I initially posted this on Facebook. It should be here for other people outside Facebook. Enjoy!
We must address the weak argument that no country develops using a foreign language. Frankly, it does more harm than good to us. So many people cite it as a reason not to learn English or to dismiss this essential language. As a result, many miss opportunities, both within and especially outside Nigeria, due to limited English-language skills.
Nigeria was colonised. Like many other former colonies, it is a multilingual country. However, unlike Europe (where Germans speak German, French people speak French, Italians speak Italian, etc.), most former colonies comprise speakers of multiple languages, making it challenging to elevate one above the others without others objecting to discrimination and marginalisation. I know that Tanzania, among a few others, succeeds with Swahili.
The last time I checked, India had more English speakers than the United States. Even China has more English-language users than the United Kingdom. So, learning or using a foreign language doesn’t necessarily hinder development.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand have their indigenous languages. Embracing English (and French in Canada) did not stop their development. Today, in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries (in Europe), English is a lingua franca. They often use the language for official dealings, as is also the case in Singapore. They are developed countries.
The examples are numerous. I previously wrote about the role of English in Germany. I still struggle to speak German. However, I have always used English at my workplace (for teaching and research) and elsewhere. Could I have even got the job in the first place without English?
Folks, English is learnable. If our Southern (Nigerian) counterparts can do it and still progress, at least better than us in the North, why can’t we? Look at Lagos today. Look at Nollywood. Look at southern musicians, skit makers, startups, etc. Come on!
Needless to say, I am very proud of my Hausa identity. I feed on it and provide for many others - Alhamdulillah. However, I will continue encouraging people to learn English, alongside their other skills and businesses. Doing that opens doors of possibilities and opportunities for us.
May Allah bless our lives all the more, amin.
Amin ya Rabb
ReplyDeleteAmin ya Rabbi
ReplyDeleteDr what is the solution now?bcos I'm among those that lack English language skills Dr we help to overcome this pls
ReplyDeleteRead the post I made on Facebook yesterday.
DeleteAmin ya Hayyu ya Qayyum
ReplyDeleteAameen
ReplyDeleteWell said
ReplyDeleteAmin ya rabbi. But what's the solution now? I wanted to be fluent in English.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteAmin Ya Hayyu Ya Ƙayyum
ReplyDeleteGreat write up
ReplyDeleteامين يارب العالمين يا دكتور.
ReplyDeleteAmin ya Hayyu ya Qayyum
ReplyDeleteNoted, Ameen ya hayyu ya qayyum.
ReplyDeleteNoted, Ameen ya hayyu ya qayyum.
ReplyDeleteMadallah Dakta.
ReplyDelete