Ilorin Linguistic Landscape: A Case for Yoruba Study Abroad in a Multilingual and Multicultural Context

Abstract

This paper examines the potential of Ilorin, located in the North Central of Nigeria as a site for Yoruba language study abroad programs. While Yoruba cities like Ibadan and Ife are typically favored for Yoruba learning programs, the paper argues that Ilorin's unique linguistic landscape and multicultural environment present similar immersive language learning opportunities to cities in South-West Nigeria. Applying the conceptual insight of Linguistic Landscape (Landry & Bourhis, 1997), the paper contends that Ilorin's multilingual environment, featuring Yoruba alongside English, Arabic, and other Nigerian languages, can provide students with a nuanced understanding of Yoruba language and culture within a broader Nigerian context.