Language Teaching and Language Policy in Nigeria

11 Pages Posted: 28 Jul 2011

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: July 27, 2011

Abstract

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the study of languages in Nigeria. There is no doubt that we have multiplicity of languages among different ethnic groups in Nigeria with each group guarding its language jealously, yet there has not been a separate language policy, rather the bits and fragments in the National Policy on Education (1977) revised in (1981). This paper therefore tries to examine the language situation in Nigeria, the need for the language policy that will address the national language question and the pedagogical relevance of such policy. The paper does not lose sight of the efficacy of the English language in the advancement of the nation’s technological, social, economic, educational and in facts, all round development. The language, which is being used by a large percentage of the world population, has come to stay in Nigeria. However, there is also the need to develop our local languages even though the task of evolving a national language in Nigeria is a Herculean one. The paper therefore agrees with Banjo’s suggestion of a gradualist approach since a lot of operational factors will be taken into consideration in a pluralistic nation like Nigeria.

Suggested Citation

Ugal, David Betelwhobel and Ugal, David Betelwhobel, Language Teaching and Language Policy in Nigeria (July 27, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1896330 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1896330

David Betelwhobel Ugal (Contact Author)

FULAFIA ( email )

Dept. of Sociology
Lafia, 23401
Nigeria
08027219382 (Phone)

Independent ( email )

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