MULTILINGUALISM AND THE QUESTION OF
NATIONAL LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA
BY
AJIBADE RACHEAL OMOWUMI
07/15CD033
AN ESSAY SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE
DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ART (HONS)
IN ENGLISH
SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
FACULTY OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
ILORIN, NIGERIA
APRIL 2011
1
CERTIFICATION
This essay has been read and approved as meeting part of the requirements for the
award of Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons.) in the Department of English Language,
Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin.
_____________________
DR. M.S. IDIAGBON
SUPERVISOR
__________________
DATE
_____________________
DR. S.T. BABATUNDE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
__________________
DATE
_______________________
EXTERNAL EXAMINER
__________________
DATE
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DEDICATION
This research work is dedicated to the Almighty God, my help in ages past and
hope for years to come, for sparing my life and for the success of this study.
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My profound gratitude goes to the Almighty God for His Mercy and protection
throughout my stay in University of Ilorin and making this study a reality.
To my Amiable and understanding supervisor Dr. M.S. Idiagbon, thanks for the
help and advises during the course of this work.
Also to my loving and caring parents Mr. and Mrs. T.K. Ajibade, you will live
long to eat the fruit of your labour.
I really appreciate my siblings, Ajibade Oluwabukola and Ajibade Oluwatosin for
their advises, corrections, you guys are great.
To my dearest friends Janet, Omolade, Titobiloluwa, Oluwatosin, I bless the day I
met you, thanks for being there, we shall succeed in life in Jesus Name (Amen).
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ABSTRACT
Diverse Languages that exist in Nigeria, gave rise to the need to choose among
these languages, which one or ones to be used as the National Language(s) in Nigeria.
The Multilingual Nature of Nigeria has been examined, in relation to the provisional
result of 1991 census conducted in Nigeria and the status of language policy in the
country, which eventually led to the discovery of the fact that Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
languages have the highest speaker in terms of population, and are already made coofficial languages in Nigeria, alongside with English language. Then these languages
should be considered as the National Languages, if eventually a language policy emerges
in Nigeria.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE
CERTIFICATION
………………………………………
i
DEDICATION …………………………………………….
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………………………..
iii
ABSTRACT ……………………………………………….
iv
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v
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0
General Introduction
………………………….…..
1
1.1
Background to the Study
………………………………..
1
1.2
Purpose of the Study
………………………………..
4
1.3
Scope and Delimination of the Study ………………..
1.4
Justification for the Study
………………………………..
4
5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
……………………………………….
6
……………………………….
6
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7
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8
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10
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12
2.0
Introduction
2.1
Language Concept
2.2
Multilingualism and Language Contact
2.3
Language Contact in Nigeria
2.4
Effects of Language Contact Situation
2.5
Language Planning
2.6
National Language Phenomenon
.……………………
6
12
CHAPTER THREE
ANALYSIS
3.1
The Multilingual Nature of Nigeria
………………
15
3.2
Effects of the Multilingual Nature in Nigeria ………………
17
3.3
Question of National Language in Nigeria
………
19
3.4
Language Policy in Nigeria
………………………
20
CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
4.0
Introduction
…………………………….…………………
23
4.1
Summary
…………………………………………………
23
4.2
Findings
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24
4.3
Recommendation
…………………………………………
26
4.4
Conclusion
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26
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27
Bibliography
7
CHAPTER ONE
1.0
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This chapter of this Project work begins, by giving the general background to the
study Multilingualism, and the National Language question in Nigeria. It then gives it
purpose, Scope and Delimitation, then its justification is discussed.
1.1
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
A speech community is not always made up of speakers of just a single language.
It is constituted of individuals who speak more than two languages. A society where two
or more languages exist side by side, is refer to as a multilingual society, while a person
that speaks more than two languages, is refer to as a multilingual person. Example of
countries where more than two languages are spoken includes, Cameroon, Congo,
Nigeria, Paraguay, California etc to mention but a few.
This project work will examine the multilingual Nature of the country Nigeria,
and the National Language Question in Nigeria, which arises as a result of its
Multilingual Nature.
