The development of indigenous Nigerian languages for effective communication and professional use: The case of Esan language

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of developing indigenous Nigerian languages particularly Esan for effective communication and professional use. The study adopted the survey research method while data collection was done using the questionnaire and informal interviews. A sample size of 1500 respondents was purposively selected from Esan people residents in their homeland. The findings show that 95.0% of the people could speak the language fluently without similar proficiency in reading and writing while only 15.0% could read and write scripts in Esan with a high level of proficiency. The dismal situation was adduced to attitudinal problem since the people find it more prestigious and acceptable to speak and study English language being the language of the elites. The paper recommends the teaching and learning of Esan in institutions of higher learning, training of teachers and documentation of the language among others.