Migration and culture: Implications on Nigerian languages

Abstract

Language is important in the society as man needs it to communicate his ideas and experiences. As culture influences the structure and functions of a group, so also does the language influence the individual interpretation of reality. So, cultural identity can be established through the use of language, and a society is based on the language people speak. Migration from one place to another has a far reaching effect and impact on the language people speak. It could lead to a number of linguistic implications such as language borrowing, language shift, creation of a new language and even language endangerment. Equally, the migration bid to different parts of Nigeria has several implications on Nigerian languages. It engenders varieties of languages spoken in Nigeria, especially the official language (English). It affects the phonological production of several items in the language (English). It has also led to diaglossic use of languages in Nigeria. It also shows that these effects are both positive and negative as it (migration) helps to develop and expand the languages spoken in Nigeria; it equally endangers some of these languages. Key words: Language, culture, migration, development and endangerment.