The Limba people are among the oldest indigenous communities in northern Sierra Leone, mainly found in Bombali, Koinadugu, Kambia and Tonkolili Districts. The Limba language is historically strong and has played a key role in community identity, oral history, and traditional governance.
Despite its current number of speakers, the Limba language faces growing risk of endangerment if proactive measures are not taken. Increasing urban migration, formal education systems that prioritize English and Krio, and the dominance of regional languages such as Temne are reducing everyday use of Limba, especially among children and youth. In many households, Limba is no longer the primary language spoken at home.

Modern media, technology, and religious institutions rarely use Limba, further weakening its transmission to kids. Without structured documentation, inclusion in early education, and community led revitalization efforts, the language could follow the same decline experienced by other indigenous languages in Sierra Leone.

Early investment in language documentation, youth engagement, literacy materials, and digital content can prevent future endangerment. Supporting Limba language initiatives now is a cost effective and preventive approach, ensuring long term cultural resilience and safeguarding linguistic diversity before irreversible loss occurs.