exposure that affect language behavior.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This study is structured into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study. Chapter Two presents a review of relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter Three discusses the methodology adopted. Chapter Four presents data analysis and discussion of findings. Chapter Five concludes the study and offers recommendations.

References

Ahmad, M. (2020). Language endangerment and urban youth in Borno State. Nigerian Journal of Sociolinguistics, 6(1), 45–58.

Blench, R. (2019). Endangered languages in Nigeria: A status report. Kay Williamson Educational Foundation.

Fishman, J. A. (1991). Reversing language shift: Theoretical and empirical foundations of assistance to threatened languages. Multilingual Matters.

Yakubu, A. (2021). Multilingualism and language choice in Maiduguri: A youth-centered perspective. Journal of Nigerian Languages, 18(2), 75–90.