ABSTRACT
The trend has changed probably because Igbo's are beginning to realize that their language is endangered, especially by one of the major 'killer' languages -English. This chapter sets out to ascertain whether the perceived declining level of acceptability of Igbo language or preference for English over the Igbo language is reflected in audience exposure and preference for Igbo and English language programmes. Igbo is a language spoken by people in the south-eastern states of Nigeria - Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Abia -and some parts of Rivers and Delta states. Research evidence shows that broadcasting, particularly radio, is most effective in transferring information on social change programmes from government and other institutions to the masses living in developing nations of the world, language is therefore an intrinsic part of goal-oriented development communication. A study of language shift among Igbo-English bilinguals, found that a greater percentage of parents and spouses communicate more in Igbo than in English among themselves.
