AN ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNMENTAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS SMALL LANGUAGE GROUPS IN BENUE STATE: THE ETULO LANGUAGE EXAMPLE

Abstract

The linguistic vitality status of the endangered small language groups in Benue State Nigeria, has become a matter of concern. The aim of this study was therefore, to assess the attitude of the Benue State Government including official status towards the Etulo language an Idomoid language spoken in Buruku local government of Benue State. The Attitude and Motivational Questionnaire was administered to 340 respondents. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively using frequency tables and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the attitude of the government towards the Etulo language was very poor and meant to encourage the assimilation of the Etulo language into Tiv language as well as its abandonment by providing education in other languages as well as declaring other languages rather than the Etulo language, the official language of the speech community. It was recommended that the government should introduce the Etulo language as a subject of study in schools and make laws and policies that encourage its use in the new media and other domains of use, as well declare it an official language.