Urhobo Studies Association marks 2 decades of preserving language, culture|Advocate

The Urhobo Studies Association (USA) celebrates its 20th anniversary with an International Conference at Delta State University, Abraka, from September 1-3, 2025.

The event, themed "Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Direction," will commemorate the association's successful two-decade-long mission to revitalize and document the Urhobo language and identity.

Founded in 2005 by a group of concerned scholars, the USA was a direct response to a UNESCO warning about the extinction of world languages. They were determined to prevent the decline of Urhobo in favor of English and Nigerian Pidgin. The association’s first major success was the development of a standard orthography, building on the university’s earlier establishment of a B.A. programme in Linguistics/Urhobo in 2001. Over the years, the USA has championed key initiatives, including the development of a school curriculum formally approved in 2014, and the production of textbooks and training programmes. Despite facing bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of government recruitment for trained teachers, the association has persevered. It also publishes its flagship academic journal, Aridon, and has hosted Urhobo Language Competitions in 2012 and 2024 to inspire younger generations. The association's enduring progress is attributed to the strong support of scholars, politicians, traditional rulers, and diaspora groups. As it prepares for its twentieth anniversary, the USA renews its commitment to ensuring the rich legacy of the Urhobo language, literature, culture, and identity is preserved for many generations to come.

Urhobo Studies Association marks 2 decades of preserving language, culture

The Urhobo Studies Association (USA) celebrates its 20th anniversary with an International Conference at Delta State University, Abraka, from September 1-3, 2025.

The event, themed "Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Direction," will commemorate the association's successful two-decade-long mission to revitalize and document the Urhobo language and identity.

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Urhobo Studies Association marks 2 decades of preserving language, culture

The Urhobo Studies Association (USA) celebrates its 20th anniversary with an International Conference at Delta State University, Abraka, from September 1-3, 2025.

The event, themed "Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Direction," will commemorate the association's successful two-decade-long mission to revitalize and document the Urhobo language and identity.

Get the latest news in your inbox

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