NWU Research Highlights YouTube’s Role in Preserving and Teaching the Yoruba Language

By Olanrewaju Ogundeyi

A groundbreaking study by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research focus area at the North-West University (NWU) has revealed YouTube’s powerful potential in promoting the learning and preservation of the Yoruba language in Nigeria.

The research, titled “Effectiveness of YouTube in the Learning and Preservation of the Yoruba Language in Nigeria,” explored the awareness and usage patterns of YouTube for language learning among residents of Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. It found that the platform serves as a reliable and engaging medium for both teaching and learning Yoruba, especially through beginner-friendly videos and grammar tutorials.

The study involved a mixed-methods approach, analysing 103 Yoruba language videos from the @yorubastars YouTube channel and surveying 301 respondents in Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Significantly, 80% of participants expressed strong support for the preservation and learning of Yoruba via YouTube.

“YouTube offers visually rich and interactive content that helps learners engage with authentic language, cultural context, and native speakers,” the study found. It also highlighted that YouTube enhances language proficiency and cultural understanding, reinforcing the platform’s educational value.

This research adds to NWU’s growing leadership in media and language studies, supporting ILMA’s broader mission to promote linguistic diversity and counter the dominance of colonial languages in African media landscapes.

However, the study also identified key challenges, notably limited awareness and learner motivation. It recommended increased collaboration between educators, language experts, and content creators to ensure the production of high-quality, culturally grounded Yoruba language materials.

By spotlighting the role of digital platforms in cultural preservation, the ILMA research entity at the NWU continues to position itself at the forefront of innovative research in African languages, media, and education.

The study was conducted by Dr. B. Adeyeye & Prof. A. Salawu