About the Urhobo Language

The term “Urhobo” is used to refer to an ethnic group, the language of this group and their homeland. There are presently twenty-four political kingdoms in Urhobo. However, according to Professor Rose Aziza, there are fifteen dialects or varieties of the Urhobo Language. Agbarho dialect is the standard for written Urhobo and for the teaching of the language in tertiary institutions. There are over 6,700 languages worldwide, and these are grouped into families and sub-families or groups. Urhobo belongs to the Southwestern Edoid of the West Benue-Congo family of languages (Aziza 2007:273).
Urhobo as an Academic Language
Urhobo language and culture is taught in primary and secondary schools across Delta State of Nigeria. At the tertiary level, there is a Department of Urhobo in the School of Languages at the College of Education, Warri, Nigeria. With the efforts of diligent Urhobo scholars like Prof. (Mrs) Rose Aziza, Prof. G. G. Darah, both of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Peter P. Ekeh, professor of African and African-American Studies at the State University of New York and other like-minded personalities, it was possible to start the study of Urhobo at Delta State University, Abraka. Urhobo thus became the first indigenous language to be studied and for which a degree is awarded at the state university.
Efforts at Promoting Urhobo Further
In 2005, some native speakers of the language who are interested in promoting the language founded the Urhobo Studies Association (USA). The pioneer members include Prof. Aguonokigho Eruvwetine, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Igho Onose, Prof. (Mrs.) Rose Aziza and others. Presently, this group consists of members from all works of life, including students, lecturers, traders, self-employed workers and many others who are interested in promoting Urhobo language. The association holds her monthly meeting at the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka. The group has developed a standard curriculum for the teaching of Urhobo in primary schools. It is also presently planning and seeking funds for Urhobo language to be added to the list of subjects studied at the senior secondary level and included in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO)’s syllabi.
Some good-minded Urhobo sons and daughters have also supported the promotion of Urhobo language with their hard-earned money. The Urhobo Progress Union, America (UPUA), the Ukoko Emoto and Senator Pius Ewherido, amongst others have awarded scholarships to students who study the language in order to encourage them.
Conclusion
Urhobo is an endangered language because our people in the cities prefer to speak English, Yoruba and other languages to/with their children. Therefore the present generation of those in the diaspora say “I can understand but I can’t speak”, while their future generation will likely not be able to produce natives who understand their mother tongue. And back at home, the continued effect of the colonization in the form of English is snatching the mother tongue from the lips of the modern generation of children in the presence of their mothers and fathers. Thus, a practical effort must be made at reviving the language. To speak it always is the only guaranteed way of preventing an eventual death of Urhobo.