IGBO AS AN ENDANGERED INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE

The paper examines the low-usage of Igbo language among some selected secondary school students in three Local Government Areas of Owerri. The paper uses questionnaire with close test to measure the knowledge of Igbo language among respondents in three LGA in Owerri speaking areas in Imo State in the Southeast Nigeria. The results of the data show that Igbo language enjoys low patronage and patriotism amongst the students used for the data. Many of these students found it extremely difficult to express themselves freely in Igbo language and at the same time, they were unable to provide meanings for selected Igbo proverbs, words, and expressions. The significance of this work is seen in the fact that Igbo language stands the risk of gradual extinction if urgent measures are not taken by all stakeholders concerned to arrest the dwindling fortunes of the language.