CHAPTER ONE  

I N T R O D U C T I O N

1.1 Background to the Stud

Language is a very fascinating course of study, perhaps because of its ‘magical and mystical power’ and unique role in capturing the breadth of human thought and behaviour.  Every knowledgeable human being recognizes the primacy of language in education which has serious implication for human development.  Language is a very essential element in human life and one of the greatest attributes which characterize human beings; it is the most uniquely human, and quite possibly the most important.   It is around us, everywhere, in speech, writing or simply in our minds as we dream, remember conversations, or quickly think of a

problem. Language is so vital in man’s life that there is hardly any situation where it is not involved (Ibiowotisi, 1998).

It has been proved beyond doubt that language is the major vehicle of thought (Obi-Okoye, 1989).  Whatever profession or involvement, people always want to clarify their thoughts through the use of language.  Also, it permeates our thoughts, mediates our relationships with others and even creeps into our dreams.  Without language there will be no human society. Education, socialization, civilization and national development could not have been possible.       

   Language according to World Book Encyclopedia (1989) is human speech, either spoken or written.  Also Hornby, Gaterby and Wakefield (1971) define language as human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, feelings and desires by means of a system of social symbols.  Language, according to Wilson (1972:191) is an artificial and consciously organized method of control by the use of symbols or conventions, which involves the notion of meaning.  Though the behaviour of some animals other than human beings satisfies some of these criteria, man alone is capable of controlling his environment himself by means of language–technique.  

In supporting the above assertion, Denga (1988:160), defines language as a vehicle of communication, which enables us establish human relationships.  According to Denga language is then exclusively a human form of communication.

Also, Webster (1989:122) sees language as a “communication by voice in the distinctively human manner, using arbitrary, auditory symbols in conventional ways with conventional meanings.”

The above quoted linguists and educators agree that language is a method of human communication: it is non-instinctive and arbitrary.

Iyale (2002:48) sees language as an “articulate speech which historically arose out of the social activity of man as a product and instrument of social labour”.

According to Gimson (1980:13), language is:

         a system of conventional signals used for communicating  by a whole community.  The patterns of conventions cover a   system of significant sound units … the inflexion and   arrangement of words, and the association of meaning with words

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