Developing a Foreign Language Policy for Nigeria

Abstract

Developing a Foreign Language Policy for Nigeria Introduction

The reference to development in the title of this paper raises a fundamental question as to the present status of foreign languages in Nigeria. There is no doubt that Nigeria has, over the years, had a remarkable contact with foreign languages. The question that remains to be answered is whether Nigeria can be said to have evolved or developed a policy on foreign languages.

Where there is no linguistic contact whatsoever between a country aind a foreign language, that country is free to consider the question of a foreign language policy a non-issue. Not so however, for a country that increasingly comes into contact with foreign languages. For such a country, not to have a policy on foreign languages will be a sign of political and administrative underdevelopment. Borrowing a definition from Hornby's Advanced Learners Dictionary of Current English, a policy is a *plan of action, statements of aims and ideals especially one