The importance of a language in a society can not be underestimated. Apart from
being an instrument of communication, it is also an identity of such society. One obvious
factor that distinguishes human beings, from animal is language. Language and society
exist side by side, without language there will be no society as language serves as a
binding force, binding the people together as one. It also serves as the mutual identity, of
the people inhabiting such society.
8
A language just don’t exist in a society, without factors responsible for its
existence, the major factor responsible for the existence of many languages, in a society,
which will eventually turn such society into a multilingual one, will also be examined.
This factor is refer to as LANGUAGE CONTACT, i.e. how languages come in contact
and this will be discussed in relation to Nigeria. Factors responsible for language contact,
as well as its effects will be discussed.
According to Gordon, Raymond G. Jr. (ed), 2005. Ethnologies (languages of the
world), fifteenth edition. Dallas, The Sum of Nigerian local languages listed for Nigeria
is 521, out of those 510 are living languages, 2 are second language without mother
tongue speakers, and 9 are extinct. Nigeria being a country with over 250 ethnic groups
in it, has different languages co-existing in it. In some areas, some ethnic group speaks
more than one language, such areas will be refer to as a multilingual society, which then
makes Nigeria a multilingual country. The major languages spoken in Nigeria include
Hausa, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Karnuri, Ibibio.
The pursuit of a language choice, in a Multilingual Society like Nigeria, where
there exist different ethnic groups with different languages, is a very difficult decision to
make. The National Language Question, always arises in a multilingual country. Nigeria
being a multilingual country, tends to face the Question the National language is posing.
The National language is a symbol of identity of a nation or country. A country that has
one language as its National Language, such language will be known as the Country’s
National Language.
The need to develop and exalt Nigeria indigenous languages, is the basic point of
the National Language Question in Nigeria. Being a Multilingual Society, the need for a
9
national language, is on the rise, a language that will therefore be the national language
must be generally accepted by the people of the country. Such Language must have
native speakers and must be well developed.
This work will further examine the concept and factors, also the characteristics of
National Language. Language planning will also be examined, its types, features
procedures, and how it can be use, to manage the languages in a multilingual society,
without one language being inferior to the other.
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1.2
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this work is to examine the multilingual nature, of the country
Nigeria. It will further discuss its causes, by examining what is meant by language
contact, the reasons, factors and effects of this language contact will also be examined.
Language planning will be examined, it types, features procedures, also how it
can be used to foster unity among the languages existing in a multilingual society. The
concept of multilingualism and National Language will also be examine, while the
National Language Question will be looked into.
1.3
SCOPE AND DELIMINATION OF THE STUDY
This work will only base its findings on Multilingualism and National Language
respectively. It will further relate these two terms i.e. multilingualism and National
Language to the country Nigeria. It will also examine how the multilingual nature of
Nigeria, is affecting the choice of a National Language. The National Language Question
will also be examined, and ways to give answers to this Question through the provision of
a language planning policy.
The concept of multilingualism will be discussed, also that of National Language.
Factors, Reasons, effects of multilingualism shall also be considered, while the features,
importance of the National Language will also be considered. Language planning, a tool
in the making of a National Language shall also be considered, its types, features,
procedures will be look into.
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1.4
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY
This work is aimed at filling up the vacuum, others researchers has failed to fill
concerning multilingualism and the concept of National Language. Due to its findings,
relevant and important facts will be provided.
The multilingualism and National Language will be vividly examined. Language
planning will be examined, and how it can be of use for the implementation of a National
Language in a multilingual society, and how it can give answer to the National Language
Question.
At the end, submission and recommendations will be made on which language, or
languages out of numerous languages in Nigeria should be made the National Language
or Languages if eventually the National language policy emerges in Nigeria.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is aimed at examining, the already existing documented works,
which are related to Multilingualism Language planning and the National language. They
will be vividly examined and discussed.
2.1
LANGUAGE CONCEPT
The identity of any human society is a well developed language.
Greenberg 1971: 156 says:
“Language is unique to man. No other species possesses a truly symbolic
Means of communication and no human society, however simple its material
Culture, lacks the basic human heritage of a well developed language”.
Noam Chomsky define language, as a particular set of sentences that can be
generated from a particular set of rules.
Elugbe 1991: 46-47 in Thompson et al 1991) has the opinion that language being
the vehicle of cultural, expression has obvious effects on the structure, and development
of the cognitive process of man.
