The Impact of Hausa Language Television Programmes on Language Learning Among Non-Hausa Children in Plateau State

Television remains a powerful medium for informal language acquisition, particularly among children who are exposed to Hausa programming in multilingual Nigerian states where Hausa functions as an important regional language. This study examines the impact of Hausa-language television programmes on Hausa language learning among non-Hausa children in Plateau State, focusing on children aged 6 to 12 in Jos metropolitan area. A descriptive causal research design was adopted, combining a structured assessment of Hausa vocabulary acquisition with a survey of 160 parents from Berom, Anaguta, and other local ethnic groups on children's television viewing habits. Hausa vocabulary tests were administered to 200 children with varying levels of Hausa television exposure. Findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between regular Hausa television viewing and vocabulary acquisition, with children who watch Hausa programmes for more than five hours weekly demonstrating broader Hausa vocabulary than matched peers with minimal exposure. However, comprehension of cultural references and idiomatic content lags behind vocabulary scores even among high-exposure children. Parents from non-Hausa backgrounds generally report positive attitudes toward their children learning Hausa through television, viewing it as a practical life skill in Plateau's multilingual environment. The study recommends that the Nigerian Television Authority expand Hausa-language educational programming designed for children in multilingual contexts and that media producers develop culturally inclusive Hausa programmes that reflect Nigeria's diverse communities. Keywords: Hausa television, Language learning, Children, Plateau State, Non-Hausa speakers.