ABSTRACT: The study examined the effect of bastardization of indigenous language in the media with a case study of OSBC. The study was anchored on System Theory. Bastadization has been described as one of the issues affecting Yoruba news Desk of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). The study was anchored on System Theory of Management. Survey research method was used while questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument with some textual analysis of some of the contents. The data collected were analyzed in frequency and percentage tables. The study finds out that the poor performance of Yoruba desk and bastardization of Yoruba language to lack of qualified staff, lack of enough books and reference materials that can help.  Table indicates that 50% of the respondents have attributed lack of qualified Yoruba reporters and translators responsible for bastardization of Yoruba language in OSBC. It is recommended that seminar and training should be organized for the staff on a regular basis to keep them up to date especially in the area of language usage and translations.

Keywords: Indigenous Language

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

            The bastardization of indigenous languages in the media is a serious issue in Nigeria. Many media outlets in Nigeria tend to use English as the primary language of communication, while the indigenous languages are relegated to secondary status or completely ignored. This has resulted in the loss of cultural identity and heritage, as many young people are no longer able to communicate effectively in their native language (Olaopa, 2019).

            One of the major ways in which indigenous languages are being bastardized in the media is through the use of incorrect grammar, pronunciation, and spelling. Many media houses, including radio and television stations, often employ untrained personnel who lack the skills and knowledge required to effectively communicate in indigenous languages. This leads to a situation where the language is distorted, making it difficult for people to understand and communicate in it (Olaopa, 2019).

            Another way in which indigenous languages are being bastardized is through the use of pidgin English. Pidgin English, which is a mixture of English and local languages, has become a popular means of communication among Nigerians, especially in urban areas. However, the overuse of pidgin English in the media has led to a situation where many young people are unable to speak proper English or their native language effectively (Izenose, 2018).

            Furthermore, the lack of standardization in the use of indigenous languages in the media is also a problem. Different dialects and accents are used by different media houses, making it difficult for people from different regions to understand each other. This has resulted in a situation where the language is being fragmented and losing its unifying power.

            However, the bastardization of indigenous languages in the media is a phenomenon that is not peculiar to the Yoruba language, but it is one that is particularly prevalent in Nigeria. In many cases, the media has been known to distort, misrepresent or outrightly neglect the nuances of the Yoruba language, leading to the erosion of its cultural value and significance (Odegbenle, 2013).

            Meanwhile, one of the most common ways in which the Yoruba language is bastardized in the media is through the excessive use of English words and phrases. This is often done in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience or to give the impression of sophistication. While there is nothing inherently wrong with incorporating foreign words into the Yoruba language, the overuse of such words can result in a language that is no longer recognizable as Yoruba (Ude and Mbagwu, 2014).

            Another way in which the Yoruba language is bastardized in the media is through the use of slang and pidgin. While these forms of language have their place in Nigerian culture, their excessive use in the media can lead to the normalization of language that is not necessarily reflective of the true Yoruba language (Odegbenle, 2013).

            Additionally, the media often fails to properly represent the cultural nuances of the Yoruba language. For example, Yoruba is a tonal language, which means that the tone or pitch of a word can completely change its meaning. However, the media often fails to accurately convey these nuances, leading to confusion and misinterpretation (Odegbenle, 2013).

            Overall, the bastardization of the Yoruba language in the media is a serious issue that can have long-term cultural implications. It is important for media outlets to prioritize the preservation of the Yoruba language and to accurately represent its cultural significance. This can be done by ensuring that proper grammar and syntax are used, limiting the use of foreign languages, and accurately conveying the tonal nuances of the language. To this end the research examines the influence of bastardization of broadcast media: An appraisal of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Yoruba News bulletin.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

           Bastardization of language has become an issue of debate at different levels, journalists and media are expected to standardized language and have good language are not left out in bastardizations language. The basic problem of this research is how some words, idioms and proverbs of Yoruba language are being bastardize and wrongfully used in Yoruba news bulletin with careful examination of two weeks bulletin of OSBC Yoruba desk.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

1. To examines if Yoruba Desk of OSBC bastardize Yoruba language in its news bulletin.
2. To know whether Yoruba Desk of OSBC uses some Yoruba words, idioms, proverbs and expressions wrongly.

1.4       Research Questions

1. Does Yoruba Desk of OSBC bastardize Yoruba language in its news bulletin?
2. Does Yoruba Desk of OSBC use some Yoruba words, idioms, proverbs and expressions wrongly?

1.5       Scope of the Study

            The research which investigated the effect of bastardization of indigenous language in the media has been narrowed to Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). The choice of OSBC is due to its proximity to the researcher. Hence, the demographic of the respondents were studies before the administration.

1.6       Significance of the Study

i.      The research will benefit different people, organizations, and governments and other agencies.

ii.      Parents and traditional institution will seek reason why they should keep educating and use indigenous communication so that it will not face off.

iii.     It will form part of the research materials that will be use in the future especially those that will be working on the related topic or aspect.

iv.     Research will be value to students and scholars of mass communication and people who seek to impact on the indigenous communication.

1.7       Operational Definition of the Terms

Bastardization: bastardization is terms popularly used to refer to certain changes in language which originate from human error or alleged prescriptively incorrect usage.

OSBC: Osun State Broadcast Corporation  

Yoruba News Bulletin: There is Yoruba version of English language news script prepared for broadcast in Yoruba language news, it is a product of Yoruba language desk.

Yoruba Language: This is the second indigenous language in Nigeria after Hausa. It is a language of the Yoruba tribe in southwest region of the country.   

BASTARDIZATION OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE IN THE MEDIA

PROJECT DETAILS:

Format = MS Word, Price = ₦4000, Chapter = 1-5, Pages = 52, References = Yes, Questionnaire =Yes, Table of Contents = Yes and Abstract = Yes

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