JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES AND ARTS

This paper investigates the various strategies for promoting a national language, with emphasis on their relevance to linguistic unity and national development. The study explores conceptual clarifications of national language and language promotion, and reviews theoretical frameworks underpinning language planning, particularly status, corpus, and acquisition planning. Relying on extensive literature review, the paper examines global strategies adopted by countries such as Indonesia and Tanzania, alongside national efforts within Nigeria to promote indigenous languages like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. It identifies key strategies including effective policy formulation and implementation, integration of the national language into education systems, utilisation of media and digital platforms, development of literature and creative arts, standardisation processes, and community mobilisation. However, it notes that challenges such as political resistance, ethnic diversity, and inadequate resources often hinder the effective promotion of a national language. Thus, the study recommends the adoption of Pidgin language as Nigeria‘s national language. This can only be achieved through deliberate governmental policy actions, stakeholder collaboration, educational curriculum reforms, and societal attitudinal change to enhance the status and usage of the national language, fostering national integration and identity;

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