Second Language Acquisition, Attrition of Indigenous Languages in Nigeria: Cultural Implications

Abstract

This paper discusses second language acquisition with reference to Nigeria and the effect of the English language on the languages and culture of the people.Also in focus is the Nigerian national language policy and the position of English language as a national language.Globalisation and communication advances since the evolution of information communication technology (ICT) from the 1990s are discussed with particular reference to their effects on Nigerian society, culture and language.There have in recent years been calls for a more open and inclusive approach to language teaching within the Nigerian National Language policy.This is in line with the practice in so many other countries where English is a second language (L 2 ).Such countries have decided to protect their national identities while simultaneously implementing English language programmes that suit the needs of their people.Successful policies have taken into account the relationship between language and culture and the dangers of creating language programmes that do not consider the consequences of acculturation.The paper in view of these observations among others recommends that Nigerian policy makers study the experiences and actions of other countries that have English as second language and other non English speaking countries, the current research available on language programmes worldwide in order to formulate a viable English programme that produces bilingual speakers who are literate in both English language and indigenous Nigerian languages.A call is made for an effective English language programme that will incorporate theory, practice and the experiences of other countries applied to the needs of Nigerian people in line with current global trends in language acquisition.

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