Okpameri Language: A Moribund Language

The Okpameri language, a minority language spoken in Nigeria, is gradually heading towards extinction due to sociolinguistic factors such as the dominance of languages like Yoruba and English. Language death is a slow process driven by the diminished use of a language across generations, often due to social, economic, and political pressures that force speakers to switch to more dominant languages. This study examines the stages of language death in Okpameri land, focusing on how language contact with English and Yoruba is contributing to the language’s decline. The research utilizes a survey method, gathering data from 100 Okpameri multilinguals to analyze attitudes towards language loss and its impact on cultural identity. Findings indicate that Okpameri is in serious decline, with a significant portion of the population unable to speak the language fluently. There is widespread concern about its potential extinction, and most respondents believe that the dominance of other languages is detrimental to Okpameri’s survival. The study underscores the urgency of language revitalization efforts, particularly through education and community engagement, to preserve Okpameri and its cultural significance.