Mother tongue disability and socio-cultural development in Nigeria

Mother tongue disability refers to some or total inadequacy in one’s native language. It implies a situation where individuals or groups of persons are unable to speak/ write their native language. This is a common phenomenon among Nigerian youths. As a result, research has shown there are over 450 indigenous languages in Nigeria, which may go extinct (Rotimi, 2012; Bankole, 2010). Colonization and the introduction of western civilization had often been blamed for mother tongue disability. However recent happenings indicate that factors such as the fast decreasing value for mother tongue and parental negative attitudes may be more responsible for mother tongue disability. The paper aims at explaining causes and effects of mother tongue disability in Nigeria and its consequences on socio-cultural development in the country.  It concludes that the speaking, writing, as well as the understanding of mother tongue is beneficial for social solidarity, peaceful co-existence (without which there cannot be meaningful development), the maintenance of cultural heritage and values, and for the growth of the tourism industry.