As a language expert with a focus on linguistic diversity and its cultural implications, I have spent considerable time studying the complex tapestry of languages spoken across various regions of the world. Nigeria, a country located in West Africa, is renowned for its rich linguistic heritage. It is a melting pot of cultures and languages, each with its unique history and societal significance. Step 1: English Answer Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country with a multitude of languages spoken by its population. According to various sources, including linguistic surveys and official data, Nigeria is home to over 500 distinct languages. This figure is indicative of the country's vast cultural diversity and the multitude of ethnic groups that reside within its borders. The redemption of the linguistic landscape in Nigeria is that despite the multitude of languages, there is a significant level of linguistic harmony. This is largely due to the role of English as a lingua franca, which facilitates communication across different ethnic groups. English was inherited from the period of British colonial rule and has since been adopted as the official language for government, business, and education. Among the indigenous languages, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Fulfulde are considered some of the most widely spoken. These languages have a broad reach and are used in various domains of social interaction beyond their ethnic heartlands. Hausa, for instance, is not only spoken by the Hausa people but also serves as a trade language across the West African subcontinent. The Igbo language is predominantly spoken in the southeastern part of Nigeria and has a significant number of speakers. The Yoruba language, on the other hand, is predominant in the southwestern region and is known for its rich oral and written traditions, including a vast body of literature and a complex system of poetry. Pidgin English is another important language in Nigeria. It is a contact language that has emerged from the interaction between English and various indigenous languages. Pidgin serves as a bridge between English and the native languages, allowing for greater communication across linguistic divides. It is important to note that while the official data might list over 520 languages, the actual number could be higher due to the existence of dialects and sub-dialects within certain language families. Moreover, language vitality varies across these languages, with some being more robust and widely used, while others are endangered or even extinct, as hinted by the reference to nine extinct languages. The linguistic diversity in Nigeria is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. However, it also presents challenges in terms of education, communication, and social cohesion. The government and various organizations are working to document and preserve these languages, recognizing their importance to the nation's identity and to the world's linguistic treasury. Step 2: Divider read more >>

According to official data, there are more than 520 languages spoken in Nigeria. By the way, nine of them are extinct. The other major languages are Igbo, Urhobo, Hausa, Yoruba, Ibibio, Fulfulde, Edo, Pidgin English, Ijaw, Kanuri, and Tiv.read more >>