Top 10 Linguistic Courses in Nigeria | Institutions and Job Opportunities

Learning languages, their varieties, and how it is formed has been one of the most fascinating feats anybody can embark upon. Have you ever paused to consider how many languages we have in the world, or at least in Nigeria and how are these languages formed?

Do you know that according to SIL International’s Ethnologue, there are over 7,164 languages spoken around the world and over 525 languages across Nigeria? That’s huge and needs to be studied especially if you are pursuing a career as a linguist. If so, then these top linguistic courses in Nigeria will set the ground running for you.

These courses will therefore suit anyone, who has an interest in how languages work and how they develop. Linguistics is a very lively and interesting course of study as it involves the analysis of languages and how people communicate, language systems of the world, and how these reflect on cultures.

This writing will look into what Linguistics entails, jobs that require a degree in Linguistics, schools that offer it in Nigeria, and top linguistics courses in Nigeria.

About Linguistics

Linguistics is the branch of knowledge that deals with language and particularly with its formal systems; grammar, syntax, phonetics, and semantics.

All of it is about the processes of language creation, language development, and language usage in specific contexts.

Linguistics may be the course for you if you have a keen interest in why people use different accents in different geographical areas of Nigeria or why some words in use in one language are similar to those in another language.

Which Faculty is Linguistics?

Linguistics is most often located in the Faculty of Arts or Humanities. Linguistic Courses in Nigeria are usually located in these faculties in most Nigerian universities because these faculties are concerned with the study of language as one of the basic features of human society.

The Faculty of Arts, more commonly known as the Faculty of Humanities provides subjects that concern aspects of the human experience, language, culture as well and history, it is for this reason that it is most appropriate to study linguistics there.

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Is Linguistics a BA or BSc?

Linguistics is usually offered as an undergraduate degree program and the most common degree awarded is the Bachelor of Arts (BA). This is so because linguistics can be ranked within humanities and social sciences rather than the natural sciences.

A BA linguistics program is structured in cultural, social, and theoretical contexts of language, unlike the scientific or technical base of a BSc.

When you decide to study Linguistic Courses in Nigeria, you will be studying for a BA degree and it is designed for students who are interested in the humanistic and social aspects of language.

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What type of course is Linguistics?

Linguistics is a course that has strong links with other fields of study; as a matter of fact, it draws from other fields of study. Of course, it is not only the case of the ability to know distinct languages: it is also about the ability to know how language functions at its core level.

Linguistic Courses in Nigeria have several subject areas that you will cover when pursuing the course, these are phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, and is well-suited to the learner who prefers logical puzzles, patterns, and critical thinking about language in our existence.

It is a very flexible degree that can open a very wide range of possible occupations – from teaching, translation, and communication to speech recognition technologies and artificial intelligence.

What subjects are required for Linguistics in JAMB?

To take Linguistics in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, certain subject combinations are required which include the use of English as a core subject and three other subjects.

For Linguistics, the most often required subjects include Literature in English, any one of the government, history or CRK/IRK, and any other Art or social science subject.

Students must ensure that he/she checks the individual requirements of the universities of his/her preference because there are slight differences across the universities.

How many years Course is Linguistics in Nigeria?

The length of a Linguistics program in Nigeria is usually four years for those students in a full-time Bachelor of Arts program.

The course is sequenced in a way that enables the students to gain adequate appreciation of language theory and application following a choice of different languages/ dialects, with special emphasis on the Nigerian and the African context.

If after graduation a student is supposed to undertake the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, then the total time will be five years.

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What job can a linguist do in Nigeria?

Some of the career prospects available to holders of a degree in Linguistics include the following ones in Nigeria.

• Teachers: Linguists can also be employed as language and communication teachers or lecturers at a school or university level where they contribute towards the education of students on the discipline.
• Translators: Another sub-field is translation and interpretation, translators translate documents, and interpreters interpret speaks in courts, hospitals, and international conferences among others.
• Journalists: Media and communication is another promising sphere for language specialists, who can become journalists or editors-in-chief, authors or language consultants of newspapers, television, or web resources.

However, linguists can also find employment within the corporate world, specifically in positions touching on issues to do with communication and customer relations.

• Tech enthusiasts: For the technology enthusiasts there exists openings within the speech recognition, artificial intelligence, and language processing areas where linguist contributes to advancing language technologies.
• Research: Lastly, linguists can also participate in research and policy-making especially in linguistic issues involving language documentation, language standardization as well as language in education policies.

Can I get a PhD in Linguistics?

