CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Language is a human and non – instinctive method of communicating ideas, feelings and desires by means of a system of vocal symbols. These symbols are in the first instance, auditory and the so – called organ of speech produces them. Robin (1964), describes language as a “communicative noise making”. Communication implies that linguistics study human sounds that make meaning. Robin explains linguistically, no language is primitive, and the vocabulary of any language reflects closely the state of the materials more abstracts culture of the speaker. An unfamiliar language comes across to the uninitiated listener as a sequence of mere sounds, lacking meaning, or in the words of Gleason (1969), as a torrent of disorganized noise carrying no sense whatever”.
English language is not nature in Nigeria. It was brought by the colonialist and it has been completely domesticated (Amayo 1985, kujore 1985), English as a language came into Nigeria in the 16th century. The immediate effect of contact through trade and evangelism was the rise of pidgin English in the early 19th century (Ade Ajayi, 1965). Apart from the contact with the new language, Nigerians later received formal instruction in English in missionary schools.
Learning a second language is a life long process and it is often a challenging experience for learners. English has become the second language after it was introduced to Nigeria during colonization. At present it is an international language, it is used in exchanging knowledge, it is a language of technology.
English, which is the most widely spoken language in the world, has been serving as the second language and the official language in Nigeria. Over 60% of the world radio programmes are broadcast in English. It is the language of politics, economic and social life in Nigeria. All transactions be it administration commercial, legislative or even judicial, are carried out in English language.
Adebayo (1985), quoting Adekunle, remarks “ the English language, apart from being Nigeria’s language of science and technology is both in theory and practice, the language which those who have the basic educational background use in discussing official matters and in exchanging views where there is no common local language among the interlocutors.
We notice the powerful influence of English language as a means of social interaction among educated Nigerians, where there is no common language. In the Nigerian constitution (section 51) formally bestowed on the English language a special place in the scheme of things. “ the business of the National Assembly shall be conducted in English, and in Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba, when adequate arrangement have been made”. This enhancement of the status of the English language developed out of a recognition of the unifying power of the language, it also shows that English has been recognized as the language in which the business of the National Assembly must be conducted.
Akere (1978), quoting Edward Blyden has rightly asserts,“English is undoubtedly the most suitable of the European languages for bridging the numerous gaps between the tribes, caused by the great diversity of language or dialect among them, it is a composite language, not a product of one people”.
Steven (1980), also says that English serves as intra – national as well as international purpose in countries like Nigeria. Therefore, the choice adopting English, a neutral language as the official language and lingua franca in Nigeria could be said to be a guided one.
English language is a passport to educational advancement and prestigious employment. Admission into higher institution of learning depends on how creditably students performance in English language and other relevant subjects. English has been conferred upon us not only as an international language but also as a language of national unity.
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