From above assertions, it is evident that language is an important feature that
distinguishes man from other creatures. Also language and society goes hand in hand.
13
Language can be seen as a medium of communication, among people of the same cultural
background and beyond.
Language can serve other functions, apart from being a medium of
communication. Haliday (1980:20) has the opinion that understanding the nature and
functions of language are key elements in learning about language. Haliday (1973)
identified 7 functions which includes textual, ideational functions. Brynato (1983)
identified Transactional, Interactional functions. Hyme (1992) identified emotive, poetic
functions crystal (1997) identified 8 functions, including language as an instrument of
thought.
The use of language in a society, has contributed immensely to the socialization
process in human society.
2.2
MULTILINGUALISM AND LANGUAGE CONTACT
John Edwards, in his book titled :Multilingualism” asserts that: John Edwards
1994: 1
“Multilingualism is a perfect fact of life around the world, a circumstance
Arising at the simplest level, from the need to communicate across
Speech communities”
Multilingualism, is a societal phenomenon that deals with languages existing in a
society. When many languages exist in a society, such society is said to be multilingual in
nature. A person who is proficient in many languages, is refer to as a multilingual.
Appel and Muysken (1987: 2-5), states the fact that varieties of the same
language, may be in used, in a given situation. The idea of language contact transcends
14
dialectal frontiers. It is an issue which concerns two or more district and independent
languages. It is evident that language contact, is a situation that concerns two or more
languages, co-existing in a particular society. Language contact phenomena results into
some phenomena, such as code mixing, code switching, language shift, language loss,
interference, transfer.
2.3
LANGUAGE CONTACT IN NIGERIA
There are several reasons why languages come in contact. John Edwards
(1966:33), notes that “there is simple movement of people. Immigrants to a new country
bring their languages into contact with each other, and with those of existing population”.
It can be noted from the above expression, that Migration is a factor, responsible for
language coming in contact.
Migration which involves the movement of people can arises as a result of
WAR: During this time people move from the battle place to a saver place.
EDUCATION: In search for knowledge, people move from one place to another for
instance moving from the Northern region, to the Western region in Nigeria in
BUSINESS: To transact business and for the sales of goods and services, a trader might
decided to move from one place to another. For example an Igbo man moves from
Owerri to Ogun, in order to transact business.
As people move, they move alongside with their languages on getting to their
aimed location, their languages come in contact with the language of the people
inhabiting their new abode.
15
Another factor responsible for language contact situation is the CULTURAL
CONTACT. Ekeh (1989) defines culture as a construct (with direct applications) used in
an attempt to analyze and interpret events and ideas on a broad spectrum of areas of
society.
Mussen (1963) defines culture as reservoir of knowledge that is characteristic
ways of thinking and feeling, attitudes, aspiration and ideas. The above definitions shows
the relationship between culture, man and society. Cultures don’t just come in contact,
there are factors responsible for this, these includes:
Marital relationship: When two people with different linguistic background get
married, their different language come in contact as a result of usage. For an illustration,
a Yoruba man getting married to an Edo girl, the Yoruba language and the Edo’s will get
in contact with each other. Also is the Religion Affiliation Several religions that exist in
today world has languages known to them. For instance, Hebrew language can be found
in Christianity, while Arabic Language in Islam. People who are not indigenes of
countries that uses these languages, but those who observes these religions, come in
contact with these languages. Thereby, resulting into their languages coming in contact
with either Arabic, or Hebrew language.
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2.4
EFFECTS OF LANGUAGE CONTACT SITUATION
Language Contact situation, has various effects. Which includes:
CODE SWITCHING: Gumperz (1982:59) says, code switching is the juxtaposition
within the same speech, exchanges of speech belonging to two different grammatical
system or sub systems. This can occur in both spoken and written text. Traugott and Pratt
(1980) are of opinion that, code switching in literary texts provides an interesting field for
analysis, both in terms of social reality and manipulation of literary device. Code
switching can then be said to be alternation between two languages.
