PROPOSING A CONSTRUCTED NATIONAL LANGUAGE FOR NIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS
Keywords:
National Language, Multilingualism, Language Policy, National Identity, Nigerian Language, Constructed LanguageAbstract
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity and repeated failure to establish a unified national language have sustained ongoing debates in language planning. Previous efforts, including constructed language proposals such as Guosa, have not achieved institutional adoption. Recent policy shifts, including the 2022 National Language Policy and its cancellation in 2025, alongside renewed scholarly and public debates in 2026, have intensified the search for alternative solutions. This study adopts a conceptual and comparative analysis approach, drawing on language planning theory (Spolsky, 2012), existing empirical evidence, and international comparative cases of language policy implementation and constructed language adoption. Findings indicate that while Nigeria’s multilingual structure necessitates a unifying linguistic mechanism, prior constructed language efforts failed largely due to weak institutionalisation and lack of systematic planning. Empirical evidence also shows mixed public attitudes, with perceived benefits of linguistic unity but significant cultural and practical barriers. Comparative analysis highlights that successful cases, such as Bahasa Indonesia, depended on strong state support and pre-existing lingua franca conditions, while alternative strategies like Burkina Faso’s 2026 AI-driven language development prioritise strengthening existing languages instead of constructing new ones. The study proposes a structured, institutionally guided approach to constructing a neutral Nigerian language, distinguishing it from prior attempts by embedding formal planning mechanisms, educational integration, and technological support. Nevertheless, political feasibility and public acceptance remain critical constraints in the current policy environmentReferences
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