Co-existence of English and Nigerian Languages in National Development: Prospects and Constraints

Abstract

This paper examines the prospects of using the English language alongside Nigerian

languages for national development. The literature is replete with opinions on the

developmental potentials of Nigerian languages. The paper hinges on the Exoglossic

and Endoglossic Perspectives as theoretical frameworks. Scholars, who contend for an

exoglossic option as a language policy for Nigeria, want English to be entrenched as

Nigeria’s National Language because apart from being void of ethnic sentiments, its

vocabulary and grammar are developed. The Endoglossic perspective believes in the

developmental potentials of a well-developed Nigerian language. This paper

recommends the co-existence of the English language and Nigerian languages as a

vehicle for national development .This paper opines that the above recommendation

can be achieved if germane, result-driven and forward-looking language policies are

created and implemented for the country. The study attempts to promote the use of

other indigenous languages as a means to drive national development as against the

initial emphasis on the three major languages. The data for this study were obtained

from A report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO) meeting which was held in 1951 among experts on indigenous languages

and was published in a seminal papers titled The Sociology of Language edited by J.A

Fishman. The finding of the study showed but not limited to the assertion that

language is a development asset of society, particularly if its potential is fully

recognized and exploited.