The English Language Of Electronic Media In Nigeria: Need For International Intelligibility

The English Language is arguably a world language. In Nigeria, the language has grown so fast to the extent of acquiring important status as the official language, national language, the language of international diplomacy, education, sports, mass media, commerce, administration and the judiciary. It is therefore a national and an international medium of communication. The present study set out to discover the type of English pronunciation exhibited by newscasters on radio and television in Nigeria, and how the level of competence of the newscasters has placed them on a pedestal to achieve international intelligibility and acceptability in their daily endeavours. Thirty-eight news bulletins of five Nigerian media houses and three international media houses (all electronic) were listened to and analyzed using the Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary Third Edition as the standard. It was found out that Nigerian newscasters fall short of the expected target of pronunciation of English segments and non-segments caused by inadequate knowledge of the English phonology, lack of training and exposure, as well as laissez-faire attitude to their job. It has been recommended that Nigerian newscasters should be sent on at least one training programme where English Language is spoken as L1 in addition to regular courses within the country. It is also suggested that they (Nigerian newscasters) should listen to foreign news in English as well as educated speakers of the language.