CODE MIXING: Hamers and Blanc (1989: 35), has the opinion that, code mixing is the
use of elements of one language, (for instance, the use of English lexemes in a Yoruba
conversation). In another language, Hudson (1996: 53) says, the purpose of code mixing
is to symbolize ambiguous situations. Oloruntoba Oju (1999) asserts that, code mixing
occurs when elements of two or more linguistic systems are and only used. Code mixing
occurs when lexical or phrasal elements of two or more languages, are blended within a
given sentence.
DIGLOSSIA: In Charles A Fergusons “Diglossia” in the journal word, diglossia was
described as a kind of bi-lingualism in a society, in which one of the Languages is (H)
has high prestige, and another of the language is (i) has low prestige. Also as the pioneer
scholar of Digiossia, he has observed that native speakers proficience in the high prestige
dialect, will commonly try to avoid using the vernacular dialect with foreign.
Joshua Fishman, expanded the definition of Diglossia to include, the use of
unrelated languages as low and high varieties. Ferguson (1959), used Diglossia to refer to
varieties of a language with distinct roles, while Fisherman (1971: 14), extend the term,
17
to include varieties of language and languages. Diglossia, therefore involves the
allocation of roles to various languages that exist in a particular society.
PIDGIN: Hall 1972:142, states that Pidgin, is a language variety type whose structure
and lexicon have been drastically reduced, and which is native to none of those who use
it. Mahl-hausler (1986) states that, pidgin evolves out of low status “substrate” languages.
Pidgin is as a result of formation of languages. The fusion of two languages which
is mutually understandable for both speakers. It is thus regarded as an inferior and corrupt
version of donor language. Romain (1988:6) Pidgin English is the inferior form of
English language for instance.
LANGUAGE SHIFT: Fishman (1964), gives 3 main classes of factors account for
language shift, which include changes in the way of life of a group, that weaken the
strength of its social networks. Changes in the power relationship between the groups.
Stigmatized attitude towards the minority group values, and language shared by minority
and majority alike or various combinations of all. Language shift is used to describe a
change from the habitual use of a language, to another. This then result into language
loss, because when a language is abandoned and not used, it will not developed
vocabulary, which can lead to language death i.e. such language or languages going into
extinction.
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2.5
LANGUAGE PLANNING
Language planning, is usually concerned with application in highly controversial
things involving small language at risk, the establishment of a lingual franca, large
decrees of linguistic diversity and soon. Language planning is commissioned and
implemented by those in power (John Edwards 1994: 194).
Fasold notes (Fasold 1987:251) that, it can be anyone from government to
individuals. Eastman points out (Eastman 183:61) that, whereas language planners are
usually assumed to be linguists, infact language planning is centered fairly and squarely
in the social sciences as a whole.
Most language planning carried out at the macro level of nations, or national
groups, occurs in a multilingual setting and is primarily concerned with language shift
and maintenance.
2.6
NATIONAL LANGUAGE PHENOMENON
A nation exists on the basis of mutual identity. The features of a nation includes
language, culture and history. National language is a symbol of national identity.
CMB-Brann, with particular reference to Africa suggests that there are four
distinctive meanings for national language in a polity, these includes:
A territorial language (clithonolect sometimes known as chfonolect of a particular people.
A Regional language (choralet); language in common or community language (demolect)
used throughout a country and a central language (politolect) used by government and
perhaps having a symbolic value.
19
A national language cannot be chosen in a particular country without examining
the languages in such society. These languages have to be planned, and this can only be
done by the language planning process.
TYPES OF LANGUAGE PLANNING
The 2 types of language planning includes: The instrumental and socio-linguistic
approach (Fasold, op cit. 250-1, Appel and Muysken 1987:49).
The instrumental approach, regards languages as a tool which can be perfected to
fill certain functions. The socio-linguistic approach, sees all languages has been equal.
Apparent, indeed obvious differences in their functional adequacy are a reflection of
socio economic and socio-political factors and are not ascribable to the languages
themselves. All languages has the same potential for development. This approach is
sensitive to the social factors underlying language choice.
The major features of language planning were presented in a model by Einar
Haugen in 1966. There are four aspects to model
Norm selection
Functional implementation
Norm codification
Functional planning
The implementation often called status planning, are extra linguistic features,
societal in nature. Codification and elaboration (corpus planning) on the other hand, deal
directly with language itself. The operation of language planning along these lines is
theoretically, at least quite straightforward. A linguistic problem arises such, that a choice
has to be made between or among varieties.
