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1715011 Vol 9 · Issue 9 Download Paper

Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature

Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Humanities

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011

Abstract

The basic challenges of National Language Policy Implementation such as diglossia supremacy of English language over Nigerian languages, less premium on the indigenous languages in both national and international labour force and poor policy implementation initiative by the government have formed the basis of our research. The paper aims at crystalizing the functions of literature for national language policy implementation such as inculcation of national consciousness, revalorisation of language for cultural integration and preservation, adequate sensitization of the public on the relevance of indigenous languages in nation building and fostering language policy provisions to abridge inequality between foreign and indigenous languages. The paper has adopted the analytic and discussive methods to unveil the challenges of National Language Policy Implementation and the role of literature. We have adopted communicative theory to show the relevance of indigenous languages in socio political and economic activities. We have used the socio-historical approach to look at the remote causes of non-implementation of National Language Policy in Nigeria. We have discovered that literature is a viable tool for fostering government provisions for National Language Policy Implementation, since literature is an offshoot of language; which is the product of the society.

Keywords

Challenges, Language, Policy, Implementation, Role, Literature.

References

[1] Abrams, M.H &Geoffrey Galt Harpham. A glossary of literary terms. London: Wadsworth, 2005. ISBN-13:978-0495-90659-9

[2] Akese, Manasseh Teryima& Roseline Mnguhemen Sokpo. “The role of language, literature and politics in conflict management” In Literature, criticism and the humanities in honour of professor Julius Begha Ashiko. Eds. By Tartule Tijah & David O. Fiki-George. Abuja: DonAfrique Publishers, 2020.

[3] Anthony A. Olaye Towards Vision 20-2020: The Role of Language and Literature in National Development https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270039976_Towards_Vision_20 2020_The_Role_of_Language_and_Literature_in_National_Development May,2023 DOI:10.4304/tpls.3.5.748-753

[4] Anneli Nghikembua, Hatikanganwi Mapudzi & Nkosinothando Mpofu Reasserting the Rightful Place of African Languages in Sustainable Development’‘‘https://www.researchgate.net/profile uploaded January,2017

[5] Berko, M. Roy, Andrew D. Wolvin & Darlyn R. Wolvin. Communicating: A Social Carrier Focus. New York: Boston, (2001). ISBN 0-618-05431-6

[6] Feldman, Merle Ann, Nancy Downs and Ellen McManus. In Context: Participating in Cultural Conversation. New York: Longman, 2001.

[7] Federal Republic of Nigeria. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Lagos: Federal Government Press, 1999.

[8] Hausser, Roland. Foundations of Computational Linguistics: Man-machine Communication in Natural Language. New York: Springer, (1999). ISBN 3-540-66015-1

[9] Habiba.Kamoru K, Olayiwola O, Usman O.K. Omoniyi &Aminat Abdulsalaam Language Policy: An Imperative for Quality Education in Nigeria (A Book of Readings in honour of Mrs. Moriamo Adenike Abimbola) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270039976_Towards_Vision_20-2020_The_Role_of_Language_and_Literature_in_National_Development

[10] Mandarin Linda. ‘‘Importance of a National Language Policy’’https://www.lindamandarin.com.sg/importance-of-a-national-language/#:~:text=National%20language%20drives%20national%20unity,dialects%20present%20in%20the%20state.

[11] Obuasi, Blessing Ifeoma ‘‘The Communicative Role of Language in a Multilingual Environment In Journal of Liberal Studies . Vol.9 Nos1&2, Dec. 2001. ISSN0794- Ugonna Eronini ‘‘African Child by Camara Laye’’https://www.gradesaver.com/the-dark-child-the-african-child/study-guide/summary September 13, 2016

[12] Yule, George. The Study of Language. New York: Cambridge, (2010). ISBN978-0521-76527-5.

How to cite this paper

Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima "Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 9 2026 Page 1184-1192 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011
Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima "Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011
Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima (2026). Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011
Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima "Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011
@article{1715011,
      author = {Dr. Akese Manasseh Teryima},
      title = {Challenges of National Language Policy Implementation in Nigeria: The Role of Literature},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {9},
      pages = {1184-1192},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715011.pdf},
      abstract = {The basic challenges of National Language Policy Implementation such as diglossia   supremacy of English language over Nigerian languages, less premium on the indigenous languages in both national and international labour force and poor policy implementation initiative by the government have formed the basis of our research. The paper aims at crystalizing the functions of literature for national language policy implementation such as inculcation of national consciousness, revalorisation of language for cultural integration and preservation, adequate sensitization of the public on the relevance of indigenous languages in nation building and fostering language policy provisions to abridge inequality between foreign and indigenous languages. The paper has adopted the analytic and discussive methods to unveil the challenges of National Language Policy Implementation and the role of literature. We have adopted communicative theory to show the relevance of indigenous languages in socio political and economic activities. We have used the socio-historical approach to look at the remote causes of non-implementation of National Language Policy in Nigeria. We have discovered that literature is a viable tool for fostering government provisions for National Language Policy Implementation, since literature is an offshoot of language; which is the product of the society.},
      keywords = {Challenges, Language, Policy, Implementation, Role, Literature.},
      month = {March},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715011}
  }