Speaking Standard English May Succeed Individual in Nigerian Society

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Topic: Speaking Standard English may succeed individual in Nigerian society.

Although speaking Standard English may help individuals to succeed in society that is not necessarily the case for Nigerian politician. Speaking Standard English for most Nigerian leaders is Important, but it is not necessary for them. Their aim is to use any kind of language to convince their voters.

Speaking Standard English is essential for person he or she that represents his country internationally (like political appointment), because English is a world global language. Nigeria’s “overwhelming dominance in terms of population makes her variety of English the prototype of WAE; as Golach (1984 : 84) emphasizes, the future of English in Nigeria will more or less be decided by what forms and functions it will take in this stage. With over 471 languages (including English and Pidgin English) spoken in Nigeria (SIL 1996-99e, para ), the linguistic situation is quite complex. English is the official language, but Hausa (with about 21% of the population as speakers), Igbo (about 16%) and Yoruba (20%), as the three major languages, have semi-official status. Also the government encourages each every child to learn one of the three major languages other than his own mother tongue ” (Igboanusi 1997: 22, based on National Policy on Education 1981), in addition to English. In a country like Nigeria a political leader prefers speaking the local language instead of speaking Standard English, all he knows is to convince his people for his votes.

Most of the Nigerian politicians lack Standard English since from their orientation. They are oriented with their local language since their child hood, from their...

... middle of paper ...

... A country like Nigeria could not produce a simple electronic appliance so therefore they depend on other country. For example, cars, phones, aeroplanes, and other electronic equipment. Those equipment where programmed with English language, therefore no way for an illiterate to be able to use that appliance without knowing how to speaks a good Standard English as, (Kachru Book, 1986: 21).

Finally people in Nigeria will totally disagree with a person that can not speaks their local language speaks their local language; some will find it difficult to communicates with him or her.

In conclusion, speaking Standard English will help people in terms of job opportunities, but is not really necessary and important foe the politicians. For a good polititian he or she should be able to master both local and English language.

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