The English Language, a Sine Qua Non for Nation Building
The English Language, a Sine Qua Non for Nation Building
By
Nneka Umera-Okeke (Mrs)
Department of English Language and Literature
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe
P.M. B. 1734, Onitsha
Anambra State, Nigeria
E-mail: nne.supreme@yahoo.com
A Paper Presented to the Students of the English Language and Literary Studies Department , Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe during their 2010 NASELS Annual Festival held in Hall A this 28 Day of July, 2010 Abstract
Studying languages is a vital tool in building the competitiveness of a nation. For a nation to be globally competitive and secured, the study and knowledge of foreign languages is important. The vexed issue of language question in Nigeria has continued to promote the use of the English language in Nigeria. Given the role English plays around the world, it is not surprising that a substantial and growing number of schools choose English-medium instruction at the secondary and tertiary level. English for Nation Building or for developmental purposes should be given to encourage students to understand their roles in the educational and social development of their nations. Though the continuous use of English as the nation’s lingua franca is tantamount to perpetuating colonialism/imperialism, yet there is no alternative indigenous language that can assume the role of English. It is maintained that, given the prevalent and ever-increasing mutual suspicion of, and linguistic rivalry among, the various Nigerian ethno-linguistic groups, English will continue to be vibrant. This paper examined the notion of nation building, the role of education in nation building and finally the role of the English Language in Nation building with particular reference to the Nigeria nation.
Introduction
“Whoever controls the language, controls the culture.” (Dennis Peacocke).
The role of the English language in nation building cannot be over-emphasized. . Language, being a potent vehicle of
By
Nneka Umera-Okeke (Mrs)
Department of English Language and Literature
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe
P.M. B. 1734, Onitsha
Anambra State, Nigeria
E-mail: nne.supreme@yahoo.com
A Paper Presented to the Students of the English Language and Literary Studies Department , Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe during their 2010 NASELS Annual Festival held in Hall A this 28 Day of July, 2010 Abstract
Studying languages is a vital tool in building the competitiveness of a nation. For a nation to be globally competitive and secured, the study and knowledge of foreign languages is important. The vexed issue of language question in Nigeria has continued to promote the use of the English language in Nigeria. Given the role English plays around the world, it is not surprising that a substantial and growing number of schools choose English-medium instruction at the secondary and tertiary level. English for Nation Building or for developmental purposes should be given to encourage students to understand their roles in the educational and social development of their nations. Though the continuous use of English as the nation’s lingua franca is tantamount to perpetuating colonialism/imperialism, yet there is no alternative indigenous language that can assume the role of English. It is maintained that, given the prevalent and ever-increasing mutual suspicion of, and linguistic rivalry among, the various Nigerian ethno-linguistic groups, English will continue to be vibrant. This paper examined the notion of nation building, the role of education in nation building and finally the role of the English Language in Nation building with particular reference to the Nigeria nation.
Introduction
“Whoever controls the language, controls the culture.” (Dennis Peacocke).
The role of the English language in nation building cannot be over-emphasized. . Language, being a potent vehicle of
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