20
Implementation involves spreading the variety through official pronouncements,
education, the media etc. various evaluations procedures are often employed at this stage
to monitor the degree of acceptance of the chosen norm. Finally, elaboration means
keeping the norm viable in a changing world, obvious necessities.
Language planning takes place in several stages. The following hearings are taken
from Appel and Muysken (op. cit. 50.8) in corporating those provided by Joah Rubin
(Rubin 1971-217 – 517).
Some facts has to be founded out which includes, initial fact findings, these
includes vital information such as: The patterns of Bi-lingualism and multilingualism
among population. Languages that are spoken, number of people that speak them, the
contribution of these languages, are they documented, and do they have literatures to
their credit.
Standardization: This involves selection of dialect or dialects of a language, then the
establishment of norms of usage at all linguistic levels.
Modernization: Modernization of language can be done in two ways.
Firstly, development of language structure and the development of language functions,
will entails assigning roles to the language. The already modernized language can then be
implemented.
Implementation is the most important aspect of language planning process, because it
shows the usefulness of the planning process, this can be done by the Government
through the educational system. Also through the passage of law, and the usage of such
language in the press radio and television. All these efforts can only be positively the
acceptance of the people which the planning is aimed at.
21
CHAPTER THREE
ANALYSIS
3.0
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is aimed at examining the multilingual nature of Nigeria, and how its
affecting the choice of a national language, which will eventually give an answer to the
National Language Question in Nigeria.
3.1
THE MULTILINGUAL NATURE OF NIGERIA
Adegbija 1994: 15 states that, the country Nigeria is of a total population of 88.5
million, has between 400 and 800 languages. Gordon, Raymond, G, Jr. (ed), 2005
ethnologic (languages of the world) fifteenth edition, Dallas had it that, the sum of
Nigerian Local Languages listed is 521.
The multilingual nature of Nigeria will be examined in reference to the analysis of
the provisional result of the 1991, Population census as provided by Esajare. Esajare
(1992) indicates that, the North Western States (Jigawa, Kwara, Katsina, kebbi, Sokoto
Bauchi, Kaduna) which consist predominantly of Hausa speaking population, had a
population of 27,094,415. The North West, (Borno, Yobe) with predominantly Kanuri
speaking population, had a figure of 3,908,070. The South West (Lagos, Ogun, Ondo,
Osun, Oyo, Kwara) predominantly Yoruba speaking, had a figure of 19,168,10. The core
east (Abia, Anambra, Enugu imo) has a predominantly Igbo speaking, population had
10,712,675. The Northern minorities (Middle belt Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, Kogi,
Plateau, Niger, Abuja) who are predominantly speakers of several Nigeria, Minority
languages had a population of 12,439,426.
22
It is evident in the above analysis, that the speakers of the 3 official recognized
major languages in Nigeria, (i.e. Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) are widely spread throughout the
country, with higher population of speakers and also speakers of minority or small
languages of Nigeria. Second language speakers of the various languages are also widely
distributed. This shows the multilingual nature of Nigeria.
All these Nigeria languages, came into being spread out, gets in contact with each
other due to the movement of people across the country. Mean while people just don’t
move around aimlessly but with purpose.
People tend to leave a violent place for a saver place, for instance in the case of
war. In Nigeria during the Jos crisis, people moved away from the affected area to saver
places, and this is a place which have predominantly speakers of several Nigeria minority
languages. Those that moved from the place, will get in contact with other people that
inhabit where they moved to, and as well as their languages, which will eventually
increase the number of languages existing in such area. In order to know more, in search
of knowledge, people move to different part of the country. In Nigeria various institutions
are widely spread across the country, which make students to move around for
educational purposes. An Igbo girl who comes down to Ilorin where Hausa is the
predominant language, will get in contact with it.
Also, in order to dispose goods and services, people move from one place to
another for commercial activities. In Nigeria people in Eastern region, move down to the
Western, to trade, vice versa. The fact about this is that, as people move from one place
to another, they move along side with their languages.
23
Movement is not the only cause of languages coming in contact in Nigeria, also
marital union. Nigeria being a country with different tribes, with different languages,
when people of different tribes get married to each other, their languages come in contact.
