The university and the standardization of the English language in Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	The university and the standardization of the English language in Nigeria
Author:	Banjo, Ayo
Year:	1976
Periodical:	West African Journal of Modern Languages
Issue:	1
Pages:	93-98
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	standardization English language language policy
Abstract:	Nigeria counts approximately 400 spoken languages including an English-based Pidgin, and English based on standard British English, which has become the official language. Given such a complex multilingual situation, different varieties of English have evolved, giving rise to the two problems discussed in the article: (1) is it advisable to seek to standardise the English language in use in Nigeria, and if so, (2) what is the best way to go about such standardisation? Is there such a thing as Standard Nigerian English and who are its users? The university has a role in fashioning out, through actual use, a standard variety of English and transmitting this to society at large through its products. Unfortunately at the moment the university provides only a model of formal written English and no spoken model, even of formal English. French abstract.