The Role of Nigerian Translators in Promoting Nationhood and National Consciousness

KIU Journal of Social Sciences

ODIZURU ITEOGU Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

Abstract. Language is doubly regarded in this stabilize or destabilize any political paper as a psycho-social phenomenon relevant arrangements, especially in potentially unstable to every national development. It is in this emerging democracies of the so-called third context that this write-up has tried to examine world nations of Africa. the language question in Nigeria and how intellectual leadership through translators can Keywords: Issues, Nigerian Languages, Role, contribute to the resolution of the raging Translators, Nationhood, National controversy over selecting or creating a lingua Consciousness. franca for Nigeria‟s multi-ethnic society. Sofar, Nigeria has made attempts, sometimes 1. Introduction feeble or distorted, to devise an indigenously derived lingua franca. Three (3) national Language has been conceived in several ways by languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) out of five experts depending on their own concepts of it. hundred and twenty two (522) local languages For example, Kelly (1969) says that “in were selected with the intention of eventual considering language, psychologists have selection of one of them as an interim measure concentrated on two of its facets, treating it to promote nationhood and national either as an aspect of human behaviour or as a consciousness. Despite protests by minority factor in social activity”. His second view of groups and GUOSA language experiment, not language is that itis a “skill or social activity”. much progress seems to have been made to Therefore, language could be regarded as both a several logistic and political factors. “psychological and social phenomenon needed In the interim, academic and professional in the socialization process of the child. On his translators registered with the Nigerian Institute part, David (1987) sees language “as unique due of Translators and interpreters (NITI) should be to its ability to capture the extensive spread of co-opted to provide intellectual leadership by human thought”. In other words, language acts translating major works of Nigerian major as a purveyor of human thought and its effect on languages. This will surely promote intercultural all the possible outcomes of human interaction. understanding among Nigerians, perhaps Obi-Okoye (2002) quoting David (1987) shares reducing the mutual suspicion of ethic the view that “language appears to be the single dominance among the major groups. most important endowment of human kind as a The 21st century should witness more concerted means of understanding ourselves and our efforts towards a resolution of the language society and of resolving some of the problems question and building a strong foundation for and tensions that arise from human interaction”. nationhood and national consciousness. Language is a major vehicle of transmission of Therefore, language plays a major role in cultural ideas, values and belief and a tool to promoting human understanding and mutual

KIU Journal of Social Sciences respect among races and nations. Thus, the is the suspicion that the choice of one local promotion of human understanding is even more language as the lingua franca of the county urgently needed in a multilingual) society. might probably put speakers of the other local Nigeria needs to give due regard to language in languages at a disadvantage. the ECOWAS sub-region, being an important player in the socio-political and economic Ajlbade (1994) quoting Hansford (1976) writes development and control in the west African that “the multilingual Nigerian situation is more region which is massively occupied by French- complex than normal due to her past history of speaking countries such as Niger, Cameroon, colonization. According to him, this has led to a Benin, Togo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, situation where about 300 languages were made Coted‟lvoire, Guinea, etc. In the consideration of to co-exist forcefully in one territory by the French language study, the Nigerian situation is colonial administrators. This researcher avers more complicated if we consider the that for the purpose of communication, a overwhelming presence and impact of English common language for administrative (the nation‟s official language) and the necessity convenience had to be chosen fast by the for getting translators involved in promoting colonial administrators who needed to national understanding and stability. This is in communicate with their subjects in the most addition to the privileged position of the efficient manner, hence the ascendancy of majority languages (Hausa, lgbo, Yoruba) English Language in Nigeria. considered as national languages on the In Nigeria, no one doubts that there is a language curriculum in secondary schools. In the language problem, a situation which has obliged midst of this multilingual situation, Nigeria‟s linguists and policymakers to seek a solution to language problem is likely to take more time to the problem of multilingualism. Das Gupta resolve by all stake-holders, policy-makers and (1968), Elugbe and Emenamjo (1990) implementers interested in promoting the corroborate the view that many new political nationhood of Nigeria and national entities are based on tribal attachments by consciousness among its citizens, a pre- segmental groups more than their ties with the condition for a hastened development of our countries. Emenanjo (1990) opines further that country. cleavages have developed but asks how this situation is managed in developmental issues of 2. Review of Literature the nation. Emenanjo (19903 further explains Perhaps ...ninety percent of four people in both In the midst of the apparent confusion of terms, urban and rural areas are untouched by their it is evident that Nigeria is yet to devise a lingua alleged Communicative role of English... I franca. A lingua franca is a commonly and should also point out that no artificially- internally derived (endoglossic) mode of general developed language will or does qualify as a communication in any nation. What Nigeria national language in Nigeria. possesses may be categorized as constitutionally This quotation is a reminder of the difficult accepted languages (Hausa, lgbo, Yoruba) and obstacle towards deriving an indigenous lingua English (the official language). This has created franca for Nigeria. Apart from the WAZOBIA a problem of how to devise a lingua franca. This experiment, there was a second effort. The has made Oyedola (1998) to explain that the second attempt was the GUOSA artificial multi-lingual make-up of Nigeria has thrown up language, a language developed by one Mr. Alex difficult options in the attempt to select one of Igbineweka, widely reported by federal the more than 300 languages spoken in Nigeria electronic media. But criticisms killed the as the lingua franca, considering that a lingua experiment. For example, Emenanjo (1990) says franca must be indigenously derived. This again: Inability Is based on sensitive Issues related to GUOSA was not considered a natural language the choice of a lingua franca in a country where because in a natural language, an infinity of the fears of ethnic subjugation are too obvious sentences Is possible In case of GUOSA not even and almost palpable. In the case of Nigeria, there Mr lgbineweka himself Is a complete dictionary

