A critical discourse analysis of statutory silencing of indigenous languages in Nigeria’s National Language Policy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/jolan.vol5no1.414Keywords:
Statutory silencing, indigenous languages, national language policy, critical discourse analysisAbstract
The National Language Policy (NLP) of Nigeria exhibits statutory silencing of Nigerian indigenous languages. This study makes a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the statutory silencing of indigenous languages in the NLP. The study considers the silencing as pragmatic misrepresentation of national languages by those who enacted and institutionalized the policy. The NLP document constitutes the primary data source, which is supplemented with observation, introspection and print materials from library and the internet. Qualitative method is employed. Descriptive, discursive and interpretive techniques are adopted for the data analysis. The analysis demonstrates that by according alien languages (English, Arabic and French) more statutory recognition, promotion and usage, the NLP exhibits statutory silencing of indigenous languages, which amounts to institutional marginalization of Nigerian languages. The study concludes that through the lens of CDA, it is understandable that structural imbalance and domination obtain in the NLP.
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