THE FRENCH LANGUAGE: CONTEMPORARY IMPORTANCE, LUCRATIVENESS AND CHALLENGES TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION

Abstract

As important and lucrative as the French language is to Nigerians, it is surprising to note the lack of interest in learning the language in the general populace and the indifferent attitude of the government to the implementation of policies on the French Language teaching and learning. This paper tends to create better awareness of the relevance and uses of the French language to the socio-economic development of the nation. It highlights various rewarding applicative uses of the language in the media, advertising industry and recognises possible challenges to the French language acquisition such as linguistic phobia, inadequate learning materials, financial incapability and linguistic competitiveness. The paper is divided into four salient parts that border on the civilisation of the French, importance of the French language (inter-cultural advantage, linguistic passport, international exposure etc.), challenges of the French language, recommendations to the challenges and finally a conclusion. In rendering Nigerians more proficient in the French language, one of the recommendations made in this paper is that government should ensure adequate supply of educational and learning materials to all levels of education, experts in French should be motivated by government to review French curriculum at all levels of education toward diversification of economy and self reliance. If implemented, both the nation and her citizens will progress culturally, socially and economically.