Language plays a crucial role in shaping national identity, cultural expression, and political discourse in Nigeria.
Language is a process of interaction between man to man. It is used essentially for communication. It is a human activity that is vocal and based on random choice.
Many languages exists in Nigeria, these languages are living, dynamic, and in a constant state of flux. Among them is English language which is the most adventurous. With Nigeria having over 500 languages spoken across the country, it remains one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world.
However, the politics of language in Nigeria is complex, as English, indigenous languages, and Nigerian Pidgin compete for dominance in various facets of the nation. This article explores the historical, political, and social dynamics of language use in Nigeria and its implications for national identity.
Table of Contents
Historical Background Of English Language Politics In Nigeria
History has it recorded that Nigeria’s first contact with English language was at some period before the trans-Atlantic slave trade from 1553 when English men paid brief visits to the Nigerian coasts, especially the ports of Benin and old Calabar. The type of communication then was an English-based pidgin. However, with the tremendous increase in slave trafficking between England and Africans in the 18th century, it was recorded that these students, who were slaves, returned back after learning the European language to build schools to teach the English language.
The evolution of English in Nigeria can be said to be traced primarily to the 17th and 18th century, during the time of burgeoning trade alliance between the British merchants and Nigerians. This linguistics amalgamation reflected an interaction between the traders and the local residents. Subsequently, the 19th century brought in a transformative phase with the advent of Christian missionaries which aided the spread of Christianity. This became a vessel for the germination of the English language in Nigeria.
The colonialisation process further enshrined the presence of English language, solidifying it’s status as a language of education, administration, and governance. This period marked the evolution of the language as a potent force influencing various facet of the Nigerian society .
Functions Of English Language In Nigeria
The English language has both international and intranational functions in Nigeria.
International Functions Of English Language In Nigeria
- English language propels advancement in knowledge as it anchors in domains of science and technology.
- English language opens avenue for global connectivity, with it functioning as a window to the outside world.
- English language facilitates global discuss, because it is positioned as a language of diplomacy.
- English language serves as a conduit for cross-cultural dialogue.
Intranational Functions Of English Language In Nigeria
- It is the language of administration and law as it navigates the corridors of bureaucracy and justice.
- It is the language of trade and commerce.
- It is used in fostering inter-ethnic communication by bridging linguistic gap.
- It is the language of governance and education.
- It is the official language of the country.
Indigenous Languages in Nigeria
Nigeria has over 500 indigenous languages. The three major ones with wider usage and recognition are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. Yoruba is mostly spoken by Western Nigerians such as in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, etc. Igbo is spoken by the Eastern Nigerians in states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, etc, while Hausa is spoken by the Northerners in states like Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, among many others. These three languages are often referred to as Nigeria’s “major languages” because of their large number of speakers and cultural influence. They are widely used in regional communication, media, education, and governance within their respective regions.
Other indigenous languages with quite significant numbers of speakers includes Fulfulde which is spoken by the Fulani people across different regions. We also have the Kanuri spoken in Borno and parts of the North-East. Tiv also spoken in Benue and surrounding areas. There are also Ibibio and Efik spoken in the South-South. Lastly, we have also Nupe and Gwari spoken in parts of the North-Central.
The Status Of Indigenous Languages In Nigeria
1. Unofficial Usage
English language, being Nigeria’s official language makes indigenous languages mainly recognised at regional and local levels and not at the administrative levels, nor for official governance, legal proceedings, or in higher education. Even though it has been encouraged to be taught at schools, implementation is still weak as there are insufficient hands.
2. Loss Of The Languages And Language Shift
Most of the indigenous languages, especially the minority ones, are losing speakers to English language and Nigerian Pidgin. Globalisation also contributes to language shift. Younger generations now prefer English language for social mobility and recognition. Parents are also making their children’s first language to be English, thus losing their mother tongue.
3. Lack Of Standardisation
Nigeria’s indigenous languages lack standardisation and orthography. This limits their use in education and literature.
How To Elevate The Status Of Indigenous Languages
Indigenous languages are almost going into extinction due to the dominance of English language, and so there is a need to up the game so as to preserve their status. To elevate the status of the indigenous languages in Nigeria, these factors are to be put into consideration:
1. Official Recognition And Policy Implementation
Government should ensure the proper entrenchment of the existing indigenous language policies in governance, education, and administration.
2. Promoting Indigenous Languages In The Media
More programs, news, and entertainment should be broadcast in indigenous languages to increase their visibility. The Nigerian entertainment industry can also play a key role by increasing indigenous language representation in Nollywood and music.
3. Encouraging Indigenous Language In Literature
More novels, newspapers, and academic journals should be published in indigenous languages. Government and private organisations should provide grants for authors writing in indigenous languages.
4. Standardisation And Orthography
Indigenous languages should be standardized and there should also be adequate writing materials on the languages to elevate it’s feasibility.
National Identity
National identity is the awareness of having a shared sense of belonging to a country based on common cultural, historical, linguistic, or political characteristics. It unites people within a country, giving them a sense of pride and loyalty toward their country.
Nigeria’s national identity is complex due to its ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. While English language serves as the official language, indigenous languages play a key role in shaping the identity of various ethnic groups.
The Role Of Language In Nigeria’s National Identity
1. Language as a Symbol of National Identity
The language used as the official or national language is used to strengthen unity and sovereignty through national symbols like the national anthem, pledges, etc. The role that language plays in shaping national identity cannot be over-emphasized. Language serves as a means of communication, cultural expression, and social unity. It reflects the history, values, and traditions of a nation. Some of the roles of language in national Identity includes:
Nigeria Languages and Cultural Heritages
Language preserves a nation’s history, traditions, and oral literature, such as indigenous languages used in conveying cultural norms and expressions.
3. Language and National Unity
A common language fosters national unity by creating a shared means of communication among the different ethnic groups.
4. Language in Governance and Nationalism
Languages are used by government to establish laws, policies, and national discourse.
5. Language in Education
Schools play a key role in reinforcing national identity through language education. Teaching indigenous languages alongside official languages helps instill cultural pride in younger generations.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity with over 500 languages makes national identity complex. English language; the official language of Nigeria, promotes unity but sidelines indigenous languages. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo serves as the major indigenous languages, and influence identity within ethnic groups. Nigerian Pidgin has also emerged as a neutral lingua franca, bridging gaps between ethnic groups.
The Nigerian language challenge is to balance linguistic diversity with national unity without alienating minority languages. The question remains “Does English language, being the national language truly reflect Nigeria’s cultural and national identity?”
Read also: The Land And Peoples Of Nigeria: Geography, Physical Features, And Cultures
