Public perception of the influence of social media platforms on indigenous languages in Bayelsa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The 21st century has witnessed enormous changes in communication engagements. Time and space boundaries have become narrower than even before. Social media platforms have changed the scope and nature of communication significantly. Such social media platforms include: Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, among others. These platforms have changed communication dynamics in areas like politics, merchandising, and religion, among others. Although social media platforms come with their advantages, there are concerns that they may have negative impact on indigenous languages. These concerns, however, have not received significant attention in literature.

Objective: This study intends to ascertain public perception of the influence of social media platforms on indigenous languages. The study adopts Survey research design to achieve the study objective.

Methodology: The study was conducted in Bayelsa state. The researchers surveyed a sample of 384 respondents who were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection while results were presented in tables.

Results: The result of the study showed that the public perceive social media as negatively impacting on indigenous languages. We found that 59% of the respondents were of the view that the use of social media as a means of communication has posed a serious challenge to the use of native languages to a large extent.   

Unique contribution: The study has shown specific aspects of native languages that are negatively affected as a result of social media use. This information will be beneficial for designing and implementing programmes that are aimed at promoting native languages in Nigeria.

Conclusion: The use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, among others pose a serious threat to native languages in Nigeria.