i just discovered you served in lokoja. i did too. have a fulfilled time!

ademiife:

olowo tee,

i hope we won't end up turning thi thread to lokoja connection? how are you doing this morning?

Rubbermaid:

No. I can't teach anybody English - it's not my job. I save my skills for my professional presentations, thesis, and other communications.
Additionally, it looks like those who need to improve their language skills are not bothered enough to take advantage of classroom lessons, or dedicate themselves to self-help solutions.

[b]Ironically, we wonder why so many Nigerian graduates are treated like crap when they apply for jobs.  Prove this, prove that,  line up, take a test, touch the sky, hop like a toad, etc.[/b]Bad English is the reason! If many can graduate from Universities with such poor grammar then of course, all bets will be off in assessing the quality of their credentials.

pmdaboh:

I am an African American woman married to a Nigerian man, and prayerfully he will soon join me.  When I first came on Nairaland and read the way many Nigerians were writing and expressing themselves, I really thought it was another language (broken down).  Until I read what Rubbermaid wrote today, I had no idea that was suppose to be English.

I agree with Rubbermaid that many Nigerians need to improve their written language, but I think "refusing to participate any further on Nairaland because of it" is pompous--to say the least.  Perhaps if Rubbermaid wrote consistently in correct grammar, then others will see the need for improvement and know how to correct their errors.

Being an educator, Business Education Teacher and Department Head of Technology, I admire the written and spoken word.  Being able to present yourself in a professional manner is of the utmost importance when applying for various positions, for you not only represent yourself, but you are also representing that company or organization.  However, I believe Rubbermaid was very harsh in the way she addressed the issue. 

My husband is Ijaw, and I am learning to speak and write in Ijaw.  As Americans, we should not think the "world is English, and if anyone wants to communicate with us, they better learn English".  I love learning Ijaw, and I know one Yoruba word (o da ro/goodnight).  I was VERY IMPRESSED with how many languages Nigerians know how to speak. We Americans learn English (by birth) and other languages that are incorpoated in our school curriculum.  But because we do not use those other languages learned in school on a regular basis (French, Spanish, Chinese, German and others), we lose the ability to speak them.  Yet Lagos, Nigeria, who has so many rich cultures dwelling together, is full of diverse languages.  This was one thing I LOVED about Lagos, Nigeria when I was there for two weeks.  I GREATLY ADMIRE the way Nigerians can speak in several languages, and it has birthed a desire in me to learn more languages too.

Yes, many Nigerians need to learn to write and punctuate English correctly, but "WE ALL NEED IMPROVING" in something in life.  No one is an exception to that--not even Rubbermaid.

Patricia

Be tuwapereh (tuwapereh/blessed in Ijaw)!

faketan:

Talking of African Americans, do they speak English? Spare us pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

chiogo:

if u understand the person's point, what's your stress?? I, personally have given up that idea because believe it or not, it's not my problem.

Dear Seun - Nairaland Moderator,

This is a formal request asking that you ban me [quickly] from your forum. Please do so before the level of English Ninglish used here kills, maims, or adulterates my own command of proper English grammar. 

Following my recent visits,  I have left Nairaland wondering what in heaven's name is happening in Nigerian classrooms? What has happened to those days of yore when you were drilled until you mastered correct usage of English grammar by Primary three?!

For example,  I clicked on the discussion item at the top of the 'hot list' today and almost suffered a fatal blow when the poster started with "Have you ever sit, " I understand occasional 'slip-ups' however, the repeated instances on this forum has lead me to believe that these folks just never learned proper English,  or have not bothered to keep up by reading well written literature or revisiting early lessons from time to time (and as needed).

I am now officially fed-up with Ninglish and would like to turn-in my Nairaland membership before irreparable damage is done. I will now be  moving over to the Nigerian Village Square. Nigerians there seem to have better control of the language. Ironically, they seem to make better sense too.

Respectfully,

Rubbermaid.

PS - English is your friend. Blame those who made it our national language. Peace.

oldie:

@poster
There is nothing like bad english
Should be poor english

I agree with some of your points, but you should not generalise
There is room for improvement!

diva_naija:

GRAMMER TIME

dipo2much:

ABEG NO MIND HER JARE. HOW MANY OF THE SO-CALLED AMERIKKK SPEAK GOOD ENGLISH?. You may not believe this but many USA citizens speak worse english. But for some reasons,I would have showd u a mail I got from a US based friend(a US citizen of over 34 years). They don't speak QUEEN'S ENGLISH-thats supposed to be the standard english. So please don't say nairalanders speak bad english. What matters the most is you being able to undestand the message I am tryin to pass across.

But,to those of you who give this member the avenue to talk like this about us-nigerians,make una sef dey try speak better grammar. Listening to good orators would help improve your grammar