NAN-ELS-2
Language
Abuja, July 5, 2017 (NAN) Mr Francis Nwachukwu, a linguist with the Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja has urged Nigerians to learn foreign languages besides English, to enhance communication, unity and business enterprise globally.
He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Nwachukwu expressed dismay that many Nigerians did not show interest in other international language apart from English.
He described America as a country that’’ speaks other country’s language, irrespective of its colonised language.’’
“Because of our orientation,we are only subjected to speaking our colonial language, English language, and the traditional dialect.
“Therefore, as a country surrounded by French speaking countries, all we need do is to try as much as possible learn French language and be able to speak it,’’ he said.
He also said that speaking the language of other countries would give Nigerians access to knowing their cultural heritage and traditions.
Nwachukwu called on the stake holders in education to ensure that the educational system of the country mandates students to learn and speak at least one international language.
He said the school curriculum should make international language a compulsory subject for students at all levels.
“This will make students develop interest in speaking other foreign languages, especially from the primary school.’’
Also, Mrs Edith Thompson, a teacher, stressed the need for Nigerians to speak one foreign language, to foster unity between them and the citizens of other nations.
She noted that learning foreign languages would serve as an added advantage in securing job as well as getting other benefits from other countries of the world.
“ Some years back, I got a job with a French company but lost the job on the ground that I could not speak French.
She advised parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to learn and speak other languages, to know more about other peoples’ culture and traditions among other advantages.(NAN)
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Dada Ahmed