THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MOBILIZATION DYNAMICS ON GBAGYI LANGUAGE SHIFT,RECOVERY AND MAINTENANCE

Several social mobilization dynamics which cause shift in language are becoming issues of growing concern for linguists who do not just study but also try to proffer solutions on how to maintain and save the languages. This calls for actions and reactions to language shift and maintenance around the world especially in Africa. This paper therefore tried answer the following questions; what are the social reasons for language shift? Are there common social factors across these cases for their shift or did all these populations shift for different reasons? The identification of the various social networks that influence language shift in Gbagyi language using Paulstons social mobilization theory employed in determining language shift, recovery and maintenance in Gbagyi. The paper traced the extent of social networks have greatly or overtly influenced the language negatively and positively. It shall also suggest ways on how the Gbagyi language can be maintained. The language planners and legalised language planners shall greatly benefit was from this study.