Chinese Language Learning In Nigeria: Implication On Nigerian Languages

Abstract

Language is the life wire of every individual and society and as a vehicle of communication, it aids in fostering relationship. In other words, a relationship can only exist where there is mutual intelligibility between the two parties. China and Nigeria have been enjoying a relationship which is made possible by the teaching and learning of Chinese language that invariably helps in their business enterprises. Chinese government has extensively spent so much in spreading Chinese language to most parts of the world. Nigeria is not an exception. The rate at which Chinese language is spreading today in some parts of Nigeria has shown that there is an emerging strong tie between the two nations. Businesses are growing fast among the two nations and language is the means through which exchange of goods and services are realizable. Chinese language is fast growing in Nigeria yet none of the Nigerian languages is being studied by the Chinese both in Nigeria and China. This paper is a descriptive study which used Confucius Institutes located in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; University of Lagos; Enugu State College of Education Technical as areas of study. The study adopts the theory of social exchange as a theoretical framework. All relationships have give and take, although the balance of this exchange is not always equal. The study found out that although both languages are tonal languages yet the Nigerians learn Chinese language with enthusiasm whereas the Chinese people are not really eager to acquire proficiency in the use of Nigerian languages. The study found out that there are many Nigerian students studying both Chinese and other disciplines in various Universities in different parts of China whereas only few Chinese counterparts are studying non-language base courses in Nigeria. This study therefore concludes that there should be equal interest in learning of the languages so as to increase and sustain the relationship among the two nations. There should not be much disparity between what Nigerians put into the relationship and what they get out of it and so balance has to be maintained.