Limits of Language in Nigeria

Limits of Language in Nigeria PDF Author: Nahna James
Publisher: Nahna James
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 23

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Book Description
Limits of Language in Nigeria: Hatred based on Igbo Language, attempts to delve deeply into different socio linguistic issues faced by the Igbo language within Nigerian context. In doing so, the study has used a mixed-methods approach wherein demographic data, public attitudes and socio economic factors that have brought about the status quote of this language are thoroughly assessed. The research establishes some historical and current reasons why there is increased resentment towards Igbo language among Nigerians. This includes last impact caused by colonialism and traumatic experiences during Biafran Civil War which greatly redefined Nigerian social-political life. Political disinterest and economic inequities worsen marginalization of Igbo spoken by majority, but freely bypassed in spheres where English, Hausa or Yoruba languages dominate Nigeria. Also, the article highlights huge educational and institutional barriers that stand in the way of developing and maintaining Igbo language. The barriers are insufficient support for teaching Igbo language and few African Studies courses which do not encourage students to learn African languages such as Igbo. Henceforth, many students prefer not to learn Igbo considering it less useful for their future professions because it is rarely used in professional circles after study completion. Moreover, the research reveals language bias affects how one relates to their culture and society as an Igbo. So much more is lost in not speaking the Igbo language other than communication, including cultural heritage and moral imperatives. This exclusion weakens the social glue that holds the community together and hence fuels feelings of being left out in some way or another. To combat these challenges, this research demands immediate actions to enhance diversity in language as well as safeguard cultural heritage. It therefore proposes for more assistance on the issue of Igbo language education, Igbo language being taught in schools and embracing linguistic pluralism in Nigeria. Hence, this research seeks to create conditions that foster national unity and inclusiveness where the Igbo language and culture in Nigeria is valued and preserved. The study thus aims at finding sustainable solutions to overcome the linguistic and cultural problems facing Igbo speakers as it seeks to understand what could be done to stop the decline of its population among native speakers.

Limits of Language in Nigeria

Limits of Language in Nigeria PDF Author: Nahna James
Publisher: Nahna James
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 23

Get Book Here

Book Description
Limits of Language in Nigeria: Hatred based on Igbo Language, attempts to delve deeply into different socio linguistic issues faced by the Igbo language within Nigerian context. In doing so, the study has used a mixed-methods approach wherein demographic data, public attitudes and socio economic factors that have brought about the status quote of this language are thoroughly assessed. The research establishes some historical and current reasons why there is increased resentment towards Igbo language among Nigerians. This includes last impact caused by colonialism and traumatic experiences during Biafran Civil War which greatly redefined Nigerian social-political life. Political disinterest and economic inequities worsen marginalization of Igbo spoken by majority, but freely bypassed in spheres where English, Hausa or Yoruba languages dominate Nigeria. Also, the article highlights huge educational and institutional barriers that stand in the way of developing and maintaining Igbo language. The barriers are insufficient support for teaching Igbo language and few African Studies courses which do not encourage students to learn African languages such as Igbo. Henceforth, many students prefer not to learn Igbo considering it less useful for their future professions because it is rarely used in professional circles after study completion. Moreover, the research reveals language bias affects how one relates to their culture and society as an Igbo. So much more is lost in not speaking the Igbo language other than communication, including cultural heritage and moral imperatives. This exclusion weakens the social glue that holds the community together and hence fuels feelings of being left out in some way or another. To combat these challenges, this research demands immediate actions to enhance diversity in language as well as safeguard cultural heritage. It therefore proposes for more assistance on the issue of Igbo language education, Igbo language being taught in schools and embracing linguistic pluralism in Nigeria. Hence, this research seeks to create conditions that foster national unity and inclusiveness where the Igbo language and culture in Nigeria is valued and preserved. The study thus aims at finding sustainable solutions to overcome the linguistic and cultural problems facing Igbo speakers as it seeks to understand what could be done to stop the decline of its population among native speakers.

