TITLE PAGE
THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE AND THE USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN
NIGERIA
A PROJECT
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA (ND)
IN
GENERAL STUDIES (GNS)
BY
NAME: ………………………………………
MATRICULATION NUMBER: ………………………
INSTITUTION: ………………………………………
COURSE CODE: GNS 101 (USE OF ENGLISH)
LECTURER’S NAME: ………………………………
DATE: …………………………………
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
Language is an indispensable tool for human communication and social interaction. It enables
individuals to express ideas, emotions, thoughts, and information effectively. Without language,
meaningful interaction among humans would be impossible. In every society, language plays a crucial
role in education, culture, governance, and development.
Nigeria is a multilingual nation with over 500 indigenous languages. To overcome language barriers,
English language was adopted as the official language. This project discusses the functions of
language, the uses of English language in Nigeria, methods of note-taking, and punctuation marks,
with particular relevance to General Studies (GNS).
1.1 Functions of Language
Language performs numerous functions in society. Some of the major functions include:
1.1.1 Communication Function
The primary function of language is communication. It is used to pass information, ideas, opinions,
and messages from one person to another. Effective communication promotes understanding and
cooperation among individuals.
1.1.2 Expressive Function
Language enables people to express their feelings and emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger,
fear, and excitement. Through language, emotions can be communicated verbally or in written form.
1.1.3 Social Interaction Function
Language helps people interact socially and build relationships. It promotes unity, cooperation, and
peaceful coexistence in society.
1.1.4 Educational Function
Language serves as the medium of instruction in schools and institutions of learning. Knowledge is
acquired, shared, and preserved through language.
1.1.5 Cultural Transmission Function
Language preserves and transmits cultural values, beliefs, customs, and traditions from one generation
to another.
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1.1.6 Regulatory Function
Language is used to give instructions, rules, laws, and commands that guide behaviour in society.
Government policies and legal documents depend on language for enforcement.
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Uses of the English Language in Nigeria
English language plays a significant role in Nigeria beyond serving as a language of unity.
2.1 English as an Official Language
English is used in government administration, legislative proceedings, court judgments, and official
correspondence.
2.2 English as the Language of Education
English is the main medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, polytechnics, colleges of education,
and universities.
2.3 English in the Mass Media
Most newspapers, television programmes, radio broadcasts, and online publications in Nigeria are
produced in English.
2.4 English in Commerce and Business
English is widely used in banking, trade, contracts, advertisements, and business transactions.
2.5 English for International Communication
English enables Nigeria to communicate with other countries and international organizations such as
the United Nations and African Union.
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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methods of Note-Taking
Note-taking is a vital academic skill that helps students understand lectures and retain information for
examination purposes.
3.1 Outline Method
This method involves organizing information into headings and subheadings using bullet points. It is
suitable for well-structured lectures.
3.2 Sentence Method
Each important point is written as a full sentence. This method is easy but may result in lengthy notes.
3.3 Cornell Method
The page is divided into three sections: notes, keywords, and summary. This method encourages
effective revision and understanding.
3.4 Mind-Mapping Method
Ideas are arranged visually using diagrams and branches. It helps learners see relationships between
concepts.
3.5 Charting Method
Information is organized into tables or charts, making it suitable for subjects that involve comparisons.
3.6 Punctuation Marks and Their Uses
Punctuation marks are symbols used in writing to make meaning clear and improve readability.
1. Full stop (.) – Used to end a declarative sentence.
2. Comma (,) – Separates items in a list or clauses.
3. Question mark (?) – Used at the end of a direct question.
4. Exclamation mark (!) – Shows strong emotion or emphasis.
5. Colon (:) – Introduces a list or explanation.
6. Semicolon (;) – Joins closely related independent clauses.
7. Apostrophe (’) – Indicates possession or omission of letters.
8. Quotation marks (“ ”) – Enclose direct speech or quotations.
9. Hyphen (-) – Joins compound words.
10. Dash (—) – Shows emphasis or interruption.
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11. Parentheses ( ) – Enclose additional information.
12. Brackets [ ] – Insert explanations in quoted materials.
13. Ellipsis (…) – Indicates omission or pause.
14. Slash (/) – Shows alternatives or options.
15. Capital letters – Used at the beginning of sentences and proper
nouns.
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CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Summary and Conclusion
Language is essential to human existence and societal development. The English language has
contributed immensely to unity, education, governance, commerce, and international relations in
Nigeria. Effective note-taking and proper use of punctuation marks enhance academic performance,
especially in General Studies (GNS). Therefore, mastery of language skills is vital for ND students
and national development.
References
Adegbija, E. (2004). Language and Communication in Nigeria.
Banjo, A. (2010). English Language in Nigeria.
Hornby, A. S. (2015). Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.