On reversing language shift in Etulo

Abstract

This study explores language shift and proposes ways of reversing it in Etulo, a language spoken by a minority group in Benue State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by means of questionnaires containing Lewis and Simons five key questions for language diagnosis and evaluation. The study applies Lewis and Simon’s Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS) for reversing language shift to the Etulo language situation. The findings show that Etulo is at EGIDS level 7. Following from this, the study suggests training Etulo native speakers as teachers and creating teaching devices as ways of reversing language shift. The devices (books, audios) shall be used in teaching Etulo language as a subject in the school curriculum or as an after school program. The study opines that these strategies, apart from encouraging literacy in Etulo, will further endear Etulo native speakers to their language thus disrupting the shift to Tiv, which is the dominant language in Benue.