EGL307

EGL307 (Multilingualism in Nigeria) takes a closer look at one of the most important features of life in Nigeria, which is the fact that we speak many languages. The course explores how English and Nigeria’s indigenous languages exist side by side, influence one another, and shape the way people communicate and participate in society.

You will look at how language connects to everyday life, including education, identity, culture, politics, and national development. The course also considers issues such as code-switching, language attitudes, language policy, language maintenance, and the gradual loss or decline of some indigenous languages.

The course asks us to think about the choices Nigeria makes about language. Why does English occupy such an important position? What happens to indigenous languages when English becomes dominant? Can different languages work together in building a more inclusive society?

EGL307 is about understanding Nigeria through its languages and thinking critically about what our multilingual reality means for the country’s present and future.