CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

English is one of the major languages out of about 5000 estimated languages spoken in the world. About 200 years ago, English was simply the language of less than 15million peoples.

Today, however, English is used by more than 300million people and second only to Chinese as regards the number of people using a particular language. Oga R.O (2007), ascertained that English Language is one of the most influential and fast growing languages spoken across the globe.

One fifth of the earth’s land surface use English either as native tongue or official language.

Of the entire World’s Languages English is the most widely studies language, especially in areas where it is not native. Today, English is used in several countries in the American continent including the United States of America and Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Australia, Nigeria and Ghana, including other countries in the West African, Sub continent. Though English was actually the language of colonization in these countries like India they have since remained the official languages in most of the colonized territories.

In other countries including Japan and China according to Udemba S.C (2007), English Language is usually taught as the chief foreign language.

Equally, about half of the world’s scientific and technical journals, as well as newspapers, are printed in English. During the cold war the former Soviet Union used English in their propaganda broadcasts across the developing countries in Africa and Asia. The spread of English is further enhanced through the establishment of British Council and United States information service by the British and U.S governments respectively with centers and libraries in various countries including Nigeria.

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
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5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
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