History Of English Language In Nigeria And Top 10 Uses / Problems

English has been one of the major languages in the world. English language is termed as Nigeria second language, it is being used as a communication tool by everyone in the country. It is being taught in schools from the pre-nursery down to the tertiary institutions. The history and Top 10 uses of English Language in Nigeria is something everyone should know about.

[toc]

HISTORY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA

HISTORY

The Christian missionaries were the first to introduce the English language into the country. Before then, parents were teaching their children the traditions, local languages norms, and cultures which was also taught by their own parents too. After the introduction of the missionaries and also acceptance, parents started learning and also their children too how to speak English language.

Earlier times, the kind of English being spoken were “Coastal English” and “Patua English. The European masters and also the slave trade activities along the west coast of Africa was believed to have paved the way for some cultures and norms which some of them are still in existence today.

In the year 1841; the British were able to enter into the Southern and South-Western region and which raises the question of a language to adopt for communication between the indigenous people and themselves which is referred to as the guest. The year 1882, the English language was already spoken by the elites and also the children of the elites. English language was accepted and also implanted as the official language to be used in the country. It was approved in the Corporate environment, Corporate organizations and others. Places like Lagos, Badagry, Bendel, Abeokuta has a lot of English speakers. English language was seen as a prestigious language, a language of success and power. During these times people no longer paid attention anymore to native languages, children in schools are now taught English language as using your native language is termed as vernacular and also punishable in schools. That’s all about the history of English language in Nigeria, now let’s check it main 10 uses.

TOP 10 USES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA

In terms and also an aspect of communication, English language is used worldwide. It is termed as the Lingua-Franca of the country. Nigeria as a country has different cultures and ethnic groups. The only way to unite them together is by speaking one language, which is why English was made the Lingua-Franca of the country. Parents also have a large role to play for our local languages, so as not to suffer extinction, parents are to make sure children are taught these local languages at home. We have different uses of English language, below here are the top 10 uses of English language in Nigeria.

The English language is used in the ICT industries, the internet, medicine and others. Without the knowledge and communication of English, one cannot successfully go into this area of interest.
Getting a job requires one to fully understand and also be able to communicate well in English.
Most times when we go out to buy/sell English is being used as an effective way of carrying out our trade very well.
Another use is when it is taught in schools, it is important that students are being taught English language in school. An average student must be able to score a minimum of credit in an English language exam to be able to get admission into the university or even go further.
We all love music, apart from during the old times, when we listen to music in our local languages, music now is now passed across us through the English language.
If you are a movie lover, then you will know English language is very important, 80% of our movies being showed today are in English language
News broadcast and even sports highlights and news are now passed across in English. We all love to know what’s happening around us, around the world.
Working in an organization requires one to know the use of English, as speaking any other language, is referred to not being professional. Organizations like banks, offices, and others have adapted to this pattern.
To learn and understand the culture and lifestyle of others. For you to be able to adapt well to the system, you need English language, to communicate with others, if you really want to learn about their cultures, lifestyle, and beliefs.
Almost all books are written in the English language including our holy book “The Bible”. If you love reading then English language should not be a problem for you.

English language should not be used as a term in measuring one’s intelligence.

Problems Of Learning English Language In Nigeria (Summary)

Environment
Substandard Schools
Lack Of Poor Education

The three factors listed above are among the main points leading to problems of learning English language in Nigeria.

Related:

Tags: the history of English language in Nigeria, 10 uses, problems of learning English language in Nigeria