Linguistics can be pursued till the Doctorate level, which is the highest degree in this language science field. The highest level of education that one can gain is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

A PhD in Linguistics takes students through rigorous and extensive study within a specialization area of linguistics including phonology, syntax, and sociolinguistics or language acquisition.

Earning a PhD usually takes several years after the Master’s level and involves both classroom learning and writing a dissertation, a large research paper in the context of the degree.

It is recommended for those who would like to work as university teachers or as researchers as well as for some positions in language-related professions.

Cut off Mark for linguistics

The Linguistics cut-off mark often differs with the university that a candidate is applying in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the general university’s expected target for Linguistics is 180 or 200 in the JAMB.

This therefore implies that for you to be admitted into any Linguistics program, you need to have a JAMB score of 180 or 200.

Some universities can have higher cut-off marks depending on the number of people who applied for the course and the level of competition. You need to consider checking this cut-off mark for a specific university since it can assist in the preparation for the admission process.

However, it is important to note that scoring the cut-off mark is not the only requirement; other things that may be necessary include passing a post-UTME test or any other test that the university may set.

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10 Best Linguistic Courses in Nigeria

Linguistics is one of the courses offered by numerous Nigerian universities. So if that is your desired field of academic pursuit, then you can apply to start your studies at any of these universities that offer Linguistics courses in Nigeria. We will take a look at just 10 of the best Linguistics courses.

1. University of Ibadan: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

The University of Ibadan especially has a highly-developed Faculty of Arts which provides an extensive BA in Linguistics.

Students come across all the important subjects throughout the course, such as phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. Students also can focus on specific fields like applied linguistics or African languages among others.

2. University of Lagos: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

The University of Lagos more commonly known as UNILAG is one of the first-generation universities in Nigeria that produces a versatile linguistically grounded BA.

The courses offered in this program as well as the research focus of the department cover theoretical and applied aspects of linguistics such as language documentation and conservation, with a bias for Nigerian languages.

3. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria:  Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and African Languages

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria offers a very interesting course in Linguistics and African Languages.

The program is particularly excellent in Language development and Indigenous African languages’ studies hence making it a perfect fit for students intending to major in African linguistics.

4. University of Port Harcourt: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Communication Studies

University of Port Harcourt has for instance a program in Linguistics and Communication Studies that combines classical linguistic analysis and contemporary communication theory.

This course will benefit all those students who are majoring in media, public relations, and other areas connected with communication.

5. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Nigerian Languages

The Linguistics program at Obafemi Awolowo University also has a particularly strong focus on the Nigerian Languages.

That, along with a wide array of optional courses, students can begin learning Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa and thus get acquainted with the modern theory and practice of historical linguistics.

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka: BA Linguistics

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has a program in Linguistics where students can take a BA in Linguistics and the topics of study include language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics.

Research opportunities and academic orientation are core features of UNN’s program that are worth mentioning.

7. University of Benin: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

The Linguistics program at this University is categorized under the faculty of art and it involves the scientific analysis of language and its use with UNIBEN offering a broad Linguistics program. It also provides possibilities for actual training in language analysis and methods for research work and prepares the students for a variety of occupations.

8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

Nnamdi Azikiwe University has a degree program in Linguistics that focuses on African linguistics and languages.

They are syntax, phonology, and semantics and they are designed with an emphasis on using the theories studied to analyze the Nigerian languages.

9. University of Ilorin: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

The offered BA in Linguistics at the University of Ilorin is famous for its heavy-loaded curriculum that encloses the spectrum of linguistic analysis.

It also allows students to participate in research projects and internships in which they can gain experience in addition to receiving academic education.

10. Benue State University, Makurdi: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

Benue State University provides a good Linguistics program that deals with the analysis of language about society and culture. The course is very appropriate for anyone who wants to be acquainted with the relationship between language and society, especially Nigerian languages.

FAQs

Conclusion

Linguistic Courses in Nigeria present a chance for young students to explore their passion for language and communication.

Regardless of whether you are concerned with the sound patterns of languages, the structures of syntax, or the role of language in culture and society, linguistic studies will expand your horizons.

If you are planning for your further studies, you should visit the Faculty of Arts or Humanities, where you can opt for Linguistics under your Bachelor of Arts.

Therefore through this course, you will be able to understand Language Study in a manner that is scientific and as well as humanistic to be equipped for various careers that require language and analytical skills.

References

• positivenaija.com/best nigerian universities offering linguistics/
• edurank.org/linguistics/ng/
• nigerianscholars.com/linguistics/
• topuniversities.com/nigeria/linguistics

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