KIU Journal of Social Sciences of the language since he constantly has to toll Arising from the above problems, Simpson away at expressing a new Idea In GUOSA. emphasizes reasons for a national language This meant that GUOSA was an experiment that (Lingua franca) and they include (i) national died before it could take off. Other failed consciousness and pride (ii) Cultural dynamism suggestions ranged from the WAZOBIA to (iii) physiological equilibrium (iv) efficacy and pidgin and the Ife six- year experiment with meaningful communication. The summary of Yoruba language carried out by Fafunwa in Simpson‟s proposal boils down to one 1974. Fafunwa‟s experiment was a bold step, but conclusion: let Hausa language be chosen as the experiment failed because there was no Nigeria‟s lingua Franca and his reasons are official backing. threefold: On the part of the Federal Government of (i) Since Hausa has relatively fewer dialect, its Nigeria since Independence (1960), attempts learnability will be enhanced over and above have been made toward the evolution of a lingua other major languages (ii) Hausa has a greater franca in Nigeria. Then, if we accept Dunstan‟s number of Nigerian speakers not of northern position (1969) that a lingua franca is a language origin and (iii) Hausa has greater influence spoken by at least seventy five percent of the outside Nigerian borders. populace and backed up by a legal approval, English may not qualify since less than this However such scholars as Emenanjo and Osaji percent of Nigerians speak it and itis not (1990) share the view that “since each of these indigenous to the country. great traditions (languages) is numerically and ideologically strong enough to support separate At best, English is an official language to and large scale socio-cultural and administrative Nigerians. As Dunstan (1969) says, “the integrations their competition within a single question of the number and inter-relationship of politic makes for rather constant internal tension Nigerian languages has been raised several and for inter-ethnic disunity”. In summary this times… but no claims are made for the status of problem highlighted by Osaji and Emenanjo any Nigerian language”. Of course on the part of concerning the WAZOBIA “concept assumes the federal government it has used the that any language chosen as the national instrumentality of education to tackle the language must be politically neutral problem of a national language. Unfortunately, there Is no politically neutral For example, the National Policy on Education language in Nigeria today, and this point sets (1977, „81‟, „96‟ and 2004) has always aside Simpson‟s unguarded choice of Hausa recommended the study of the three (3) national language out of the three existing national languages (Hausa. lgbo, Yoruba)‟at varying languages. Interestingly, the same Emenenjo and degrees and different levels. But English Osaji (1990) despite their conviction, list factors continues to be both a compulsory subject and (some of which are quoted here) that should language of instruction and public discourse, guide Government in evolving a lingua franca whereas French and Arabic remain optional for Nigeria: subjects at school. But critics have criticized the The population of speaks with age occupation retention of English as Nigeria‟s National and class distribution Language. For example, Location Geographlca4 political and social Simpson (1978) says that: boundaries Only very educated Nigerians have a fair chance Present status: any evidence of change in status, of knowing it. Although Nigerians know their decline increase; mother tongue the fact that the bulk of Literature: Oral arid written tradition, use in administration and education presuppose a educational institutions, Political, religious and good mastery of English and no other tongue media use. does not encourage either competence in or use But these factors can be associated with each of of mother tongue. Most educated Nigerians the present national languages. In another study, assume wrongly that they are bilingual in Emenanjo and Olagoke (1990) argue that ethnic English and the mother tongue. and political prejudice may inhibit the selection

