LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Prof. Gloria Olatunde-Ojo (PhD), Prof. Jeno-Mary Enighe (PhD), Osita Canice Ogidi

Abstract


With over 300 languages, Nigeria is unarguably one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Africa. However, none of these languages has a prominent status as the English language which serves as the medium of instruction from the primary to the tertiary level, the official language and the language of inter-ethnic communication. In order to be relevant in this digital age, Nigerian students who are basically bilinguals, need to be proficient in the all- important global language, English. Accordingly, the teaching and learning of English have a prominent place in the education sector. This paper explores the diverse linguistic terrains of Nigeria in which all the languages function as equals although English is evidently more equal. It also examines the implications of this sociolinguistic situation for ESL pedagogy. 


Keywords


Linguistic diversity, Multilingualism, Ethno linguistic groups, Language, Education, Lingua franca

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