Dr Evelyn Nwene Enu
Abstract
Nigeria as a multi-lingual nation, recognized for its cultural diversity and linguistic varieties, presents a unique landscape for examining the intricate relationship between language, conflict and social attitude. At the most recent count, it has some five hundred (500) languages spoken in the country. Language has become a significant factor in influencing conflict, shaping social dynamics, and informing attitude towards different ethnic groups. This paper investigates the ways in which language is related to conflict, identity and power dynamics in Nigeria, and how attitude towards different languages impact social cohesion and national unity. Consequently, an attempt was made to explain the two sociolinguistic concepts especially with regard to Nigerian society which is both multi-ethnic and multi-lingual. It also looked into the influence of English language on language attitude and conflict with regard to the indigenous ones. The findings of this work have implication for language policy, conflict resolution, and national development, highlighting the need for inclusive language planning and management to promote social cohesion and national unity. The study therefore recommends that relevant language policy provisions should be fully implemented to facilitate social interaction and national development as well as to reduce language tension.