Abstract

Language is the first identity marker of an individual, or a group of people, coming next to their racial identity. The socialization of a child begins with the learning of his/her language which is necessary for communication and social interaction. Just as languages develop through deliberate processes, they also go into extinction due to neglect and avoidable inferiority tendencies that may not be by design. This paper examines the historical condition of the Alago language of Nasarawa State in the light of the dynamics of inter-group and multi-ethnic co-existence and concludes that the Alago language and culture are endangered with a severe consequences of possible extinction sooner than later if deliberate steps are not taken by the owners of the language to reverse the untoward trend.

Keywords: Racial identity, Socialization, Social interaction, Alago language, Nasarawa state