Nigerian Languages, Literatures, Culture and Reforms

Nigerian Languages, Literatures, Culture and Reforms PDF Author: Ndimele, Ozo-mekuri
Publisher: M & J Grand Orbit Communications
ISBN: 9785416410
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 728

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Book Description
The papers in this volume were selected from the Silver Jubilee edition of the Annual Conference of the Linguistic Association of Nigerian (LAN) which was held at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Abuja, Nigeria. The Silver Jubilee edition is dedicated to the father of Nigerian Linguistics, Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose. Professor Emeritus Bamgbose was the first indigenous Professor of Linguistics in Nigeria, and the first black African to teach linguistics in any known university south of the Sahara. He was there from the very beginning, and together with co-operation of people such as the late Professor Kay Williamson, he nurtured Nigerian linguistics. He is not just a foremost Nigerian linguist, but also a most famous, respected, celebrated, distinguished, and cherished African linguist of all times. To be candid, Nigerian linguistics is synonymous with Professor Emeritus Bamgbose. In 58 well-written chapters by experts in their fields, the book covers aspects of Nigerian languages, linguistics, literatures and culture. The papers have not been categorized into sections; rather they flow, hence there is some overlapping in the arrangement. The book is an essential resource for all who are interested to learn about current trends in the study of languages, linguistics and related subject-matters in Nigeria.

Bringing Our Languages Home

Bringing Our Languages Home PDF Author: Leanne Hinton
Publisher: Heyday.ORIM
ISBN: 1597142247
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Thirteen personal accounts of endangered language preservation, plus a how-to guide for parents looking to do the same in their own home. Throughout the world individuals in the intimacy of their homes innovate, improvise, and struggle daily to pass on endangered languages to their children. Elaina Albers of Northern California holds a tape recorder up to her womb so her baby can hear old songs in Karuk. The Baldwin family of Montana put labels all over their house marked with the Miami words for common objects and activities, to keep the vocabulary present and fresh. In Massachusetts, at the birth of their first daughter, Jesse Little Doe Baird and her husband convince the obstetrician and nurses to remain silent so that the first words their baby hears in this world are Wampanoag. Thirteen autobiographical accounts of language revitalization, ranging from Irish Gaelic to Mohawk, Kawaiisu to Maori, are brought together by Leanne Hinton, professor emerita of linguistics at UC Berkeley, who for decades has been leading efforts to preserve the rich linguistic heritage of the world. Those seeking to save their language will find unique instruction in these pages; everyone who admires the human spirit will find abundant inspiration. Languages featured: Anishinaabemowin, Hawaiian, Irish, Karuk, Kawaiisu, Kypriaka, Maori, Miami, Mohawk, Scottish Gaelic, Wampanoag, Warlpiri, Yuchi “Practical and down to earth, philosophical and spiritual, Bringing Our Languages Home describes the challenges and joys of learning and passing on your language. It gives good detailed advice . . . Fantastic! I hope millions will read it!” —Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, Åbo Akademi University, Finland, emerita “This rare collection by scholar-activist Leanne Hinton brings forward deeply affecting accounts of families determined to sustain their languages amidst a sea of dominant-language pressures. The stories could only be told by those who have experienced the joys and challenges such an undertaking demands. Drawing lessons from these accounts, Hinton leaves readers with a wealth of language planning strategies. This powerful volume will long serve as a seminal resource for families, scholars, and language planners around the world.” —Teresa L. McCarty, George F. Kneller Chair in Education and Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles

Multilingualism, Minority Languages, and Language Policy in Nigeria

Multilingualism, Minority Languages, and Language Policy in Nigeria PDF Author: E. Nọlue Emenanjọ
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description


Talk Nigeria

Talk Nigeria PDF Author: King Kayode Yeotan
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1462020089
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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Book Description
Talk Nigeria was created to help those that often travel to and from Nigeria and would like a more efficient way of communicating with the majority of Nigerians. This handbook will enable foreign-born Nigerians and their families to teach their native language to their children. Talk Nigeria makes it possible for them to not only learn the languages, but also to assist them with phonetic pronunciation of the words in their native languages. This is not just another boring language guide that is only based upon endless repetitions of language drills. It is a handbook that promotes quick and effective communication with Nigerians in the three major languages. It includes • easy-to-read translations from English into the three main languages spoken in Nigeria—Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa, • all translations include the phonetic pronunciation for each word and phrase; • translations for greetings, everyday phrases, and a reference dictionary. An innovative way to learn to speak a very common African language, this handbook is an indispensable guide to speaking the Nigerian languages correctly and effectively.

Language and Exclusion

Language and Exclusion PDF Author: Ayọ Bamgboṣe
Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster
ISBN: 9783825847753
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description
Language is a critical factor in nation-building, and in a continent such as Africa, where language groups do not necessarily correspond with national boundaries, it is potentially contentious as well. Ayo Bamgbose's new book focuses on the problem of language exclusion, whereby certain languages -- and groups -- are omitted from language policies, particularly in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Originally based on a series of lectures given in South Africa, the individual chapters largely preserve the original style of presentation. Consequently, the book is readable, and a valuable introduction to some of the more important issues in African sociolinguistics. The book makes special reference to the language situation in post-apartheid South Africa. The appendices provide access to some of the most important documents on language policies such as the Organization of African Unity's Language Plan of Action For Africa (1986), the language provisions in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of South Africa (1996), and the Barcelona Universal Declaration on Linguistics Rights.

