Language Teaching and Language Policy in Nigeria (original) (raw)
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Issues in Language: The Nigerian Perspective
Issues in Curriculum and Language Education, 2017
This paper examines various issues involved in language situation in Nigeria. It takes a critical look at the multilingual nature of Nigeria and the unifying role supposedly played by the English language. The paper establishes that the acceptance of English language has led to gross neglect of our indigenous languages thus placing them on the endangered list. The paper canvases that the English language should not be allowed to supplant our indigenous languages in order to preserve our rich cultural heritage. The paper also establishes that the elusive but much desired national integration and unity can only be achieved by promoting our indigenous languages. Issues raised in the paper are discussed under the following sub-headings: multilingual nature of Nigeria, unifying role of English language, subsequent neglect of indigenous languages, language policy to the rescue, implementation of the policy, challenges of implementation, implication of non-implementation, conclusion and recommendations. Key words: Indigenous language, multilingualism, language policy, National Policy on Education.
The National Question: Language Policy and the Quest for a Common Language in Nigeria
Policies related to language in Nigeria, which are otherwise known as language policies were introduced from the outset by the colonial government. These policies favored English Language thereby leveling The Indigenous languages as substrate. After independence, Nigeria still maintains these policies as they were being designed by the colonial masters posing a minute doubts whether or not Nigeria is still under British colonialism's. Some concerned citizens however laid down significant series of criticisms about the ineffectiveness of Nigeria's language policies as to call for the revisit and revision of all the language-related policies so that, perhaps, one or more indigenous language (s) will emerge as the National language (s). This write-up therefore, casts a look at the National language policy and the quest for a common language. It concludes with a clarion call for all and sundry to consider that National language question is not exclusive reserve for linguists but a collective task upon everybody. Key words: language, policy, language policy, national language, common language
LANGUAGE POLICY: NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Abstract This article examines the role of English in Nigeria as a medium of communication, political activities-social and academic guidance from its historical perspective, and the duration of gradual transition to the present status of bilingualism and its democratization of language in conformity with national unification. It shows how English occupied an influential role in the formation of the national expectations and integration of the Nigerian nation through its ‘‘official language" status. We find that even a decade after decolonization in Nigeria, English continues to enjoy its primacy, especially in the formation of political and educational systems as a medium of instruction. It highlights the transition from English monopoly to bilingualism in accordance with indigenous demands for language change in educational policy that could be the form in line with mother tongue languages. It also evaluates and shows the current relationship between language shift and language death in another case with the emergence of the Nigerian Pidgin English. Specifically, it critically analyses how language issues are politically motivated in educational, political and social life of the nation in pre- and post-colonial administration. This paper scrutinizes the current response from society on the language issues as it moves toward global democratization of the language situation in Nigeria. Finally, it suggests that despite politically driven forces behind the use of indigenous languages in Nigerian society, the prospects for the English language in Nigerian national affairs are extraordinarily slim, and if the English language survives, it could mean a Nigerian kind of African English as observed by Chinua Achebe: English language, ‘‘but in African tones.’’
Language Policy in Nigeria: Problems, Prospects and Perspectives
The need for a national lingual franca that indexes the national identity of Nigeria is one that has been theorized and debated through different lenses under language policy with the conflicting themes being the asymmetric relationship between an exogenous language – English – and the local languages. The gap that has not been given the needed attention is the intra-indigenous language dichotomy that exists between minority languages and the major languages – Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba – in the formulation of a more inclusive language policy for Nigeria. This paper argues for a multilingual language policy that takes into account the different tiers of languages in Nigeria, particularly, languages with lesser number of speakers than the major languages.
The English Language and Education in Nigeria
2011
In this paper, the author examines the place of English in Nigeria vis-a-vis the National Policy on Education. She observes that despite arguments to the contrary, English has been given a pride of place in the Nigerian educational system; it is unofficially the lingua franca and the first language of the younger generation. The author opines that the domesticated version of English used by educated Nigerians be accepted and taught in the educational system.
LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND WAY FORWARD
Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2021
Nigeria is a highly multiethnic and multilingual African country that speaks over 500 indigenous languages and two official languages, English and French, some of which are taught and learned at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. This descriptive study has attempted to discuss the state of language education and related issues in the education sector, involving the mother tongue, English, French and Arabic languages. The paper elucidates a few omissions in the National Policy on Education (NPE) and other factors that militate against effective implementation of the language curriculum such as negative perception, inadequate teaching staff and instructional resources, falling students' enrolment and performance, year abroad challenges, lack of funds and controversies generated by debates on a good lingua franca, etc. Based on the findings and their implications for achieving the objectives of the NPE, some recommendations have also been made for a way forward, for example, the need to review the existing NPE and language curriculum, implement trilingual education, compulsory and free basic education, provide sufficient funds, constitute internal quality assurance committees, carry out research and publish standard textbooks for pupils and students, and create umbrella associations of language teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education.
