THE IMPACT OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION ON THE DECLINE OF MOTHER TONGUE USAGE IN UNIVERSITY OF DELTA (UNIDEL), AGBOR, DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of Western civilisation on the decline of mother tongue usage among students of the University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria. Anchored in Linguistic Imperialism Theory, Language Shift Theory, and Postcolonial Language Theory, the research focuses on how English-dominated academic practices affect students’ language choices and attitudes toward their indigenous languages. The study adopted a descriptive research design using primary sources. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to undergraduate students across selected faculties, and the results were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. Findings revealed a clear difference in language use depending on the setting. While indigenous languages were frequently used in informal contexts such as peer conversations, cultural activities, and online group interactions, English dominated formal academic life. The majority of respondents reported using English more in class discussions, assignments, and examinations. The study also found that confidence in speaking the mother tongue was higher than in writing it, suggesting a gap in literacy skills. Lecturers’ use of indigenous languages in teaching was limited, usually serving as a supplementary tool for clarification rather than as the main medium of instruction. The study concludes that Western-style education, with its emphasis on English as the sole language of academic work, contributes to the gradual reduction of indigenous languages in formal domains. The study recommends targeted policies and curriculum adjustments to promote the written and spoken use of mother tongues in higher education.