Religion beliefs also has an impact on language contact situation. In Nigeria the most
recognized religion (Islam and Christianity are foreign religions, which has foreign
languages, Arabic and Hebrew respectively. People who practice this religions especially
Islam, will get in contact with Arabic, because most recitations are written in this
language.
3.2
EFFECTS OF THE MULTILINGUAL NATURE IN NIGERIA
Due to people getting in contact with different languages, some are able to use
more than two languages effectively, people in this category are said to be multilingual
i.e. they have the ability to use more than one languages proficiently. People’s language
coming in contact with other language, make many people to use differ languages when
communicating and in the same utterance.
In Nigeria, most of the people are bilingual i.e. can use two languages effectively,
these languages comprises of their mother tongue, and English language which they
might have acquired in the course of education. People tend to mix both language in their
utterance when communicating. A Yoruba man has a case study; Interacting with his
friend said: “Yesterday, Mo gbe oko mi lo sodo mechanic”.
Meaning: Yesterday, I took my car to the mechanic. Here he has code switched from
English language, to Yoruba then back to English.
24
Despite the fact that many languages co-exist in the country Nigeria, these
languages are of different status in the country Nigeria has roles are assigned to them.
The only known factor to all is the official language of the country Nigeria, is the English
language. It is also the language for Education, Governance, Media, Sport, etc. This is as
a result of British Colonialization of Nigeria, between the period of (1861 – 1960)
(Adegbija 1994:18) to whom English language serves as their language, and which they
Governed the country Nigeria then.
All these languages, come in contact with English language, during the colonial
period of Nigeria by British in (1861 – 1960), whose language is known as English
language. The contact of Nigeria languages with English Language resulted into Nigeria
pidgin.
Nigeria pidgin, is an English based pidgin and a Creole language spoken as a
lingua-Franca across Nigeria. The language is commonly referred to as “pidgin” or
“broken”. It is often not considered as Creole, by different speakers who may switch
between these forms depending on the social setting. (Faraclas, Nicholas C. Nigeria
pidgin Descriptive grammar 1996, introduction).
Ihemere (2006) reports that Nigeria pidgin is the native language of
approximately 3-5 million people, is the second language for at least another 7.5 million.
Pidgin English despite its common use has no official status in Nigeria.
The sum of Nigeria local languages is 521 of those 510 are living languages, 2 are
second languages without mother tongue speakers, 9 are extinct (Gordon, Raymond C. Jr.
(ed), 2005. Ethnologue (languages of the world, fifteenth edition, Dallas. Some of the
25
local languages are still in existence has a result of it being promptly used. The languages
that are extinct are as a result of it being abandoned, while focus is being shifted to other
languages (this is language shift) which eventually resulted into the underdevelopment of
this languages vocabularily and syntactically, and eventually led to the loss (language
loss) and at last to its extinction because of in continuity. (language death.)
3.3
QUESTION OF NATIONAL LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA
The National Language Question always arises in a multilingual society. This
national language question, is also in existence in Nigeria as a multilingual country. The
major concern of this, is the need to development, exalt Nigerian languages is in short the
basic point of the national language question in Nigeria.
Adegbija (1994:3) cited cooper (1988:9) has the idea that “National Language are
needed in modern Africa to foster unity, and to express pride and independence”. Nigeria
has a multilingual country doesn’t have a national language, but it has an official
language which is the English language.
The official language of any co-operate body, is the medium of communication,
recognized as such by that body. It is the language which transacts its business officially
(Adegbija 1994:223).
Since colonialization of Nigeria by the British in 1861 – 1960, English language
has become the official language of communication in Nigeria. All activities are
conducted in this language. Although English was the official language in the colonial
Nigeria, the early British administrators seemed not to be fundamentally opposed the use
of local languages, studies by professor Ajayi Crowther and Ayandele on the Christian
26
mission in Nigeria, show how some Nigeria languages were reduced to writing through
the efforts of the early Christian Missionaries (Adegbija 1994:223).
All the indigenous languages spoken by the Nigeria population, on the Nigerian
territory, as constituted by section of the Nigeria independence constitution of 1960, are,
Ipso facto, Nigeria National Languages. In Nigeria, one cannot point at a National
language. Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba are being ground for such role, but have not been given
commensurate institutional support, to make them function effectively in performing the
role of a National language.