Convergence: English and Nigerian Languages

Convergence: English and Nigerian Languages PDF Author: Ndimele, Ozo-mekuri
Publisher: M & J Grand Orbit Communications
ISBN: 9785412709
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 922

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Book Description
The present volume, which is the 5th in the Nigerian Linguists Festschrift Series, is devoted to Professor Munzali A. Jibril, a celebrated icon in university administration, and an erudite Professor of English Linguistics. The title of this special edition was specifically chosen to crown Professor Jibril’s academic prowess in both English and indigenous Nigerian languages, and to mark and laud his official departure from active university lectureship. 72 assessed papers are included from the many submitted. Papers cover the main theme of the volume, i.e. the interaction between English and indigenous Nigerian languages, and there are a number of papers on other secular areas of linguistics such as: language and history, language planning and policy, language documentation, language engineering, lexicography, translation, gender studies, language acquisition, language teaching and learning, pragmatics, discourse and conversational analysis, and literature in English and African languages. There is also a rich section devoted to the major ‘traditional’ fields of linguistics - phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.

The Limits of Grammaticalization

The Limits of Grammaticalization PDF Author: Anna Giacalone Ramat
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
ISBN: 902722935X
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 309

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Book Description
The earliest use of the term “grammaticalization” was to refer to the process whereby lexical words of a language (such as English keep in “he keeps bees”) become grammatical forms (such as the auxiliary in “he keeps looking at me”). Changes of this kind, which involve semantic fading and a downshift from a major to a minor category, have generally been agreed to come under the heading of grammaticalization. But other changes that equally contribute to new grammatical forms do not involve this kind of fading. In recent years, a debate has arisen over how to constrain the term theoretically. Is grammaticalization to be distinguished from “lexicalization”, the creation and fixing of new words out of older patterns of compounding? If so, how is the line to be drawn between a form that is grammatical and one that is lexical? Should the term “grammaticalization” be extended to the study of the origins of grammatical constructions in general? If so, it will have to include broader issues such as word order change and the reanalysis of phrases. What principles govern these processes? Is grammaticalization a unidirectional event, or can change occur in the reverse direction? The authors of the papers in this volume approach these important questions from a variety of data types, including historical texts, creoles, and a typologically broad sample of modern and ancient languages.

Language Endangerment

Language Endangerment PDF Author: Ndimele, Ozo-mekuri
Publisher: M & J Grand Orbit Communications
ISBN: 9785412725
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 680

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Book Description
This commemorative volume is the 12th edition in the Nigerian Linguists Festschrift Series devoted to Professor (Mrs.) Appolonia Uzoaku Okwudishu. The majority of the papers were presented at the 27th Annual Conference of the Linguistic Association of Nigerian (CLAN) which was held at the Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, and the 26th CLAN which was held at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The title derives from the theme of the 27th CLAN: Language Endangerment: Globalisation and the Fate of Minority Languages in Nigeria. A large number of the papers address the major theme of the conference, while the balance address various aspects of Nigerian linguistics, languages, communication, and literature. Fifty-one papers are included, ranging from sociolinguistics through applied linguistics to formal areas of linguistics which include phonology, morphology and syntax of Nigerian languages. Papers on language endangerment and language revitalisation strategies for safeguarding the vanishing indigenous tongues of Nigeria are the major focus, and the book serves as important reference material in various aspects of language and linguistic studies in Nigeria.

Atlas of the World's Languages

Atlas of the World's Languages PDF Author: R.E. Asher
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317851080
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 1009

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Book Description
Before the first appearance of the Atlas of the World's Languages in 1993, all the world's languages had never been accurately and completely mapped. The Atlas depicts the location of every known living language, including languages on the point of extinction. This fully revised edition of the Atlas offers: up-to-date research, some from fieldwork in early 2006 a general linguistic history of each section an overview of the genetic relations of the languages in each section statistical and sociolinguistic information a large number of new or completely updated maps further reading and a bibliography for each section a cross-referenced language index of over 6,000 languages. Presenting contributions from international scholars, covering over 6,000 languages and containing over 150 full-colour maps, the Atlas of the World's Languages is the definitive reference resource for every linguistic and reference library.