An Empirical Investigation of Yoruba Language Attrition Among Second-Generation Yoruba Immigrants in Abuja

Language attrition in immigrant communities represents a complex intersection of sociolinguistic, cognitive, and identity-based processes that erode first-language competence across generations. This study empirically investigates Yoruba language attrition among second-generation Yoruba immigrants in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods longitudinal-proxy design, data were collected from 80 second-generation adults aged 20 to 35 through elicited oral production tasks, grammaticality judgement tests, and semi-structured narrative interviews. The study compares performance profiles on tonal accuracy, verbal morphology, and pragmatic competence against a matched control group of Yoruba monolinguals from Oyo State. The theoretical framework draws on Schmid's attrition model, the activation-based hypothesis, and identity theory. Existing empirical research on Yoruba attrition has focused on diaspora communities outside Nigeria, with second-generation internal migrants in non-Yoruba urban settings receiving limited analytical attention. This study fills that gap with locally situated empirical data. The research examines whether attrition follows a predictable pattern favouring retention of core grammar over lexical and pragmatic competence and whether frequency of Yoruba use, spousal language, and cultural organisation membership moderate attrition outcomes. Findings are expected to reveal significant tonal and lexical attrition with relatively preserved morphosyntactic competence, and to identify social network density as the strongest protective factor against attrition. Recommendations will address community language support interventions for internal Yoruba migrant communities in Nigeria's capital. Keywords: language attrition, Yoruba, second-generation immigrants, Abuja, sociolinguistics.