Linguistic Slavery: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

This paper critically examines the concept of linguistic slavery as a postcolonial reality in Nigeria, where the continued dominance of the English language reflects and reinforces a deep-seated legacy of colonialism. Since Nigeria gained political independence in 1960, the colonial language (English) remains the primary medium of education, governance, commerce, media, religion, and public discourse. This paper explores how this linguistic hegemony took root during British colonisation and was further entrenched by post-independence state policies and elite attitudes that prefer the English over indigenous languages. The discussion begins by tracing the colonial foundation of Nigeria’s linguistic hierarchy, highlighting how education policies, missionary efforts, and administrative systems systematically displaced indigenous languages. The analysis then moves to the postcolonial entrenchment of English as the language of power and prestige, with emphasis on its role in education, media, politics, and religious practice. The paper further interrogates the psychosocial implications of linguistic marginalisation, including identity crises, cultural alienation, and internalised inferiority complexes, especially among Nigerian youth. In response to these challenges, the paper presents a multi-pronged strategy for linguistic reclamation. It outlines critical pathways such as mother tongue education reform, legislative advocacy for language rights, community-driven revitalisation initiatives, and the use of digital and creative media to revalorise indigenous languages. Drawing on both local case studies and global best practices from multilingual societies like South Africa and New Zealand, the paper emphasises the urgent need for a linguistically inclusive national policy. Ultimately, the paper calls for decolonised linguistic future where indigenous languages are not relics of the past but vibrant instruments of identity, knowledge, and nation-building. This paper therefore advocates for collective action across governmental, educational, and community levels to restore Nigeria’s linguistic sovereignty and cultural dignity.