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The Language Of Nation-Building In Nigeria: A Systematic Exposition

Author

Listed:
  • Remi Chukwudi Okeke

    (Department of Public Administration, Madonna University, Okija Campus, Nigeria)

  • Uche Oboko

    (Department of English, Madonna University, Okija Campus, Nigeria)

Abstract

The general objective of this paper is to study the language of nation-building in Nigeria by making a systematic exposition. Language is perceived in the work as a means of communicating meaning, conveying emotional conditions, viewpoints and philosophies. Nation-building is underscored in the work as the framing or shaping of a national identity through the instrumentality of state power, aimed at unifying the people within the state and thereby engendering political, economic and socio-cultural sustainability and stability of the state. The problem of the study centers on a supposition that in multiethnic and multilingual Nigeria, the citizens invariably hear and understand what the others are saying in the exact language of delivering such communication. Hence, nation-building is on course in the Nigerian nation. Findings of the study however point towards the contrary dimensions of these suppositions, revealing that the assumed language of nation-building in the country has been the language of war, bitterness, animosity, recrimination and vendetta, as principally propagated by the political elite. The work recommends the inauguration of a national language policy in the country within an overall framework of a generic nation-building agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Remi Chukwudi Okeke & Uche Oboko, 2021. "The Language Of Nation-Building In Nigeria: A Systematic Exposition," Annals of the University of Craiova for Journalism, Communication and Management, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 7(1), pages 24-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:aucjcm:v:7:y:2021:i:1:p:24-29
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    Keywords

    Language; language policy in Nigeria; nation-building; nation-building in Nigeria; Nigeria’s national challenges;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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