Languages evolve. The traditional English Language has evolved over time. This is an inevitability. Even in Nigeria, this colonial language called our Ligua Franca, English Language has evolved to birth something different from itself - the Pidgin.

Recently I read a well detailed article on Punch News about how Nigerian government and other stakeholders must be really concerned about the declining use of correct and standard Ligua Franca in the country. The writer expressly pointed fingers of blame at the proliferation and effects of social media and instant messengers as being responsible for the adulteration of the correct English Grammar.

Well, I am not writing to dispute these claims. I am responding to draw attention of the writer and the readers to something more important: The essence of language on the first place. And the real effects of foreign language on Nigeria's unity.

Of course, I am an advocate of good communication. And of course users of any language are expected to abide by any and all the rules and tenets of such language.

However, the essence of language use must not be forgotten just because we want to obey the rules. Languages are for communication. And this purpose must be put ahead of any dogmatism.

Having established that language in its pure form evolves, borrowed languages even evolve faster. English Language gave birth to the Nigeria Pidgin English.

Popularly know as Broken, I won't be surprised if this Pidgin eventually becomes adopted as the African Giant's official language soon. Why would I say that?

It Unites Us
Because Pidgin tends to unite us! Pidgin tends to mend the racial and ethno-cultural cracks left behind by our colonial masters. I can explain.

Pidgin Unites Nigerians!
Speak in pure English to a Northerner today. He'll be quick to tell you: Ba turanci! A Hausa man for example takes pride in his cultural heritage. Same can be said of other tribes though to varying degrees.

Now an attempt to impose dogmatically a foreign language and it's tenets on an already divided nation may be of little help!

Then came Pidgin English.

Pidgin is used and accepted by all Nigerians. It Unites us. Educated or not. Lettered or not. Trader or farmer. Driver of motor boy. Governor or labourer. Pidgin can be spoken by everyone. Even my grandma who didn't go to school understands it.

Rather than worry about the declining use of standard English, let's concentrate on what unites us more and not what sells us more into the colonial bondage in absentia of the masters.

A Case For Pidgin!
I hereby make a case for the Pidgin Language to become Nigerians' global language. Pidgin can be spoken, written and has its own rules! It's even spoken all over Africa.

Let's treat English Language as a subject with its own rules. And when being recommended for use for teaching and doing business, it must be used following it's grammatical rules and tenets.


But in the meantime, let's promote something that has evolved and adds more value!

It's the Pidgin!

Valid points.