INTRODUCTION
You should recall our earlier discussion that language is important to man and his society. It is an important means of human communication. Indeed, language is a social tool which man uses for very many purposes. Since its inception in Nigeria the English language has been performing many vital roles. In fact, the roles which the language performs in Nigeria have enhanced its status. In this unit, we shall deal with some of the major functions of English in Nigeria. When you see these numerous functions, you will be able to appreciate the advantages which the ability to speak the language can afford a Nigerian.
3.1 English as a Language of Education
Let us recall here that western education came to Nigeria with Christian religion and colonial activities. You will also remember that the form of education that was introduced in Nigeria in the wake of Christianity
ENG 151 INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
and colonialism was that which emphasised language-related activities such as reading and writing in addition to arithmetic. This was basically in order for the missionaries and the colonial administrators to realise their objectives. Since then, English has been an important subject on the curriculum of every level of education in Nigeria.
Apart from being a major subject on the curriculum, English is today a medium of education right from the upper primary school to the tertiary level. This means that other subjects, apart from the indigenous and foreign languages like, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, French, Arabic etc., are taught in the English language right from upper primary school to the university level.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that failure in English these days in Nigeria will amount to educational failure. For one to gain admission to any tertiary institution in the country, a credit pass in English is required in most cases.
Self-Assessment Exercise
1. Think of some other aspects of our educational system in Nigeria which demand the use of English.
3.2 English as a Language of Trade and Commerce
If you will recall, we said that trade was one of the major factors which brought the English language to Nigeria. In the country till today, the language has remained a language of trade and commerce. It facilitates trade among people of different linguistic backgrounds (ethnic groups) in the country. In addition to the local trading activities, the English language also serves the purpose of international trade in Nigeria. It is a major means of communication between Nigeria and its international trade partners.
3.3 English as a Language of Administration
The English language came to Nigeria partly through colonial administration. Since then, it has been the language of political administration, the language of the civil service in the country. Most, if not all, government affairs especially at the state and national levels are conducted in English. Important government documents like the constitution are written essentially in English. In fact, it has become essential for any political aspirant in the country to be able to speak English. Because of its roles in administration, the English language is an official language in Nigeria; it is the lingua franca of administration.
3.3 English as a Language of Unity
There are many ethnic groups with different linguistic backgrounds in Nigeria. The English language marries these different ethnic groups together in a way, in the sense that it facilitates inter-ethnic communication. Considering this, therefore, it can be said that English is a language of unity in Nigeria. But it should be noted that the fact that a group of people speak the same language does not necessarily guarantee unity among them. What we are saying is that English is one of those things which Nigerians can say they have in common and, since it plays an integrative role by facilitating inter-ethnic communication, it can be said to be the language of unity.
Apart from being a language of national unity, it can also be said that English achieves for Nigeria international unity. Today, Nigeria is a member of the world speech communities of the English language.
3.5 English as a Language of International Diplomacy
World-wide today, English is the language of international diplomacy. The conduct of international affairs throughout the world is carried out in English. Also, some world organisations like U. N. O, UNESCO and so on use English as their major means of communication. In fact, to be relevant in world diplomacy these days, a country should be able to use English. In this wise, we can regard English as a global language.
Self-Assessment Exercises
1. Mention two international organisations apart from U. N. O. and UNESCO which use English as a major means of communication.
2. Are there African international organisations that also adopt English as their major means of communication? Mention them.
3.6 English as a Medium of Creative Writing
The use of English as a medium of creative writing in Nigeria has led to the development of literary English in the country. Today, many Nigerian creative writers adopt English as the medium of their writings. Nigeria can boast of such creative writers as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, J.P Clark, Chukwuemeka Ike, Niyi Osundare, and Femi Osofisan and so on. These writers have helped in extending the possibilities of the English language in Nigeria.
Self-Assessment Exercise
1. Mention any Nigerian creative writer who has achieved an international fame through his writings.
2. Describe the fame and state when it was achieved.
4.0 CONCLUSION
Considering the various roles which English plays in Nigeria, it becomes incontestable that the language has come to stay in the country. The language occupies a prestigious position because of its numerous roles. It is this utilitarian factor that essentially makes English to be a second language in Nigeria. You will recall that a second language is that which is learned and used extensively in addition to the mother tongue. When placed vis-à-vis the indigenous Nigerian languages, definitely English occupies a very prominent position; it enjoys prominence or what is technically termed dominance configuration.
5.0 SUMMARY
We have discussed in this unit the major functions which English performs in Nigeria. The language is used as a medium of instruction in schools; it is the language of administration; it is the language of commerce and industry; it is the language of national unity; it is the language of international diplomacy; it is also a medium of creative writing. For a long time to come, English will continue to play these roles in the country. English is, indeed, an important legacy which Nigeria inherited from Britain (its formal colonial master).
6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT
1. What major function does English perform in Nigeria?
a. Do you think English should continue to be used in
Nigeria?
b. What is the future of English in Nigeria?
7.0 FURTHER/FURTHER READINGS
Akindele F & Adegbite, W (1999) The sociology of English in Nigeria: An introduction Ile- Ife: Obafemi Awolowo University Press.
Ogu, J (1999) A Historical Survey of English and the Nigerian situation. Ibadan: Kraft Books Limited.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Ubahakwe, E (1979) Varieties and functions of English in Nigeria. Ibadan: African University press.
Leave a comment behind