When we know the why, we seek the how, because every why (reason) has a how (procedure)
ABSTRACT
‘Some things are done, not because we like it, but because they are necessary.’
But the necessity of having such things done, should not diminish the essence of ‘doing them’ nor should it make the ‘doer’ loose his or her Identity.
In essence there be a need for balance in doing things, even when they are necessarily necessary; such as the study of English. Why English? is a study aimed at highlighting the reason why we study English, beyond the necessity of the fact that it is a requirement. Also, it looks forward to re-presenting and rejuvenating the interest and attitude towards the study of English both as a Language and a Course or Subject.
To this end, we would be considering English both in the spoken aspect and the written aspect. English is just like any Language in the world that can be learnt in the simple way any other language of the world can be learnt. Nigeria as a Nation has 3 Major category of Language, but under this categories, there are several varying dialects. China; Chinese and Mandarin, France: French, ancient Rome; Latin, Scotland; Scottish, Ireland; Irish, and England English. English is the Language of the inhabitants of England. It is not our native Language. Historically, the colonial influence of the Britons; the people of England that spans almost throughout the continent has made their Language imperative(needful) and binding on their colonies; such of which Nigeria was once a colony. The necessity of ‘Formal communication and Formal education’ has made English a matter of importance if we must learn what it takes to be educated by the dictates of the Education system of the westerners, known as Western Education .
So we are today studying English not because it is first Important, but because it is first necessary (necessary for the western concept and comprehension of education) and this necessity has pronounced it important. How do I know? I know because I have seen, met, and had the opportunity to hear out some individuals that have not stepped the four walls of a school, and regardless of that, are well speakers of the English language in the range of communication and not linguistics. This is what many speakers and students of English Language has not learnt to do; we have not learnt to ask ourselves the questions: why ENGLISH? , Why am I studying English; as a reader, speaker, or just as a student? When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. As minute and insignificant this seems, it is a subconscious question that makes our study and approach to English as a Language that is not ours, but required in our educational system so easy.
The primary communication code is the native language of a person that makes the conception of any other language to be learnt easier, because it has a relating basis. E.g. when a person intends to learn “welcome” and says what is the meaning of ‘welcome’ and by the virtue of him being Yoruba, he’s told, that; welcome is ‘e ku abo’ or by him being a Ghanian he understands it is ‘akwaba’ or from France he understands it is ‘bienvenue’.
The secondary communication code is when a person learns a language through understanding the rudiments, the arts, the structural entailment, the rules and principles that guides and surround the language intended to be learnt. This is why it is easier for the speakers and readers to learn through the primary communication code, and the students of English language learn more from the secondary communication code. So it is not only imperative, but also important to understand why we are studying the English language. When we know the why we seek the how , because every why (reason) has a how (procedure). By so doing we are relieved of the pressures and the incessant misconception of everyone learning English from a single point of view. For example, sometimes ago, I have taken the pain upon myself to write out over 150 English prepositions in Yoruba for the easy understanding of my students. It is indisputable that the Britons can brilliantly speak their language, but I see it better when someone of the native teach the structures of the English language as it appeals to the students. This is what the rulers of then understood, that made them prefer the usage of interpreters in understanding their colonial lords, the white-men; Because he who is of theirs that have understood their tongue and understands a new tongue (language) is in the best position to relate it.
It is on this note that I reemphasize that we should seek to understand WHY we are studying English Language before venturing on the way to learning it.
Akolade Mayor L. (Versatile Saint)
