STRATEGIES FOR REPOSITIONING ESAN LANGUAGE FOR EVERYDAY USAGE IN EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF EDO STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the Esan language as an integral part of the Edoid group of languages, is spoken predominantly in Central Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria. The Esan language is a crucial marker of identity, culture, and history of the Esan people. However, in recent times, the language appeared to be seriously endangered due to a number of reasons among which are globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of English and Nigerian Pidgin in the Senatorial District. This paper interrogated the current status of Esan language, highlights the sociolinguistic challenges undermining its survival, and recommends strategies for repositioning the language within contemporary Nigerian society and global interplay. Drawing on theories of language maintenance and Fishman’s model of reversing language shift, the paper argues for a multi-dimensional approach involving education, cultural mobilization, government policy, and evolving creative industries. The study concluded that revitalization of Esan language in the preservation of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural diversity is key.