CHALLENGES SPEAKERS AND WRITERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE FACES IN NIGERIA

CHALLENGES SPEAKERS AND WRITERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE FACES IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

            The world economy requires a language variety for communication among people with different mother tongues. The English language has gained importance in business and economic spheres (Pennycook 1994; Phillipson 1992; Tollefson 1991). Moreover, as societies have become globalized, English has been increasingly used by non-native speakers as well as native speakers of the language. Kachru and Nelson (1996) illustrated the spread of English historically and geographically by categorizing three major types of English use in the world:

 (1) The Inner Circle where native. English speakers learn English as their first language;

 (2) The Outer Circle countries where English is taught in the colonial context such as in Asia and Africa; and

 (3) The Expanding Circle countries where English is taught as an international/foreign language. However, such categories may disappear or need to be modified as societies evolve. For example, Yano (2009) argues that since many schools in Asia and Africa use English as the medium of instruction, those second-language speakers in the Outer A circle may become functionally native speakers. In addition, people in the Expanding Circle localize English to fit it best for their own needs, and new varieties of English are created in ‘de-Anglo-American’ contexts (Honna 2000, 11; Yano 2009).

            Consequently, the English language has diversified its statuses and further become prominent in multicultural settings. Honna (2000, 9), a pioneer of English uses in Asian contexts, defines English as ‘a multinational language and therefore a multicultural language’. He explains that English is now used in non-Anglo- American cultural contexts and is ‘a working language for intranational and international communication in many parts of the region’ (Honna 2000, 11). While native speakers of English often think that they own the language, English also belongs to non-native speakers who create varieties of it. By the same token, non-native speakers may also believe that English is the language of the Inner Circle, more specifically, the property of the USA and Great Britain (Honna 1995; Matsuda 2002). Thus, many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners possibly thinks that they should speak English in the same way native speakers do. Perhaps this false perception leads to feelings of shame (Honna 1995) about non-native varieties of English used by speakers in the Outer and Expanding Circles. This shame may, in turn, result in non-native speakers avoiding acknowledgment of the values of these varieties, particularly in multicultural contexts. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize varieties of English and understand ‘the possibility of appropriating English in order to create new meanings and identities rather than simply modeling the Inner Circle varieties’ (Kubota 1998, 304). If varieties of English exist, then, what types of  new meanings and identities’ will be constructed and expressed in EFL textbooks.

CHALLENGES SPEAKERS AND WRITERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE FACES IN NIGERIA.

            The English language is one of the most popular languages to learn, perhaps the most spoken language around the world is English, and many people choose to learn the language simply to place them in a better position to secure work, or communicate more effectively with more people from around the globe. English might be a popular language to learn, but this doesn't necessarily mean it is a simple language to master, there are many challenges people face when learning English and if you are aware of these beforehand you stand a much greater chance of mastering the language.

Here are 5 of the challenges people must face when learning to speak and write English:

1. Vocabulary

            Is often a challenge, particularly when it comes to verb variations and understanding which tense should be used in various situations. English has one of the biggest vocabularies of all languages, and it can be very confusing for non-English speakers to master. Using vocabulary inaccurately is incredibly noticeable to anyone who's first language is English, though it doesn't often change the meaning of your text, it does weaken it.

2. Grammar

            English Grammar is complex, making it difficult to remember, master and use logically. Ensuring you use the correct grammar can be tricky, especially when you are in conversation with someone and they are speaking at an alarmingly fast pace. Learning grammar is like learning to drive, you can learn all of the theory, rules and regulations, but you won't be good at it unless you practice it and it starts to become second nature to you. Grammar is extremely important, incorrect use of grammar can confuse the person you are speaking to and even change the meaning of what you are communicating, what's more, is native English speakers are hyperaware of grammar and will notice almost immediately if a grammatical error is made, even if this is the smallest of errors, English speakers are incredibly proud of the language and look negatively on it being used incorrectly.

3. Pronunciation

Knowing how to pronounce words in English can be very difficult as it isn't always obvious. English speakers have been taught these from an early age, which is how they know not to pronounce the ‘k' on ‘knight', they are taught the subtleties in how to pronounce something to communicate the right message. Furthermore, depending on the first language of the English student, it can often be difficult to pronounce certain words properly, having not ever had to create that phonetic sound before.

4.         Slang and colloquialism

The English language has such an extensive vocabulary and complicated grammar, there is enough to teach students wanting to learn English, rarely are students exposed to the slang words used by English speakers in everyday conversation. Sentences can be predominantly filled with slang words, so maintaining a conversation can be difficult for anyone who doesn't understand what they mean.

5. Variations in English

The variations in the different forms of English can often be difficult to understand. For example, the difference between using formal and informal language or the differences between spoken and written language. This leads to students writing words phonetically, i.e. how they would say it rather than how its actually spelled, and using informal language, maybe even slang that they have picked up, informal situations which may perhaps be viewed negatively.

CONCLUSION

            As the spread of English has diversified its functions and roles, this spread has created new meanings and identities as users have appropriated the language in various contexts. The findings suggested that although various continents and countries of The English-speaking community were represented within the reviewed textbooks, those were mainly composed of Inner and Expanding Circle countries.

            Moreover, Nigeria internal diversity represented in the textbooks was constituted primarily by the Nigerian citizens from the Inner Circle. It seems, then, that the EFL textbooks indicate power divides among represented nations’ economic statuses, as well as Nigerians insufficient attention to its own diversity. If communicative skills are important in learning foreign languages, Nigerians students should be trained to learn about and understand international/intercultural relations.

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