Appraising language rights under Nigeria legislation

Abstract

Language as a means of communication covers different forms and perspectives. It is used to express different ideas and thoughts. Most times people are discriminated against because of language. They do not have access to social and economic opportunities because of the language they speak or understand. Hence, there is a distinguishing factor placed on language classified by its speakers. This paper explores existing Nigeria’s body of laws to enhance language rights and equal opportunities to language speakers, and where such law does not exist, are there possibilities of having such laws especially in a multilingual nation like Nigeria?

Key words: Language Rights, Legislation, Nigeria, Appraisal