Language Decolonization and Indigenous Language Broadcast Media: A Case of Orisun 89.5 FM Ile-Ife, Osun State

Abstract

Language is not just a tool for communication, it is a repository of culture. The totality of the culture of a particular people is expressed in language. Hence, it is a reflection and expression of peoples’ culture. Meanwhile, the continued dominance of English language in the mainstream media has marginalized the indigenous languages. This has sparked debates and call for language decolonization among language theorists, and researchers as well as people who would not want to see that indigenous languages come to extinction. Premised on this, this paper therefore addresses the inevitable role of the indigenous broadcast media in the scheme of events in a way to decolonize Africa from colonial entanglements with a special focus on radio as a tool for language decolonisation. The study explored how Orisun 89.5 FM is challenging the linguistic hegemony by priotizing Yoruba language content, cultural programming and community engagements. Drawing on a blend of desk review and qualitative data, the study draws from secondary literature on decolonization and the media and primary data from in-depth interview from two listeners of Orisun 89.5 FM, a traditional worshipper, a language expert and two management staff of Orisun 89.5 FM. The findings reveal that Orisun 89.5 FM plays a critical role in decolonizing the airwaves by using Yoruba language only for broadcast and with no consideration to use English language since inception to date. Also, it is to promote the culture, tradition and beauty and behaviours of Yoruba people as well preserve the language from extinction. Moreover, in order to achieve this, the establishing policy emphasized that the language of broadcast must be Yoruba. The study concludes that indigenous language media like Orisun 89.5 FM are vital instruments for language decolonization and cultural preservation. The study recommends that government at all levels should provide policy support for indigenous language media and as well establish more of them to further accelerate foreign language decolonization in Africa.