HINDSIGHT AND FORESIGHT ROLES OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION FOR CHILD AND SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Main Article Content
Abstract
Language education plays a crucial role in shaping both child development and societal progress in Nigeria. This paper explores the historical and contemporary perspectives of language education as both hindsight and foresight for fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development in children, while also contributing to national cohesion and growth. The paper examines how language education has evolved in Nigeria, the challenges it has faced, and its potential for future impact. Drawing from both historical data and current educational practices, the paper highlights the significance of language in promoting cultural identity, social integration, and intellectual development among children. Additionally, it investigates how a reformed language education system can address the needs of a multilingual society, encouraging multilingualism and inclusivity. The paper recommends strengthening language policies, enhancing teacher training, integrating technology, and fostering community involvement to improve language education in Nigeria. Ultimately, the research underscores the potential of language education as both a tool for child development and a catalyst for societal progress, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers alike.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
Adebayo, A. (2018). Language and Social Cohesion in Nigeria: the role of language Education. Lagos University Press.
Adediran, A.A (2022). Social Studies as a strategic approach in promoting tolerance in a diverse cultural society towards ethnic
integration in Nigeria. Paper Presented at the CBAAC2022 International Conference between 8th-9th December,2022 at the
Executive Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
Adediran, A. (2012). The role of language in national unity in Nigeria. Journal of Language and Culture, 3(2), 45-56.
Adegbija, E. (2016). Language and the politics of identity in Nigeria. In D. A. Okedara & M. A. Ayodele (Eds.), Language, Culture
Society: A Nigerian Perspective (pp. 130-145). Ibadan University Press.
Adegbite, W. (2021). The marginalization of indigenous languages in Nigerian education: Implications for social equity. International Journal of Educational Development, 43(1), 58-67.
Adewale, A. (2017). Challenges of multilingualism in Nigeria’s educational system. Journal of Educational Research, 13(2), 45-58.
Ajibade, A., & Ogunyemi, A. (2022). Language education and economic mobility in Nigeria: The role of multilingualism in workforce development. Journal of African Linguistic Studies, 19(3), 245-262.
Akinbode, O. (2017). Language education as a tool for social development in Nigeria. Journal of Nigerian Languages and Culture, 19(1), 67-82.
Akinyemi, A. (2011). Language, identity and educational re form in Nigeria. Ibadan.University Press.
Baker, C. (2011). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism (5th ed.). USA. Multilingual Matters.
Bamgbose, A. (2000). Language and the nation: the language question in Sub-Saharan Africa. Edinburgh.Edinburgh University
Press.
Bialystok, E. (2018). Bilingualism and the development of cognitive control. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27(5), 358-364.
Christie, D. (2020). Language and social development in early childhood. Early Childhood Education Journal, 48(2), 123-132.
Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
Denham, S. A., Bassett, H. H., & Thayer, S. K. (2019). Social-emotional learning and early school success. Early Education and
DevelopmentJournal, 30(3), 394-409.
Eka, P. (2016). The role of indigenous languages in enhancing child development and societal progress in Nigeria. African Journal of Language Education, 6(2), 34-49.
Emenanjo, N. (2020). Multilingualism and language education policy in Nigeria: Past, present, and future. In C. A. Nwadike (Ed.),
Language and Education: Perspectives from Africa (pp. 211-226). University of Nigeria Press.
Ethnologue. (2023). Languages of Nigeria. Retrieved from
Eze, N. (2023). Language and political engagement in Nigeria: addressing linguistic barriers for better governance. Journal of Nigerian Political Science, 34(2), 112-125.
Fishman, J. A. (1999). The Role of Language in Socialization and National Identity. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 3(2), 305-328.
Gilbert, S., Blackburn, C., & Hollar, R. (2020). The impact of early language exposure on cognitive development in young children.
Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 20(4), 657-678.
Gottman, J. M., Katz, L. F., & Hooven, C. (2021). The art and science of love: a researchbased approach to understanding the
emotional dynamics of relationships. Penguin Books.
Jibril, M. I. (2015). Multilingualism and educational development in Nigeria: problems and prospects. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 11(2), 45-58.
Nwoke, O. (2021). The role of language in child development: Implications for education in Nigeria. Journal of Child Development
Studies, 29(4), 78-92.
Obidike, P. (2020). The future of language education in Nigeria: exploring opportunities for indigenous languages. Nigerian Journal of Education, 38(1), 23-34.
Ogbu, J. U. (2013). Language, identity, and societal development: a comparative Study of Education Systems in Africa. African
Educational Review, 25(1), 43-60.
Ogunyemi, A. (2023). Language, culture, and social cohesion: the role of language in national integration in Nigeria. Language
and Society Review, 11(4), 134-149.
Olawale, S. (2015). Language and national development: the case of Nigeria. Linguistic Research Journal, 8(3), 12-19.
Olayemi, M. A. (2020). Multilingualism and Societal development in Nigeria: a critical Examination. Journal of Language and
Society, 12(4), 75-91.
Oluwole, O. (2020). Language policies and their impact on public service delivery in Nigeria: a critical analysis. African Journal of Public Policy, 25(1), 78-90.
Omoniyi, T. (2013). Language and identity in Nigeria: Exploring the role of language in the development of national consciousness. Nigerian Journal of Educational Research, 18(3), 101-112.
Rowe, M. L. (2018). The importance of early language development: a guide for educators and parents. Oxford University
Press.
Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (2000). Linguistic genocide in education or worldwide diversity and human rights? Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates.
Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic language and the challenge of reading for understanding. Geneva.The National Literacy Panel on
Language-Minority Children and Youth.
Tomasello, M. (2019). Becoming human: A theory of ontogeny. Harvard University Press.
UNESCO. (2003). Education in a multilingual world. UNESCO Education Position Paper.
Vygotsky, L. S. (2012). Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.