‘Wrong Use Of Language Escalating Conflicts In Nigeria’

A lecturer at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) in Niger State, Prof. Ebenezer Oluseun Ogungbe, has identified negative use of language as the major cause of conflicts in Nigeria and globally.

Prof Ogungbe, an English language lecturer and professor of Discourse Analysis and Social Semiotics, delivered the university’s 27th inaugural lecture titled “Bridling the Unbridled Tongues for Idyllic and Productive Living: A Critical Discourse Analyst’s Yoke,” held at the institution in Lapai.

He said, “Language is by all standards the primary cause of conflicts. Therefore, using it with a sense of fairness and responsibility is fundamental to peacebuilding, peacekeeping and peacemaking in Nigeria. Language plays a central role in crisis prevention and national unity. For peaceful and fruitful living, Nigerians must imbibe the culture of using language conscientiously.”

The university don therefore urged Nigerians to desist from the use of vulgar language that induces violence among the diverse people, charging citizens not to use language that causes disunity, disaffection, provocation, bias, hatred, among others.

While calling for a polite and civic use of language to ensure sustainable peace and unity in the society, Prof. Ogungbe emphasised the need for Nigerians to avoid harmful stereotypes and be mindful of the impact of their words.

He said people should show respect for others in communication and demonstrate emotional intelligence, while institutions should incorporate peace linguistics into their curricula.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, said the inaugural lecture was to provide an opportunity for the newly promoted professors to celebrate an important milestone in their academic careers and to inform their colleagues and the general public about their research and current and future research directions.

He noted that the topic, “Bridling the Unbridled Tongues for Idyllic and Productive Living: A Critical Discourse Analyst’s Yoke”, was very apt, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 electioneering period, many unbridled tongues have caused social media and political upheaval across the country.”