EXPLORING YORUBA PROVERBS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: USAGE PATTERNS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE PLATFORMS EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined Yoruba proverbs in digital media: a study of their use on social media and online platforms in Ekiti State. A descriptive research design of survey type was adopted in the study. The population of the study comprises of all the Yoruba speakers in Ekiti State with about 3.3 million. The sample of the study comprises 400 respondents drawn through a multistage sampling procedure from five purposively selected Local Government Areas. 1 instrument tagged Yoruba Proverbs in Digital Media and Social Media Online Platforms (QYPDM-SMOP)) was used for data collection. The instruments was validated and found reliable with reliability coefficients of 0. 84. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage score, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and Chi-square tests of independence (χ²) were employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Study revealed that Yoruba proverbs are not eroding but are being revitalized through digital platforms, where they are repurposed into memes, skits, and digital archives, extending their reach to homeland communities. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended that culturally sensitive digital preservation, integration into curricula, diaspora engagement, and responsible media adaptation should be encouraged and adopted to ensure the sustainability and authenticity of Yoruba proverbial heritage.