MBEMBE LANGUAGE IN CROSS RIVER: A CAUSATIVE ANALYSIS OF MBEMBE LANGUAGE'S UNDERGOING EXTINCTION

Language extinction is a phenomenon that currently threatens 50% of the world’s languages, and Mbembe, a linguistically rich language with distinctive morphological and syntactic features, is one of the languages at risk. This study investigates the causes behind the endangerment of Mbembe and aims to identify potential solutions. The focus is on the attitudes and behaviors of Mbembe speakers living in diaspora, as well as those in Mbembe-speaking communities.

Language endangerment and extinction remain pressing issues in the linguistic landscape, particularly in Africa, where languages like Mbembe face significant threats. Located in Cross River State, Nigeria, the Mbembe language represents an important part of Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity. However, like many indigenous languages, it is at risk of disappearing due to social, economic, and political factors.

This paper examines the structural aspects of Mbembe, focusing on its syntax, phonology, and orthographic systems. Additionally, it discusses the sociolinguistic factors contributing to its endangerment and suggests strategies for revitalization. Through this research, I aim to highlight how theoretical linguistic frameworks, particularly in phonology and morphosyntax, can inform language documentation and preservation efforts—aligned with my broader interest in endangered language documentation and computational linguistics.

Data for this research was collected through direct oral interviews with respondents from Cross River, Ibadan, Lagos, and Abuja. The findings reveal that the primary factor threatening Mbembe is the negative attitude of its speakers toward the language. Additional contributing factors include the non-transmission of the language to younger generations, the small number of active speakers, and the socio-economic disadvantages associated with Mbembe.

This research provides insights into the current state of the Mbembe language and offers recommendations for reversing its decline and preserving it for future generations.