Perceived Roles of Radio Programmes in Sustainability of Indigenous Languages in Borno State

Abstract

This study examined the perception of radio listeners regarding the roles of radio programmes in the sustainability of indigenous languages in Borno State. The study was guided by three objectives to examine the perceived adequacy of radio programmes and; the perceived effectiveness of radio programmes in the sustainability of indigenous languages in Borno State. The study also identifies the perceived alternatives for the sustainability of indigenous languages through radio programmes in Borno State. The study used Focus Group Discussion as the method and Agenda Setting Theory as the theoretical framework. Twenty-four (24) participants were engaged in three FGD sessions conducted in communities in Maiduguri. The study found that there are inadequate programmes produced and broadcast in indigenous languages by radio stations for the sustainability of the indigenous languages in Maiduguri. However, it was found that the few available programmes are perceived to be effective. The study identified alternatives that include creating new programmes, creating programmes that teach the languages facing the threat of extinction, consideration for different age groups in creating radio programmes and allowing communities to participate in the programmes because these alternatives are perceived to be adequate and could be effective in the sustainability. The study concludes that there is perceived inadequacy regarding programmes across radio stations in Borno State that are broadcast in indigenous languages. This study recommends that partnerships should be developed between the stations, the government, non-governmental organisations, media funders and the communities to harness different capacities and resources to produce more programmes in indigenous languages by taking into consideration the suggested alternatives that can make the programmes effective.