KIU Journal of Social Sciences of a national language, just as they denounce the to an exoglosic lingua franca [choosing a foreign teaching of foreign languages in Nigeria. They language). posit that learning a second Nigerian language would metamorphose into a solution of the Moreover for long, fears have been expressed national language problem. However, this over the feasibility of operating many languages researcher doubts this very much because not in Nigeria, formally or informally. Banjo and many Nigerians go to school for learning or for Christophersen (1996) have expressed these other reasons. A large population of illiterates is same fears over the possibility of operating a still found outside the school system despite the trilingual or even quadrilingual education, all in current Universal Basic Education programme the attempt to evolve an acceptable lingua franca that contains an adult education component. forNigeria in the years ahead. Another school of thought favours a simultaneous development of the three national Another argument by Ezikeoiaku (2002) is that languages (Hausa, Igbo,Yoruba) and English “the Nigerian situation shows that there is no language in the hope that English would prevail real lingua franca for the whole country, the eventually. The leading proponent of the nearest to one being Nigerian Pidgin English; possibility of English becoming Nigeria‟s lingua however, there are regional lingua franca. Hausa franca is Prof. Ayo Banjo who believes that the in the North, lgbo in the east and Yoruba in the long encounter between Nigerians and English west, all three are languages spoken by about language is enough reason to be optimistic 80% of the total population 0f the nation, Banjo (1996) offers one or more possible whereas minority languages are spoken by about scenarios below. 20% of the entire population”. Brann (1986) has According to him, the English Language it fully categorized Nigerian languages thus: neutralized in Nigeria and is on its way to First Group: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba are becoming an indigenous language in the decamillionaires, languages spoken by more country, and in time may well assume the status than million people (demolects). Second Group: of the mother tongue of some Nigerians. Should The centimils or languages spoken by more than that happen, Nigerian English would become a 100, 000 people (or ethnolects). Fourth Group: strong candidate for the status of official Languages spoken by less than 100, 000 people. language and lingua franca, hence putting a stop to the feuds among the three This classification shows clearly the complex WAZOBIAlanguages (Hausa, lgbo and Yoruba). nature and layers of the language problem in a He adds that Nigeria may join Demark, Norway multi-lingual nation such as Nigeria. Definitely, and Sweden where English is widely spoken the search must continue in order to build up without making its national language. As he puts relevant knowledge in the area of language it English is a second language (L2) in Nigeria policy and planning in Nigeria. This search will because following the development in India one and should include finding out the role of could envisage a time in the future when English translators in recreating a new nation in which would share the status of official language with local languages, literatures, religious beliefs as one of the country‟s indigenous language. Many components of non-material aspect of the Nigerians, according to him would wish to see conglomeration of Nigerian cultures, receive an official language that is indigenous. considerable attention of government and In all of the above, Banjo (1996) seems to share researchers. the gradualist approach of Bamgbose towards evolving a lingua franca, implemented in stages. 3. Translators and National However, Banjo (1996) points out that Development in Nigeria “Bamgbose‟s advocacy of a gradualist approach is based more on the processes for the choice of Translators may not readily come to mind as an endoglosic lingua franca (choosing a local agents of social-cum-cultural and even political language) as opposed to a process that will lead integration, but in a multilingual milieu, such as Nigeria, their role and importance must not be

KIU Journal of Social Sciences overlooked. Translators too are purveyors and this could be replicated in the effort to teach promoters of international peace and Nigerian children local languages other than understanding between nations, intercultural their mother tongues. This was the expectation communication, and exchange of ideals and of the authors of the National policy on ideas for which each society is known. Let us Education (1977-2014).It must not be ignored examine briefly the possible roles of translators any longer by policy implementers. in promoting peace and understanding between Again, translators can promote unity, peace and and among the disparate ethnic groups that dot mutual understanding by translating historical the Nigerian landscape. Several areas are texts of other ethnic groups. For example, the highlighted in this write-up: Literature, language history text by Prof A.E.Ayandele (1974) The and history of the Nigerian people, History of the Ijebus (1850-1950) which is a parliamentary communication, intelligence- well-researched work on the history, psychology gathering, etc. The roles of translators in these and philosophy of Ijebus of South West region areas are aimed at promoting nationhood and of Nigeria could be translated into Yoruba, lgbo, national consciousness in Nigeria through Hausa etc. This will be a clear attempt to mutual understanding and respect of our various understand some critical characteristics of the cultures, ethos and common aspirations. ljebu sub-ethnic group in South West Nigeria. One, in Literature, indigenous literature, there Indeed, there are important historical documents are major examples: lgbo literature, Hausa on every ethnic group in Nigeria which should literature, Yoruba literature and others. be translated into key national languages. This is References are made here to literary texts with a view to creating peeping holes into epic written in Nigerian languages. Like it happened moments in the historical experience of the in ancient Europe where works were translated Nigerian people, an effort that may provide an from Latin and Greek into several other avenue for all the speakers of the languages to languages of the continent earlier considered realize and appreciate the similarities in their vernacular by Roman authorities, Nigerians who socio-political experience and worldview are trained translators can and should be through the ages. involved in multilateral translations of literary texts (written by or about Nigerians) from Another area in which translators may be needed English into several local languages. No doubt, in a large number is parliamentary translation. this approach offers Nigeria an avenue for This is about translating proceedings of the mutual understandings feeling of National Assembly and the State Houses of togetherness/national consciousness and Assembly into national languages. The Nigerian appreciation of other people‟s cultural values constitution allows for the use of local languages and belief systems. by house members (law-makers) during working sessions where facilities are available. The Two, in the area of language, as in literature, intention is to involve the populace in activities translators can render service through extensive of law-making. Of course, the practicality of this translation of language texts into other Nigerian recommendation depends on funding by languages, in order to assist fellow compatriots government authorities at all levels. If who may wish to study and speak other parliamentary proceedings are translated, either languages of the nation. Today, Nigerian way, into English or national languages,(Igbo, children are taught foreign modes of Hausa, Yoruba) citizen would have access to communication (English, French, Arabic, this document in times of need in addition to Italian, Russian, Chinese, etc), why can‟t we enhanced awareness of government activities. also encourage the teaching and learning of Also, there is a compelling need for intelligence other Nigerian languages other than our mother agencies in Nigeria to work with trained tongue (MT)? For instance, in the context of translators in intelligence-gathering to collect teaching the Idoma children to speak lgbo vital information and data in the areas of language in the same way we use English to security, technology industrial espionage, etc for teach French language to Anglophone students, the benefit of national development.