The book is written to honour Mrs M.A. Abimbola. Language is an essential instrument for human communication. In education, the language of instruction affects the process of teaching and learning. The language that will be used to impart knowledge at various educational levels must be carefully ..., 2022
The book is written to honour Mrs M.A. Abimbola. Language is an essential instrument for human communication. In education, the language of instruction affects the process of teaching and learning. The language that will be used to impart knowledge at various educational levels must be carefully considered by each nation. Education experts agree that a kid learns best if taught in his or her mother-tongue, especially in the early years of school. In recognition of the importance of mother-tongue in education, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in its National Policy on Education, states that the medium of instruction in early childcare education and lower primary schools (primary one to three) shall be the mother-tongue. Sociologists, psychologists, linguists and other stakeholders also recognise the significance of language in education and share the belief that instructions given in the mother-tongue are more easily comprehended than those given in other languages. However, the way issues concerning languages and their uses are handled in a multi-ethnic and multilingual nation calls for utmost discretion, if the educational goals of the nation would be achieved. The book Language Policy: An Imperative for Quality Education in Nigeria contains seventy-five chapters, that are organized into four sections according to various disciplines. These include Arts and Humanities, General Education, Science and Technology and Special Education. This will make it simpler for users and potential readers to find content that will interest them.
Nigeria, a state with well over 367 indigenous languages and dialects had during the colonial domination before the 1914 amalgamation fallen under British Empire and had similarly from its amalgamation had its political, socioeconomic and linguistic settings of its various peoples, and nationalities altered, and or undermined. Those resulted in imposition of the English language over and above the numerous and indigenous ones. Since then English has become Nigeria"s official and to some extent indirectly national language. This paper examined the use, relevance, politics, connections and ins and outs of using English language in Nigeria with respect to its heterogeneous composition. The paper found that English language is a foreign and an imposed one, it has so far been the most expedient language for Nigeria"s politics, administration and lingua franca, has on one ways greatly helped to sustain the bonds of unity and cohesion in Nigeria, despite avoidable and unavoidable problems, English has also grown at the expense of other indigenous Nigerian languages, English is the most popular medium of communication among diverse Nigerians, it is, similarly gaining more ground and influence all over the world. The paper recommends the improvement and promotion of our indigenous cultural values, greater literacy in our local languages, filtering the influx of social media facilities to check infiltration of foreign and inappropriate practices, adequate attention should be given to our cultural preservation and promotion centres and institutions.
The Place of English Language in the Development of Nigeria
2020
The target of every good government is to provide her citizenry with the basic amenities of life. Such has not been fully realized in Nigeria and cannot be realized at least for now, through her numerous vernaculars since none of them unites the nation. It is only a language which the peoples of Nigeria can use to relate with one another that can be used to build the nation. This role falls on the English language which is the nation's official and second language, as well as her lingua Franca. Consequently, this paper sought to highlight the roles the English language performs in the building of the Nigerian nation. The English language developed from Germanic and Romance (Latinate) sources and is traced to the Indo-European language family. It is spoken as a native language in Britain, America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, and the Caribbean and as a non-native language in many other nations of the world. In fact, Rogers (2000:17) stated that "En...
American Research Journal of English and Literature, 2016
Despite the fact that the importance of language is recognized in National Policy on Education (NPE), the language of instruction in multilingual Nigeria has always been a matter of concern to educators and educational planners. This study investigated the current situation of educational policy in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges of multilingual education and future of English language. A total number of one hundred (100) teachers at basic education level (this comprises lower primary and junior secondary school as contained in the National Policy on Education) in Gusau the capital city of Zamfara State, Nigeria, were selected as participants. The findings reveal that provisions of multilingual education contained in the National Policy on Education are not properly implemented by the majority of the teachers and the government has not taken the implementation of the provisions seriously. The findings also reveal that the future of English in the Nigerian educational sector is very bright since it now seems to be the language of officialdom. The findings further reveal that some of the challenges of multilingual education provisions include: the multilingual challenge; poor policy planning and implementation; and teacher quality and curriculum materials. This study recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria should do more in the enforcement of the multilingual provisions in all sectors of education and also develop more educational resources and orthographies of indigenous languages to meet the demands of multilingual education. Keywords: Education, English, Language, Multilingual, National, Nigeria, Policy