No doubt, English Language is a unifying language in most Commonwealth countries especially Nigeria where over 500 indigenous languages are spoken. But the pace at which these indigenous languages are losing out to the English language is alarming.

A recent UNESCO research shows that on the average, 25 percent of children below 11 years are unable to speak their parents’ indigenous language in Nigeria, and if the trend is not checked, the research notes that Nigerian languages will be in extinction in two to three generations, that is in 50 to 75 years time

Currently Nigeria has about 16 endangered languages and 10 extinct languages that can be accounted for.

In case you came across any known speaker of any of these languages, could you please notify the authorities, not that Nigeria lacks bigger problems but this is also important

Below are ten extinct language of Nigeria

1. Ajawa

Ajawa is an extinct Afro-Asiatic language formerly spoken in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Ajawa became extinct between 1920 and 1940 as speakers switched to Hausa

2. Auyokawa

Auyakawa is an extinct Afro-Asiatic language formerly spoken in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The extinct date is missing.

3. Basa-Gumna

Basa-Gumna is an extinct Kainji language ofNigeria. It was spoken in Chanchaga, Niger state, and Nasarawa, near the Basa homeland. Speakers have shifted to Hausa. The language became extinct in the year 1987

4. Gamo (Buta) and Ningi

Gamo (Buta) and Ningi are an apparently extinct Kainji dialect cluster of Nigeria. The extinct date is also missing.

5. Kpati

Kpati is an extinct Grassfields languageformerly spoken in Taraba State, Nigeria. Extinct date missing

6. Kubi

Kubi (also known as Kuba, Kubawa) is an extinct Afro-Asiatic language formerly spoken in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Members of the ethnic group now speak Hausa. Extinct date missing

7. Mawa

Mawa is an extinct and unattested language of Nigeria. It was apparently different from a language of Chad also known as Mawa, and so is unclassified. Extinct date missing

8. Teshenawa

Teshenawa is an extinct Afro-Asiatic language formerly spoken in Jigawa State, Nigeria

9. Odut Language

Odut is an extinct Upper Cross River language of Nigeria. It was formerly spoken in Cross river State

10. Luri

The extinct Luri dialect is not well attested

What do you think can be done to prevent the extinction of Nigerian Languages in the society today?

- See more at: http://giftedgreen.com/2014/blog/2014/09/23/10-nigerian-extinct-languages-and-what-you-think-can-be-done-to-save-perishing-nigerian-languages/#sthash.9docNcXa.dpuf

I have not heard of any of these languages anyway

Some of our indigenous languages are gradually going or have gone into extinction as a result of our somewhat passive attitude to our native languages as Nigerians.
Even in school, 'we' were made to believe English is far superior to our indigenous languages
'We' were slammed with all manners of punishment for speaking our native language and requesting for a native language teacher
Interestingly, the real custodians of the English language are more interested in our languages and cultural heritage


I do not think it's the responsibility of government agencies alone to preserve our native languages and keeping it from dying.
Families, parents, churches, schools, children, custodians of culture, stakeholders and culture practitioners also must acknowledge their responsibility in preventing the demise of our indigenous languages

Parents (especially the elites) should stop encouraging their children to speak English at the detriment of their indigenous language
The teaching of indigenous languages should be included in our school (both private and public) curriculums

Wow!
Informative post @ op.

I observed that most the languages listed by the op are of minority groups mostly located in central part of Nigeria(north central).
and I can't entirely blame the desire to speak and learn good english the reason for the extinction of those languages.

I think been bundle up together with other small tribes, they had to adopt a language; still indigenous for better and effective communication -- hausa.
And overtime, it became a language for mixed tribes. Inter-tribal marriage did not help matters too.

And sometimes these languages are difficult and to speak or learn especially if you did not grow up learning it, hence it can't stand the test of time.

Also, Most Afro-Asiatic(which are most of the languages listed up there) are poorly described and there is
virtually no literature written in them or about them.

Almost a quarter of them are
spoken by communities of 5000
people or less, and a large
percentage is spoken by just a
handful of people, while some are
already extinct.
So its no wonder.

Ok

it all started from

VARNACULAR SPEAKING IS PROHIBITED

............meanwhile countless countries teach with their indigenous language..............#BRING BACK OUR LANGUAGE

Invest the language you do not want forgotten by speaking it to your kids.

There is no better way to conserve any culture which includes "the language" without the engagement of the young/next generation.

Lets teach the younger ones

Owk..... Motigbo

Seriously thinking

A very touching story of how some languages went extinct in china. Very sad story

Extinct language indeed.
.
Obinoscopy banned "Blackchampion" for (Trolling) booking space in a thread. Dat luks like a personal bif as odas booked spaces too

I think the best way is to teach the younger ones and also schools should also begin to offer most of these languages and make them compulsory just like English .

Speak your language even in a foreign land. Learning/speaking english doesn't mean one should dump his mother tongue. The human brain can learn as many languages as possible so the two can be spoken concurrently.

It is well....I pray Yoruba language does not go down also.The Way and manner the new generation parents frown and scold their kids when they speak yoruba language Even our pre-nursery,nursery and primary schools lack adequate and knowledgeable Yoruba teachers.Every body wants to communicate in the foreign language.

School curriculum....

Well it shuld start 4rm the school, introduction of dis languages ,if possible they shuld make it a must in examinations lyk waec, neco. . .n den d oda ix d parent, d parent play a vital role by teaching the lil kids . .
#am on f.p again . . Signz daht dix week wil be gr8

Hmm... Never heard of these ones before.....

Make them part of our primary and secondary school curriculum.

[left][/left]Thank God ooooO....... At last I made it to FRONT PAGE. Ehnnnnnn bak to de Matter. Me I knw my LAnguage will not be extinquished in Nigeria. I represent Igbo.

A Golden fish has no hidden place. A language of importance can not go extinction.

if they die, they die...proof that they're not fit for use by advanced humans. who wants a nokia 3310 or trium now? who wants to live in a clay, thatched house? pls evolve

The issue of dying languages has always been a big problem and sadly enough, parents who are suppose to be the main solution are not doing anything about it.

hmm

Inazua!

Naofficial: Hmm... Never heard of these ones before.....

same here oh..

I think the parents has a greater role 2 play because most of d up coming youth are only encourage 2 speak english thereby not helping children 2 learn and speak there indegenous tongue.

zleemshaddy: .

lilprinze: .

ayusco85: .

Samiceman: Te

The Space Men's Gang.

OP...good article. Thanks .

i think we should consult the oracle of our various tribes

Do you want to tell me why nigerians always avoid their own indigenous language like bad habit ?

This was what happened to the Argentinians and Mexicans....They speak only Spanish...Their original indigenous languages are gone with the wind.