KIU Journal of Social Sciences

The world economy has gone a full circle in compelling need to involve the highly-priced transforming the productive sectors into a type skills of translators in promoting nationhood and of knowledge economy through the ICT national consciousness in Nigeria in the face of revolution. Surely, Nigeria needs experts in current destabilizing socio-political and technical translation to translate notable economic eruptions in the 21st century Nigeria. innovations that may help Nigeria to transform her industrial base and thus create more jobs to References tackle the frightening spectacle of unemployment. Ajibade, L. (1994). Intelligence, proficiency in English Language Attitude as factors of 4. Conclusion success in learning French, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Teacher In this discourse, Nigeria is recognized as a Education, University OF Ibadan. Ayandele , A.E (1974) The History Ijebus (1850- multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious 1950) Ibadan nation in which the language question (choice of Banjo, A. (1966) Making a Virtue of Necessity. An a Lingua franca) remains a knotty issue since the Overview of the English Languages in 1914 amalgamation of the Lagos Colony with Nigerian. Ibadan: University of Ibadan. Southern and Northern protectorates. Even Brann, C.M.B (1986) The role and function of though four (4) languages, out of about five language in Government in Nigeria mimeo, hundred and twenty two stand out, namely: Language in Education & Society, English, lgbo, Hausa and Yoruba, the struggle Festschrift in Honour of Conrad Max for relevance and supremacy remains a fierce Benedict Brann, University of Maiduguri. one among them. The struggle for linguistic David, C. (1987:1) The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge supremacy among the big league languages in University Press. Nigeria as already mentioned above calls for Dunstan, E. (1969) Twelve Nigerian Languages. intellectual leadership from the university Longman Green and Co. Ltd. community and related institutions in order to Emenanjo, E.N. (1990). Multilingualism: Minority avert possible political instability if one languages and language policy in Nigeria. language was arbitrarily imposed on the country. Agbor: Central Books. No one is left in doubt that such an imposition Ezeikeojiaku, P.A. (2002:279) The Role of could lead to a political implosion that has the Government in Indigenous language potential to lead to a major crisis. Some scholars development in Nigeria: A micro-study of such as Banjo (1990) believe that it is better to the Igbo-Speaking States, Adebayo Lawal et al (eds) Perspectives on Applied linguistics concentrate on developing English language. in Language and literature. Others, such as Elugbe, argue that it is better to FRN (2001:10) The National Policy on Education, undertake a simultaneous development of Lagos: NERDC press. English and Nigerian languages. Kelly, L.G (1969:363) 25 centuries of language Teaching. Massachusetts. Rowley: Newby Finally, it is being argued that translators House Publishers. working with English, lgbo, Hausa and Yoruba Obi-Okoye, A.F (2002:46) The place of linguistics in languages can help to avoid a situation where a second language/learning, Adetayo Lawal et forceful selection of any of the national al (eds) Perspectives on Applied Linguistics languages (lgbo, Hausa or Yoruba) could in Language and literature, Ibadan: Ibadan University Press become a destabilizing factor hindering national Oyedola, S. (1998). Perspectives on English integration in Nigeria. Certainly, the minority language in Nigeria. Ibadan: Bel-Books. language groups are not likely to accept any Simpson. E. (1978).Babel: Perspectives for Nigeria. imposition of a lingua franca chosen from the Quebec: International Centre for Research so-called national languages (the big three: on Bilingualism. Hausa, lgbo and Yoruba). Therefore, there is a