preview

English Language: The English Speaking Language In Nigeria

Decent Essays

English is regarded as the most widely spoken language in the world. Besides it being the official language of most countries, including Nigeria, it is also one of the most compulsory subjects in the secondary school curriculum, thus an excellent grade or at least a Credit is required by students to pass to the Senior Secondary School and then on to the University, Colleges of Education or Polytechnics. As several Nigerian students and other individuals nowadays are keen on living, working or studying abroad, English Language is the dominant subject to pass in international qualifying examinations for example; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). In such exams, the students are thoroughly tested in Comprehension, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Hence, it plays a major role in Education. And in a country like Nigeria, which is made of diverse ethnic and sub- ethnic groups, it is a valuable means of communication between people of different tribes. And as the English language was first introduced in Nigeria, via colonization by the British in the early 19th century; it is spoken as a second language. Over the years it has taken an important place in the country as it is the language of all levels of …show more content…

Reports show that there has been an increase of students who fail English language in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination every year. As English is a compulsory subject, this is a disturbing development. There are factors that can explain the reasons behind students’ failure in English language. Such factors include the students’ background or their own attitude to their school work, the teachers’ attitude or methods of teaching, the government, psychosocial and environmental

Get Access