CHAPTER ONE

1.0                               INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

 Current thinking on the global role or status of the English Language reveals that English is no longer the exclusive property of Britain, America, Canada etc.(Oluikpe 15), Barber 235).  The profuse diffusion of the language to the various corners or regions of the world today raises the status of the English language as a world language or an international language.  Akwanya affirms that “English is probably the language with the greatest rate of spread worldwide” (25).

 Nigeria is one of the countries affected by this diffusion of the English language being one of the British colonies.  Historically, therefore, the English language in Sub-Sahara Africa in general and in Nigeria in

Particular was implanted following colonial activities.  Ker (114) writes that “European commercial interests began in Nigeria in the 15th century and there also began the use of English in Nigeria.”  Consequently, British scramble for and acquisition of territories and subsequent institution of colonial rule led to the imposition of the English language on those territories particularly in Nigeria. (Baldeh 1 – 2),(Uzoezie 163), Oluwole 89)  Ever since then English has come to stay in Nigeria notwithstanding her ethno-linguistic diversities.  Today the language has attained the status of an official language.  As an official language, its relevance in education, politics, legislative process and law, commerce and industry, science and technology cannot be over stated.  Seweje cited in Adedeji sums up the crucial role of the English language in the education of the Nigerian child.  He states that “The Nigeria child’s access to the cultural and scientific knowledge of the world is largely through English”  Adedeji further states that “English is the main language of literacy as it is the major medium of instruction in Nigerian educational system” (74).

 Despite government official declaration or policy statements on the status and role of the English language in Nigeria such as the one cited above, the language is still a second language in the country.  This implies that every Nigerian user of English already possesses a first language whose linguistic codes are already entrenched in the brain of the individual speaker.  Akindele and Adegbite affirm that “Before the incursion of the Europeans into various African States, a kaleidoscopic linguistic diversity was already in existence” (58).  In other words multiple vernacular languages numbering over four hundred are spoken nationwide in Nigeria.  The peculiarities of these indigenous languages tend to have direct influence on the quality of the English language spoken in the country.    The branding of this variety as “Nigerian English” is however highly contentious.

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