3.4
LANGUAGE POLICY IN NIGERIA
For a language or languages to be chosen has a national language, such language
or languages has to go through several procedures in language planning through the aid
of language policy.
A document specifically called the language policy for Nigeria has not yet
emerged. However, given the fact that the country has witnessed an endless wave of
arching of National Policies, on different aspect of governmental, business, there is every
reason to surmise that one day a “National Language Policy might be formulated and
launched. There are different documents that need to be consulted if a National Language
Policy is to be formulated. These documents includes. Nigeria successive constitutions
(1960 – 1999).
27
The National Policy on Education
The cultural policy for Nigeria (Adegbija 1994:227) a National language policy is
then to be formulated in Nigeria, the provisions provided by the above listed must be put
into consideration.
In relation to the above documents, the provision have been thoroughly examined
and commented on by people concerned with the business of language planning in
Nigeria.
Adegbija 1991 has the opinion that Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo languages are
elevated above all other Nigerian languages. This multilingual solution has however been
a major source of dissatisfaction among the speakers of the minority languages.
Adegbija, Lawal 1989, also submitted that, it allows for the development of local
languages by making provision of use of language of the immediate environment in
schools and in the state houses of assembly.
Since there is no language policy yet in Nigeria, the Question of National
Language hasn’t been answered.
The language policy can only be made by the Government and law making bodies
in Nigeria. This is when, the various languages in the country can be planned.
In the process of language planning, language or languages to be considered
should as the national language, must have already been chosen. The already chosen
language(s) should be pass through the process of standardization. This involve selection
of a dialect of the language(s) considered. Then such language or languages, should be
28
modernized through the allocation of roles to such languages in the society, in order to
enhance its usage, and also the development of its Lexicon, so that such languages will be
well developed, in the aspect of sentence formation and pronunciation. It is only a
modernized, and standardized language, that can be used for educational purposes.
The already standardized and modernized language or languages, should then be
implemented. The implementation of these languages can be successfully done by an
official pronouncements, usage of this language in educational sector, and also in the
media.
29
CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSION
4.0
INTRODUCTION
In this Chapter, the Summary of previous Chapters shall be given, facts found out,
in the course of the research work will be stated, under the heading titled findings.
Recommendation will be made on which language or languages should be made the
National Language or Languages in Nigeria, then the Conclusion will be stated.
4.1
SUMMARY
The concepts of Multilingualism, language contact, language planning as well as
the Multilingual Nature of Nigeria, using the provisional result of 1991 population census
have all been examined.
30
4.2
FINDINGS
Language Policy, is essential in the choice of any National Language in a
Multilingual country, Nigeria has one, doesn’t have a Language Policy.
For a National Language policy to be formulated in Nigeria, there are certain
documents that are essential and needed to be consulted these includes:
The Nigerian Successive Constitution (1960 – 1999)
The National Policy on Education.
The Cultural Policy for Nigeria
All indigenous language spoken by the Nigeria population, on the Nigeria
territory, as constituted by section 7 of the Nigeria Independence Constitution of 1960,
are Ipso facto (has already been stated in the 1960 constitution) as Nigeria National
Languages.
Any language or languages to be made the National Language, must be an
Indigenous Language.
Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo languages have the highest population of speakers among all
Nigeria language according to the provisional result of 1991 constitution.
Prominence has already been given to Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba as co-official
languages in Nigeria according to 1979 – 1999 constitution.
31
The official language of Nigeria is English language and this has been in place
since the Colonization of Nigeria, by British (1861 – 1960) whose native language is
English.
The Nigerian pidgin also known as pidgin English, emanated as a result of the
need for Nigeria Natives to interact with the British, who are administrators during
colonial periods.
32
4.3
RECOMMENDATION
If eventually a language policy emerges in Nigeria, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
languages and should be examined and equipped in order to perform the National
Language functions, since they have been recognized and made co-official language in
Nigeria already.
4.4
CONCLUSION
The Question of National language in Nigeria can be answered if the language
policy is launched and implemented, languages should be made to pass through the
language planning stages for the right choice of which language or languages can serve
effectively as the Nigeria National Language or Languages.
33
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