This book addresses issues bordering on the long-standing co-existence of English and Nigerian languages. For about two centuries, English and Nigerian languages have co-existed and played complementary roles in meeting the communicative and pragmatic needs of the people.

The co-existence of English and Nigerian languages offers a prolific field of enquiry especially in matters relating to pedagogy, language attitude, language shift, language endangerment etc. The eighteen-chapter book therefore, carefully handles topics such as the English language in the outer circle, the problem of language and implications for national integration, the English language and the colonization of African languages, language attitude, globalization and the survival of Nigerian heritage, the nativization of English in Nigeria, the English Language in Nigerian Universities etc.

The authors generally treat the implications of the co-existence of English and Nigerian languages. As pointed out in the work, English in Nigeria could be said to be a blessing as it opens up the country to the gains of globalization. On the other hand, the overwhelming positive attitude to English in Nigeria is a serious threat to the survival and growth of indigenous languages and the Nigerian cultural heritage.

Table of Contents

1. The English Language in the Outer Circle - Dele Adeyanju

2. The Problem of Language in West Africa - Sola T. Babatunde

3. English and the Colonization of African Languages - I. E. Olaosun

4. Language Attitude in the Domains of the Legislation and the Media - R. A. Soyele

5. Towards the Development of Indigenous Languages - C. B. Egwuogu

6. Globalization and the Survival of the Nigerian Heritage - Mahfouz Adedimeji

7. Dominant Versus Minority Languages in Nigeria - Adeniyi Harrison & Bello O. R.

8. English Language in Nigerian Universities - Akinola A. Asiyanbola

9. The Nativization of English in Nigeria - Oyinkan Medubi

10. The Emergence of English as a First Language - Ayoyinka O. Ogunsanya

11. Pedagogical Constraints in Negotiating Oral English - Fadaro J. Oludare

12. Sociolinguistic Perspectives on Epitaphs in Selected Public Cemeteries - Adeyemi O. Babajide

13. Language and Ideology in the Discourse of New West African Politicians - Henry J. Hunjo

14. Slangy Expressions as Communicative Tool - Ayo Osisanwo

15. Overmilitarisation of the Nigerian Polity - ‘Demola Jolayemi

16. Linguistic Theory of Variation - Abolaji S. Mustapha

17. A Sociolinguistic Study of Conversation in Achebe’s A Man of the People - K.K. Olaniyan

18. Who is the colonizer in Kincaid’s A Small Place - Jide Balogun