O.V. EVBAYIRO

This study focuses on the linguistic place of an Ẹdo woman in language preservation. The aim of this research work is to gain a better understanding of the linguistic features of the Ẹdo language, and to explore the role of women in language preservation. The method used in carrying out this research was both primary and secondary. The data for this study was collected using oral interview with competent native speakers of Ẹdo. The data were collected from residents whose ages range from fifty years and above. The respondents were: old people (specifically women), Ẹkosodin Benin women and the researcher's mother and also documented data from secondary sources. The feminist sociolinguistic theory framework was employed for the analysis of the data. The analysis of the data reveals valuable insights into the ways in which women actively participate in language preservation efforts and contribute to the vitality of the Ẹdo language and culture. The study concludes that through
activities such as storytelling, singing traditional songs, and teaching cultural practices, women actively contribute to the transmission of linguistic and cultural knowledge to future generations, thereby playing a crucial role in language preservation efforts. The study is recommended to policymakers, educators, community leaders, and researchers interested in language preservation, gender studies, and cultural heritage

This study investigates language contact and change among Ẹdo youths. As urbanization, globalization, and digital communication reshape linguistic practices, Ẹdo-speaking youth increasingly engage in code-switching, lexical borrowing, and syntactic shifts in their speech. These interactions, particularly with Nigerian Pidgin and English, have led to the emergence of hybrid language forms that reflect evolving social identities and cultural expressions. A qualitative research design was employed, using participants’ observation method in data collection. The findings reveal that while Ẹdo remain an important marker of cultural identity, its use is declining in informal and digital spaces. Nigerian Pidgin has emerged as the dominant language of peer communication, while English retains its status as the language of education and professional advancement. The study also highlights the sociolinguistic factors driving these changes, including peer influence, exposure to global media, and shifting cultural attitudes among urban youth. Without targeted efforts to promote and preserve the Ẹdo language, there is a risk of gradual language shift and erosion of cultural heritage. The research recommends incorporating Ẹdo into school curricula, promoting the language through digital media, and encouraging community- based language initiatives. This study contributes to the broader
understanding of language contact and change in urban African contexts and offers insights into preserving indigenous languages in a rapidlyV globalizing society.